Podcasts about desert lady diaries

In this final episode of the Desert Lady Diaries podcast, Susan Henry (Ep 146) steps in as host and queries Dawn about her first experience with desert, the inspiration for Desert Lady Diaries and her shoppe, Soul Connection.   Born & raised in New Jersey, Dawn Davis was drawn to the desert after lengthy careers in banking, project management and media. After 14 years in the corporate scene, she spent more than 20 years as an actor, voiceover and producer.   Dawn moved to the Mojave in the summer of 2016.   Dawn is an award-winning actor and for the last four years has hosted and produced the 'Desert Lady Diaries' podcast. This month she will celebrate two years as the owner of Soul Connection, a gift shop in Joshua Tree.

It's no secret that California has a lot to offer. But did you know it's a podcasting powerhouse too? Shows about the state, the people, the food, and the culture abound, highlighting everything from Gold Rush history to why some San Franciscans bristle at the term “Frisco.” On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson cozies up to some of those California-themed audio gems. First, Johnson talks to Walt Disney Family Museum's Bri Bertolaccini, host of the WD-FM podcast, and discovers that the museum has a treasure trove of Walt Disney audio recordings that tell fascinating stories about the man behind the Mouse. After that he connects with Desert Lady Diaries podcast host Dawn Davis, who found a spiritual connection with the California desert and decided to seek out others who had formed a similar bond. Johnson wraps up his audio tour of California-themed podcasts with Olivia Allen-Price, host of the popular KQED podcast Bay Curious, and the two podcasters chat about some of the quirkier aspects of the Bay Area—like its obsession with Dutch Crunch bread and why bison roam Golden Gate Park.

Bobbi Fabian's first experience with desert was with the Warner Brothers Roadrunner cartoon. Growing up in Melbourne Australia, Bobbi made her way to America looking for more opportunities as a photographer, finding she felt more at home  in the U.S. than in her home country. Bobbi moved to the U.S. in 2003, settling in Los Angeles. With an MA in Photography Bobbi was a freelance photographer and educator for most of her working life – commissioned by brands like Timex, Penguin Books, Audi and other household names.   On a road trip through America, while working on a project, she and a friend made a point to go through Death Valley and Joshua Tree. Staying at the Amargosa Hotel, they felt so at home, they decided to meet there every Christmas following that visit.   Bobbi's friend was unable to make it to their annual holiday in 2014 and Bobbi decided to go anyway . There she met a women and her friend who had moved to Death Valley Junction to perform Mara Becket’s original (dance) pieces.  During that trip, Bobbi sensed good things would be happening in Death Valley Junction and decided to make another trip back sooner than her annual holiday visit.   It was February 2015 and the Opera House was having a special event dinner and performance celebrating Valentines Day. The Dancer and her friend, charged with making dinner for the patrons, had gotten into an argument. Bobbi stepped in to help the friend finish the dinner preparations. The following morning, he told her the Cafe was in need of management and Bobbi should consider taking the job. Bobbi dismissed the idea, but couldn't let go of the thought the entire ride back to Los Angeles.   A month later, Bobbi was back in Death Valley Junction sharing her ideas for the Cafe with Marta Becket, who said yes to all of them. On June 10, 2020, Bobbi celebrated five years in Death Valley Junction.   In this episode Bobbi also shares some of the history of Death Valley Junction, how dancer Marta Becket came to be the caretaker of the town and how this place with 268 acres, population 3, survives today.   Now, as the general manager of the Cafe, Hotel and Opera House, with the support of the non-profit's Board of Directors, Bobbi describes her day to day: working in and hiring for the cafe, overseeing the maintenance for all three buildings as well as sharing the history of the Junction with it's curious visitors.   We also talk about Death Valley National Park, what drew her in so closely to that part of the desert and her disappointment with folks who treat the desert as a wasteland.   There are a number of videos available on YouTube telling a deeper story about Marta, her journey to Death Valley and her revitalization of the Amargosa Opera House. Just google 'Amargosa YouTube' or check out the documentary 'Amargosa' available online. It was such a documentary that inspired Desert Lady Diaries guest, Shana Rhodes, to make her own move to the desert.   Take a look at Bobbi's photography here: www.bobbifabian.com   Visit the Amargosa website:  http://www.amargosaoperahouse.org/   And, if you can and are so moved, please donate to the go fund me campaign to help the non-profit maintain the property during this time of Covid-19 closures:   https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/amargosaoperahouse  

