Best Travis Loop Podcasts (2025)

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How Activated Carbon Cleans Water

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3d ago

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Activated carbon is a frontline solution in the fight against PFAS and other contaminants in water. In this episode, Brandon Hamilton of Norit explains how activated carbon works like a “rigid sponge” —using its complex pore structures to trap everything from volatile organics to microscopic chemicals. He breaks down why utilities are increasingly …

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Ep. 57 - Manistee River Loop: Tips, Tales, and Trail Insights 1:29:43

1d ago1:29:43

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Send us a text Join us as we recap our backpacking trip on the Manistee River Loop! We share trail tips, gear advice, and stories from the journey. Whether you’re planning your own hike or just love the outdoors, this episode has it all. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen to us …

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How Los Angeles Is Building a Drought-Proof Future | The Golden State of Reuse

4d ago

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Los Angeles is turning recycled water into real-world resilience—protecting aquifers from seawater intrusion, powering industry, gaining public support, and building a next-generation supply that reduces dependence on imported sources. At Terminal Island, Dean Taylor explains how this pioneering facility evolved from discharging into the harbor to …

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How Utilities Can Adapt To Ever-Changing Water Quality

8d ago

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Utilities across the country are facing shifting water quality challenges — from changing influent chemistry to tightening discharge limits. This demands smarter monitoring and faster response. In this episode, Carlos Williams of Hach shares how utilities are adapting to this evolving landscape through advanced analysis and real-time data. He expla…

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Ep. 56 - From Stream to Field: Dinnes McGill on the Future of Hunting and Fishing 1:10:20

8d ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with lifelong outdoorsman Dinnes McGill to explore where his deep passion for hunting and fishing began. Dinnes shares early memories that shaped his respect for the land and the wildlife that call it home, and opens up about his concerns for the future of our lakes, streams, and forests. From the quiet l…

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This poet discovered AI and fell back in love with his creative career 41:24

10d ago41:24

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Iain Thomas is a poet, author, and the Chief Innovation Officer at Sounds Fun—an advertising and creative agency that he co-founded with the belief that human creativity could be enhanced, rather than diminished, with the help of AI. It’s a realization that actually began to dawn on Iain a few years prior, after his mother died. He wasn’t sure how …

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AI Goes Underground To Inspect Our Sewers

12d ago

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Artificial intelligence is transforming how cities understand and manage their underground water infrastructure. In this episode, Eric Sullivan of SewerAI explains how computer vision and the cloud are revolutionizing the inspection and maintenance of wastewater systems. Technology automatically detects and classifies defects in sewer pipes using A…

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Ep. 55 - Round Two: The Great National Parks Trivia Throwdown! 45:52

16d ago45:52

45:52

Send us a text Think you know your National Parks? Think again. We're back with another round of National Parks Trivia, and this time we’re diving deep into the weird, wild, and wonderfully obscure corners of America’s most beloved landscapes. Expect laughs, light competition, and maybe a few moments where we all collectively question our education…

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The Ways Orange County Leads The Water World | The Golden State of Reuse

19d ago

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Orange County shows how water recycling moves from idea to impact—linking history, science, and workforce to make reuse mainstream. At Irvine Ranch Water District, Paul Cook explains how a simple visual breakthrough—the now-iconic purple pipe—was created in the 1980s to clearly mark recycled water and build public trust, a standard that spread acro…

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From Curiosity To Solution: A Student's Journey In Water Science

21d ago

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Annabelle Rayson’s journey into water science began on the shores of Lake Huron and has grown into an award-winning pursuit of global impact. A student at Harvard University and winner of the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Annabelle shares how her childhood curiosity about the Great Lakes evolved into groundbreaking research and real-world prob…

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How SUEZ Is Importing Innovation To North America

24d ago

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SUEZ is aiming to ignite innovation in North America by bringing its 160 years of global water expertise and thousands of patented treatment technologies to utilities across the continent. In this conversation from WEFTEC, Joshua Cantone and Abigail Antolovich of SUEZ share how the company is focused on empowering utilities with advanced tools and …

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The distillery with an AI-backed plan to lift their spirits 33:29

24d ago33:29

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Bespoken Spirits isn’t your typical whiskey distillery. Yes, they’re based in the American bourbon heartland of Lexington, Kentucky, and yes, they often make private label whiskeys for clients. But everything from how Bespoken Spirits distills their whiskey to how they market it is done with the help of AI. Jordan Spitzer, their head of flavor, can…

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Ep. 54 - Load It Right: Backpack Packing 101 1:21:58

