Writing Episodes
Featuring readings and/or discussions of desert writing, from personal essays to journalism, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring action for desert conservation.
Aug. 8, 2025
S4E30: Episode 100 | Former Wildland Firefighter Ruth Nolan's Literary Mission
A distinguished voice in desert poetry and a former wildland firefighter, Ruth Nolan shares her insights into the ecological challenges and intrinsic beauty of California's deserts through her evocative poetry.
Aug. 8, 2025
S4E29: Episode 100 | Two Deserts, One Story with Rubén Martinéz
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 …
Aug. 8, 2025
S4E27: Episode 100 | Poetry and Plants with Cameron Mayer
This chapter of our 100th episode showcases poetry and prose, celebrating the Mojave and Amargosa regions' beauty and resilience. Cameron Mayer shares poetry on plants like the Honey Mesquite and Mojave Aster, exploring themes of nature's resilience and connection.
Aug. 8, 2025
S4E26: Episode 100 | Morgan Sjogren's Tales of Beauty, Rage, and Uranium
Morgan Sjogren shares an evocative reading from her recent book Path of Light : A Walk Through Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon discussing uranium mining's impact on red rock country and the broader implications for desert landscapes.
Dec. 18, 2024
S3E36: Laughing Coyotes and Saguaro Dreams: An Unlikely Desert Awakening
The desert is more than a landscape; it is home. Chris Clarke's personal narrative exemplifies this connection, merging personal reflection with broader ecological advocacy. For those invested in its fate, the desert isn't ju...
Aug. 7, 2024
S3E23: Moonlit Deserts and Lost Love
In this heartfelt episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares an evocative reading from his book, "Walking with Zeke," reflecting on meaningful experiences with his previous dog Zeke. This story reveals the d...
April 16, 2024
S3E11: Desert Stories
In this episode host Chris Clarke shares his recent visit to the Amargosa Basin, highlighting the stunning wildflower bloom and the importance of supporting local communities. He also presents three captivating desert stories...
Feb. 27, 2024
S3E6: Joshua Trees and Family Trees
In this episode, host Chris Clarke shares an excerpt from his book in progress about the Joshua tree, the signature plant of the Mojave Desert. He reflects on his experiences in the desert, the balance of nature, and the kins...