Best Desert Advocacy Media Network Podcasts (2024)

1
S3E20: Desert Protection versus Climate Capitalism: Can we have both? 26:37

12h ago26:37

26:37

A representative of a Canadian mining firm poised to damage Ash Meadows and the Amargosa says opponents might be shills for oil and gas companies. We take him to task. We often hear that sacrificing natural landscapes is a necessary evil for renewable energy. But as Rebecca Wisent says, “...the conversation now is almost entirely about ways to hand…

1
S3E19: Oh, those dark desert skies 46:42

8d ago46:42

46:42

About the Guest(s): Mitch Miller: Mitch Miller is a seasoned landscape photographer based in Joshua Tree, California. With a career that started in 1981, Mitch has a unique affection for capturing night sky images. His extensive knowledge of Joshua Tree National Park and a deep connection to the desert landscape informs his artistic pursuits. Mitch…

1
S3E18: Don't Die Today! Staying Safe in Desert Heat 38:54

15d ago38:54

38:54

Surviving and thriving in desert heat require a combination of knowledge, preparation, and vigilance. Understanding the immediate dangers, recognizing early symptoms of heat injuries, and taking practical precautions can help ensure safety for everyone venturing into these extreme conditions. By sharing these insights, we can better equip ourselves…

1
S3E17: Submerged No More! Restoring Chemehuevi Land and Traditions 47:01

22d ago47:01

47:01

Daniel Leivas, Southern Paiute-Chemehuevi from Lake Havasu, shares his journey of reviving ancestral agricultural practices on the Chemehuevi Nation's traditional farm. He narrates how his family transformed the land into a thriving ecosystem. Exploring connections between the land, water, and spirit, Leivas recounts battles with wildlife, environm…

1
S3E16: Ash Meadows Faces New Mining Threat 28:06

1M ago28:06

28:06

In this episode we welcome back Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy for an engaging and informative update on the situation surrounding Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the threat of lithium mining explorations by Rover Critical Minerals. As environmental defenders, the Conservancy alongside partners like the Center for Biological Div…

1
S3E15: The Surprising Longevity of Desert Plants 37:52

1M ago37:52

37:52

Discover the ancient plants of the desert in this episode of 90 Miles from Needles. From the 11,700-year-old King Clone creosote bush to the surprisingly long lifespans of cholla cacti and Mojave yuccas, host Chris Clarke explores the remarkable longevity of these desert plants. Learn how scientists determine the age of these plants through histori…

1
S3E14: Saving El Paso's Rio Bosque Wetlands 50:17

2M ago50:17

50:17

About our Guest: Jon Rezendes is an influential conservationist with a dedication to the preservation and rewilding of the Chihuahuan Desert region, particularly in El Paso, Texas. His military background brought him to El Paso, where he found a second home amid the natural beauty of the desert landscape. As the Vice President of the Frontera Land …

1
S3E13: Why Protecting Cultural Sites is Important 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

In this revealing episode, we delve into the clandestine underworld of archaeological site looting and cultural vandalism in the Southwest. Our esteemed guests, Shannon Cowell and Dustin Whiting of Archaeology Southwest, shine a light on the often-underreported plundering of ancestral lands and the complex web of issues surrounding heritage justice…

1
S3E12: Our 50th Episode 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

In this 50th episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke reflects on the importance of protecting the desert and the need for more desert activists. He discusses the challenges faced by the desert, including resource extraction and the loss of news media coverage. Clarke emphasizes the role of the podcast in providing information and insp…

1
S3E11: Desert Stories 37:57

2M ago37:57

37:57

In this episode host Chris Clarke shares his recent visit to the Amargosa Basin, highlighting the stunning wildflower bloom and the importance of supporting local communities. He also presents three captivating desert stories, including the self-awareness of bursage plants, the connection between humans and coyotes, and the deceptive allure of dese…

1
S3E10: Can the Wilson's Phalarope Save the Great Salt Lake? 44:31

3M ago44:31

44:31

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles," the Desert Protection podcast, we journey with the host to the shores of the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake and the steps of the Utah State Capitol. We delve into the urgent efforts led by advocates and scientists to save the critical ecosystem of the lake and protect…

1
S3E9: How Avi Kwa Ame Transformed My Life 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke reflects on the significance of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada. He shares personal stories of his deep connection to the desert landscape and the transformative power it holds. The episode also includes excerpts from the ceremony celebrating th…

