The River Radius Podcast

Podcasting is incredibly unique and fun work that has allowed me to meet so many rivers and river people. And podcasting is a job that I really just created for myself. Yes there are other podcasts and podcasters, but by nature of the work, we are all kind of hidden in quiet places behind microphones and editing screens, so finding a podcasting friend is so helpful. Ed Roberson has built the Mountain & Prairie Podcast and we have become colleagues and friends that can support each other when we have questions and challenges. For this episode, Ed and I decided to interview each other in a single episode and go deeper into our work, and publish it on both of our respective podcasts. Ed is a leading interviewer finding some of the most humble and impactful people of the American West and Ed is in the process of writing his own book. To start off 2026, here is an episode with two podcasters talking about our work, focus and plans for this coming season of episodes.  GUESTSEd RobersonMountain & Prairie Podcast websiteOn AppleOn Spotify@mtnprairieSPONSORSDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusa THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

The Vjosa River in Albania is one of the largest of the last free running rivers in Europe and recently it was protected with the new Vjosa Wild River National Park. The Vjosa sources from the mountains of Greece and flows north through Albania where it meets the Adriatic Sea. Eco Albania has led much of the work to create this National Park and our guest Dr Olsi Nika founded Eco Albania.  Dr Nika tells us about this long and beautiful river in his home country, how people in Albania use this river, about life in Albania, and how they did the work to project this river.  GUESTSDr Olsi Nika RESOURCESVjosa RiverVjosa Wild River National ParkEco AlbaniaAlbaniaBalkan PeninsulaMediterranean BasinRewinding EuropeVideo:  Blue Heart - Eco AlbaniaSPONSORSDenver Area Nissan DealersOver It Raft Covers  THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Amidst a flourish of media about Paddle Tribal Waters, a new film has published from Oregon Public Broadcasting & Jessie Sears, giving focus to the 2025 source to sea run completed by the indigenous teens of PTW. The film, “First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath”, is there to meet the paddlers at the Pacific Ocean when they complete their journey, is with them along the river and the film also engages with the families of the paddlers to hear their perceptions of their kid’s work and pursuits. And finally, the film’s producer, Jessie Sears, is a member of the Karuk Tribe from the Klamath River basin, and by creating this film, she is exploring her own connections with this river and these families. The Film:  “First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath"Jessie Sears professional websiteInstagramJessie Sears at Oregon Public BroadcastingKaruk TribeOregon Public BroadcastingPaddle Tribal Waters & Rios to RiversNew York Times about Paddle Tribal WatersUnderscore Native NewsInstagramSwiftwater FilmsInstagram River RootsInstagram   THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

