Politics And Activism Episodes

Dive into a nuanced revisitation of the High Desert Art Fair with Chris Clarke, Cindy Bernard, and Bernard Leibov. This episode explores the intersection of art, commerce, and desert communities, addressing local perspectives and the broader implications for the art world. Discover insights on cultural and economic dynamics in the Morongo Basin, comparisons between desert towns like Marfa and the Hamptons, and the evolving relationship between art and environment. Join the conversation about balancing artistic vision and community concerns, and explore how desert landscapes inspire these discussions.

Chris Clarke and guest Ruth Nolan discuss a controversial LA Times piece about an art fair aiming to turn the desert region into an upscale haven akin to the Hamptons, and the cultural and environmental impacts of such developments

Chris discusses into the challenges facing desert journalism amid dwindling traditional media and the rise of digital consumption. He explores the shift from shallow to deep journalism, emphasizing the need for thorough reporting that considers desert systems rather than isolated events. The episode introduces the Fellowship for Desert Reporting, an initiative to empower aspiring journalists and enrich desert coverage.

Chris Clarke and Laiken Jordahl of the Center for Biological Diversity, discuss the campaign against proposed border wall expansions in the Big Bend region of West Texas. The episode explores the wall's potential impact on communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Discover grassroots efforts uniting diverse communities in opposition to the wall, driven by shared passion for preserving the area's ecological and cultural heritage. Learn about the organized efforts to safeguard one of the last untouched stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border and the unexpected alliances forming to counteract this divisive project.

In this episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris shares a personal perspective on the legacy of Cesar Chavez and discusses the impact of recent revelations on the progressive movement. Chris is a seasoned journalist and advocate for desert protection with a robust history of addressing environmental and social justice issues.

Joined by guest Gilberto Manzanarez from Valle Imperial Resiste, Chris explores the community's opposition to an AI data center due to potential environmental impacts, including noise pollution and increased water usage. Despite promises of economic growth, residents face uncertainty regarding property values and health concerns. The episode features community voices and insights into local governance challenges, highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent the data center's construction.

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 of understanding deserts' complex ecosystems is also highlighted, offering listeners a perspective on authenticity in nature

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 political influences on conservation efforts. Discover how grassroots advocacy can drive meaningful change in state wildlife management. With rich narratives about the Mexican gray wolf, jaguars, and public land use, this episode looks into the intersection of wildlife policy, democracy, and community action.

With reduced staffing, National Parks in the American Deserts face risks of vandalism and inadequate visitor safety.

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 significance of collaborative efforts to address common environmental challenges, emphasizing the potential for a desert-wide conservation movement.

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.

Chris Clarke and Brendan Cummings discuss the recent approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan by California's Fish and Game Commission. Brendan outlines the journey from the 2019 petition for protection to the 2023 Conservation Act, highlighting its aim to combat climate threats and managed development impacts on Joshua trees.

Rubén Martinéz, an instructor, writer, and performer from Loyola Marymount University, shares a captivating reading exploring the duality of deserts—both physical and metaphorical. This reflection ties into broader themes of human migration, spiritual discovery, and personal healing. With insights drawn from desert landscapes and varied intellectual traditions, this episode invites listeners on a journey through two realms: the borderland desert and the spiritual void,

Discover how grassroots activism and environmental awareness halted a resource-intensive project threatening water and energy supplies in the Arizona desert. Learn about the vital role of unified community voices and progressive city leaders in this victory.

We discuss crucial topics affecting public media, including funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and their impact on stations serving rural and tribal communities.

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.

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

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

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

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.

We explore the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with desert protection, highlighting how Trump's attacks on DEI harm not just people but also the ecosystems and communities inhabiting deserts.

Chris Clarke hosts an engaging discussion with Caroline Tracey, a journalist with The Border Chronicle, on the environmental and political challenges surrounding Plan Sonora, Mexico's ambitious renewable energy project. They examine the complex issues of lithium mining, solar and natural gas development in Sonora, and the cross-border impacts on both Mexico and the U.S. desert landscapes. The conversation also touches on the evolving opposition from activists and potential legal obstacles. Tune in to explore green colonialism, international energy dependencies, and the role of activism in shaping these developments.

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke delves into two pivotal events illuminating the current challenges and triumphs in desert conservation efforts. The episode captures the essence of grassroots advocacy, community solidarity, and the ongoing struggle to protect unique desert landscapes from economic exploitation. Chris shares inspiring stories of dedication and sacrifice from residents of Amargosa Valley, Nevada, and Joshua Tree, demonstrating the coll...

Episode Summary In this episode, we discuss the recent layoffs affecting the National Park Service and other land management agencies. Featuring Kristen Brengel of the National Parks Conservation Association, the episode looks into the devastating effects of the recent federal workforce reductions on desert public lands and conservation efforts. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing park staff and the significant measures needed to restore these vital environmental ...