Join us for Your Podcast or Mine! Sherry speaks with Dawn Davis, the creative mind behind the podcast Desert Lady DIaries. The Desert Lady Diaries is a 30-minute weekly conversation with women who've found their home in the Mojave desert. Check out the podcast here: Desert Lady Diaries  

For this episode of the podcast, listeners were invited to send in one question they wanted me to answer.  Here's a sampling of some of the questions answered in this episode:   "What makes Dawn Davis produce the Desert Lady Diaries?"   "When and how did you become a voice over artist?"   "Would you talk about the process of how each episode gets made from start to finish?"   "Why do folks here keep the hood of their car raised while it's parked?"   "Did you move here to be close to the park?"   And several more. I hope you enjoy it - and if you ever have a question, you don't need to wait for an episode like this to get it answered. Send an email to desertladydiaries@gmail.com and I'll answer.  

In this week’s Yes But Why Podcast episode, we meet Dawn Davis, actress, voiceover artist and host of the Desert Lady Diaries podcast!The conversation opens with Dawn talking about her acting career in regional theater in Florida and North Carolina before she moved to Los Angeles to dig into the film and TV business. Dawn is an amazing woman and Amy loved talking to her. Along the way, Dawn gives some great business tips for actors. But the real epiphany, both in this interview and in Dawn’s life, is when the story moved to the small town near Joshua Tree National Park where Dawn now resides. The change of location made palpable changes to Dawn and to her world view. It is so great to hear how at home Dawn feels in her new surroundings. Dawn and Amy spend most of the interview talking about the vibrant creative community she has now found and how they have nurtured her and inspired her as an artist. Dawn was so inspired by the wonderful women in her area that she started the Desert Lady Diaries to record some of the oral history of the community. Shoutout to the ladies of Hi Desert Fringe Festival and Hi-Desert Cultural Center!This was a really great talk about living a full life in the arts! Support Dawn by subscribing to the Desert Lady Diaries podcast!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this week’s Yes But Why Podcast episode, we meet Dawn Davis, actress, voiceover artist and host of the Desert Lady Diaries podcast! The conversation opens with Dawn talking about her acting career in regional theater in Florida and North Carolina before she moved to Los Angeles to dig into the film and TV business. Dawn is an amazing woman and Amy loved talking to her. Along the way, Dawn gives some great business tips for actors. But the real epiphany, both in this interview and in Dawn’s life, is when the story moved to the small town near Joshua Tree National Park where Dawn now resides. The change of location made palpable changes to Dawn and to her world view. It is so great to hear how at home Dawn feels in her new surroundings. Dawn and Amy spend most of the interview talking about the vibrant creative community she has now found and how they have nurtured her and inspired her as an artist. Dawn was so inspired by the wonderful women in her area that she started the Desert Lady Diaries to record some of the oral history of the community. Shoutout to the ladies of Hi Desert Fringe Festival and Hi-Desert Cultural Center! This was a really great talk about living a full life in the arts! Support Dawn by subscribing to the Desert Lady Diaries podcast! Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun. This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this week’s Yes But Why Podcast episode, we meet Dawn Davis, actress, voiceover artist and host of the Desert Lady Diaries podcast!The conversation opens with Dawn talking about her acting career in regional theater in Florida and North Carolina before she moved to Los Angeles to dig into the film and TV business. Dawn is an amazing woman and Amy loved talking to her. Along the way, Dawn gives some great business tips for actors. But the real epiphany, both in this interview and in Dawn’s life, is when the story moved to the small town near Joshua Tree National Park where Dawn now resides. The change of location made palpable changes to Dawn and to her world view. It is so great to hear how at home Dawn feels in her new surroundings. Dawn and Amy spend most of the interview talking about the vibrant creative community she has now found and how they have nurtured her and inspired her as an artist. Dawn was so inspired by the wonderful women in her area that she started the Desert Lady Diaries to record some of the oral history of the community. Shoutout to the ladies of Hi Desert Fringe Festival and Hi-Desert Cultural Center!This was a really great talk about living a full life in the arts! Support Dawn by subscribing to the Desert Lady Diaries podcast!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this week’s Yes But Why Podcast episode, we meet Dawn Davis, actress, voiceover artist and host of the Desert Lady Diaries podcast! The conversation opens with Dawn talking about her acting career in regional theater in Florida and North Carolina before she moved to Los Angeles to dig into the film and TV business. Dawn is an amazing woman and Amy loved talking to her. Along the way, Dawn gives some great business tips for actors. But the real epiphany, both in this interview and in Dawn’s life, is when the story moved to the small town near Joshua Tree National Park where Dawn now resides. The change of location made palpable changes to Dawn and to her world view. It is so great to hear how at home Dawn feels in her new surroundings. Dawn and Amy spend most of the interview talking about the vibrant creative community she has now found and how they have nurtured her and inspired her as an artist. Dawn was so inspired by the wonderful women in her area that she started the Desert Lady Diaries to record some of the oral history of the community. Shoutout to the ladies of Hi Desert Fringe Festival and Hi-Desert Cultural Center! This was a really great talk about living a full life in the arts! Support Dawn by subscribing to the Desert Lady Diaries podcast! Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun. This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