23d ago1:21:58

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re getting into packing your pack from the top lid to the hip belt. What goes where, why it matters, and how to keep your gear balanced, dry, and easy to grab when you need it most. We’ll break down how to layer your load — heavy gear in the middle, quick grabs on top, sleep stuff on the…

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The State Of Research On PFAS

26d ago

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PFAS remains one of water’s toughest and most urgent challenges — a class of thousands of persistent compounds still only partly understood but deeply embedded in modern life and the environment. In this episode, Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation, discusses the state of PFAS research, including how science is closing critical know…

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Ep. 53 - Sharing the Path: The Art of Being "Trail Kind" 54:17

1M ago54:17

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Send us a text This week we dive into the unwritten rules of the trail — from right-of-way and passing, to respecting nature and fellow hikers. We call it the art of being Trail Kind. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a thru-hiker, tune in for tips, laughs, and stories about what makes the trail experience better for everyone. Email us at: buste…

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How San Diego Is Building a Recycled Water Future | The Golden State of Reuse

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San Diego is proving that the future of water is recycled. This episode visits Santee Lakes—one of California’s earliest examples of water reuse—with Kyle Swanson of Padre Dam Municipal Water District, who explains how a 1960s experiment turned wastewater into a beloved community asset and a model for the world. The story then moves to the North Ci…

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These people made an internal podcast. AI helped them reach the whole team 38:08

1M ago38:08

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Amanda Cupido doesn’t speak Spanish or French. But using AI, she and her team helped a global nonprofit make their internal podcast more accessible to as many employees as possible. Amanda is an audio producer and the founder of a production company called Lead Podcasting. One of her clients is a global nonprofit with over 35,000 employees—and not …

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Ep. 52 - Roots in the City: A Man Named Birch and the Detroit Arboretum 1:37:55

1M ago1:37:55

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with Andrew “Birch” Kemp — co-founder and co-director of the Detroit Arboretum. From planting roots in the city to growing a living legacy, Birch shares how trees are shaping the future of Detroit and why green spaces matter more than ever. Tune in for stories of community, conser…

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Meet the Hydro20: Wavemakers for Water Sustainability

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Introducing the Hydro20, a group of twenty individuals celebrated for driving change, disrupting norms, and doing good for water sustainability across the United States. The Hydro20 is an initiative of waterloop, a nonprofit news outlet, and was announced during Climate Week NYC at the Rethinking Water conference hosted by Columbia University. The …

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Ep. 51 - Hygiene On Trail 46:46

1M ago46:46

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees we’re tackling the unglamorous—but absolutely essential—side of life on the trail: hygiene! From washing up in the wild, to brushing those teeth under the stars, and yes… even the fine art of pooping outdoors. Join us as we break down the tips, tricks, and laughs that keep you clean, fresh, …

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For these shipwreck-hunting humans, AI is part of the crew 30:39

2M ago30:39

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Very few people get paid to visit shipwrecks—but for Stephanie Gandulla, it’s all part of the job. Stephanie is a scuba diver, maritime archeologist, and resource protection coordinator for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The agency safeguards Lake Huron’s historic shipwrecks, many of which have yet to be discovered. That’s where Katie S…

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Ep. 50 - Season 5 Finale! 56:05

2M ago56:05

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Send us a text Season 5 was a milestone filled with incredible conversations and unforgettable moments. We sat down with inspiring guests like Trevor Edmonson, Whitney Yoerger, and Augie, who each brought unique perspectives and stories to share. Listeners joined us for quirky game nights that kept things lighthearted and fun, while the ever-entert…

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Ep. 49 - Volunteering for the Wild with Alyssa Augustyniak! 1:20:22

2M ago1:20:22

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we chat with Alyssa, a boots-on-the-ground conservationist turning mud, sweat, and data into real change. From fieldwork to community action, hear how hands-on volunteering and data collecting keep our wild spaces thriving. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.s…

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Inside Infrastructure: How Valves Check The Flow

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Inside infrastructure, there’s a simple device called check valves quietly protecting water systems from chaos, stopping dirty water from flowing backward, and keeping everything running smoothly amid bigger storms, tighter regulations, and growing cities. In this episode, Cal Hayes from Proco Products explains the vital role of check valves. He ex…

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Why the hot new ingredient in this chef’s pantry is AI 33:02

2M ago33:02

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Ian Ramirez has spent his career finding innovative ways to make mouth-watering meals for clients—and one of his latest ingredients is artificial intelligence. As a chef, culinary consultant, and co-founder of Mad Honey Culinary Studio and Goods, he’s the guy that brands hire to get their product on restaurant menus, and make it look and taste good…

