Water Talk

A conversation with Professor Sonali McDermid (New York University) about irrigation, evapotranspiration, and impacts on climate systems. Released October 24, 2025.

A conversation with Cora Tso (Senior Research Fellow, Tribal Water Policy, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Arizona State University) and Prof. Sam Sandoval (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Davis, Water Talk podcast co-host) about the complex system of water use agreements with Tribes and Mexico. Released October 17, 2025. 

A conversation with Dr. Kathleen Schaefer about flood risk and new approaches for community-based flood insurance. Released October 10, 2025. 

A conversation with Professor Michael Bogan (University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment) about data center water use, the concept of water neutral development, and community mobilization. Released October 3, 2025. 

A conversation with Professor Melissa Scanlan (UW–Milwaukee Center for Water Policy and School of Freshwater Sciences) about data center water use, growth, and policy considerations. Released September 26, 2025. 

Welcome to the sixth season of Water Talk! Cohosts Drs. Mallika Nocco, Faith Kearns, and Sam Sandoval talk about the new normal, our favorite bodies of water, all-time favorite episodes, and upcoming season. Released September 19, 2025

A conversation with Anecita Agustinez (state tribal policy advisor, California Department of Water Resources) about water governance and expertise around challenging policy issues. Released February 7, 2025. 

A conversation with Nichole Morgan (civil engineer, California State Water Resources Control Board) about implementing programs and policies to steward water resources and infrastructure. Released January 31, 2025. 

A conversation with Drs. Greg Pierce (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation) and Faith Kearns (ASU Water Innovation Initiative) about water infrastructure before, during, and following wildfires. Released January 24, 2025. 

A conversation with Drs. Caroline Gottschalk (University of Wisconsin–Madison) and Marty Holtgren (Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting) about the importance of restoration, oral histories, dams, and rivers. Released January 17, 2025.