In the spring of 1980, nine-year-old Bridget Crocker, while playing next to her home river, fell from a downed tree into the cold swollen Snake River — a scary swim that initiated a deep, lifelong relationship with rivers and river people. This year in 2025 her memoir “The River’s Daughter” traces a thalweg of traumas, challenges and joys that played out in both her river life and her family life. Today Bridget hosts retreats and workshops on rivers, guides on special occasions, and is creating her dream life with her family. GUESTBridget CrockerInstagramBookAudio Book RELATED EPISODES FROM THE RIVER RADIUSSexual Harassment in River Guide CultureQueer River Guiding; 1 Professional's ExperienceTools for the River GuideRiver Guide UnionsEndless Summer 1: The Guide LifeEndless Summer 2: A Guide's SunsetEndless Summer 3: Guiding with a Healing Intention ORGANIZATIONS FROM EPISODEA DashAmerica OutdoorsRiver Management SocietyResponder AllianceWhale FoundationRedside Foundation  SPONSORS THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Across the United States, 640 million acres of public land belong to all of us — rivers that still run wild, deep canyons, mountain ranges, plains, and deserts. Places where the wild things live. Places we can still visit, explore, and trust that it will be there for generations or an eon. But this year, the push to sell or transfer those lands has surfaced — sometimes openly, sometimes in quieter, less obvious ways. Why is this happening? Who’s behind it? And how do we, as citizens, stand up in simple, effective ways to keep public lands public? Our guest is Land Tawney, from American Hunters & Anglers — a man who comes from a long line of land conservationists. He brings both a historical lens and a practical action plan for keeping these 640 million acres wild, free, and truly ours. GUESTAmerican Hunters and Anglers@americanhuntersanglersLand TawneyMinority Outdoor Alliance@minorityoutdooralliance RESOURCES202-224-3121Switchboard US Capital (call, tell them your zip code, and that you want to speak with your Rep and/or Sen…you might have to call 3 times to get your Rep and both of your Senators) Ambler RoadRoadless Rule, USFSAttempts to sell public landsPREVIOUS RIVER RADIUS EPISODESAre Public Lands 4 $ale?The Gila: River, Place, Family(Sen Martin Heinrich)ELECTED OFFICIALS & PUBLIC LANDSUS Senator Martin Heinrich, New Mexico@senatormartinheinrichUS Representative Gabe Vasquez, New Mexico@repgabevasquezUS Representative Betty McCollum, Minnesota@repbettymccollumUS Representative Ryan Zinke, Montana@repryanzinkeUS Senator Steve Daines, MontanaUS Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon@ronwydenUS Senator Jeff Merkley, Oregon@senjeffmerkleyUS Senator John Hickenlooper, Colorado@senatorhickUS Senator Susan Collins, Maine@sensusancollinsUS Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania@repbrianfitzUS Senator John Thune, South Dakota SPONSORSDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusaBuddy Boy Adventure Waste Kit@buddyboyusa THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Dr. Adriana Martinez grew up in Eagle Pass, Texas, swimming and playing in the Rio Grande as a part of daily life. 10 years after getting her Ph.D and teaching university classes in fluvial geomorphology, her Texas hometown and home river became the iconic center of the modern immigration debate and the setting for the controversial river buoy border fence.  In this episode she tells us about the research she is conducting to learn how the buoy fence in the Rio Grande is impacting this river, and about growing up riverside to an international border. GUESTDr Adriana "Didi" MartinezProfessional Website@thinkingriverthoughts RESOURCESMedia on buoy fence w/Dr Martinez SPONSORSDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusaOver It Raft Covers@overitraftcoversFacebook THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Tim Palmer has spent much of his life floating down, writing about, and photographing America’s rivers. With 34 books and scores of awards to his name (including the first-ever lifetime achievement award presented by American Rivers), he’s one of river conservation's most seasoned voices. In this episode, guest host Clark Tate joins Tim to talk about a recent run down the newly dam-free Klamath, his lifelong bond with Pennsylvania’s Youghiogheny River, the origins of America's flood management system, the benefits of giving rivers the room they need to run when the waters inevitably rise, and how increasingly severe floods both reveal our vulnerabilities and offer opportunities. GUESTTim PalmerSeek Higher Ground: The Natural Solution to Our Urgent Flooding CrisisYoughiogheny: Appalachian River (updated edition)Watching the River Run (photo book) HOSTClark Tate@lclarktate    THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

This September brings the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene and the powerful flooding that pounded Southern Appalachia. Incredible work has been to remove the bridges and cars and houses and trees that filled up the rivers. And more work continues today and for the next 18 months to clean up the remaining smaller trash. In this episode we learn about these details and how some communities did not flood because dams were removed prior to Helene, and how more dams are being removed post Helene.  Our guests are Hartwell Carson and Andy Hill from Mountain True in North Carolina. GUESTSHartwell CarsonAndy HillMountain True@mtntruefacebookPREVIOUS EPISODES ON HURRICANE HELENEPart 1, Hurricane Helene in Appalachia, The SciencePart 2, Hurricane Helene in Appalachia, River RescueEPISODE ON RIVERS OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIA 10 Rivers For 2025SPONSORSAmerican RiversAmerican Rivers: Hurricane HeleneAmerican Rivers: Rivers of the United StatesDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusa  THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

