Best University Of Wisconsin Extension Agriculture Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 74: Tribal and Transboundary Issues in the Colorado River Basin 46:58

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6d ago46:58

46:58

A conversation with Cora Tso (Senior Research Fellow, Tribal Water Policy, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Arizona State University) and Prof. Sam Sandoval (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Davis, Water Talk podcast co-host) about the complex system of water use agreements with Tribes and Mexico. Released October 17, 2025…

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Ep 73: Reimagining Flood Risk and Insurance 42:55

13d ago42:55

42:55

A conversation with Dr. Kathleen Schaefer about flood risk and new approaches for community-based flood insurance. Released October 10, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 72: A Blueprint for Community Organizing around Data Centers 52:22

20d ago52:22

52:22

A conversation with Professor Michael Bogan (University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment) about data center water use, the concept of water neutral development, and community mobilization. Released October 3, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 71: Water Footprint of AI Data Centers 43:33

28d ago43:33

43:33

A conversation with Professor Melissa Scanlan (UW–Milwaukee Center for Water Policy and School of Freshwater Sciences) about data center water use, growth, and policy considerations. Released September 26, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 70: Season 6 Teaser 19:36

1M ago19:36

19:36

Welcome to the sixth season of Water Talk! Cohosts Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, and Sam Sandoval talk about the new normal, our favorite bodies of water, all-time favorite episodes, and upcoming season. Released September 19, 2025By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 69: Advising CA Tribal Policy 44:37

9M ago44:37

44:37

A conversation with Anecita Agustinez (state tribal policy advisor, California Department of Water Resources) about water governance and expertise around challenging policy issues. Released February 7, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 68: Engineering Safer and Cleaner Water 41:40

9M ago41:40

41:40

A conversation with Nichole Morgan (civil engineer, California State Water Resources Control Board) about implementing programs and policies to steward water resources and infrastructure. Released January 31, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 67: Wildfire and Water Infrastructure 49:53

9M ago49:53

49:53

A conversation with Drs. Greg Pierce (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation) and Faith Kearns (ASU Water Innovation Initiative) about water infrastructure before, during, and following wildfires. Released January 24, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 66: Water Narratives 49:12

9M ago49:12

49:12

A conversation with Drs. Caroline Gottschalk (University of Wisconsin–Madison) and Marty Holtgren (Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting) about the importance of restoration, oral histories, dams, and rivers. Released January 17, 2025.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 65: Water and Housing Instability 41:03

10M ago41:03

41:03

A conversation with Drs. Alhelí Calderón Villareal (California State University San Marcos) and Georgia Kayser (University of California, San Diego) about the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for people experiencing housing instability. Released December 20, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 64: Disabled Groundwater 42:07

10M ago42:07

42:07

A conversation with professor Sunaura Taylor (author, artist, UC Berkeley) about injured aquifers and reframing disability in a broader environmental context. Released December 13, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 63: Growing Agaves 38:43

11M ago38:43

38:43

A conversation with California agave growers Ofelia Lichtenheld (East San Diego County) and Jordie Ricigliano (Central Coast) about opportunities and challenges for agave production. Released December 6, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 62: Reflecting on SGMA after ten years 42:35

11M ago42:35

42:35

A conversation with Deputy Director for Sustainable Water Management Paul Gosselin (CA Department of Water Resources) about California's groundwater governance and progress towards sustainability goals. Released November 22, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 61: Blackwater Swamps 43:17

11M ago43:17

43:17

A conversation with professor Ryan Emanuel (hydrologist, Lumbee tribe member, Duke University) about Indigenous survival and resilience across swamps, plains, and blackwaters in Eastern North Carolina. Released November 15, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 60: Colorado River Compact 43:50

12M ago43:50

43:50

A conversation with John Fleck (author, journalist, University of New Mexico) and Kathryn Sorenson (Senior Global Futures Scientist, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Arizona State University) about the Colorado River Compact. Released November 8, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 59: Science and Civic Engagement 42:42

12M ago42:42

42:42

A conversation with Dr. Juliet Christian-Smith (Union of Concerned Scientists) about the role of scientists in politics and policy with a focus on Western water policy. Released November 1, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 58: Great Lakes Compact 51:15

12M ago51:15

51:15

A conversation with environmental attorney and clinical law professor Oday Salim (National Wildlife Federation, University of Michigan Law School) about the Great Lakes Compact. Released October 25, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 57: Urban Agriculture, Compost, and Water 41:17