Joshua Tree has long been known as a place that accepts all comers.  Seekers, hippies and the generally eccentric are welcome to come and be... well, themselves. It is a community of people, particularly the artistic community, who will accept you as you are.   A late transitioning transwoman, Jenelle Weisskopf has found acceptance here - and reasonable rent.  A former member of the Air Force, Jenelle is a software engineer mainly working from home. Jenelle first came to the desert presenting as a man and lived in Yucca Valley - her life was very different then.   Work and life took her away from the desert to San Diego where, in the last few years, housing was becoming more and more expensive and some unpleasant incidents surrounding her gender identity were happening. Two years ago, after a conversation with a desert friend, Jenelle left San Diego, returning to the desert.   In this episode Jenelle talks about how overhearing a conversation while standing in line at a local convenience store, she found a local group playing Dungeons and Dragons, inspiring her to create her own similar game, using Joshua Tree as it's backdrop.   Jenelle also is finding time to return to playing the guitar and has many other varied interests, including home-brewing beer and has fun creating costumes for attending the annual Gaslight Steampunk Expo in San Diego, reuniting with friends she has met there in previous years.   We also talk about the distinct differences she has experienced, particularly on the job, having presented as both a man and a woman.   Jenelle ended our podcast conversation with a beautiful statement, bringing us both to tears. If we are here to do anything, it is to love one another and help each other become the absolute best people we can be.   If you're a local interested in joining the local D&D game or Jenelle's game, find her on Instagram @mistressofcheese.   Below are a few links I mention at the end of this episode. Thanks again for your support and here's to another year of stories from the fantastic women making this desert their home.   To suggest Desert Lady Diaries to Buzzfeed as a podcast people should listen to in 2019 - do it by January 18, 2019: 1. Click HERE to go to their site and mention Desert Lady Diaries in the comment and WHY you recommend it OR 2. Email: scott.bryan@buzzfeed.com ,put PODCAST in the 'Subject' and tell him why you recommend it.  EVER GRATEFUL!   Interview with Ed Ryan of Podcast Business Journal   'This Desert Life' by Matthew Cabe, Victorville Daily Press

Growing up in West Virginia and orphaned at an early age, Linda Carmella Sibio started drawing at age 11.  Since 1985, Linda has worked in various art media and performance art.   Linda assisted in starting The Los Angeles Poverty Department - a performance troupe in Los Angeles' Skid Row, and has an interest in those living on the fringes of society, particularly those with mental illness. Her art demonstrates how those experiences effect culture as a whole.    Linda moved to the desert 20 years ago after quietly slipping out of the psych ward of a Los Angeles-area hospital.  In the desert, Linda has found a place where she can create in isolation. In addition to paintings and performance works, Linda created a workshop called The Insanity Principle,  taking symptoms of insanity and transposing them into techniques for making experimental art. Linda teaches in the Hi-Desert, supported through Andrea Zittel's Hi-Desert Test Sites. Check the site in Fall 2018 for new dates.   In this episode Linda also talks about her desert neighbors and a harrowing experience of being followed home after a night of meditation.   Linda's work has been seen at the United Nations, Brussels Contemporary Art Fair, VSA Arts at the Kennedy Center, REDCAT in Los Angeles and more.  She is represented by Andrew Edlin Gallery in New York where her latest work, 'The Economics of Suffering' as well as a performance piece titled, 'Emotional States of Zero' will be on exhibit beginning January 2019.  A fundraiser for the exhibit, with limited capacity due to space, will be held in Los Angeles, with a reception afterward at a private residence, on Sunday September 16, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. If you are interested in attending the fundraiser or making a donation, please email: bezerkpro@gmail.com for more details and information.   View Linda's website here   The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelor's Even, by Marcel Duchamp (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)   Madness and Civilization, by Michel Foucault (Insanity)   Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia, by Deleuze and Gautier  