1
S3E8: Border Wall: A Barrier to Wildlife and Humanity 48:01

3M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke interviews Myles Traphagen, a conservationist and scientist working with The Wildlands Network. They discuss the impact of the border wall on wildlife and the environment, as well as the artificial humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexico border. Traphagen highlights the need for a more huma…

1
S3E7: Saving the Chihuahuan Desert with Frontera Land Alliance 36:58

4M ago36:58

36:58

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert in this episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast." Host Chris Clarke explores the challenges of conserving this vast desert, primarily located in Mexico but also extending into Texas and New Mexico. He speaks with Janae Reneaud Field, Kathia Gonzalez, and Rocio Ro…

1
S3E6: Joshua Trees and Family Trees 28:36

4M ago28:36

28:36

In this episode, host Chris Clarke shares an excerpt from his book in progress about the Joshua tree, the signature plant of the Mojave Desert. He reflects on his experiences in the desert, the balance of nature, and the kinship of all life. With vivid descriptions of the desert landscape and personal anecdotes, Clarke explores the connection betwe…

1
S3E5: Protecting the Great Bend of the Gila 35:06

4M ago35:06

35:06

Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the proposed Great Bend of the Gila National Monument with advocates Skylar Begay and Mike Quigley. They discuss the importance of protecting this pristine Sonoran Desert landscape, rich in cultural and natural history. With the threat of encroaching development and destructive recreation, the establishment of …

1
S3E4: Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Water Protections for Desert Wildlife 21:47

5M ago21:47

21:47

In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supreme Court regarding water rights. They discuss the case of Coyote Springs, a proposed city in the desert that would have a detrimental effect on the Muddy River and its endangered species. The court ru…

1
S3E3: The Fight Against Flamingo 640; How a Community Stood Up to Big Development 42:19

5M ago42:19

42:19

In this episode, host Chris Clarke discusses the successful fight against a proposed glamping project called Flamingo 640 in the California desert. Clarke is joined by community member Caroline Partamian, former president of the Homestead Valley Community Council Justin Merino, and Luke Basulto from the National Parks Conservation Association. They…

1
S3E2: Biden's Plan to Turn the Desert into a Solar Energy Complex 37:27

5M ago37:27

37:27

The Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Utility-Scale Solar energy development is shaping the future of solar in the western United States. In this episode, host Chris Clarke explores the different alternatives proposed in the draft and their potential impact on public lands. He discusses the exclusion areas, the size of land avai…

1
S3E1: Four Books That Will Change How You See The Desert 44:37

5M ago44:37

44:37

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces four books that will challenge preconceptions about the desert. The first book, "The Arid Lands: History, Power, and Knowledge" by Diana K. Davis, challenges the notion that deserts are wastelands in need of development. The second book, "Peoples…

1
S2E16: Protecting Desert Bighorn Sheep from Habitat Loss and Disease 45:38

6M ago45:38

45:38

About The Guest(s): Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her career to studying and conserving desert wildlife, particularly desert tortoises and desert bighorn sheep. With a focus on the Mojave Desert region, Dr. Aiello's research examines the impacts of habitat lo…

1
S2E15: On Giving Tuesday, Make a Difference for the Desert 9:37

7M ago9:37

9:37

Summary: Chris discusses the challenges that the deserts will face in 2024, including increased utility scale development of renewable energy, the threat of lithium mining, and the continuation of border policies that waive environmental laws. Chris emphasizes the need for accurate advocacy for the deserts and challenges the misconception that the …

1
S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California 51:31

8M ago51:31

51:31

About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's deserts. Summary: Obi Kaufmann joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast to discuss hi…

1
S2E13: Dealing With Loss 41:22

8M ago41:22

41:22

It's been a minute since we published an episode, in part because Chris and Alicia have had complicated lives. Here's how we contend with bad news inside and out of the desert: we go to ground in the desert. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
S2E12: The Majestic Saguaro, Part 1 1:07:33

10M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

We delve into the world of the saguaro cactus, exploring its cultural significance, scientific studies, and more. We talk to journalist Henry Brean of the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson storyteller Audrey Scheere about different aspects of this magnificent plant, the threats it faces, and how people interact with it — for good or ill. Join us as we …

1
S2E11: Globemallow Binding the Desert's Wounds 35:31

11M ago35:31

35:31

Chris and Alicia discuss the recent victory in delaying exploration for lithium near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. They also announce the formation of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, the podcast's new nonprofit organization home. The hosts then delve into their love for the desert plant, the Globe Mallow. They share personal stories and …

