> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://90milesfromneedles.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What’s New on 90 Miles from Needles – the Desert Protection Podcast (Sept–Oct 2025 - URL: https://90milesfromneedles.ghost.io/what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025/ - Published: 2025-11-02T18:57:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-19T23:22:24.000Z - Description: Eight new stories from the desert’s front lines. - Author: Chris Clarke - Tags: #beehiiv, #Migrated-1784503324318, #Import 2026-07-19 23:22 ## Hello Desert Defenders, It’s been a little while since our last newsletter — let’s just say the desert winds weren’t the only thing causing a bit of haze. A stretch of **long COVID-style brain fog** slowed down the writing side of things, even as the podcast kept rolling. Somehow, through a mix of stubbornness, caffeine, and desert grit, *90 Miles from Needles* has mostly stayed on its weekly rhythm. Consider this newsletter a clear-headed catch-up from the far side of the fog. (We *hope* it’s the far side rather than the eye of the storm.) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Delayed as it may be, we’re excited to bring you this roundup of the latest episodes of *90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast* that aired in September and October — each one rich with insight, stories, and calls to action from the arid landscapes we love. Whether you’ve been listening all along or want to jump in now, here’s what the last two months delivered: --- ### September **Sept 5** Chris takes us into the frenetic beauty of desert monsoonal rains around Twentynine Palms. From flash-flood risks to that creosote scent after the downpour, the episode captures how water — even in scarcity — sculpts and animates the desert. [S4E33: Monsoon Madness: When the Desert Comes AliveMonsoonal rainstorms reshape the desert landscape, and in this episode, Chris explores their recent impact on 29 Palms. Despite the chaos, the storms bring life, vi…![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/vt2Yq22tvgv-ie3rrv9HrL_1SGEcMi8dWLaZ_Wu8L-4=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2F31c94010-490e-4fd3-8be5-b34f0150b572%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1757103956%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E33%3A+Monsoon+Madness%3A+When+the+Desert+Comes+Alive)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e33-monsoon-madness-when-the-desert-comes-alive/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Sept 12** A more personal chapter: Chris reflects on his first desert road-trip with his father, weaving in the unique ecology of the iconic Joshua Tree and its pollinators, as a metaphor for legacy and place. [S4E34: Joshua Trees and Family TreesChris Clarke reflects on his first encounter with the North American deserts, sparked by a 1966 road trip with his father, James Clarke, who recently celebrated his…![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/pb_vEybIH6oodQTESn-BTyLHL9ssH6nFhbE8PySInrA=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2F3ddbd460-f1d2-4f0e-b198-b3560068a69d%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1757658062%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E34%3A+Joshua+Trees+and+Family+Trees)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e34-joshua-trees-and-family-trees/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Sept 19** This episode shifts gears: media, politics, and the left’s challenge in an era of information warfare. Chris draws links between media control, environmental justice, and the need for strong grassroots voices in desert advocacy. [S4E35: Silencing the Left: The Fight for Truth and Justice in Uncertain TimesChris discusses the fallout from media control and recent political events, emphasizing the need for grassroots support and engagement. The episode touches on the s…![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/R4qMNe3oToDVfevHNDbt5JKDLIrQrW89guVpNkkARyg=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2F9dbe405c-4398-4ac0-a80e-b35d018a5521%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1758326148%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E35%3A+Silencing+the+Left%3A+The+Fight+for+Truth+and+Justice+in+Un%E2%80%A6)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e35-silencing-the-left-the-fight-for-truth-and-justice-in-uncertain-times/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Sept 26** Returning guest Michael E. Ketterer brings to light how nuclear testing fallout extended into unexpected desert-regions of eastern California, far from the usual “downwind zones.” Powerful stuff, and unexpectedly timely given **the regime’s push for a resumption of nuclear testing.** [S4E36: The Fallout You Never Knew About: California's Hidden Nuclear LegacyChris Clarke and Mike Ketterer explore the fallout from nuclear testing and its unexpected impact on regions considered "safe," like Inyo and Mono counties in Calif…![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/yX_VxH_9g6nCftdolZYRWnNAt0XX0VUNyQgEZ6-zhVo=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2F8e9678d1-e050-4e2c-9724-b3640055d943%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1758863555%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E36%3A+The+Fallout+You+Never+Knew+About%3A+California%27s+Hidden+Nuc%E2%80%A6)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e36-the-fallout-you-never-knew-about-californias-hidden-nuclear-legacy/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) ### Merch *All proceeds go to the Desert Advocacy Media Network, and 90 Miles from Needles.* | [Cactifa!Doing our part to oppose fascism and make you look awesome at the same time.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/54/2c5476dd-8bcc-4622-a33b-695a7694e6a8/content/images/2026/07/cactifashirt-jpeg-t-1762108981.jpg)](https://www.bonfire.com/cactifa/?productType=bacf6cd6-b53d-469c-ab96-02afe5b15f71&utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) | [Militant Coyote A sly poke at the rush to label anyone critical of the administration as the “far left.” Stylish and practical in a socialist realism way.