S1 Ep. 11 Lydia Breunig and Hilary Giovale on settler relationships to place, being a good relative, and Snowbowl Ski Resort
Join Sacred Land Alliance founders Lydia Breunig and Hilary Giovale for a conversation exploring how settler relationships to place have shaped many people's connection to the Sacred Peaks, what it means to resist colonial ways of relating to land, and discuss their thoughts on how we can become better relatives and accomplices to the Indigenous Peoples whose homelands we inhabit.
Together, we discuss why Arizona Snowbowl is an issue the entire Flagstaff community, and the broader region, should care about, unpack deeply rooted ideologies surrounding the Peaks and the settler community, and hear why this work is so deeply personal and meaningful to both Hilary and Lydia.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us @protectgrandcanyon to stay connected. Every episode shared is a step toward protecting sacred places for future generations.
As mentioned in the episode:
Sacred Land Alliance (https://sacredlandall.org/) Check out Lydia and Hilary's website to get connected locally with this work
Guide to Making a Personal Reparations Plan - Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G-ufl_8ixdquMGrDziiBUBAANYKXrN7eHtjiE5aKTfw/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.1kvofvfw6wns) Shared by Hilary
Defend the Sacred Peaks (https://www.defendthepeaks.org/) Online resource for Peaks-related information
Snowbowl Action Kit - Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QPHOkEYY_1KvwkihQxsmbDHc9iZ4r7h4c816_L70z0k/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.xhft0owbxr0q) Action kit for Ideas of how to get involved!
Good Relative (https://www.goodrelative.com/) to learn more about Hilary's book and work
(5) Picking Up My Bundle | Substack (https://substack.com/@lydiabreunig?utm_source=global-search) to view Lydia's writings on Substack
4 Aug 2026
S2 Ep. 3 Grassroots organizing on the Navajo Nation against Uranium Mining in the Region with Diné C.A.R.E. and Biddi Roots
Join us for Episode 3 of our Monuments and Mines series as we speak with Robyn Jackson of Diné C.A.R.E. and Taymond Tolthe of Bidi Roots. Both Navajo Nation-based organizations are doing incredible work within the region. In this episode we explore Uranium Transport and the Navajo Nation, chat about the incredible community organizing their organizations are doing against the Pinyon Plain Uranium mine, and what mining companies don't want people to know.
Support these orgs!
Check out Diné C.A.R.E. Home | Dine-care (https://www.dine-care.org/)
Connect with Bidi Roots through email at bidiroots@gmail.com
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us @protectgrandcanyon to stay connected. Every episode shared is a step toward protecting sacred places for future generations.
31 Jul 2026
Ep 10. Kyle Boggs on Recreational Colonialism and the Peaks
Join us for Episode 10 of our Snowbowl series as we speak with Community Journalist, author, and Professor Kyle Boggs. In this conversation, we dive into Kyle's new book "Recreational Colonialism" as it relates to the peaks.
Recreational Colonialism and the Rhetorical Landscapes of the Outdoors argues that outdoor recreation is not politically neutral but can reinforce ongoing settler colonialism by normalizing non-Indigenous claims to and uses of lands that hold deep cultural, religious, and historical significance for Indigenous peoples. Drawing on examples such as skiing, climbing, ultrarunning, and bikepacking, especially focusing on the conflict over Arizona Snowbowl on the sacred San Francisco Peaks, Kyle Boggs examines how recreation, language, and public-land narratives shape who is seen as belonging on the landscape and whose relationships to place are marginalized. Rather than calling for an end to outdoor recreation, the book challenges readers to critically examine their own participation in these systems and to support Indigenous sovereignty and more ethical relationships with land.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us @protectgrandcanyon to stay connected. Every episode shared is a step toward protecting sacred places for future generations.
Have questions or want to get involved locally?
📧 Reach out: mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org
21 May 2026
Ep. 2 Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument and Pinyon Plain Uranium Mine with Carletta Tulousi
Join us for Episode 2 of our Monuments and Mines series as we speak with Carletta Tilousi of the Havasupai Tribe. Carletta has been instrumental in the defense of the region, as well as in the creation of Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni, Ancestral Foot Prints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. In this episode we explore the who, what, where, when, and why behind this monument, and explore the threats Pinyon Plain Uranium Mine, grandfathered into the monument, poses to the region, and how you can get involved.
Check out Monumental Moment here: Monumental Moment Film | Learn, Advocate, Act (https://www.monumental-moment.com/)
Sign the petition to protect Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon here Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument (https://keepitgrandaz.org/)
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us @protectgrandcanyon to stay connected. Every episode shared is a step toward protecting sacred places for future generations.
Have questions or want to get involved locally?