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Ep. 48 - Quirky Truths & Twisted Lies with Paddy 51:02

2M ago51:02

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Send us a text Get ready for game night, Paddy-style! With his quirky twist, he takes the helm for Two Truths and a Lie. Expect laughs, surprises, and a dash of unexpected knowledge. Come hang out, play along, and see if you can spot the lie! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen t…

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Coming soon: Season two 1:54

2M ago1:54

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Working Smarter is back for season two! Starting September 3, we’re going beyond the hype and headlines to bring you stories about real people using AI to do more of what they love about their jobs. From the F1 track to the kitchen—and even the bottom of a lake—learn how new tools are helping creatives, makers, visionaries, and their teams think bi…

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Ep. 47 - The Bird is the Word w/ Indiana Audubon Society's Whitney Yoerger! 1:32:11

2M ago1:32:11

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re spreading our wings with bird conservationist Whitney Yoerger from the Indiana Audubon Society! From the importance of land conservation to creating accessible birding spaces, Whitney shares her passion for protecting habitats and connecting people to the world of birds. We also dive …

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Pittsburgh’s Playbook for Replacing All Lead Pipes

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Pittsburgh is writing a playbook on lead pipe replacement, aiming to eliminate all toxic lines by 2027. In this episode, Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis of Women for a Healthy Environment reveal the strategy behind this national model. With over $200 million in federal grants and low-interest loans, the city …

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Ep. 46 - International Backpacking w/ Bradley Grear 1:18:27

3M ago1:18:27

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Brad to swap stories and dive into the do’s and don’ts of international travel. From smart tips to hilarious mishaps, this episode is packed with advice and laughs for anyone itching to explore the world! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.soc…

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Can Southern California Avoid A Day Zero Water Crisis?

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As Southern California wonders if water scarcity could ever spiral into a “Day Zero” crisis, the region stands at a crossroads for securing its water future. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Ian James, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, dives into the critical decisions shaping the region’s water portfolio. With half its supply imported from …

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Ep. 45 - Safety First, Adventure Always 58:24

3M ago58:24

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Send us a text Before you hit the trail, make sure your pack is ready for anything. In this episode, we break down the essential safety gear every backpacker should carry—from first aid kits and navigation tools to emergency shelters and water filtration. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or a multi-day trek into the wild, we share tips…

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The Rebirth of Bayou City: Centering Water in Houston

3M ago

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Houston is known as the energy capital—but it’s also the Bayou City, where water flows not just through the environment, but through culture, memory, justice, and resilience. In this episode from the Color of Water series, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, shares how her background in art and advocacy fuels bold …

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Ep. 44 - Wilderness Trivia: Can You Survive? 58:24

3M ago58:24

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Send us a text Think you could survive in the wild? This week on the pod, we put our skills—and sanity—to the test with our very own version of Survival Trivia! It’s funny, it’s informational, and occasionally, it gets downright weird. From bizarre animal facts to “what-would-you-do” scenarios, tune in to laugh, learn, and question everything you t…

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Ep. 43 - Bringing Back The Prairie: With The Nature Conservancy's Trevor Edmonson! 1:38:10

3M ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with The Nature Conservancy's very own Trevor Edmonson, to explore the wild and wonderful world of Kankakee Sands! From managing a thriving bison herd to restoring 8,400 acres of prairie once lost to the plow, Trevor shares the triumphs and trials of bringing biodiversity back t…

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Texas Bets $20 Billion On Its Water Future

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Texas is tackling its booming population’s water demands with a bold $20 billion investment plan to secure sustainable supplies and infrastructure by 2050. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Todd Votteler, a veteran water expert and editor of the Texas Water Journal, joins the podcast to discuss the state’s dynamic water landscape. With Texas expe…

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Ep. 42 - From River to Rocks: Au Sable Adventures & Charlevoix Finds! 1:06:20

4M ago1:06:20

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Send us a text Join Brad and Paddy as they relive their epic 125 mile thru-paddle of Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River—"ponds", rain, and riverside camping included! Meanwhile, Travy J discovers absolute rock hounding heaven on the shores of Lake Michigan and strikes rock gold with a rare Petosky stone find! Plus, the News Panther prowls in with …

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Ways AI Is Reshaping Environmental Communications

4M ago

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AI isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s reshaping how communications and marketing get done. In this episode, Shama Hyder, a leading voice in digital transformation, explains why this moment demands strategic urgency and how organizations must adapt or risk falling behind. She shares how AI is disrupting knowledge work, changing workflows, and …

