About Us

About The Show 

 The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. We are out to recruit you to the cause. Be forewarned.

Our Host

Chris Clarke in Death Valley at sunset

Chris Clarke

Chris is a veteran environmental activist and journalist, who has lived in the desert since 2008, and who visited the desert every chance he got for twice as long before that. He lives in the Mojave Desert with his ecologist-idealist wife Lara and their dogs Heart and Jack.

Host Emeritus

Alicia Pike with a floral crown

Alicia Pike

Alicia is a lifelong resident of the Southwest's arid lands, and an avid student of the desert's history, wildlife and geology. She shaped the direction of 90 Miles from Needles from its launch until November 2023. We miss her!