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PODCAST

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

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.

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All Episodes

27:30

S4E45: The Desertification Myth: Unpacking the Truth...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/12/20

In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke embarks on a journey to unpack the concept of desertification and its implications for environmental policy. Engaging listeners with tales of ecological history and colonial narratives, Chris explores the intersection of science, politics, and public perception in shaping how we view and treat deserts. Through an insightful discussion backed by the work of geographer Diana K. Davis, he

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30:00

S4E44: Why the Desert's Sounds Matter More Than Ever

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/12/12

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke takes a moment to reflect on the challenges the desert has faced throughout the year. As 2026 looms with potential political upheavals, industrial intrusions, and environmental crises, he underscores the fragility and beauty of the North American deserts. Chris discusses the concept of desert quiet, a theme reflecting not only the absence of noise but the presence of life, and how human

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57:01

S4E43: Saving the Santa Rita Mountains from...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/11/22

In this episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke embarks on a detailed discussion with John Dougherty, Executive Director of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas Association, about the invasive copper mining initiatives threatening Arizona's sacred lands. Set against the backdrop of legal and environmental challenges, the conversation highlights the destructive potential of projects like the Copper World mine. With vibrant descriptions of Arizona's natural beauty juxtaposed with the

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26:43

S4E42: Defending the Desert in a World of Lies

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/11/15

In this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke explores the delicate balance of truth in natural environments and everyday life. With a focus on the impact of modern technology, Chris explores how misinformation, notably from AI-generated content, can distort our understanding of the natural world. He raises vital questions about the integrity of information and prompts listeners to reconsider how we consume media. This discussion extends to an examination of the timeless

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59:36

S4E41: How Fire, Furloughs, and Federal Cuts Threaten...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/11/07

In this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke engages in a deep conversation with Nick Graver as they explore the pressing challenges facing Joshua Trees and desert conservation efforts amid climate change and governmental policy swings. Recorded during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, this episode highlights the hurdles that scientists and conservationists face in protecting vulnerable species against the backdrop of political instability. The

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30:36

S4E40: The Battle for the San Rafael Valley

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/10/31

About the Guest: Andrea Hoerr is a committed environmental advocate working with Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness in Tucson, Arizona. Her work involves fighting against environmentally detrimental projects, such as huge mining operations and the development of border walls in biodiverse regions. Andrea, also known as Dre, uses her expertise as an Arizona Master Naturalist to engage in preserving wilderness areas and fostering grassroots efforts for environmental

en-US

47:54

S4E39: Ideology vs. Wildlife Science: A Conversation...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/10/17

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke takes listeners into the complex worlds of wildlife policy and desert preservation. The episode features Mandy Culbertson, Communications Director at Wildlife for All, discussing the implications of state and federal-level wildlife governance on biodiversity and the environment, particularly within the Southwest's desert landscapes. She explains how Wildlife for All is working to reform

en-US

16:33

S4E38: 2 Big Reasons to Avoid National Parks During...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/10/10

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke provides valuable insights into the impact of government shutdowns on national parks, especially those within desert regions. The episode opens with a beautiful recording of a hermit thrush by nature sound artist Fred Bell, setting a serene and reflective tone for discussing the challenges facing these national treasures during shutdowns. Clarke advises listeners to reconsider visiting national parks until they are fully operational again

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20:44

S4E37: Desert Communities and United Fronts: Building...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/10/03

Host Chris Clarke takes listeners along on a recent journey to El Paso for the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta. The trip was made possible by supporters who contributed to the Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund. Clarke shares insights and experiences from traveling over 1600 miles across the deserts of the Southwest. This episode provides a heartfelt thank you to supporters and explores the challenges facing desert conservation. As Clarke reflects on the journey, he explores common ecological threats facing

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45:13

S4E36: The Fallout You Never Knew About: California's...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/09/26

Episode Summary In this eye-opening episode of *90 Miles from Needles*, host Chris Clarke welcomes back Dr. Michael E. Ketterer to explore the unsettling connections between historical nuclear testing in the Nevada Test Site and fallout in unexpected areas like eastern California. With cutting-edge mass spectrometry, Dr. Ketterer reveals how nuclear tests conducted decades ago may have risked public health in unexpected places such as eastern California. The episode not only dives deep into the

