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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Dec. 19, 2025
S4E45: The Desertification Myth: Unpacking the Truth About Dry Lands
Chris Clarke examines the concept of desertification and its historical and ideological roots. The episode distinguishes between genuine ecological degradation and the misconception that deserts are inherently damaged landscapes. Highlighting insights from geographer Diana K. Davis, it challenges c…
Dec. 12, 2025
S4E44: Why the Desert's Sounds Matter More Than Ever
Reflecting on the erosion of environmental laws, rampant industrial proposals, and the clash between ideology and science, this episode urges careful listening to the desert's fading voices. As the podcast enters its fifth year, Clarke calls for community support to continue reporting on these vita…
Nov. 21, 2025
S4E43: Saving the Santa Rita Mountains from Destructive Copper Mining
Chris explores the environmental impact of copper mining in Arizona, focusing on the controversial Copper World project in the Santa Rita Mountains. Chris interviews John Dougherty, Executive Director of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, discussing the ecological destruction, water issues, and community…
Nov. 14, 2025
S4E42: Defending the Desert in a World of Lies
Chris explores truth in an AI-driven age, and questions the reliability of what we perceive as real, using AI-generated media as an example. He discusses the importance of deserts in maintaining truth, reflecting on how they convey authentic facts resistant to societal distortions. The importance o…
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.
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