In her high school days, Sandra had an interest in the printing process. She landed her first job at a printing press during high school, which eventually lead to an 18 year career in the industry. Looking for a change, she enrolled in college, taking classes in graphic design, allowing her to see how what came to press was created.    Sandra's interest in photography started with watching the images develop from her dad's Polaroid camera. With a camera of her own, Sandra found she could get lost in nature, melding into the scenes of seagulls and flowers, even sensing communication with them without saying a word. She'd take off in the morning with her camera and be gone for hours.  On her website, Sandra offers photography and graphic design services. Her photographs have been published, in print and online, by the Hi-Desert Star, LA Yoga Magazine, Vice.com, Palm Springs Life, Coachella Weekly, Lulumag.com and many more.   In this episode, Sandra talks about a trip to the desert that brought her to healing. What was to be a four-day visit at the desert home of friends, turned into weeks after connecting with a printed, framed affirmation (below) displayed at her friends home. The affirmation was from Louise Hay (who wrote 'You Can Heal Your Life')and sent Sandra on a journey to connect with being true to herself and loving herself. If you're looking to really connect with who you are and tamp down the negative voices with positive vibes, Sandra recommends self-help books, music, podcasts and getting outside in nature.     I Love Myself Affirmation Louise Hay   Deep at the center of my being, there is an infinite well of love. I now allow this love to flow to the surface. It fills my heart, my body, my mind, my consciousness, my very being and radiates out from me in all directions and returns to me multiplied.   The more love I use and give, the more I have to give. The supply is endless. The use of love makes me feel good, it is an expression of my inner joy.   I love myself; therefore, I take loving care of my body. I lovingly feed you nourishing foods and beverages, I lovingly groom you and dress you, and you lovingly responds to me with vibrant health and energy.   I love myself; therefore, I provide for myself this comfortable home, one that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in. I fill the rooms with the vibration of love so that all who enter, myself included, will feel this love and be nourished by it.   I love myself; therefore I work at a job I truly enjoy doing, one that uses my creative talents and abilities, working with and for people I love and who love me and earning a good income.   I love myself; therefore, I behave and think in a loving way to all people for I know that that which I give out returns to me multiplied. I only attract loving people in my world, for they are a mirror of who I am.   I love myself; therefore I forgive and totally release the past and all past experiences and I am free.   I love myself; therefore I live totally in the now, experiencing each moment as good and knowing that my future is bright, joyous and secure, for I am a beloved child of Divine Mother and Divine Mother lovingly takes care of me now and forever more.   And so it is...I love you              

  Growing up near Boise, Idaho, Teresa was familiar with the desert. So when a trip brought her out to the Mojave, it was like a homecoming.   With a long history of community organizing, it's no surprise Teresa became immersed in the community quickly, helping out at local Community Center events, joining the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council, writing a column for the local newspaper and creating her own hyper-local paper with her husband Ken: The Wonder Valley Sand Paper, inspired by Harry Oliver's 'The Desert Rat Scrapbook' and the Scarfolk Council.   Teresa recently accepted the position of Coordinator at the Wonder Valley Community Center, where new programs have included a discussion with local snake manager Bert Lies, a hike for fulgurites, American Sign Language classes and Artist of the Month exhibitions. Having graduated the the EMT Program at Copper Mountain College, Teresa is also equipped to assist members of her in emergency situations.   In this episode, Teresa talks about all of this, as well as her love of Google Maps, which lead to the discovery of some truly intriguing Wonder Valley history: the Full Bloom Love Volcanic Gardens of homesteader, Hazel I. Stiles.

Faith Chinnock is a mom and a musician who has lived on both sides of the Morongo Basin. In this episode, Faith tells the story of her and, then boyfriend, Tim, making a road trip to the desert with Faith's Dad - who made a statement to them about finding 'liberation in the flatness'. It wasn't until years later, living in the flatness themselves, that Faith and Tim began to understand what her Dad meant by those words.   Landing in 29Palms as the result of her husbands Navy assignment, Faith took to the place much more quickly than she expected. It helped that they'd found an old, original adobe house to rent that they'd both fallen in love with and the desert seemed to wrap Faith up, allowing her to heal some wounds from her past. Tim then began to immerse himself in the hi-desert music scene and before she knew it, Faith was right there with him and they birthed, The Adobe Collective.   Even as a busy mom of two young children, Faith finds time to be involved in the community, whether helping other moms with their children or coordinating a postcard writing campaign for a local woman running for Congress. Faith talks a bit about home-schooling and provides a few local resources for parents who are finding themselves stressed and overwhelmed.

