Surface Exposure

About Surface Exposure

Presenting stories, insights, and efforts of those who interface with the natural world. Www.surfaceexposure.com

Publisher

Undermine Media

Category

science · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Apr 2024

Latest episode

24 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Jul 2026

   Sonoran Desert Garden - Stewardship, Education, and Foraging

   Sonoran Rosie has a lifelong passion for the Sonoran Desert and its native plants. After discovering a lack of natural desert-inspired aromatherapy, Rosie studied local herbalism and began creating herbal skincare, self-care, and haircare using sustainably hand-foraged desert botanicals like creosote to capture the scent and wellness benefits of the desert. Committed to giving back, Sonoran Rosie supports local conservation organizations and businesses while promoting a deeper connection to the desert. In 2022, Rosie expanded this mission by opening Arizona Poppy, a vibrant downtown Tucson shop featuring the work of more than 75 local artisans and celebrating the creativity, beauty, and community of the Southwest. In 2025, Rosie wrote Seasons of the Desert, a guide that teaches readers how to identify, sustainably forage, and build a deeper connection with the Sonoran Desert through herbal remedies, recipes, and the wisdom of its native plants. Now, Rosie is on to a new adventure through land stewardship. She is purchasing acres of untouched Sonoran Desert in Three Points, AZ with fellow herbalist Wren, founder of The Nohm Collective. Together they will conserve the natural ecosystem & native plants already on the land while growing even more medicinal and edible desert plants. Their aim is to create a community desert garden where we can all go to learn and teach about the wonders of the Sonoran Desert & its unique plant life. ----- Interested in the sensation of Desert Rain a Bottle? Sonoran Rosie offers a suite of aromatherapy and self care products ethically sourced from the Sonoran Desert. Check it out at: http://www.sonoranrosie.store (http://www.sonoranrosie.store) Rosie recently published a book called 'Seasons of the Desert' Its a great resource for folks interested in desert foraging. Rosie produces a bunch of informative content on instagram... if you're open to learning more about the Sonoran Desert, make sure to follow. https://www.instagram.com/sonoranrosieherbal/ (https://www.instagram.com/sonoranrosieherbal/) --- Book recommendations: Southwest Foraging by John Slattery Southwest Desert Herbal Plants by Michael Moore Desert Alchemist ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

2. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Agroforestry, Food Forests, and Planting Seeds for the Future

   What potential does agroforestry have for improving access to food, our relation to natural resources, and our communities? Nick Wren creator and operator of the Living Soil Tree Farm joins for this episode. We cover agroforestry and food forests. Nick shares the day to day life in creating and operating a tree nursery. Nick believes in a future where there is more resources and opportunities for people to connect with food through agroforestry. He is planting the seeds for the future he wants to live in. Living Soil Tree Farm is a human scale plant nursery focused on food producing perennials and collaborative plant breeding. They focus on growing bare root trees/shrubs and diverse seed populations. They provide extremely healthy plants and seeds while using land management techniques which improve the health of our ecosystem. Want a baby tree? Living Soil Tree Farm ships 1 year old bare root trees. They are easy to plant, and with care, will one day provide food! They service locally North Carolina and Virginia. *Connect and support the podcast at* https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure (https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure) ---Where to find Nick and The Living Soil Tree Farm--- https://livingsoiltreefarm.com/ (https://livingsoiltreefarm.com/) Instagram: @livingsoiltreefarm https://www.instagram.com/livingsoiltreefarm/ (https://www.instagram.com/livingsoiltreefarm/) ---Shout Out by Nick to other folks doing cool related things.--- Appalachian Sustainable Development https://asdevelop.org/ (https://asdevelop.org/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asdevelop/ (https://www.instagram.com/asdevelop/) Carolina Farm Stewardship Association https://carolinafarmstewards.org/ (https://carolinafarmstewards.org/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinafarms/ (https://www.instagram.com/carolinafarms/) Savannah Institute https://www.savannainstitute.org/ (https://www.savannainstitute.org/) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/savannainstitute/ (https://www.instagram.com/savannainstitute/) Tree Range Chicken Farm https://treerangefarms.com/shop/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn119n68UfHgo1GxMzoqLGoy6JRQgpprHhHiMNTgRYhAvPcUvvA2b_Tg8OJ2c_aem_-SuPzkp5wrMQhYEYFroJKw (https://treerangefarms.com/shop/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn119n68UfHgo1GxMzoqLGoy6JRQgpprHhHiMNTgRYhAvPcUvvA2b_Tg8OJ2c_aem_-SuPzkp5wrMQhYEYFroJKw) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/treerangefarms/ (https://www.instagram.com/treerangefarms/) ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

3. 

