Claim OwnershipSemester in the West Podcasts
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Podcasts about the intersections of the culture, politics, and landscapes of the American West from Whitman College‘s Semester in the West. All podcasts are student-produced and based on audio collected from the program‘s travels through the West.
40 Episodes
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Conservation biologists like John Roher give their animal subjects--whether that be wolverines or snakes--unique personalities. What are the implications of this anthropomorphism?
In today's culture of polarization in politics and land management collaboration is more important than ever. How do we build effective coalitions?
These are the stories of Don and Ray, a radio host and a wildlife biologist, and how their sons have inspired their work. Despite their separate fields, both men work to bring people together and unify communities.
Come explore the complex sex lives of squirrels with ecologist Paul Arbetan.
Why do we value some species more than others? The polarized labels of invasive and endangered call society to action. However, they fail to consider the interconnectedness of the world and how the eradication of one species may lead to the demise of another. Do we save species to benefit ourselves or because we simply believe it’s the right thing to do?
Extractive industries like mining and logging are often pained in a negative light by environmentalists. But can these industries carve out a place for themselves in a greener future? I went to a logging operation and an open-pit mine to find out.
When people think of an environment, they often picture a few key species: wolves, bears, salmon, giant aspen trees. But the most visible species aren’t the only ones in an ecosystem. Listen to learn more about “understudy” species that often go unnoticed.
In El Paso, Texas, our group took a special walking tour that brought local stories to life. Understanding the importance of historic buildings and neighborhoods helped shed light on modern issues of redevelopment and gentrification in the city, and made us think; what does it take to control a community’s narrative? Come with us on our tour to learn more.
There is a wild horse issue in the American West. Conversations with stakeholders about the problem opened a new door for me. This is how my perception of wild horses un-romanticized through travels in Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona.
Traveling throughout the west, we saw how human actions are causing environmental degradation and species decline, from open pit mines to overgrazed ranchlands. We also met with a multitude of experts in their fields who are committed to their work to protect and restore the environment despite significant and continuing challenges. Where do hope, courage, and commitment play a role in responding to environmental desolation?
Conservation often runs into road blocks involving funding and support. How can hunting contribute to preserving wildlife and landscapes, and who does it affect?
Conservation biologists like Jon Rohr give their animal subjects, whether that be wolverines or snakes, unique personalities. What are the implications of this anthropomorphism?
An exploration of relationships and conversations with people who have very different opinions from my own, often on controversial topics. How can we hold love for these people despite disagreements? And why should we even try?
The relationship between Western science and indigenous cultural knowledge of the American West is complex. This podcast explores the tension between the two areas through the lens of a psychology major.
Over our semester travelling through the West, we kept running into one law: NEPA. Often referred to as the Magna Carta of the environmental movement, this law set the foundation for many of the environmental laws we love today. But what exactly is it? In this podcast, we learn who uses NEPA, who it effects, and what it does.
Snake River salmon are on the brink of extinction, and four dams on the lower Snake River aren’t helping. Historically over two million salmon returned to the Snake River to spawn every year. This year only 20,000 will. Will we save this iconic species before it is too late?
Kent Woodruff, a local biologist of the Methow Valley, takes me to a creaky old cabin in the woods. He’s here to tell me how one day, he discovered a new species of bat in the valley while out for a bike ride, and how he fought to keep them here.
Nature is always changing; growing, dying and being reborn in a constant cycle. How can these rhythms of transformation help us understand and cope with change in our own lives? Can we learn from the way nature is always dying and regenerating? Can we find healing from grief in the patterns of nature?
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