In this episode, Catherine tells us it was only until after moving to the desert that she remembered traveling through the desert as a small child on family trips. In later years, she would visit alone, with her backpack, taking respite from the demands of life in LA. On one such trip, just before her 40th birthday, Catherine made the decision to move permanently.   Dr. Catherine Svehla is the hi-desert's "local mythologist". She is a cultural mythologist, storyteller, artist, activist and creates story-based programs to share the transformative power of myth.  Catherine is also the host of  'Myth in the Mojave', a storytelling podcast with listeners around the world. She founded and led the Hi-Desert Mythological Roundtable from 2009-2015 and lives in Joshua Tree.   After moving here, Catherine had numerous jobs, completed Graduate School and now hosts myth workshops, one of which is called, 'The Heroines Journey'.

Tracy Bartlett is a long time resident of Joshua Tree - 30 years to be exact. Tracy started coming to the desert as part of her job doing Outdoor Education/Wilderness Therapy in the park.  When she found herself sleeping in her VW Bus in the park or at friends houses, she knew it was time to just give in and make the move permanent.   Active politically, Tracy walked across the US in 1986 with anti-nuke peace marches as well as being an activist for ecology, women's issues and social justice. She also has a long personal and professional involvement with sexuality and sex education and created a card game, which grew out of some of those workshops, called Sex Question Cards, available online or locally at Grateful Desert in downtown Joshua Tree, helping people become more confident in their sexual lives.   In this episode, Tracy talks about her interest in menopause issues, which she found personally offered her an opportunity as "a serious housecleaning" on many levels. Out of this grew a workshop she has presented locally in Joshua Tree and has taken on the road this summer to present in the Pacific Northwest.   Being a long-time, seasoned resident, Tracy also offers some insight into what Joshua Tree was like 30 years ago and offers some insight and advice for newcomers about treating the desert and it's residents with care and respect.  

Amy's arrival to the desert, with four kids in tow, is a much different arrival from many of the women who have been on the podcast before her. But, Amy rolled up here sleeves, like many women who come here do. She created a business, Kid's Closet, re-selling children's clothing to support herself and her kids.   Shortly after starting the business, Amy had a health scare, causing her to leave the area. Staying with her mother, Amy began to see the value in a vegetarian diet, one she advocates to this day, offering resources like 'The China Study' as well as Dr. McDougal and Dr. Sebi.  In this episode, she talks about how her kids felt about the nutritional switch.   While bed-ridden with cancer, Amy taught herself how to play the guitar.  After mastering the instrument, she learned some songs and started going out to open mics. Amy produced a song (and video), "Killer".   Amy is an Desert Theatre League award-winning Costume Designer who lends her talents to the Hi-Desert Cultural Center, making many of the show costumes, particularly for the summer kids productions, by hand. You'll also catch Amy on stage now and then, fulfilling her dream of telling stories that matter.  

  Desert rat: Slang, a person who has spent a long time in the desert.   Shannon Swanson-Briggs came to the desert at the age of 10, spending a great deal of time in what was then known as Joshua Tree National Monument. Shannon graduated from 29Palms High School and only left the desert once for a brief period.  Shannon returned to the desert, loves the weather and hiking, particularly local spots not yet discovered by the burgeoning tourist population. She and Destany are like two peas in a pod.   DJ, as she is also known, is a born and raised desert rat and was a Joshua Tree 'poster child', appearing in the local newspaper as a helper and participant in many local community events like Coyote Fest, Turtle Days (Joshua Tree is famous for it's desert tortoise population) and the Joshua Tree Music Festival.  Her love of theatre began at the age of eight, as part of a local community youth acting class. DJ then became involved with the Hi-Desert Cultural Center, taking on many behind-the-scenes jobs. That love now propels her to Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts in the fall. To supplement her college expenses, DJ is selling some of her art, which can be found on her Facebook page.   Though growing up in the desert was fun for both of them, it has also brought tragedy. Shannon's brother, DJ's uncle, Rick, was struck down by cancer two years ago at the age of 46 and they also lost a dear family friend in a desert natural disaster, demonstrating that while the desert can be beautiful and magical, it can also be dangerous and devastating.

