In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz sits down with Rob Watson, a lifelong runner, lululemon Run Ambassador, coach, and host of Rob Talks Running, to explore the deeper journey behind a life built around movement. Rob shares his story of how running became his compass, not only shaping his career but helping him navigate challenges, identity, and reinvention along the way. Together, Mau and Rob reflect on what it means to devote yourself to something fully, to chase performanc...
Jun 26, 2025•52 min
In this episode Mau Díaz sits down with Jessie Zapo—ultrarunner, art therapist, multidisciplinary artist, and community builder. Known for blending movement, expression, and healing, Jessie has carved out a unique path where running, art, and care for others converge. Her work is rooted in the belief that the body is not only a vehicle for endurance, but also a medium for emotional and creative release. Mau and Jessie begin by tracing her early journey as a runner—how it started, what kept her c...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Mau Díaz sits down with Nicholas Charlier, a leader in the health and movement industry with over 13 years of experience. Nicholas has built a career around creating impactful programs that inspire connection, healing, and a deeper understanding of the human body. As the driving force behind Vivobarefoot’s community programs and the innovative VivoHealth platform, Nicholas has integrated education, research, and coaching into a global network t...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of the Beyond Running podcast, Mau Díaz sits down with Maxime Galpin, a runner, meditator, and guide for Aire Libre’s French Pyrenees experience. Maxim has spent years exploring the intersection of movement and mindfulness, creating Zen and Run—a practice that merges running with meditation, helping people connect more deeply with themselves and the natural world. Together, they explore the ways in which running can become more than just a physical pursuit—it can be a form of pre...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz reconnects with writer, poet, and endurance runner Josh Lynott for a compelling follow-up conversation. After previously appearing on Josh’s podcast, Mau brings the dialogue full circle as they explore the deep and surprising connections between running and art. Together, they delve into how movement can be more than just physical effort—it can transform into a form of creative expression and storytelling. Josh shares his unique perspective...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In this inspiring episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payro sits down with Cal Calamia—an accomplished trans marathoner, ultramarathoner, and inclusivity activist. Cal, who uses they/he pronouns, has been a trailblazer for non-binary visibility in the running world. From becoming the first non-binary winner of both Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon, to advocating for the inclusion of non-binary categories in prestigious races like the Boston and New York Marathons, Ca...
Oct 16, 2024•48 min
In this inspiring episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payró sits down with Beba Guzmán to discuss her remarkable experience organizing and leading a team of Rarámuri women in The Speed Project race, an epic journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Beba shares the challenges they faced, from logistical hurdles to cultural adjustments, and the profound rewards of seeing these incredible women conquer such a demanding race. The conversation explores the importance of encouraging and su...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, engages in a compelling conversation with Tina Muir. Tina Muir, known for her popular Running for Real podcast, discusses her evolving relationship with running, highlighting the shift from an intense, performance-driven mindset to a more inclusive, community-oriented approach. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of this transition and how it has enriched her life and connections within the running world...
May 24, 2024•57 min
In this captivating episode of the Beyond Running Podcast by Aire Libre, Mau Diaz sits down with the remarkable Kayla Jeter. A former professional volleyball player turned wellness entrepreneur, Kayla is also a Global Ambassador for Lululemon and the founder of the empowering running community, 100 Miles of Summer. Together, they delve into Kayla's inspiring journey as an athlete, highlighting the pivotal role that community plays in achieving personal goals. Kayla shares her origin story, revea...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr
Join us for a riveting conversation between Mau Diaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, and Anthony Battah, lawyer, devoted father, and newfound environmental activist. Anthony shares the extraordinary tale of his epic journey, running from Canada to Mexico along the path of the Monarch butterfly migration. His mission? To raise awareness about the plight of this endangered species and spark a larger dialogue about environmental conservation. Anthony's passion and conviction shine through as he discusse...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 34 min
In this episode, co-founder of Aire Libre, Mauricio Díaz ( @maudac ) engages in a touching and heartfelt talk with passionate multi-marathon runner, coach, and devoted running community builder: Iman Wilkerson ( @on.iman.opia ), a @cieleathletics FRND with whom we had the honor of sharing the trails during our last Oaxaca Day of the Dead experience last November. During this conversation, we explore Iman's transformative journey from her first 5k in 2008 to becoming an experienced marathoner, pa...
