In this special collaboration, Fresnolandia teams up with UC Davis’s Water Talk podcast to explore California’s most pressing water issues. Host Jordan Mattox sits down with Malika Cantor and Charles “Sam” Sanchez, two researchers and educators at the forefront of water science and public engagement, to unpack the stories behind California’s water challenges—from climate change and drought to agriculture, aquifers, and infrastructure.

Together, they trace the origins of Water Talk during the pandemic, share how their diverse academic journeys shape the show, and reflect on the importance of bringing fresh voices and community perspectives into statewide conversations. The discussion ranges from the misunderstood role of snowpack and groundwater, to the legacy of dams and aqueducts, to the tension between economic agriculture and environmental responsibility.

Along the way, listeners will hear candid insights about interdisciplinary research, the human right to water, and how podcasts themselves can bridge the gap between academia and the public. The episode closes with book recommendations—spanning cli-fi, Indigenous histories, and environmental classics—that inspire new ways of thinking about water, land, and our collective future.

Whether you’re a Californian trying to understand your local water supply or a curious listener interested in climate and infrastructure, this episode offers a lively, thoughtful dive into the forces shaping life in the Golden State.

This episode of Fresnolandia is sponsored by the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative. Learn more about the organization and register for their two-day housing summit at: https://sjvhc.org/news-events/