   23 May 2026

   Climate Change: What Part Do You Play? w/ Deepti Kannapan

   Deepti Kannapan joins me for this episode. She’s known for her TED Talk entitled ‘ The Climate Change Movement Needs Your Creativity, Not Your Guilt’. The Ted Talk presents powerful insights on dealing with feelings of responsibility and guilt over climate change, the mechanics of change, and how to turn negative feelings associated with the issue into positive meaningful action. I recommend you give it a listen, I’ll link it in the show notes. During this episode, we expand on Deepti’s message. Climate Change can promote a sense of hopelessness and a feeling of responsibility for the damage that has been done to the natural world. But, Deepti argues we are not individually responsible for damage, but do have a responsibility to act. Deepti lays out an action plan for those who want to make a positive change, and feel good about doing so. Deepti Kannapan is an artist, engineer, and climate activist in the Los Angeles area. She's the author a Fire's Ally, a fantasy novel with climate themes. She’s active with organizations such as 350.org (http://350.org) and the league of women voters. Connect, support, and provide feedback for Surface Exposure https://linktr.ee/Surfaceexposure (https://linktr.ee/Surfaceexposure) Fire’s Ally, a Fantasy Novel with Climate Themes by Deepti Kannapan https://buy.bookfunnel.com/p5vo2ghzps (https://buy.bookfunnel.com/p5vo2ghzps) Deepti’s Newsletter http://deepti-kannapan.kit.com (http://deepti-kannapan.kit.com) Deepti’s Website Deeptikannapan.com (http://Deeptikannapan.com) -Organization Shoutouts from Deepti- 350.org (http://350.org) 350southbaylosangeles.com (http://350southbaylosangeles.com) Instagram:@350southbaylosangeles Sunrise Movement Instagram: @sunrisemvmt , @sunrisemvmtla  (Los Angeles) citizensclimatelobby.org (http://citizensclimatelobby.org) Sierra club League of Women Voters www.lwv.org (http://www.lwv.org) @lwvtorrancearea laclimateweek.com (http://laclimateweek.com) Instagram: @laclimateweek ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

4. 

   28 Mar 2026

   The Case for Locally Grown Food - with Niccole C. Radhe

   Horticulturalist Niccole C Radhe joins for this episode. She breaks down the importance of reconnecting with our food through gardening and sourcing locally grown products. Niccole makes the case that, in addition to being healthy and tasty, consciously grown food promotes positive impacts to the environment, ecology, community, and society. Niccole describes methods to overcome barriers to growing and sourcing local organic food. She shares ideas on how to become involved in your community gardens and farmers markets, and the benefits to be had in doing so. During the episode, Niccole gives a shout out to handful of active organizations in Southern Arizona. If you’re local or traveling through, and want to participate in a great cause, check out: Native Seeds/SEARCH -https://www.nativeseeds.org/ (https://www.nativeseeds.org/) Awareness Ranch - https://www.awarenessranch.com/ (https://www.awarenessranch.com/) Borderlands Restoration Network - https://www.borderlandsrestoration.org/ (https://www.borderlandsrestoration.org/) Sky Island Alliance - https://skyislandalliance.org/ (https://skyislandalliance.org/) Watershed Management Group - https://watershedmg.org/ (https://watershedmg.org/) Tucson Botanical Garden - https://tucsonbotanical.org/ (https://tucsonbotanical.org/) Tucson Organic Gardeners - https://www.tucsonorganicgardeners.org/ (https://www.tucsonorganicgardeners.org/) Santa Cruz Farmers Market Rillito Farmers Market --- Connect, support, and follow along at: https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure (https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure) ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

5. 

   23 Jan 2026

   Borderlands Restoration Network, Economy of Resource Conservation, Restoration Efforts on the Border - W. Rodrigo Sierra Corona - #008

   I am joined by Rodrigo Sierra Corona, the executive Director of Borderlands Restoration Network; an organization that strives to grow a restorative economy by rebuilding healthy ecosystems, restoring habitat for plants and wildlife, and reconnecting border communities to the land through shared learning. The organization envisions connected borderlands where rivers flow, plants, wildlife and cultures thrive, and communities develop an inclusive restorative economy where a sense of places inspires a sense of purpose. The organization performs vital natural resource conservation work in the Sky Island’s of Southern Arizona and Northern Sonora via land acquisitions for conservation and wildlife, watershed restoration, native plant propagation, education, and community connection. The Madrean Archipelago, or commonly known as the Sky Island region, is a hotspot for biodiversity - hosting unique ecosystems and wildlife found no where else. During the conversation Rodrigo examines land and water use in Southern Arizona - illustrating how natural resource conservation contributes positively to the economy. He showcases the efforts, work and opportunities the organization produces. Rodrigo shares significant wisdom for folks of all walks of life concerning our relationship with natural resources and why we should probably care. He also offers advice, insight, and resources for those who want to be more involved in conservation. Reach out directly to the organization at borderlandsrestoration.org (http://borderlandsrestoration.org) Instagram: @borderlandsrestoration --- Connect, support, and follow along at: https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure (https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure) ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

6. 