After incredible collaboration and momentum at the Snake River amongst several tribes and two states to create a legitimate pathway for the 4 Lower Snake River Dams to be breached and therefore allow the anadromous Salmon, Steelhead and Lamprey of the basin to avoid extinction, the collaboration has been cancelled by the current presidential administration.  Why?  What comes next?  Our guests are full of passion and wisdom for this story: Kayeloni Scott from the Columbia Snake River Campaign and Libby Tobey from the Grand Salmon Project. GUESTSKayeloni ScottColumbia Snake River CampaignLibby TobeyGrand Salmon Project FILMS ABOUT SNAKE RIVER"Covenant of the Salmon People""The Grand Salmon"Watch for live events, request a screening in your town RESOURCESColumbia Basin Restoration Initiative "Trump Administration Abandons Deal With Northwest Tribes to Restore Salmon"  Pro Publica"Remove the dams. Replace their services. Restore the Salmon."  Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association"Snake River Fact Sheet"  Idaho Rivers United PREVIOUS RIVER RADIUS EPISODES ON SNAKE RIVERSalmon 1: Mountain OriginsSalmon 2: Big Dam Problems & SolutionsSalmon 3: Fighting Extinction Real TimeDam Removal: Updates & Trends SPONSORSDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusaBuddy Boy Adventure Waste Kit@buddyboyusa THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

For 40 years, American Rivers has published its annual Most Endangered Rivers list — a powerful statement sparking awareness and action to restore waterways across the country. In this 40th anniversary episode, we talk with Chantel Dominguez from American Rivers to explore this year’s list, river by river, moving through the challenges they face and the tangible solutions for each. We also revisit three rivers from last year’s list to learn about their increasing health and vitality.Thumbnail pic credit:  Sinjin Eberle, American RiversEPISODE SPONSORSDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusaOver It Raft Covers@overitraftcoversFB  Over It. Raft Covers. EPISODE GUESTChantel DominguezAmerican RiversAmerican Rivers Most Endangered Rivers ListAmerican Rivers MembershipLink to Supportive Action for Each River:Mississippi River Tijuana RiverRivers of Southern AppalachiaPassaic RiverLower Rio Grande RiverRappahannock River  Clearwater River BasinSusitna RiverCalcasieu RiverGauley RiverRELATED EPISODESPart 1, Tijuana River, Binational FlowPart 2, Tijuana River, Source of the PollutionPart 3, Tijuana River, SolutionsPrevious American Rivers Most Endangered Rivers List Episodes10 Rivers for 202410 Rivers for 202310 Rivers for 2022 THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Every year, we ask one big question: What is a River? This year, the currents brought us to Dr. Robert Macfarlane—writer & professor—and his newly released book, Is A River Alive?, Dr Macfarlane joined us to explore that very question. From the chalk streams from his home in England to rivers across three continents, Macfarlane pursues his answers. In this episode, we move through his global journey, his new water literacy, and why he calls himself a teacher first. GUESTSDr Robert Macfarlane, University of CambridgeDr Robert Macfarlane, Wikipedia@robgmacfarlaneBook:  IS A RIVER ALIVE?Audio Book:  IS A RIVER ALIVE?Film:  MOUNTAIN narrated by Willem DafoeThe poem Inversaid by Gerard Manley HopkinsRights of NatureUniversal Declaration of River RightsRiver Seine in Paris and a Declaration of River RightsBritain's Premier Nature Writer Cries Us a River SPONSORSNatural Systems DesignIG @naturalsystemsdesignin @natural_systems_designAmerican WhitewaterIG @americanwhitewaterFB @American WhitewaterMembershipJournalRiver Info     THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

