S5E11: Help Us Preserve Deep Desert Reporting

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles,"  Chris describes how the rise of the internet and profit-driven media ownership have decimated local news outlets and journalists' jobs. Within this context, Chris introduces a new Fellowship for Desert Reporting, aiming to foster in-depth, contextual jou…

S5E10: ¡No al muro! Big Bend Neighbors Fight Proposed Border Wall

In this episode, host Chris Clarke engages in an enlightening conversation with Laiken Jordahl from the Center for Biological Diversity. Focusing on the contentious issue of border wall construction, Jordahl sheds light on the potential threats posed by the Department of Homeland Security's propose…

S5E9: Why Salt Lakes Matter More Than Ever

In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites Caroline Tracey, author of "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History," to discuss her newest work and its publication on March 17th. The conversation navigates from Caroline's initial inspiration a…

S5E8: We Don't Need Heroes. We Need Activists.

Episode Summary: This episode tackles the troubling legacy of Cesar Chavez amidst recent allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which have shaken the progressive and environmental spheres. Host Chris, who shares a personal history influenced by Chavez, critically examines these revelations,…

S5E7: The Battle for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Urgent: Find your member of Congress and tell them to vote no on the Lee-Malloy resolution Episode Summary: In this timely and engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, we look into the ongoing legislative challenges faced by Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. In conversa…

Brief hiatus due to house fire

In this update, Chris discusses an unexpected pause in regular programming due to a recent house fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but smoke has damaged his family's belongings, including his extensive and cherished library collection, which includes numerous rare and out-of-print books. Amid thes…

S5E6: Ravens and Splitgrass: A Deep Dive into the Mojave's Ecological Challenges

This episode, we welcome back Tim Shields, a dedicated desert tortoise biologist whose half-century-long career has been devoted to unwavering efforts in conservation. As we explore abandoned terrains once frequented by old Hollywood, Tim shares his innovative methods combatting raven predation and…

S5E5: From Nuclear Waste to Restoring Glen Canyon

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke discusses the pressing environmental issues faced by the American Southwest with guest Zak Podmore. The discussion centers around the potential for San Juan County, Utah, to become a stora…

S5E4: Celebrating 25 Years: The Timbisha Shoshone's Fight for Their Homeland

In this enlightening episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke takes listeners to the heart of the desert Southwest for a special commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act. The episode celebrates the journey of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in reclaiming …

S5E3: How Honeybees Threaten The Desert's Native Pollinators

In this enlightening episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke explores the intricate world of bees with Mary O' Brien from Project 1100. The conversation delves into the potentially deleterious effects of honeybee apiaries on public lands, a topic that's both counterintuitive and crucial…