S5E16: The Double Border Wall: A New Environmental Catastrophe

In this episode, Chris talks with longtime border environmental activist Russ McSpadden about the controversial plans to erect a second border wall on the U.S.-Mexico borde. From the devastating effects on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to the des…

S5E15: When Commerce Meets Culture: Art Fairs in the Desert

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Chris Clarke revisits the spirited discussion surrounding the High Desert Art Fair and its portrayal in media. Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov engage in a dialogue to address critiques and misconceptions, particularly related to an LA Times article that stir…

S5E14: River of Cheeseburgers: The Surprising Water Guzzlers of the West

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris dives deep into the pressing issue of the Colorado River water crisis. As the lifeblood of many thriving cities and fertile fields in the southwestern United States, the Colorado River is now at the heart of a controve…

S5E13: A Partnership Torn Asunder

Episode Artwork by Carl Dennis Buell. In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares a poignant and introspective narrative about his early years in the Mojave Desert, weaving together personal reflections and environmental insights. Chris takes listeners on a journey back to…

S5E12: Whose Desert Is It Anyway? Navigating Change in the Mojave

About the Guest(s): Ruth Nolan: Ruth Nolan is a distinguished poet, educator, and an ardent desert advocate residing in the Joshua Tree area. With extensive experience living in Coachella Valley and the Mojave Desert, she has become a central figure in desert literature and education. Ruth serves …

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…