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Ep. 41 - Top 3 Pieces of Gear (Not Core 3) 1:12:11

4M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

Send us a text This week, Paddy, Travy, and Brad break down their Top 3 Favorite Pieces of Gear, that aren’t the Core Three. From trusty trail hacks to underrated essentials, these are the items we never leave behind. Lightweight, weird, or just plain awesome, we're giving them the love they deserve. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @…

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How WWF Restores Rivers For Resilience

4M ago

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Healthy rivers are essential for thriving communities, and smart, nature-based solutions are proving crucial to turning things around in a changing climate. In this episode, Derek Vollmer, Director of Waterscapes for the World Wildlife Fund, shares how their program uses innovative, place-based strategies to restore rivers and build resilience worl…

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Ep. 40 - Season Four Wrap Up! 1:07:52

4M ago1:07:52

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Send us a text We’ve hiked the miles, seen the birds, swapped the gear, and now it’s time to look back on everything Season 4! In this special recap episode, Paddy, Travy, and Brad gather around the mic to reflect on the wildest stories, best guests, and favorite moments from the trail. From muddy misadventures to deep conversations under the canop…

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Ep. 39 - The Birdman Cometh....Againeth! 1:34:41

4M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Send us a text The Busted Knees and Pretty Trees crew is back at it and guess who’s joining the flock? That’s right, The Birdman himself, Chad Fitzpatrick is back in the nest! This week, Travy, Paddy, and Brad spread their wings with Chad to chat all things spring migration, dive into the ethics of birding, explore the meditative magic of the sit s…

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In The Newsroom With Camille Von Kaenel: California's Delta Tunnel Decision

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California's water future could be shaped by a $20 billion gamble with the controversial Delta Tunnel. This episode dives deep into the high-stakes project with Camille von Kaenel, California Environment Reporter for Politico. She unravels the complex plan to transport water from Northern to Southern California, detailing its immense cost, the deca…

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Ep. 38 - We Talkin Electronics... on the Trail! 1:08:55

5M ago1:08:55

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Send us a text This week, Paddy, Brad, and Travy crack open the gear bag and focus on the tech that tags along—electronic gear on trail. Power banks, headlamps, GPS gadgets, and the devices we love (or love to hate) when the wilderness gets wired! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Lis…

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How Science Saved Houston From Sinking 37:58

5M ago37:58

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Decades of overpumping groundwater around Houston caused the land to sink by as much as 15 feet, forcing neighborhoods to flood and entire communities to relocate. This episode explores how land subsidence developed, and how science, regulation, and infrastructure are now stopping the ground from sinking. Chrissy Butcher of Baytown Nature Center an…

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In The Newsroom With Tony Schick: Snake River Dams, Salmon Collapse, & Broken Promises To Tribes

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The hard-fought plan to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest has been abruptly derailed, threatening one of the most significant tribal and environmental agreements in decades. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Tony Schick of Oregon Public Broadcasting breaks down how the Trump administration scrapped a landmark deal that would have paved…

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Ep. 37 - National Parks Trivia w/ Mr. Corey Gaudette! 1:03:07

5M ago1:03:07

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, the guys welcome the one and only Mr. Corey Gaudette for a fun, funny, and slightly chaotic round of National Parks Trivia. Who’s got the park smarts and who totally blows it? You’ll have to listen to find out. Plus, the News Panther is back with a couple of wild stories you definitely don’t …

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Ep. 36 - John Chapman: The Myth And The Legend 1:03:20

5M ago1:03:20

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Travy J. peels back the legend of Johnny Appleseed, or should we say John Chapman? Was he really just a barefoot wanderer planting apple trees? Or is there more fruit to the story? Join us as we dig into the myths, the man and the mysticism behind one of America's strangest folk heroes. Ema…

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In The Newsroom: Antoine Walter On The Business Of Water In 2025

5M ago

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Billions of dollars are finally flowing into the water industry, but the financial landscape is still far behind energy, climate tech, and other booming sectors. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Travis Loop is joined by Antoine Walter, host of the (don’t) Waste Water podcast, for an insider look at how investment in the water sector is evolving—…

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Ep. 35 - Backpacking Gear Accessories! 1:04:15

5M ago1:04:15

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Paddy, Travy, and Brad dive deep into all things backpacking gear accessories! From the lightest packs to the weirdest gadgets you never knew you needed, the guys break it all down with their usual banter, honest takes, and trail-tested wisdom! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us:…