In this episode, we dive into About Damn Time, Dana Romanoff’s powerful film that follows Cindell “Dellie” Dale and a crew of boatwomen as they navigate handcrafted wooden dories down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. They spent 17 days and 277 miles running the river and filming the story. Their journey becomes a vivid exploration of women reshaping a river culture long dominated by men. We ask: How did they work together to tell this story? What wisdom flows from these women to the next generation of dory guides? And why is the dory the most poetic boat ever built to run through the Grand Canyon?GUESTSDana RomanoffCindell "Dellie" DaleOARS Grand Canyon Dories SPONSORSDown River EquipmentAmerican RiversAmerican Rivers: Take ActionAmerican Rivers: Colorado River in the Grand CanyonAmerican Rivers: Rivers of the United StatesRESOURCESGrand Canyon National ParkColorado RiverDory  THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Every July, more than 500 paddlers push off from Kansas City down 340 miles of massive Missouri River current, paddling day and night across the state in one of the world’s longest nonstop river races. This is the MR 340, an event of endurance, suffering and transformation. From solo racers chasing records to 10-person canoes grinding it out over four brutal days, every paddler faces the same river. In this episode, we sit down with Kate Mansker, a racer from the very first MR 340 in 2006 who still holds course records, and Steve Schnarr, the race director who steers the chaos behind the scenes. Together, they chart the evolution of the race, the legends it’s created, and what it takes to avoid the Reaper.  GUESTSKate ManskerSteve SchnarrSPONSORSDenver Area NIssan Dealers@nissanusa River City Outdoors@outdoorsstlFacebookBig Muddy Adventures@paddlestlFacebookTerrain Magazine@terrain_magazineFacebook MR 340 RACE INFOwww.mr340.orgRace trackingFacebookArticle 1:  They Were Magnificent Humans: An Oral History of the First MR340Article 2:  Missouri River Relief to host 20th annual MR340 race on Missouri River THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Live from the River Management Society’s Annual Symposium in Ashland, Oregon, we bring you a live conversation with Paddle Tribal Waters. This powerful project is paddling the entire length of the Klamath River from its headwaters to the Pacific Ocean during the summer of 2025. We dive into the vision and logistics behind this month-long river journey. Hear how Paddle Tribal Waters is weaving together stories of ecology, culture and river life. SPONSORSNorthwest River Supplies@nrswebFacebookAmerican Whitewater@americanwhitewaterFacebook HOSTRiver Management SocietyRMS Symposium@rivermgtsociety GUESTSRios to RiversPaddle Tribal Waters@riostorivers Danielle Rey FrankAmada Lang@moddssRuby Rain Williams @rubyrainwilliamsKeeya Wik @keeya.wikiJulian Tohnikyaw Rogers @tohnikyaw  THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Katie Veteto is a river guide with quiet calculated confidence and a sharp eye for water. Within a few years she was navigating one of the most difficult crafts on the river—the massive sweep boat. NRS's new film Driving Sweep, directed by River Radius Contributing Host Greg Cairns, follows her journey of learning, doubt, and determination as she takes on a role historically dominated by men. Through her story, the film offers a powerful reflection on resilience, mentorship, and making space in wild places.GUESTSKatie VetetoKatie Veteto was born in Southern Utah, raised in the Missoula Valley, and now spends her time in Missoula, MT and Salmon, ID. She grew up seeing the rivers of the West through the joyful lens of community and recreation and continues to guide on rivers in Montana and Idaho. Katie is an elementary school teacher. During Katies time off, you’ll find her romping in the woods with her dog Tuck, swing dancing, knitting hats, writing, or bumping around on a bike. In the Summer you’ll find her somewhere on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.Greg CairnsContributing Host & Film Creator SPONSORSNRS@nrsweb Valley Nissan@valley_nissan WATCH THE FILMYouTube linkRead about the film GIVEAWAYEnter Here@riverradiuspodcast  THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Two friends become enamored with R1 rafting and together began running class 5 runs to include waterfalls. Then they decide to spend a summer R1ing and making a river film about their fun. Kenny Beauchamp and Ryan Huck tell their story of being friends, running scary fun water and learning to make a film.   GIVEAWAYEnter Here GUESTSRyan Huck @hucknstuff29Kenny Beuachamp @steep_creek_kennyFilm Acct @steep_creek_productions_llcWebsite:  www.steepcreekproductions.comEPISODE SPONSORSSOTAR@sotaronthewaterTurtle Box Audio@turtleboxaudioListen Responsibly Valley Nissan@valley_nissan THE FILM:  JUST GET A KAYAKFILM CREWSage Yazzie @nativenaturellcMusic Jackson Corbo on Spotify & InstagramDrone pilot @anakin_fpvThad @thaddeusthefirst FILM SPONSORSSOTAR@sotaronthewaterTurtle Box@turtleboxaudioOver it Raft Covers@overitraftcovers Colorado Water Trust@cowatertrust Gili Gear@giligear River Station Gear@riverstationgear  THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

