Water Talk

A conversation with Edith de Guzman (UCLA) about the 2025 LA Fires, the role of urban tree canopies, and the different capacities of water utility systems in LA and similar urban areas. Released October 30, 2026.

A conversation with Elin Betanzo (Safe Water Engineering LLC) about lead contamination in drinking water, the 2015 Flint Michigan Drinking Water Crisis, and water quality advocacy. Released October 23, 2026.

A conversation with Janaki Anagha (Marigold Fund for Unincorporated California) and Dezaraye Bagalayos (Allensworth Progressive Association) about stewardship of land, water, and local economies in unincorporated communities. Released October 16, 2026.

A conversation with Professor Silvia Secchi (University of Iowa) about the Mississippi River watershed, its sociohydrology, and visioning alternative futures. Released October 9, 2026.

A conversation with Ngodoo Atume (University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program) and Judith Redmond (Full Belly Farm) about California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and its impacts on small, family farms in the state. Released October 2, 2026.

A conversation with Gavin Dehnert (Emerging Contaminants Scientist, University of Wisconsin–Madison) and Lyn van Swol (Professor of Communication Arts, University of Wisconsin–Madison) about Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)--also known as "forever chemicals". We discuss their movement and origin, toxicity, and strategies for communicating risks and resources for different communities. Released September 25, 2026.

Welcome to the seventh season of Water Talk! Cohosts Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, and Sam Sandoval talk about the upcoming season. Released September 17, 2026

A conversation with Susana De Anda (Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Community Water Center) about the gaps between legislating and enacting the Human Right to Water including accountability, affordability, and leveraging related water policies. Released December 12, 2025.

A conversation with Jay Famiglietti (Global Futures Professor at Arizona State University and Director of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative) about groundwater depletion, sea level rise, mega-drying regions, and increasing public awareness of groundwater. Released December 5, 2025.

A conversation with University of California Desert Research and Extension Center Director Dr. Jairo Diaz about water, agriculture, and border dynamics in the Imperial Valley spanning California, Arizona, and Mexico. Re-released on November 26, 2025 with original interview from April 16, 2021.