   25 Dec 2025

   The Arizona Trail: How It’s Built, Maintained, and Protected with ATA Executive Director Matthew Nelson

   What’s the best kept secret in Arizona? What’s it take to build and maintain an 800 mile long National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah? Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? On this episode I chat with Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, Matthew Nelson. The Arizona Trail Association’s Mission is to build, maintain, protect, promote the Trail, engage with the public in working together to care for the Arizona National Scenic Trail. In this conversation, Matthew describes the efforts in progress set out to accomplish this mission. Matthew takes us on a guided tour of the Arizona Trail highlighting spectacular landscapes, values, and experiences along the way. He shares origins of the trail, describing the process of establishing an 800 mile long passage from Mexico to Utah. During the conversation Matthew explains the value the Trail brings to the individual, local communities, the State of Arizona, the economy, wildlife, and environment. He makes a case stating the importance of caring for this cultural resource and major artery of Arizona’s $15 billion outdoor recreation industry. Want to become involved? Listen to learn more about opportunities to participate in caring for the AZT. Reach out at: volunteer@aztrail.org (mailto:volunteer@aztrail.org) Visit Aztrail.org (http://Aztrail.org) for upcoming events, programs, trail resources, newsletters, and opportunities to become involved. Matthew gave a shout out to some other notable organizations worth checking out: Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists sdmb.org (http://sdmb.org) @sdmb_org Torca www.torca.org (http://www.torca.org) @torqcamtb County line riders of Catalina www.countylineriders.org (http://www.countylineriders.org) Tucson saddle club www.Tucsonsaddleclub.org (http://www.Tucsonsaddleclub.org) Huachuca Hiking Club @ www.Groups.io Flagstaff biking organization www.flagstaffbiking.org (http://www.flagstaffbiking.org) @flagstaffbikingorg Legends of Superior Trail Ala Kahakai Trail Association (Hawaii) @alakahakaitrailassociation www.Alakahakai.com (http://www.Alakahakai.com) --- Connect, support, and follow along at: https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure (https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure) ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

7. 

   17 Nov 2025

   Life on Trail Crew and Wildland Firefighting W/ Simon Mckay- #006

   What does a day in the life look like protecting our public lands? Join conservationist, trail builder, and wildland firefighter Simon McKay for a deep dive into the work that protects America’s public lands. Simon shares honest insights from years of building and maintaining trails, serving in conservation programs, and fighting wildfire across the West. We explore the meaning of public lands, the evolution of outdoor recreation, daily life on a trail crew, and what it takes to step onto the fireline. The conversation moves onto the fireline, where Simon explains the Incident Command System (ICS), strategies used in wildland fire, life on assignment, and the values firefighters work to protect. He offers stories from the field — from holding the line to broccoli-bomb pranks — and gives guidance for listeners who want to get involved in conservation corps programs, trail work, or wildland fire. —Links— Find a job with the conservation corps near you: https://corpsnetwork.org/jobs-at-corps/ (https://corpsnetwork.org/jobs-at-corps/) --- Connect with, support the program, and more content at: https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure (https://linktr.ee/surfaceexposure) ★ Support this podcast ★ (https://buymeacoffee.com/surfaceexposure)

8. 

   5 Aug 2025

   Wild Arizona, Making Resource Conservation Work Happen w/ Dexter Kopas - #005

   In this Episode, Dexter Kopas illustrates issues involving public lands and resources in Arizona. Then describes the Campaigns set in place by Wild Arizona in response. Dexter shares his experiences from his years doing conservation work, reveals bigger picture insights and the knitty gritty details of making resource protection happen.Wild Arizona’s mission is to protect, unite, and restore wild lands and waters across Arizona and beyond for the enrichment and health for humans, and to ensure native plants and animals a lasting home in nature. Wild Arizona organizes and amplifies multi-community voices of support for legislation; advocate for conservation policy; and cultivate stewardship, awareness, and well being through outdoor volunteerism, science, and education.Thank you for listening ❤️More show notes, links, resources:Episode Linkswildarizona.org⁠ - stay up to date on current conservation efforts, opportunities to participate, educational material, and further resources.  Wild Arizona Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_arizona_Thesauer.weebly.com- Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride. A 315 Mile self supported ultra endurance bicycle ride through iconic regions of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona.Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauer.tucsonSocial LinksInstagram -  https://www.instagram.com/surfaceexposure (More ways to connect coming soon)

9. 

   22 Sept 2024

   Jay Dorr: The Sawtooth Steward - #004

   ---Follow on Instagram: @surfaceexposure--- For over 50 years, Jay has built and maintained hiking trail access in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and surrounding Wilderness areas in the Salmon-Challis and Boise National Forests. To this day, Jay continues to serve on a Wilderness Trail maintenance assignments with organizations such as The Pulaski User’s Group, Idaho Trails Association, and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Association. In this episode Jay tells stories from his many years in the Sawtooth mountains and shares his ancestral history originating from the late 19th century Wood River Valley. During our conversation, Jay offers advice and resources to listeners who aspire to take part in the stewardship of our public lands. ------LINKS------ Participate in the Stewardship of your public lands by following a link below to one of the organizations mentioned in the show. -Pulaski User's Group -insta: @pulaskiusers - ⁠pulaskiusers.org⁠ -Sawtooth Society -insta:@sawtoothsociety - ⁠Sawtoothsociety.org⁠ -Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation -insta: @selwaybitterroot - ⁠www.selwaybitterroot.org⁠ -Wood River Trails Association -insta: @wrtrailscoaltion - ⁠woodrivertrailscoalition.org⁠ -Idaho Trails Association -insta: @idahotrailsassociation ⁠idahotrailsassociation.org⁠ -American hiking society -insta: @americanhiking - americanhiking.org -Utah Conservation Corps - ⁠www.usu.edu/ucc⁠ -Idaho Conservation Corps - ⁠idahocc.org⁠ -national smokejumpers association - ⁠www.smokejumpers.com⁠ ------SPECIAL THANKS------ Marshall Dillion. ⁠Marshalldillion.com⁠ Gari Bol. ⁠108productions.com⁠ Bran Dex Shane Van Pelt. ⁠shanevanpelt.com⁠

10. 

    28 Jul 2024

    The Peyote Lorax: The Peyote Road - #003

    In this episode I sit down with Leo Mercado, The Peyote Lorax. Leo, a career botanist, serves as the cultivation director and liaison for a non profit called the Morning Star Conservancy. Their mission is simply to ‘protect and preserve our sacrament.’ In this episode Leo illustrates the threats that are facing the peyote cactus on a grand scale. Then describes efforts in developing solutions to this issue. Throughout the conversation, Leo shares stories and experiences from his journey on what many call the peyote road. ———links——— Www.morningstarconservancy.org -Morning Star Conservancy https://www.crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt.com/thornscrub-sanctuary-preliminary-action-plan https://www.reddit.com/r/CPBBD/comments/190uu9d/thornscrub_sanctuary_land_conservation_project_in/ -Thornscrub Sanctuary preliminary action plan and the quest for the nicest visitor center restroom in Texas. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TdaN5hzNbXBUTPgTVfrxf?si=5VQ6k0nQRiCi2srF3krLPw -An episode from Peyote Podcast entitled: “Talking to the Peyote Lorax about life and peyote conversation”. In this conversation, The Lorax updates us on their progress, efforts, and events in the pursuit to protect our sacrament. https://open.spotify.com/episode/786lc0QtV0TKjcnw5QkliM?si=HW9kAqeXQEGXfNIxLLQruA -A conversation about Peyote with Leo Mercado and Joey Santore. An episode from the ‘Crime Pays, But Botany Doesn’t’ podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Hai1km0ko8PlP0C1WU9Pu?si=J38ks5-lQ_Wi6fM5WQl9hQ -“ History, Culture, and Tradition of Peyote with Leo Mercado.” - an episode from the ‘Lunacy’ podcast.

11. 

    15 Jul 2024

    Allan Denoyer: Ancient Technologies - #002

    Allan is a career archeologist and currently serves with the non profit called Archeology Southwest. In this episode, Allan illustrates the tools and practices originating from the day to day lives of of peoples from the past. Allan then tells the story of his passion in recreating 'ancient technologies', shares his experience as a career archeologist, and provides resources for listeners interested in becoming further involved in the world of archeology. Archeology Southwest practices 'preservation archeology', which is a holistic and conservation based approach to exploring and protecting heritage places while honoring their diverse values. They compile archeological information, interpret it, then share it with the public and decision makers. The organization advocates for landscape scale protection, serves as stewards for for heritage properties and conservation easements, and commits to real ongoing collaboration with indigenous communities. Visit archeologysouthwest.org for more information, events, exhibits, classes, and ways to participate. As well you will find a blog full of interesting reading and video presentations. In addition, Southwest Archeology produces a physical magazine. into the program. There is more to come.

12. 

    20 Apr 2024

    Eric Ruljancich: Wilderness Trails - #001

    For decades Eric has designed and built hiking trails. I ask him about public lands, wilderness areas, and the trails that access these places. Towards the end we talk about ways folks can participate in the maintaining of access to wild public lands. Thanks for tuning in. Any and all feedback, input, critique, and ideas are most appreciated.

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Spotify

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