Dr. Cristal Cisneros - Belonging, Episode 4

Outside Voices Podcast

Growing up in a family of 12, Dr. Cristal Cisneros (she/her/ella) knew that her father's garden, which he stewarded through generational practices brought over from Mexico, wasn't just a hobby- it was a necessity. Those experiences propelled Cristal through her education, work, and personal journey of reclaiming her relationship to the outdoors. In this episode, she shares joyful memories of napping in the sunshine, running barefoot in the garden soil, and more recently, taking her dad skiing for his first time. As Cristal puts it, "if it brings you joy, you belong there."

"Belonging” features four individuals who identify as immigrants or first-generation, and shares stories about their personal and cultural connections to the outdoors. Launched between Canada Day (July 1st) and American Independence Day (July 4th), "Belonging" challenges and redefines notions of what it means to be “outdoorsy,” or “American,” or “Canadian," and celebrates everybody’s right to find belonging outside.

This miniseries is made in partnership with Merrell. Featured in this episode: Dr. Cristal Cisneros. Hosted by Sarah Shimazaki. Edited by Sarah Shimazaki & Jeff Alvarez. A production of Resource Media.

Album artwork by Ezra Manjarrez