A trip to Pappy & Harriet's to see the band Gram Rabbit was Barbie's first visit to the desert. From then, she would travel back and forth between the desert and a corporate job in Long Beach - that's a long ride for the love of the desert.   After a medical diagnosis in 2008, Barbie Sommars sought alternative methods of healing and pain management and came to cannabis. She's moved from patient to activist to educator on her journey and currently leads the Orange County Chapter of Women Grow and produces cannabis infused Moonlight Movable Feasts through her High Dining brand. Barbie also founded Fairie Jane, a cannabis lifestyle brand, celebrating cannabis awareness and activism through the art of adornment.   In this episode, Barbie helps the uninitiated understand a bit about hemp and marijuana, the differences between the two and the biological reasons it's helping so many people with or without ailments. She also shares a bit about some of the products she promotes and the jewel-like blown-glass pieces she offers as an homage to the underground glass makers - the full story on that is in a film called Degenerate Art.  

  Sue's first experience with the desert was accompanying her husband, Pete, to a job interview in 29 Palms for a teaching position in 1957.  At first blush, Sue was not impressed with the place, sitting under an elm tree in the June desert heat and then moving from Texas, in the middle of August, with their three young children. But, she agreed to try it out for two years - 60 years later, she's still here.   After discounting the pink desert mountains in a John Hilton painting as artistic license, her mind was changed when she witnessed them with her own eyes. The beauty of the desert and the kindnesses of its community members kept her here.   Sue spent 40 years as a substitute teacher in the Morongo Unified School District, gaining a reputation for being tough - her husband nicknaming her 'Mrs. McMean'. These days, she loves filing historical data in the Research Room of The Old Schoolhouse Museum and giving tours to the third grade classes who come to see a classroom with an actual chalkboard.   In this episode, Sue shares memories of the annual Weed Show and talks about some of the books, by local authors like Art Kidwell, available in the gift shop of The Old Schoolhouse Museum and the current expansion of the museum to accommodate the growing interest in historical programs hosted there by The Desert Institute.   Sue's children, two of whom are also now retired, left the area long ago and worry a bit about their mom remaining in the desert at her advanced age. Sue understands, but loves the place and the people with whom she has made a life and feels strongly that she is still fulfilling her purpose. Sue's not ready to leave her desert home any time soon.

In the 60's Constance and a friend left school, got to work and put away their money, eventually taking a cruise ship from their native Canada to England, where Constance began six years of world travel. Here first connections with desert were in Afghanistan and Iran.   Constance arrived in California, eventually making her way to Pioneertown with her new partner, who was to begin work designing a project to turn Pioneertown into a resort community. The landowner went bust like spent gold mine and other developers began eyeing the property. Constance went into action, even obtaining her real estate license to head those developers off at the pass. Constance reminisces about how Pioneertown neighbors spent their time, riding horses or listening to Buzz Gamble at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace.   In this episode, we also talk a bit about what this desert area offers, specifically to women, and the value of taking time to travel the world.

  A native New Yorker, Ivy Pochoda has discovered the pull of the desert. After moving to LA, she'd heard folks talk about going to the desert.  Eventually she took a trip to Palm Springs and, though nice, wasn't really the experience she was looking for. The second trip she booked a vacation rental 'near Joshua Tree National Park'. After driving for sometime past two entrances to the National Park, Ivy realized the definition of the word 'near'  had different meanings to her and the vacation rental owner. Turns out, the reward for all that driving was staying in what's known as The Tile House in Wonder Valley.   Growing up in NY, Ivy started playing squash, found she was very good at it and ended up traveling the world to play. When her parents encouraged her to get off the 'road' and find something more stable, Ivy decided on writing. Her publisher parents weren't certain that was the right choice - Ivy has prevailed. Her third novel, 'Wonder Valley', was a Los Angeles Times Book of the Year and her writing has appeared in many publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and The LA Times, just to name a few.   Though only featured in three chapters of 'Wonder Valley',  we talk about dealing with the reactions of locals, who may feel 'their place' may have been misrepresented in a work of fiction.   After watching a film about LA's Skid Row, Ivy decided to get involved with LAMP (Los Angeles Men's Place) Community, teaching creative writing in their arts program. LAMP has since merged with another organization and is now known as The People Concern.   Ivy finds herself planning to return to the desert even before the present trip she's on is over. Me thinks she's hooked.

A life-long resident of 29 Palms, the daughter of pioneers Bill and Ada Hatch, who homesteaded in 29 Palms in the early 1930's, one could say Liz and 29 Palms grew up together. In this episode, Liz talks about a little trick she used to go to school barefoot, shares memories of parades and square-dances and tells a great story about buying her college texts at the student bookstore.   Liz reflects on how her parents contributions, and the contributions of other homesteaders reflect the spirit of the desert - a place Liz feels allows people to return to their creativity and where you learn to treat your community like your family.   Leaving only to attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and to Venezuela for the Peace Corps, Liz and her late husband, Dave, decided after a trip to a mall in Long Beach, CA that 29 Palms would be the best place to raise their family.   We also talk about 29 Palms becoming it's own city, why it was important for the community to do so and her eventual roles in leading the city. Liz is currently the President of the Board of Trustees of Copper Mountain College and discusses the importance of education, instilled in her by her mother, which led to Liz's 30- year teaching career at 29 Palms High School and involvement with the college.   As a long time resident, Liz has experienced many changes in 29 Palms - we cover a lot of ground in this conversation - it was a lot of fun.