1y ago41:17

41:17

A conversation with soil microbial ecologist Dr. Joshua Garcia about farming in cities, composting, and regenerative agriculture. Released October 18, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 56: Climate Change & Mental Health 43:21

1y ago43:21

43:21

A conversation with climate psychologist and author Leslie Davenport about eco-anxiety, eco-grief, and mental health strategies for coping with climate change. Released October 11, 2024.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 55: Season 5 Teaser 12:47

1y ago12:47

12:47

Welcome back to the fifth season of Water Talk! Cohosts Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, and Sam Sandoval talk about some big changes and updates for Season 5. Released August 16, 2024By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 54: Water Advocacy and Implementation 40:10

2+ y ago40:10

40:10

A conversation with Laurel Firestone (State Water Resources Control Board) about water governance, leadership, and policy implementation in CA. Released June 2, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 53: Sierra Snowpack 46:44

2+ y ago46:44

46:44

A conversation with Dr. Safeeq Khan (UC Merced) about the Sierra Nevada Snowpack, snow-vegetation-fire interactions, and snow futures. Released May 19, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 52: Water Sovereignty and Artistry 43:12

2+ y ago43:12

43:12

A conversation with Dr. Brittani Orona (San Diego State University) about visual sovereignty, Indigenous history, artistry, and advocacy on waters. Released May 12, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 51: Rural Socio-hydrology 35:54

2+ y ago35:54

35:54

A conversation with Dr. Daniel O'Connell (Central Valley Partnership) about land, water, and community development in the CA Central Valley. Released May 5, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 50: Comparative Water Politics 42:36

2+ y ago42:36

42:36

A conversation with Dr. Sharon Megdal (University of Arizona) about water governance in AZ and CA, recharge, transboundary aquifers, and science diplomacy. Released April 28, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 49: David 'Mas' Masumoto 35:16

2+ y ago35:16

35:16

A conversation with farmer and author David 'Mas' Masumoto about peaches, regenerative practices, soil, water, and intergenerational histories in the CA Central Valley. Rereleased April 20, 2023 with original recordings from October 2020.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 48: The Salton Sea(s) 35:08

2+ y ago35:08

35:08

A conversation with Dr. Traci Brynne Voyles (University of Oklahoma) about the environmental history of The Salton Sea as well as current and future challenges. Released April 14, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 47: Regulating Nitrogen 38:22

2+ y ago38:22

38:22

A conversation with Claire Bjork (Central Coast Regional Water Board) about groundwater nitrogen policy, water quality compliance, and the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. Released April 7, 2023By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 46: Environmental Justice in the San Joaquin Valley 30:18

2+ y ago30:18

30:18

A conversation with Nayamin Martinez (Central California Environmental Justice Network) about environmental public health issues and activism in the San Joaquin Valley. Released March 24, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 45: Atmospheric Rivers 41:23

2+ y ago41:23

41:23

A conversation with Dr. Katerina Gonzales (EPA Climate Adaptation Advisor) and Dr. Daniel Swain (UCLA) about atmospheric rivers, climate extremes and futures, and climate science communication. Rereleased March 17, 2023 with original recordings from June 30, 2020.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 44: Water Insecurity and Circularity 44:29

2+ y ago44:29

44:29

A conversation with Dr. Greg Pierce (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation) about the Human Right to Water, the housing-water-fire nexus, wastewater equity, and green infrastructure. Released March 10, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 43: Educating & Empowering Elected Officials 32:21

2+ y ago32:21

32:21

A conversation with Leticia Gonzales (District 4 Supervisor, Madera County) and Victor Griego (Water Education for Latino Leaders) about representation in water governance, service through leadership, and action-oriented education for elected officials. Released March 3, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 42: Regenerative Viticulture 47:06

2+ y ago47:06

47:06

A conversation with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Dr. Chris Chen (Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino Counties) and soil scientist Noelymar Gonzalez-Maldonado (UC Davis) about regenerative viticulture, soils, and climate resilience in vineyards. Released February 24, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 41: Dam, History! 48:18

2+ y ago48:18

48:18

A conversation with historian Varsha Venkatasubramanian (UC Berkeley) about the history of dams in the Western United States and the world as it relates to foreign policy, policy history, and environmental movements. Released February 17, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 40: Whiplash & Reflection 42:49