1
S2E10 Save Ash Meadows! 39:26

12M ago39:26

39:26

Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike to discuss the threat posed by a Canadian mining company's plans to conduct exploratory drilling for lithium near the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. The drilling could potentially puncture the aquifer and cause catastrophic damage to the fragile ecos…

1
S2E9: What We Got Wrong About the Desert 54:31

1y ago54:31

54:31

We spend a lot of time correcting misapprehensions about the desert. But don't get the impression we think we're flawless! We've made our share of mistakes about the desert as well. In this episode, we share some of the things we once thought about the desert that are just plain wrong, on topics ranging from rainfall to rattlesnakes. And of course …

1
S2E8: Native Activism in the Desert (Part 1) 1:03:01

1y ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Chris and Alicia talk to Elizabeth Paige of Native American Land Conservancy and Save Our Springs. Podcast episode photo by John Fowler. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Chris Clarke

1
S2E7: Superb Loom 44:01

1y ago44:01

44:01

There are flowers to be seen in the desert, if you know where to look. Chris and Alicia de-stress while enjoying the best of the desert, and discuss how best to celebrate such effusive blooms without destroying them. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
S2E6: Border Chronicle: Biden Still Building Trump's Border Wall" 34:34

1y ago34:34

34:34

We here at 90 Miles from Needles are big fans of The Border Chronicle podcast and email newsletter, and in this episode, we're republishing an episode from that podcast first aired in November in which Melissa Del Bosque talks to Texas border activist Scott Nicol about how the Biden Administration is continuing to build Trump's border wall, though …

1
S2E5: The Problems with Desert Solar 52:10

1+ y ago52:10

52:10

The US Interior Department is rethinking the ways it has managed big corporate solar on public lands, and we have opinions. Chris pontificates based on his many years of covering public lands renewable energy as a recovering journalist, and Alicia interrupts his solarsplaining once in a while to inject some non-jargon-ridden analysis. We love solar…

1
S2E4: Protecting Wonder Valley 1:01:10

1+ y ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Alicia talks to a well-organized group of desert denizens who are working together to stop an inappropriate development from destroying their way of life, and the desert environment they cherish. For more information, or to tell California's San Bernardino County to insist on a full environmental review of the project, see stopwonderinn.org Extra t…

1
S2E3: Governor Ducey's Border Wall Comes Down 45:31

1+ y ago45:31

45:31

In late 2022, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey ordered the illegal construction of sections of ineffective but ecologically disastrous border wall made out of shipping containers. Then, in response to a federal order as he prepared to leave office, he ordered that wall torn down. Protesters on the ground helped in a big way, by forcing contractors to st…

1
S2E2: Remembering Phil Pister 9:05

1+ y ago9:05

9:05

Edwin P. (Phil) Pister, who died January 17, was a fisheries biologist long employed by the California Department of Fish and Game (now Fish and Wildlife.) He was involved in working to protect numerous fish in Eastern California and beyond, including the golden trout and the Devils Hole pupfish. We here republish an excerpt of Episode 7 from Seaso…

1
S2E1: Larrea tridentata a.k.a. the Humble Creosote 57:51

1+ y ago57:51

57:51

Welcome to Season 2! Chris and Alicia spend time communing with an 11,700-year-old creosote in the Mojave Desert, and discuss the species' importance as well as the ethics of treating millennia-old beings as disposable. King Clone's Wikipedia page is here. If for some reason you want to learn more about creosote gall midges, you can start here. You…

1
S1E22: Season Finale! Ironwoods: the Sonoran Desert's Tree of Life. Plus thank you 1:12:18

1+ y ago1:12:18

1:12:18

The desert ironwood, Olneya tesota, is the basis of an entire ecosystem in the Sonoran desert. And this ecosystem includes people. Alicia and Chris hike in Ironwood Country and talk to the renowned Petey Mesquitey, host of Growing Native on KXCI in Tucson AZ, about this wonderful tree. We also take a little time to thank those of you who've made ou…

1
S1E21: The Desert Tortoise Still Has a Chance 59:56

1+ y ago59:56

59:56

The largest reptile in the Mojave faces threats ranging from predation to illegal collection to loss of habitat. But the desert tortoise has defenders. We talk to Tim Shields of Hardshell Labs about his campaign to use 21st century tech to help the tortoises, and Luke Basulto of Saving Slowpoke (and the National Parks Conservation Association's Cal…