  The first time Christina came to the desert it was to ring in the new year at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown. She connected with some musicians who introduced her to various aspects of the desert, including the national park and Christina began splitting her time between Orange County, CA and the desert. During the transition, she also took up rock-climbing and has met and been trained by some of the most experienced and best climbers in the business.  In this episode Christina also talks about desert dating experiences, along with a side of the desert community she was surprised to bear witness to and how being alone in the desert has helped her with setting some personal boundaries.   Her love of desert plants and their medicinal value lead her to create 'Every Leaf Speaks'. Christina studied at The Gaia School of Healing & Earth Education and is in her second year of learning at Green Wisdom Herbal Studies, which is rooted in the Wise WOMBan Tradition. Christina recently began teaching classes on medicine making her in the Morongo Basin.   We end the episode with a lovely poem by one of Christina's inspirations, Susun Weed.   Every Leaf Speaks on Facebook Susun Weed Website   Kim Stringfellow's Mojave Project JT Rock Climber History   Cactus Mart   Every Leaf Speaks on Instagram   Christina's Hair Design

The desert was to be one of the locations for a documentary Eva was filming about composer, Lou Harrison. Lou was building a straw-bale construction home in Joshua Tree and invited Eva to come along for a visit during construction. Lou passed away a year to the day after construction was completed and Eva has become the Founder and Director of Harrison House Music, Arts & Ecology.  In this episode, Eva discusses her first visit to the desert and the subsequent visits that followed, the decision to move and the way in which she was introduced to a community that embraces and loves the arts.  Eva also discusses one of the first impressive artists in residence and how the ecology component was added to the concept.   Over the course of her decades-long career, Eva has produced and/or directed nearly one thousand music, dance, theater and media works for national and international audiences.  As a photographer her work has been published around the country and internationally in publications including: San Francisco Chronicle Magazine; San Francisco Chronicle, Guitar Player Magazine; Wired Magazine (GB); Los Angeles Times; The Bay Guardian; Oakland Tribune; Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, NY Times.   We wrap up the conversation with some insight into the planning of art and culture.       Harrison House     LOU HARRISON: A World of Music Trailer  

'Dem eyes ~ they almost got Lizzie and her sister into acting a whole lot sooner than she may have wished. And she comes by it honestly... her grandfather was a double for a very well-known actor. Now, Lizzie is gracing the stages in the Hi- and Low Desert and beginning to make her way to Los Angeles for auditions.   Born and raised in Joshua Tree, growing up she loved that she lived in a 'village'.  School field trips were hiking and learning in the national park. Lizzie entered Joshua Tree's Copper Mountain College with the idea of being a nurse, but after taking most of her general education courses and recognizing biology was not necessarily her forte', she took a different path, majoring in history. Lizzie loves museums and has visited many, including our local Hi-Desert Nature Museum in Yucca Valley and The Old Schoolhouse Museum in 29Palms. A recent visit to the Tolerance Education Center in Rancho Mirage made an impression on her. She says she not only appreciates the physicality of the artifacts but believes they each carry the energy of their time and place in history. In this episode she speaks of spending hours in antique stores, how, in their own way, they are like museums and tells of a recent find that left her imagining all kinds of scenarios about the original owner.    When asked if a move to LA is in her future, Lizzie believes it's possible, depending on the direction of her acting career. She admits to a sense of homesickness, but recognizes this place she's called home for so long will always be here for her to come back to.   Copper Mountain College   Hi-Desert Nature Museum   Old Schoolhouse Museum   Tolerance Education Center

  Marilyn came to the Mojave in 1948 at the age of 14. Her younger sister had some health issues that doctors thought would be helped by the clean, dry desert air - Marilyn thought her parents had brought her to the end of the world. Settling at Smith's Ranch trailer park, Marilyn's father was the Caller for the weekly square dances at Smith's Gymnasium.   After completing school, Marilyn married, raised three children and went into the workforce, informing her husband, "I want my own social security." Marilyn exemplifies the 'you just get it done' desert spirit. From construction tools to jeweler tools, food service and sporting goods, adobe rehabbing and oil painting, Marilyn has had a very full and varied life here in the desert. She left once for a short period of time - and came right back to this place she calls home.   In this interview she also reveals why she feels women grew the Morongo Basin and why "women rule".   Smith's Ranch Drive In   Smith's Ranch History    