2+ y ago42:49

42:49

A conversation with Drs. Sam Sandoval, Faith Kearns, and Mallika Nocco about the 2023 Water Year so far, weather whiplash, and what it means for California agriculture and communities. Released February 10, 2023.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 39: Slow Water Movements 44:41

3+ y ago44:41

44:41

A conversation with Erica Gies (Author, Reporter, National Geographic Explorer) about water detectives, slowing down the movement of water, controlling water, and giving water space. Released May 6, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 38: Ag in the Delta 34:18

3+ y ago34:18

34:18

A conversation with Dr. Michelle Leinfelder-Miles (University of California Cooperative Extension Delta Crops Resource Management Advisor) about different types of crops, soils, salinity, and water management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. Released April 29, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 37: Water journalism and information flows 29:09

3+ y ago29:09

29:09

A conversation with Ian James (Los Angeles Times) about water journalism in the Western United States, developing stories, journalistic roles, sourcing data, and reporting on contentious water issues. Released April 22, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 36: Central Coast Wine and Water 39:16

3+ y ago39:16

39:16

A conversation with Mark Battany (University of California Cooperative Extension Water Management and Biometeorology Advisor) about viticulture, water use, fog, salinity, and water use for frost protection in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Released April 15, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 35: Disasters and Climate Justice 40:30

3+ y ago40:30

40:30

A conversation with Dr. Michael Méndez (UC Irvine) about climate-induced disasters, planning, responses, and justice in the Los Angeles area. Released April 8, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 34: CA Native Water Rights, Stewardship, & Protection 43:07

3+ y ago43:07

43:07

A conversation with Dr. Beth Rose Middleton Manning (UC Davis) about water rights, hydroelectric infrastructure, easements, and conservation in California. Released April 1, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 33: Pacific Kelp Forests 40:25

3+ y ago40:25

40:25

A conversation with Dr. Arturo Ramírez-Valdez (UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography & Universidad Autonoma de Baja California) about the iconic Pacific kelp forests, international management efforts, marine protected areas, giant sea bass, and coastal ecosystems. Released March 18, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 32: Water inheritance and futures 39:19

3+ y ago39:19

39:19

A conversation with Joaquin Esquivel (CA State Water Resources Control Board) about intergenerational systems, water histories, and the future of CA water governance. Released March 11, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 31: Cover Crop Hydro-economics 41:35

3+ y ago41:35

41:35

A conversation with Dr. Alyssa DeVincentis (Vitidore) and Dr. Ellen Bruno (UC Berkeley) about the costs and benefits of cover crops, SGMA, and drought resilience. Released March 4, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 30: Soil, Political Ecology, and Water 46:54

3+ y ago46:54

46:54

A conversation with Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe (UC Merced) about soil degradation & water quality, political conflicts, climate solutions, and the politics of geoscience. Released February 25, 2022. Find the transcript here: https://www.watertalkpodcast.com/episodes/episode-30By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep. 29: Functional Environmental Flows 34:20

3+ y ago34:20

34:20

A conversation with Dr. Marisa Escobar (Stockholm Environmental Institute) and Dr. Belize Lane (Utah State University) about different California river ‘personalities’, how flowing water creates and sustains habitat, and flow diversions for cannabis cultivation. Released February 18, 2022.By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 28: Getting to the Heart of Water Communication 43:44

3+ y ago43:44

43:44

A conversation with Dr. Faith Kearns about science communication around contentious issues, approaches for supporting science communicators, and relationships between water scientists and the public. Released February 11, 2022. Find the transcript here: https://www.watertalkpodcast.com/episodes/episode-28…

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Ep 27: Season 3 Teaser 17:59

3+ y ago17:59

17:59

Welcome back to the third season of Water Talk, a University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources podcast about all things California Water hosted by Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, and Sam Sandoval!By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 26: Water Diplomacy and Dialogue 35:10

4+ y ago35:10

35:10

A conversation with Felicia Marcus (Stanford University) about facilitation, coalition building, innovation, and community partnerships in California. Released June 25, 2021By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval

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Ep 25: Drought and "Egosystem" Management 33:15

4+ y ago33:15

33:15

A conversation with Felicia Marcus (Stanford University) about community organizing, emergency response systems, and drought in California. Released June 18, 2021By Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, Sam Sandoval