90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
Join Chris Clarke as he explores 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.
90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
Join desert environmental journalist Chris Clarke as he explores the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile but vibrant ecosystems. Hear engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. And we take roadtrips!
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Nov. 7, 2025
S4E41: How Fire, Furloughs, and Federal Cuts Threaten Our Deserts
Chris Clarke discusses the challenges facing Joshua trees and desert ecosystems with conservation biologist Nick Graver. They explore how climate change, invasive species, and increased human activity threaten these iconic landscapes. Graver, a graduate student at UC Riverside, shares insights on a…
Oct. 31, 2025
S4E40: The Battle for the San Rafael Valley
Join host Chris Clarke on 90 Miles from Needles as he speaks with Andrea Hoerr of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness. They discuss the rich biodiversity of Arizona's San Rafael Valley and the controversy surrounding new border wall construction. Listeners are invited to…
Oct. 17, 2025
S4E39: Ideology vs. Wildlife Science: A Conversation with Mandy Culbertson
Join host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion on wildlife protection and democratic governance with Mandy Culbertson from Wildlife for All. Explore the varying effectiveness of state wildlife policies across the Southwest, the threat of border militarization to biodiversity, and current polit…
Oct. 10, 2025
S4E38: 2 Big Reasons to Avoid National Parks During the Shutdown
With reduced staffing, National Parks in the American Deserts face risks of vandalism and inadequate visitor safety.
Oct. 3, 2025
S4E37: Desert Communities and United Fronts: Building a Cross-Desert Protection Movement
Chris Clarke embarks on a journey to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in El Paso, sharing insights from his travels and engaging encounters. He highlights the importance of desert protection, discussing his experiences with passionate advocates across diverse desert communities. Chris explores the sign…
Sept. 26, 2025
S4E36: The Fallout You Never Knew About: California's Hidden Nuclear Legacy
Chris Clarke and Mike Ketterer explore the fallout from nuclear testing and its unexpected impact on regions considered "safe," like Inyo and Mono counties in California. Discover the surprising results of isotopic testing and the potential health legacy of communities near past nuclear test sites.
Sept. 19, 2025
S4E35: Silencing the Left: The Fight for Truth and Justice in Uncertain Times
Chris discusses the fallout from media control and recent political events, emphasizing the need for grassroots support and engagement. The episode touches on the struggles small media outlets face against corporate control and authoritarian tendencies, urging listeners to spread the word.
Sept. 12, 2025
S4E34: Joshua Trees and Family Trees
Chris Clarke reflects on his first encounter with the North American deserts, sparked by a 1966 road trip with his father, James Clarke, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. This episode revisits a previously shared piece by Chris exploring family ties, personal history, and the profound conn…
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