1
S1E20: California still doesn't know what to do about the western Joshua tree 53:28

1+ y ago53:28

53:28

On October 12, the California Fish and Game Commission postponed a decision yet again on whether to grant the western Joshua tree protection under the California Endangered Species Act. Chris and Alicia speak to Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity about what happened, and what the future holds for the beleaguered tree. Plus news…

1
S1E19: Shannon Salter Fights to Save the Desert 42:13

1+ y ago42:13

42:13

Solar in the built environment could meet America's need for electrical power. But still the desert is in the crosshairs. Public lands with intact habitat are coming under extreme threat because of the Inflation Reduction Act and subsidies for utility scale solar. Shannon Salter is the founder of Mojave Green, an environmental organization dedicate…

1
S1E18 Chris is Stressed Out + Some Good News 38:35

2y ago38:35

38:35

We're not going to be able to save the desert if we self-immolate. Alicia reads Chris the riot act about taking time to enjoy the desert without being preoccupied by saving it. He responds by heading to the Colorado River. Also, we are happy to report on a major blow to the fiendish Cadiz water mining project, and we read your letters. Well, one le…

1
S1E17: Mylar Balloons: threat or menace? plus Joshua Tree NP AMA 48:13

2y ago48:13

48:13

Alicia takes on one of her personal bugbears: the endless supply of mylar balloons landing in the desert, choking wildlife and starting fires, just because people don't care what happens to their floating trash. Also, we subject Joshua Tree National Park superintendent David Smith to the Reddit Ask Me Anything treatment. Episode image, which is kin…

1
S1E16 Flood and Drought; Death Valley and the Great Salt Lake 53:02

2y ago53:02

53:02

As the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts contend with record rainfalls, climate change and urban development are drying up the Great Salt Lake. We talk to David Smith of Joshua Tree National Park about floods in desert parks, and Zachary Frankel of Utah Rivers Council about saving the Salt Lake. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/do…

1
S1E15 What Keeps You Going plus Bristlecone Pines 49:06

2y ago49:06

49:06

With bad news all around, how do we keep up our strength and resolve to protect the places that matter? Chris and Alicia start an ongoing conversation in a couple of those places. In between, 90 Miles from Needles talks to LA Times reporter Louis Sahagun about his reporting on a new problem facing the desert's ancient bristlecone pines. Become a de…

1
S1E14 The Bean Trees! But first, please help us 34:49

2y ago34:49

34:49

There's good news: the desert offers sweet sustenance that can be had for a little bit of work. And we mean actual food, not that metaphorical well being stuff. Though that's here too. But first, Chris offers some thoughts on how to help 90 Miles from Needles get to more people, and Alicia recuperates from an unfortunate but temporary rambunctious-…

1
S1E13: Don't Die Today: Heat in the Desert 40:05

2y ago40:05

40:05

Chris enjoys the desert at its hottest. Alicia, on the other hand, is closer to sanity. Both of them treat desert heat with respect. We talk about how to make sure your time in the desert doesn't end in tragedy. The desert needs its defenders alive! Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

1
S1E12: What's Happening to the Monsoon? 39:26

2y ago39:26

39:26

Climate change has been happening in the desert for some time now. While consensus isn't complete, most experts agree that more warming will make the desert hotter and drier. But at the same time, while individual monsoon thunderstorms will get less frequent, they may become more destructive. 90 Miles from Needles visits Jan Emming, owner of Desert…

1
S1E11: Deconstructing Ed Abbey 38:55

2y ago38:55

38:55

The writer Edward Abbey is revered by many desert activists, and roundly criticized by others, all based on the provocative and occasionally offensive things he wrote. Chris and Alicia talk about the prescient and helpful things Abbey wrote, and about the things they wish that neither Abbey nor anyone else had ever said, some of which have gained c…

1
S1E10: Remembering Phil Klasky and Ward Valley 46:02

2y ago46:02

46:02

From the mid-1980s until the first months of the 21st Century, a coalition of desert tribes and non-Native activists worked to keep the state of California from siting a low-level nuclear waste dump in the Mojave Desert, on land sacred to at least five tribes, above an aquifer that drains into the Colorado River. Philip Klasky, an instructor at San…

1
S1E9: Saving the Western Joshua tree 47:38

2y ago47:38

47:38

Joshua trees, the iconic species of the Mojave Desert, are in serious danger of becoming extinct across most of their range... and yet the state of California is recommending against granting the trees permanent protection. We talk to desert botanist Christina Sanchez and Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity about the dangers the…

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Desert Advocacy Media Network Podcasts

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