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90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
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.
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90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

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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Reviews

The desert is beautiful and heartbreaking -

"I think I’ve been listening since the beginning, this podcast captures both the beautiful necessity of the desert and the heartbreaking threats that never cease. Consistently excellent and uniquely v…"

Eriogonum | Dec. 17, 2024

Recent Episodes

July 4, 2025

S4E21: Give us a Desert Without Borders

This episode highlights the human cost of migration through one of the harshest terrains on earth, the Sonoran Desert, while advocating for more humane approaches to immigration and border policies.
July 1, 2025

90 Miles from Needles' Schedule update!

Chris shares a crucial update on the show's release schedule, shifting new episodes to Fridays for better work-life balance. Previously released on Tuesdays, this change allows Chris to reclaim weekends and connect with family while continuing to advocate for desert conservation. Expressing gratitu…
June 24, 2025

S4E20: You Can Help Save Public Lands from Privatization

Explore the evolving debate over a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee that threatens to privatize millions of acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
June 17, 2025

S4E19: Finding Nature's Refuge in Salt Lake Sprawl

Explore urban environmental restoration at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai in South Salt Lake, guided by Parker Lloyd from the Tracy Aviary. Discover how this innovative project offers a sanctuary for native wildlife and a community haven amid industrial sprawl.
June 10, 2025

S4E18: Resilience & Resistance in Navajo Country

Chris Clarke hosts a compelling discussion with Diné activist Davina Smith on the significance of the Bears Ears National Monument.
May 26, 2025

S4E17: The War Against The Greens, Updated

Investigative journalist David Helvarg talks to us about threats to democracy, public lands, and global environmental activism amid escalating misinformation and violence.
May 19, 2025

S4E16: Ezra Klein's New Book Has an Abundance of Problems

Chris Clarke explores Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's book "Abundance," scrutinizing its stance on environmental regulations.
May 13, 2025

S4E15: The Fight to Save Lives on the U.S.-Mexico Border

Chris interviews Laurie Cantillo, Chair of Humane Borders. They discuss the organization's critical work in saving lives by providing water in the Sonoran Desert, the challenges faced by migrants, and the alarming militarization of the US-Mexico border.