📧 Reach out: mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org
And special thanks to our partners at Beyond the Pines and Home Sounds.
8 Apr 2026
Ep. 1 Uranium Mining in the Southwest and Navajo Nation with Sabrina Mathues ManyGoats
Join us for Episode 1 of our Monuments and Mines series as we speak with Uranium organizer and artist, Sabrina Manygoats. Learn about the history of Uranium mining in the 4 corners region, why uranium mining is so dangerous, an exploration of what radiation does to our bodies, and more.
To connect with Sabrina, check out her website and social media Home | The Mathues (https://www.themathues.com/) , and (3) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/themathues/)
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us @protectgrandcanyon to stay connected. Every episode shared is a step toward protecting sacred places for future generations.
Have questions or want to get involved locally?
📧 Reach out: mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org
And special thanks to our partners at Beyond the Pines and Home Sounds.
7 Jul 2025
PART 2: Interview with Laura Jo West, former Coconino Forest Service Supervisor on managing the Peaks and working with Snowbowl
Laura Jo West, former Coconino Forest Service Supervisor, discusses managing the Peaks, working with Snowbowl, and her removal from related decisions in this interview.
7 Jul 2025
PART 1: Interview with Laura Jo West, former Coconino Forest Service Supervisor on managing the Peaks and working with Snowbowl
Laura Jo West, former Coconino Forest Service Supervisor, discusses managing the Peaks, working with Snowbowl, and her removal from Snowbowl-related decisions in this interview.
16 Apr 2025
Janeen Phillips on the Connection Between the Peaks and the Celestial World — and Why it Matters.
Thinking about skiing at Snowbowl? Might want to think again. Listen to this series to learn more about why you may want to think twice before spending time there…
This episode is part of a series focused on sharing more about the CRISIS that is Snowbowl Ski Resort (outside of Flagstaff, Arizona) and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable.
EPISODE 7:
How is what's happening on the moon related to what's happening on the peaks?
Check out our newest episode of “Land Defenders” with Janeen Phillips. Janeen is a young community organizer, among many other things, and we chat about Snowbowls' bigger picture in colonization, the disconnect between Traditional ecological knowledge and western science, and the relationship between what's going on on the peaks… and what's going on in the stars.
To learn more and stay connected, follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions or to get involved locally, don’t hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org.
Produced by: Mattea Goetz
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Janeen Phillips
Photo: Dawn Dyer
14 Mar 2025
Cora Maxx-Phillips on Honoring Nature's Laws, Understanding the Sacred, and the Roots of the Dilemma on the Peaks
Thinking about skiing at Snowbowl? Might want to think again. Listen to this series to learn more about why you may want to think twice before spending time there…
This episode is part of a series focused on sharing more about the CRISIS that is Snowbowl Ski Resort (outside of Flagstaff, Arizona) and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable.
EPISODE 6:
In this episode, we have a conversation with Cora Maxx-Phillips. Cora has been involved in the defense of the peaks for her whole life. Through this time, she has come to recognize that one of the foundations of the issue surrounding the peaks is the lack of understanding regarding what sacred means. Through this episode, we explore what it means to be sacred from her cultural lens, are reminded of the interconnected nature of the world, and are offered powerful examples to reflect on the differences between Western culture and Indigenous ways of being.
To learn more and stay connected follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions, or to get involved locally, don’t hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org.
Produced by: Mattea Goetz
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Cora Maxx-Phillips
Photo: Dawn Dyer
26 Feb 2025
PART 2: Dr. Chris Jocks on the Legal history surrounding Snowbowl Ski Resort (Snowbowl Series)
Thinking about skiing at Snowbowl? Might want to think again. Listen to this series to learn more about why you may want to think twice before spending time there…
This episode is part of a series focused on sharing more about the CRISIS that is Snowbowl Ski Resort (outside of Flagstaff, Arizona) and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable.
EPISODES 4 AND 5:
In these episodes, we have a conversation with Dr. Chris Jocks (Kanien’kehá:ka), chair of the Applied Indigenous Studies dept. at NAU. Chris has been involved in the defense of the peaks for decades, and during this time, has developed a particular expertise on the legal side of the issue(s). Through our conversation, we look at the direct actions filed against Snowbowl and other supreme court cases that have affected Tribal Nations, organizations, and peak defenders’ legal power on the issue. It is clear through this legal exploration that the government upholds money and property above the health of land and people ( no surprise…) … but so does Snowbowl.
To learn more and stay connected follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions, or to get involved locally, don’t hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org.