This is the 3rd and last episode about the Tijuana River. The Tijuana River is a story of trade, immigration and international borders. This is a river that flows across the US Mexico border and carries pollution and sewage. Our guest is Dr Maria-Elana Giner; she served as commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission and upon request of President Trump, she resigned from this position in April of 2025. In this 3rd episode we look for solutions to this epic challenge for the US and Mexico. CO-HOSTRamon ChairezUn Mar de Colores GUESTSDr Maria-Elana GinerIBWC Wastewater Treatment PlantLetter or Resignation, Dr GinerNew IBWC CommissionerNews on Dr Giner resigning as Commissioner RESOURCESTijuana RiverTijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve Tijuana, MexicoSan Diego / Tijuana Metro AreaNavy Seals impacted by Tijuana River PREVIOUS EPISODES ON TIJUANA RIVERPart 1, Tijuana River, Binational FlowPart 2, Tijuana River, Source of the PollutionSPONSORSAmerican Rivers@americanriversFacebookKaris Family FoundationThe Buddy Boy@buddyboyusa THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Many of our favorite rivers run through public land, land that is owned and managed by the Federal Government, and so therefore owned by the citizens of the United States. There is renewed chatter in Washington DC suggesting that major sales of public lands can create significant revenue for the Federal Government. This episode hosts experts on this topic from the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association, and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition to learn more about who wants this, why this is being considered, what are the benefits, and how listeners can engage in the process.   GUESTSKathy RinaldiGreater Yellowstone Coalition Jack HurtyIdaho Outfitter and Guides Association ARTICLES ON TOPICRepublicans weigh sales of public land in reconciliationCould federal land be sold to pay for tax cuts? LINKS TO SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVESFind your House of Representatives MemberFind your US Senator SPONSORSThe Buddy Boy@buddyboyusaDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusa SURVEY LINKRiver Radius Survey EMAIL SIGNUP LINKContact Form THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Do you ever wonder if bots are being used to acquire river permits during the annual cancellation lotteries each year? So do we. So we built a bot to see if it works to secure permits. And we tried talking with rec dot gov to get their input. Check out this episode for a tour of bots, permits, bureaucracy and access to public rivers.  SURVEY ABOUT THE RIVER RADIUS PODCASTRUNOFF EMAIL LIST SIGN UP2021 EPISODE ABOUT RIVER PERMITS GUESTSHayden BlackfordAmerican WhitewaterKevin ColburnRiver Permit Survey Results PreviewRivers Requiring Permits ListAllocating Recreation with Fairness at the ForefrontReserve ActRec Dot GovAre Bots Reserving all the Popular Locations?SPONSORSAmerican WhitewaterIGFBValley Nissan IG         THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

The Tijuana Rivers courses through the City of Tijuana Mexico where 2 million people live.  Several hundred thousand homes in Tijuana are not connected to the city sewage system and this leads to significant pollution of the Tijuana River.  And because the city of Tijuana butts right up to the US Mexico border, the path of the river sewage and the responsibility for managing is not always clear.  This episode goes into Tijuana to learn more about why the pollution exists, where it comes from and the status of various infrastructure tools that manage the pollution.  CO-HOSTRamon ChairezUn Mar de Colores GUESTSHernando DuranTijuana Verde en EspanolTijuana Verde in EnglishWaylon Matson4 Walls InternationalRosario Jacqueline MorenoChris HelmerCity of Imperial BeachIBWC Wastewater Treatment PlantTijuana RiverTijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve Tijuana, MexicoSan Diego / Tijuana Metro AreaNorth American Free Trade AgreementUnited States Mexico Canada Free Trade AgreementSPONSORSAmerican Rivers@americanriversFacebookKaris Family FoundationDenver Area Nissan Dealers@nissanusa THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree