Mark River and John Ruskey talk about monthly "Community Canoe Trips" and how inclusion, diversity and equity are best served by inviting all walks of life on these excursions. Mark discusses with Matt Sutton of Spring Initiative (a local after

Endangered Wetlands

Sep 30th, 2022 38m 36s

Mark River and John Ruskey talk about how the wetlands surrounding the Mississippi River are in danger of disappearing due to agriculture, commerce and pollution. One potential solution discussed is a piece of legislation called the Mississippi

Flooding and Climate Change

Nov 17th, 2020 39m 52s

In this episode, Mark River interviews John Ruskey about how climate change is affecting the flooding, ecology and commerce along the Mississippi River. Learn how it is changing everything from the hatching season of mayflies to the growth of i

Flooding and Infrastructure

Aug 11th, 2020 33m 12s

In this episode, Mark River interviews John Ruskey about the worsening flood events along the Mississippi River and how human engineering - in a benevolent attempt to keep the river stable for development, agriculture, commerce - has unintentio

Species of the River

Feb 4th, 2020 37m 46s

In our season finale, Mark River interviews Quapaw Canoe Company founder John Ruskey about the natural and invasive species of plants and animals found in and along the Mississippi River and how ecological events such as the changing climate an

River Music

Dec 11th, 2019 37m 56s

The Mississippi River has inspired some of the most iconic music in the world and in this episode, we explore the importance and the reach of its musical influence. First, we meet and hear a performance by St. Louis native Lucious Spiller who i

Recreation

Oct 8th, 2019 39m 57s

We talk to octogenarian paddler and hiker Dale Sanders about his Guinness record-breaking solo treks, how his active lifestyle has improved his health and his frightening "River Stories" encounter with a Minnesota lake monster. We also speak wi

Micro Plastics

Sep 2nd, 2019 39m 53s

In this episode, we talk to Maya Dizack, a University of Vermont student who is spending her summer traversing the entire length of the Mississippi River to collect water samples to study water quality and micro plastics within the ecosystem. W

Education and the River

Aug 1st, 2019 39m 14s

In this episode, we speak to educators Shannon McMulkin and Scott Shirey about why the Mississippi River is no longer an official part of the curriculum for the children who live near it and what we can do to change it. Also featuring Mark Rive

Nutrient Pollution

Jun 25th, 2019 40m

In our first episode we will be discussing nutrient pollution and its effects on the dead zone in the Louisiana Delta. We will be talking to fifth generation Mississippi Delta farmer John McKee and how the success of farming is directly proport

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