Produced by: Mattea Goetz
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Dr. Chris Jocks
Photo: Dawn Dyer
26 Feb 2025
PART 1: Dr. Chris Jocks on the Legal history surrounding Snowbowl Ski Resort (Snowbowl Series)
Thinking about skiing at Snowbowl? Might want to think again. Listen to this series to learn more about why you may want to think twice before spending time there…
This episode is part of a series focused on sharing more about the CRISIS that is Snowbowl Ski Resort (outside of Flagstaff, Arizona) and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable.
EPISODES 4 AND 5:
In these episodes, we have a conversation with Dr. Chris Jocks (Kanien’kehá:ka), chair of the Applied Indigenous Studies dept. at NAU. Chris has been involved in the defense of the peaks for decades, and during this time, has developed a particular expertise on the legal side of the issue(s). Through our conversation, we look at the direct actions filed against Snowbowl and other supreme court cases that have affected Tribal Nations, organizations, and peak defenders’ legal power on the issue. It is clear through this legal exploration that the government upholds money and property above the health of land and people ( no surprise…) … but so does Snowbowl.
To learn more and stay connected follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions, or to get involved locally, don’t hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org.
Produced by: Mattea Goetz
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Dr. Chris Jocks
Photo: Dawn Dyer
13 Jan 2025
Allen Stewart on the Ecological Dangers of Reclaimed Wastewater Use at Snowbowl Ski Resort
This episode is a part of a mini-series that we developed in partnership with 3 students from NAU focused on the crisis that is Snowbowl Ski Resort and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable. For clearer audio, skip to episode 4.
To learn more and stay connected follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and follow us wherever you listen to podcasts, and consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions, or to get involved locally, don't hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org (mailto:Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org)
Produced by: Mattea Goetz, NAU student team, Carrie Danielson
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Allen Stewart.
13 Jan 2025
PART2: Shawn Mulford on the Defense of the Peaks and Diné Cultural Connections (Snowbowl Ski Resort)
This episode is a part of a mini-series that we developed in partnership with 3 students from NAU focused on Snowbowl Ski Resort and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable. For clearer audio, skip to episode 4.
EDIT: Snowbowl Ski Resort, at the time it began using reclaimed sewage water for artificial snow, was the only resort in the world to use reclaimed water to make 100% of their artificial snow. However, since that time, it is unclear if there are other resorts that also use reclaimed waste water for 100% of their artificial snow. re: "Snowbowl is the only resort in world to use reclaimed waste water for 100% of their artificial snow"
To learn more and stay connected follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and follow us wherever you listen to podcasts, and consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions, or to get involved locally, don't hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org (mailto:Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org),
Also check out Heal the Peaks (https://healthepeaks.com/) healthepeaks.com to read “Conflicting Perspectives Regarding the Holy Mountain Called “San Francisco Peaks,” and Other Sacred and Significant Places of Original Nations and Traditional Healers,” learn more, and sign their petition.
Music by: Emma Nesteruck
Produced by: Mattea Goetz, NAU student team, Carrie Danielson
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Shawn Mulford.
13 Jan 2025
PART1: Shawn Mulford on the Defense of the Peaks and Diné Cultural Connections (Snowbowl Ski Resort)
This episode is a part of a mini-series that we developed in partnership with 3 students from NAU focused on Snowbowl Ski Resort and the agencies that are supposed to hold them accountable. For clearer audio, skip to episode 4.
EDIT: Snowbowl Ski Resort, at the time it began using reclaimed sewage water for artificial snow, was the only resort in the world to use reclaimed water to make 100% of their artificial snow. However, since that time, it is unclear if there are other resorts that also use reclaimed waste water for 100% of their artificial snow. re: "Snowbowl is the only resort in world to use reclaimed waste water for 100% of their artificial snow"
To learn more and stay connected follow us on social media @Protectgrandcanyon and follow us wherever you listen to podcasts, and consider sharing these episodes with others. Every episode and story shared is another step toward protecting these sacred places for generations to come. For questions, or to get involved locally, don't hesitate to email me at Mattea.goetz@sierraclub.org,
Also check out Heal the Peaks healthepeaks.com to read “Conflicting Perspectives Regarding the Holy Mountain Called “San Francisco Peaks,” and Other Sacred and Significant Places of Original Nations and Traditional Healers,” learn more, and sign their petition.
Music by: Emma Nesteruck
Produced by: Mattea Goetz, NAU student team, Carrie Danielson
In Partnership with Beyond the Pines: A FLG Wellness Collective. You can find them @beyondFLG or www.beyondFLG.com
And a most special thank you to our guest, Shawn Mulford.
9 Jan 2025
Trailer: Land Defenders
This is an introduction to the Land Defenders Podcast; stories from Land Defenders at the forefront of conservation in the Greater Grand Canyon Region.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
9,925,012
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
51
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