Jan 15, 2024•58 min
Join us in this episode as Mauricio Díaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, engages in a profound conversation with runner Francesca Goodwin. Together, they explore the transformative journey that running can be, especially when intertwined with the healing power of nature. Francesca opens up about her personal struggles with mental and physical health, and how the rhythm of her footsteps on the earth's terrain became a catalyst for healing. Grounded in the natural world, running served as a potent remi...
Nov 24, 2023•58 min
In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Leslie Payró sits down with Claudia Corona, an incredible Latina ultra marathoner hailing from the vibrant and diverse city of New York. Claudia's latest endeavor is nothing short of awe-inspiring - she's on a mission to run through all five boroughs of the Big Apple. This conversation delves deep into Claudia's journey of gender, representation, resilience, and the critical role of support in achieving extraordinary goals. Claudia's story is a test...
Oct 16, 2023•54 min
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lydia Jennings, a soil scientist, science communicator and runner, to discuss how her scientific interests in soil and her Indigenous ancestry influence her running practice. Lydia shares insights on the interconnections between the land, our bodies, and our communities, and how running has become a way for her to connect with her roots while advocating for sustainable agriculture practices. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the intersection of scien...
Jul 05, 2023•51 min
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Maluleka, a Zulu runner who has a deep passion for traveling. Daniel shares stories of how running has changed the way he sees himself and the world around him. He talks about the lessons he has learned and how running has allowed him to explore his identity and connect deeper with his family roots.. Join us for an inspiring conversation with this exceptional human, and learn about the power of running to connect with others. You can find Daniel here: @no...
Jun 05, 2023•50 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sergio Avila, a biologist, (recovering) conservationist, and runner. Sergio has dedicated his life to studying and protecting the ecosystems of North America, particularly the Sonoran Desert. During the interview, Sergio shares his experiences as a scientist and conservationist, as well as his passion for running. He discusses how his love for nature, history and the environment has driven him to pursue a career in science and conservation. ...
Apr 26, 2023•55 min
For this episode, we talk with author, ultra runner and activist, Mirna Valerio. Mirna Valerio is an absolute force of nature. She has carved out a space for herself in the world of running, and she's doing it on her own terms. As a speaker, author, and activist, Valerio uses her platform to champion body positivity, diversity, and inclusivity in the running community. And don't let her size fool you - this woman can run. Valerio has completed numerous ultra-marathons and has twice conquered the...
Mar 01, 2023•49 min
For this episode, we talk with author and activist Alison M. Désir about her recently released book, Running While Black. The book itself, and the conversation, investigate complex and necessary topics like white spaces, the healing and hurting that can come from running, and what it means to share your experience. Alison is at the center of a conversation about how the culture around running can change for the better, and continues to share an inspiring story about the people leading the way. Y...
Feb 01, 2023•58 min
A few months ago, May 2022, Mau Díaz and Nils Arend decided to run the width of the Baja California Peninsula in one day, from Todos Santos to Cabo Pulmo (140 kms). They knew it would be a challenge, but they never imagined how far this experience would push their physical and mental boundaries. This is a conversation between these two running legends about an incredible adventure that brings to bear the significance of shared experiences. This episode is also a preview of an upcoming experience...
Oct 19, 2022•1 hr 15 min
SUGi is on a mission to empower rewilding and bring Nature closer to anyone anywhere. Mobilizing an incredible team of creatives, forest makers, ocean gardeners, and polymaths, their projects create micro-forests that reflect the indigenous biodiversity of that place. In a conversation with founder Elise Van Middelem and lead forest maker James Godfrey-Faussett, we explore their process, the value of nature and moving through forests, and talk about some of the forests we’d most like to visit. I...