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/54/2c5476dd-8bcc-4622-a33b-695a7694e6a8/content/images/2026/07/dlf-jpeg-t-1762109064.jpg)](https://www.bonfire.com/militant-coyote/?productType=bacf6cd6-b53d-469c-ab96-02afe5b15f71&utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ### October **Oct 3** Travel with Chris to El Paso and the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, as he links desert-advocates from the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan regions. Because deserts aren’t isolated — and neither should their defenders be. [S4E37: Desert Communities and United Fronts: Building a Cross-Desert Protection MovementChris embarks on a journey to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in El Paso, sharing insights from his travels and engaging encounters. He highlights the importanc…![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/lb5r0eNf1rZalI2IvqqEeGVw_OXb7XmSWUXeWyaAjso=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2Fd50834e9-d844-49d9-a892-b36b016b2917%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1759528934%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E37%3A+Desert+Communities+and+United+Fronts%3A+Building+a+Cross-De%E2%80%A6)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e37-desert-communities-and-united-fronts-building-a-cross-desert-protection-movement/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Oct 10** How does a government shutdown affect our public lands — especially desert parks? Chris examines risks of vandalism, understaffing, and visitor hazards and urges listeners to rethink how and when we explore these fragile places. [S4E38: 2 Big Reasons to Avoid National Parks During the ShutdownWith reduced staffing, National Parks in the American Deserts face risks of vandalism and inadequate visitor safety.![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/ca-Ptfyn9yYGvGPpxXP4PkYw9susrBIM992ivSxtZaY=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2F87144d0a-95f1-4b14-b8d4-b372016e77d9%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1760134925%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E38%3A+2+Big+Reasons+to+Avoid+National+Parks+During+the+Shutdown)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e38-2-big-reasons-to-avoid-national-parks-during-the-shutdown/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Oct 17** In this conversation with Mandy Culbertson of Wildlife for All, we dig into state wildlife policy, border militarization and biodiversity crises in the Southwest. Science + democracy + deserts = compelling. [S4E39: Ideology vs. Wildlife Science: A Conversation with Mandy CulbertsonJoin host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion on wildlife protection and democratic governance with Mandy Culbertson from Wildlife for All. Explore the varyin…![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/24n-30aTVxefXWYMpB5R_iWiDhe9a9128twRteYYUlY=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2Fb2b38ce5-d546-46b2-a7bc-b3790134dcab%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1760726672%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E39%3A+Ideology+vs.+Wildlife+Science%3A+A+Conversation+with+Mandy+%E2%80%A6)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e39-ideology-vs-wildlife-science-a-conversation-with-mandy-culbertson/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Oct 31** This episode takes us to the San Rafael Valley in southeastern Arizona — a rare, lush grassland and vital wildlife corridor under mounting threat. Chris talks with Andrea Hoerr about what makes the valley ecologically irreplaceable, how border infrastructure endangers it, and what’s being done to defend this overlooked corner of the desert Southwest. [S4E40: The Battle for the San Rafael ValleyJoin host Chris Clarke on 90 Miles from Needles as he speaks with Andrea Hoerr of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness. They discuss the …![](https://getpodpage.com/image_transform_gate_v3/L6xWkvQz56Lg5BK66LCimfVy3UoGw6LW0jOUFA9PMKY=/?image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.omnycontent.com%2Fd%2Fclips%2Febf6e0d3-6427-4169-bcdb-ae2f014f9687%2Fac40401e-e325-48f3-be00-ae2f0150ebb5%2F27e5fbc1-2a57-4fb1-b5ab-b3870019e86c%2Fimage.jpg%3Ft%3D1761876124%26size%3DLarge&tint_color=%23A59B86&text_color=%23ffffff&title=S4E40%3A+The+Battle+for+the+San+Rafael+Valley)](https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s4e40-the-battle-for-the-san-rafael-valley/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **Why you’ll want to tune in** Each of these episodes brings together place-based storytelling, ecological urgency, and folks doing the hard work. From the thunder of desert storms to the subtle persistence of Joshua trees, from nuclear legacies to wildlife corridors — there’s a lot to absorb, reflect on, and act upon. [Check out our website](https://90milesfromneedles.com/?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) **What you can do next** - Pick an episode that intrigues you & **share it** with a friend or in your network. - After listening, ask: **What does this mean for the desert where *you* live or work?** - Consider [supporting or donating to the Desert Advocacy Media Network if you haven’t yet](https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) — the podcast continues because of listeners like you. - If you have ideas or local stories about desert landscapes, **reach out** — we may feature them in upcoming episodes. [Donate Now!](https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate?utm%5Fsource=90mfn.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=what-s-new-on-90-miles-from-needles-the-desert-protection-podcast-sept-oct-2025) Thanks for staying engaged, for listening, and for helping to protect the desert — one story at a time. As always: keep your boots on the sand, your eyes on the horizon, and your heart with the land. Warm desert regards, the Desert Advocacy Media Network team P.S. Let us know which episode resonated most with you — your feedback helps steer what comes next. ---