Semester in the West Podcasts

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.

SITW 2022: ”Not Your Average Wolverine” by Tali Hastings

Conservation biologists like John Roher give their animal subjects--whether that be wolverines or snakes--unique personalities. What are the implications of this anthropomorphism? 

12-08
06:59

SITW 2022: ”The Medium of Collaboration” by Mosley Lerner

In today's culture of polarization in politics and land management collaboration is more important than ever. How do we build effective coalitions?

12-04
07:12

SITW 2022: ”A Legacy of Hope” by Kaitlyn Salazar

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.

12-04
05:46

SITW 2022: ”Getting Squirrelly” by Rachel Husband

Come explore the complex sex lives of squirrels with ecologist Paul Arbetan. 

12-04
07:15

SITW 2022: ”Seeing the West Through Invasives: a Discussion of Values” by Abigael Carron

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?

12-04
05:58

SITW 2022: ”Accepting Extraction” by Nat Lange

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.

12-04
05:31

SITW 2022: ”Understudy Species” by Sonia Burns

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.

12-04
10:15

SITW 2022: “The Mystic and the Matriarch” by Sam Allen

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.

12-04
06:16

SITW 2022: ”Wild Horses: They May Drag Me Away” by Leo Cohen

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.

12-04
05:53

SITW 2022: ”A New Hope” by Ellen Haney

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?

12-04
07:20

SITW 2022: ”Big Horns, Big Dollars” by River Woodruff

Conservation often runs into road blocks involving funding and support. How can hunting contribute to preserving wildlife and landscapes, and who does it affect?

12-04
07:01

SITW 2022: ”Not Your Average Wolverine” by Tali Hastings

Conservation biologists like Jon Rohr give their animal subjects, whether that be wolverines or snakes, unique personalities. What are the implications of this anthropomorphism?

12-04
07:10

SITW 2022: ”Learning to Love by Disagreeing” by Lila Foster

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?

12-04
07:06

SITW 2022: ”Science and Humanity: The Ultimate Partnership” by Katie Spegar

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.

12-04
05:10

SITW 2022: ”NEPA? I hardly know ya!” by Apple Lieser

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. 

12-04
07:19

SITW 2022: ”Salmon and the Snake River Dams”, by Henry Roller

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?

12-03
06:56

SITW 2022: ”A Biologist, his Bike, and Bats”, by Thomas McElfresh

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.

12-03
06:43

SITW 2022: ”Cycles: Nature and Grief” by Hannah Cuvin

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?

12-03
06:46

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