How does a native Norwegian, who lived on a houseboat in London come to live in the desert? In this episode Tonelise talks about her first experience in the desert, to which many of us who are here will relate. Upon arriving, Tonelise got involved in the community to meet her neighbors. We also talk about the silence, living in harmony with the wildlife and the challenges and rewards of being a vintage experience on-site Airbnb host. Her guests have ranged from musicians to people facing their fears about the dark.   Tonelise also talks about her knowledge of Tarot, handed down through her family and how she uses Tarot as a tool to coach people. Her site is below, which will require Google Translate.   Mentioned in this episode:   Tonelise's Tarot Coaching Site   Tonelise's Unique Desert View Airbnb   Tonelise's Magical Desert Get-away Airbnb

Born in Pennsylvania, Barbara came west to California after graduating from art school and met a man, who she eventually married, who brought her to the desert for the first time.  Since then, Barbara became fascinated with this place and two places in particular: Giant Rock and the Integratron.   In this episode, from her 30 years of research, Barbara shares information about local legends and the spirituality of this particular area of the desert. We also talk about the 'myth' many visitors to the desert seem to have these days of the desert being a wide open, wild, wild west where anything goes - we assure you - that is not the case. Though this area does still carry the spirit of freedom and ingenuity in the face of necessity, it is very much a community where people live and should be treated that way.   In the photos above, Barbara is on the right - on the left, is me, standing in front of Giant Rock - Barbara tells us about seeing the rock 'whole' and her experience there with the rock after that large piece broke off in February 2000.   Mentioned in this episode:   Barbara's Giant Rock Facebook Page   Giant Rock Project Website   Fantastic Photos of 1950's Giant Rock from LIFE Magazine   Integratron   The number 33

Jasmine is a desert native - born in Indio and raised in Wonder Valley. With neighbors far apart, Jasmine grew up playing in the desert with her sisters, finding abandoned homesteads and playing hopscotch on their concrete pads.  With a high school graduating class of just over 100, Jasmine credits social media with her ability to track down or stay in touch with some of her fellow classmates who floated in and out of the school due to a parent in the military.  In this episode, Jasmine talks about the many changes she has seen growing up here, from a growth in population, to road improvements and retail offerings. Jasmine says there were times growing up when she wished she lived in an area with more 'fun', but looks back now, grateful her parents chose to make their family home in Wonder Valley, instead of Orange County. An admittedly shy kid, Jasmine speaks about following her sister into community theater and how she feels it has changed her.  Jasmine is active in theaters in the Hi-Desert and 'down the hill', in Palm Springs.     Jasmine on Instagram   Jasmine on Twitter   Palm Canyon Theatre   Black Mirror on Netflix  

Cheryl has been living in the desert since 1991, having grown up in St. Louis and literally dancing her way to New York City in the 1970's and eventually to Los Angeles and the Mojave.  After the Sawtooth fire took her cabin near Rimrock Ranch, Cheryl wrote about her experience which eventually gave way to the creation of an always sold-out semi-annual fundraising event called 'Desert Stories', now in it's 11th year.  In this episode, Cheryl talks about the inspiration behind Mil-Tree, a non-profit organization that brings veterans and civilians in the community together to experience healing and understand through art.  These workshops include everything from making paper and then using that paper to hold the writings of participants, accompanied by spoken word to the creation of 'Sanctuary', an earth-bag construction project that included the construction of the structure as well as the creation of the metal works and ceramics adorning this place of reverence (go to Mil-Tree.org to see the video). Mil-Tree's upcoming workshop 'Moving the Memories', is close to Cheryl's heart, being a dancer. Mil-Tree partners with Diavolo Dance and Arts Connection of San Bernardino County to present a two-day movement workshop and presentation lead by Diavolo Architecture in Motion for veterans, active military and the community. (March 31 to April 1, 2018).   Though initially devastating, Cheryl likens the tragic loss of her first desert home to that of a phoenix rising, which gave way to a transformation of her creativity.   Mentioned in this episode:   Cheryl's Website   Mil-Tree   Diavolo Dance   The Lotus Eaters, by Tatjana Soli   The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien   War and the Soul, by Dr. Edward Tick