In this timely episode, Chris discusses the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic while hiking during desert heat waves. He also points out that the vast majority of people suffering injury and death from extreme heat have little other choice. Migrants, the incarcerated, and outdoor labor all face serious threats from hot weather, with little recourse to protect themselves. That's why state and federal protections for workers and the incarcerated are so crucial.

Notable Quotes:


"Heat turns minor mistakes into fatal mistakes."


"Testosterone is not an electrolyte replacement."


Incarcerated people dying from heat injury is a frequent and growing problem that is not tracked in any methodical way."


"Hug your dogs."

Resources:


Podcast Website:90 Miles from Needles


PO Box for Donations and Support: P.O. Box 127, 29 Palms, CA 92277


New analysis provides more evidence that heat standards save lives
Leading Healthcare and Public Health Organizations Call for Federal Government to Fast-Track Rules to Protect Workers from Worsening Extreme Heat
American Hiking Society's Hot Weather Hiking Guide

In this timely episode, Chris discusses the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic while hiking during desert heat waves. He also points out that the vast majority of people suffering injury and death from extreme heat have little other choice. Migrants, the incarcerated, and outdoor labor all face serious threats from hot weather, with little recourse to protect themselves. That's why state and federal protections for workers and the incarcerated are so crucial.
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"Heat turns minor mistakes into fatal mistakes."
</li>
<li>
"Testosterone is not an electrolyte replacement."
</li>
<li>
Incarcerated people dying from heat injury is a frequent and growing problem that is not tracked in any methodical way."
</li>
<li>
"Hug your dogs."
</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
Podcast Website: <a href="https://www.90milesfromneedles.com">90 Miles from Needles</a>
</li>
<li>
PO Box for Donations and Support: P.O. Box 127, 29 Palms, CA 92277
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2025/12/13/heat-protections-outdoor-workers-osha-deaths-illnesses-index-farm-california-federal-standard/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a><a href="https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2025/12/13/heat-protections-outdoor-workers-osha-deaths-illnesses-index-farm-california-federal-standard/">New analysis provides more evidence that heat standards save lives</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.apha.org/news-and-media/news-releases/apha-news-releases/2025/extreme-heat-letter-to-osha">Leading Healthcare and Public Health Organizations Call for Federal Government to Fast-Track Rules to Protect Workers from Worsening Extreme Heat</a></li>
<li><a href="https://americanhiking.org/hot-weather-hiking/">American Hiking Society's Hot Weather Hiking Guide</a></li>
</ul>

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Vital info on protecting our irrepaceable deserts

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Chris Clarke dives into the dangers of extreme heat in desert environments, offering crucial safety tips for hikers, bikers, and climbers. He contrasts these recreational challenges with the dire realities faced by incarcerated individuals, outdoor laborers, and migrants who endure heat with limited options. Clarke highlights notable cases of heat-related deaths and the disparities in media coverage.