Aug 05, 2022•47 min
Like the Wind Mag has been changing the game in the running media landscape since they launched in 2014. Bringing beautiful design together with amazing storytelling in collaboration with a range of artists and writers. We spoke with co-founders Julia Freeman and Simon Freeman, longtime friends of Aire Libre, about the project, using running as exploration, and their recent book: Running Wild: Inspirational Trails from Around the World. @likethewindmag https://www.likethewindmagazine.com/shop/ru...
Jul 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Clare Gallagher is a professional ultra trail runner and environmental activist who has won the Leadville 100 and Western States 100 mile races. She’s also set FKTs on the Zion Traverse and the Joshua Tree Traverse. The way she uses her platform and running to raise awareness and drive change sets her apart. She’s a deep thinker and a writer who explores the intersection of running and mindfulness and our connection to the landscapes we’re in. The conversation explores running mindfully, keeping...
May 09, 2022•58 min
Michel Rojkind is an artist, world-renowned architect and runner based in Mexico City. He’s done projects all over the world and worked with the Mexican government. He’s a runner who’s well known in the Mexico City crew scene for having dipped under the 3-hour barrier for the marathon in his fifties, running 2:56 most recently at age 51. We dig Michel’s philosophy for bringing energy into his creative work through the integration with his running and the rest of his life. We talk about living as...
Mar 21, 2022•52 min
Our first episode of 2022 features Jason Suarez, sports photographer and athlete with a fascinating creative eye. In this conversation, Jason shares the story behind his career as well as his thoughts on how we can bring more perspectives into the creative world that surrounds athletics. With a trademark sense of humor and a positive spirit, Jason’s words serve as a succinct guide to being a better creative, or simply a better person. Follow Jason at @notafraid2fail
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 5 min
For the end of year, we’re doing something different—our first solo episode. It’s a time of reflection and Alex looks back on his own story, how he connected with the Beyond Running Podcast, as well as his notes from the year and ambitions for the next one. It’s a personal check-in we hope to make a tradition around here. Our roster of upcoming guests is stacked and we can’t wait to see you in the new year.
Dec 27, 2021•33 min
Michael Versteeg is a professional ultra runner for Satisfy Running, the winner of this year's Cocodona 250, and the holder of many fastest known times—but the focus of this conversation isn’t necessarily performance. Versteeg unpacks his relationship with running, which he looks at through a unique lens. Like a climber, mountaineer, or general outdoorsperson, Michael takes an experiential approach to running. That’s largely to do with his background, since he started wide and then honed his foc...
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr
In this conversation, we explore the roots of yoga and how the tradition has been colonized and mis-appropriated. We touch on the anti-science and white supremacist rhetoric that has plagued the culture of yoga in the West, laid even more bare by the pandemic and social justice movement that’s gained momentum in 2020. And, of course, we talk about what we can do about it, what it means to be a devoted, humble student of yoga, and how one can be a yoga teacher in a way that’s in line with yoga’s ...
Sep 06, 2021•47 min
The MindWork Series is a content collaboration with lululemon to explore movement as an entry point to mindfulness. This second episode features guest Sanchia Legister, a runner, yoga teacher and an energy giver that works to bring diversity to mindful movement practices. We talked about the importance of being present as a tool to look beyond the fast things that make us take life for granted and a path to change our perspective. Enjoy!
Aug 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min
The Mindwork Series is a content collaboration with lululemon to explore movement as an entry point to mindfulness. This episode features guest Charlie Dark, a pioneer in the running culture through the legendary Run Dem Crew, a yoga teacher and practitioner, and a music explorer and DJ. Creating spaces for inclusion and running seen in a holistic approach were some of the topics touched in our conversation. Enjoy!
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Here, we introduce the new host of the Beyond Running podcast, Alex Dickinson, and sit down with Nils Arend. Nils is a co-founder of the speed project, a lifelong creative, and a rebel runner. Having just completed The Speed Project, Alex digs into the roots of the race, from surf trips around the world to point-to-point journeys in LA. The pair discuss the future of running, mindfulness on the road, and inclusivity.
Jul 05, 2021•56 min•Ep. 16