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20:36

S4E35: Silencing the Left: The Fight for Truth and...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/09/20

Chris Clarke discusses the political tensions boiling over in the U.S., particularly surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Clarke offers a profound exploration into the implications of this event on the left-wing movement while criticizing the portrayal of the desert, advocating for the urgent need to protect these delicate ecosystems. As a long-time activist, Chris emphasizes the significance of non-violence in political change and the dangers of one-sided media narratives. Throughout the

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29:06

S4E34: Joshua Trees and Family Trees

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/09/12

Chris Clarke, the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast"is a seasoned storyteller, passionate environmentalist, and a desert aficionado. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to the protection of desert ecosystems through his writings, activism, and this podcast. Chris's work often intersects with emotional narratives tied to family, nature, and the unique beauty of desert landscapes. Episode Summary: In this heartwarming episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host

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27:49

S4E33: Monsoon Madness: When the Desert Comes Alive

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/09/05

Episode Summary This episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast does a racing dive into the fascinating topic of monsoonal rainstorms in the desert, focusing on their effects and significance. With detailed insights into recent rain events in Twentynine Palms, California, Chris shares the challenges and celebrations that accompany these powerful meteorological phenomena. Amid the backdrop of a biome shaped by water scarcity, the podcast explores both the danger and the necessity of monsoon

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50:13

S4E32: Joshua Trees are Still Caught in the Climate...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/23

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environmental directive. The discussion is enriched with insights from returning guest Brendan Cummings of the

en-US

37:13

S4E31: 5 Years On: Cima Dome After the Flames

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/15

Host Chris Clarke delves into the profound impact of the Dome Fire on the cherished Joshua Tree forest within the Mojave National Preserve. Marking the five-year anniversary of the Dome Fire, Clarke reflects on personal experiences and the broader ecological ramifications. The devastating event shifted his life, carving a definitive "before" and "after" in his approach to desert protection. Listeners are taken on an emotional journey through the charred landscape of Cima Dome, providing striking

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21:33

S4E30: Episode 100 | Former Wildland Firefighter Ruth...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/09

This episode, celebrated over several parts to accommodate in-depth discussions, features a captivating final chapter with Ruth Nolan. A distinguished voice in desert poetry and a former wildland firefighter, Ruth shares her insights into the ecological challenges and intrinsic beauty of California's deserts through her evocative poetry, with themes of renewable energy impacts, wildfires, and invasive species. Through readings from her works such as "Ruby Mountain" and "After the Dome Fire," Ruth

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18:58

S4E29: Episode 100 | Two Deserts, One Story with...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/09

In this chapter of the milestone hundredth episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces a rich tapestry of insights from renowned desert advocate and writer Ruben Martinez. The chapter, part of a comprehensive six-part series celebrating this landmark with diverse contributors, invites listeners into a profound discussion linking deserts not only as geographical landscapes but as symbols of spiritual and existential exploration. Martinez shares

en-US

22:24

S4E28: Episode 100 | Three Sonorans and Tucson's...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/09

Episode Summary: In this chapter of the landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, journalist David Morales, known for his insightful "Three Sonorans" newsletter, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities behind this development and how a community united to challenge a potentially devastating project. The episode highlights how Project Blue, backed by Amazon Web Services, planned to establish a massive data center in Tucson, Arizona. This project raised alarm due to its

en-US

11:03

S4E27: Episode 100 | Poetry and Plants with Cameron...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/09

In this landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clark celebrates with a treasure trove of content breaking into six segments. This episode features Cameron Mayer, contributing his passion for the desert through eloquent poetry readings. Mayer shares his profound connection to the Mojave and surrounding areas and highlights his work with Friends of the Amargosa Basin aimed at increasing protection for the unique watershed. Listeners are treated to Mayer's evocative

en-US

19:16

S4E26: Episode 100 | Morgan Sjogren's Tales of...

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast ·

2025/08/09

Episode Summary: In this chapter of the 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke welcomes the acclaimed author and environmental advocate Morgan Sjogren to the show. Broadcasting from the serene and historically rich landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument, Sjogren shares insights into her literary journey and environmental activism, reflecting particularly on the controversial legacy of uranium mining in the Four Corners region. This episode, part of a special series

en-US

127 results

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