Water Talk is a national podcast about all things Water hosted by Drs. Mallika Nocco (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension), Faith Kearns (Arizona State University), and Sam Sandoval (University of California, Davis; University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources)
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Making good on the Human Right to Water
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.
Groundwater depletion, sea level rise, and satellites
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.
The Imperial Valley—winter produce basket and living border
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.
A conversation with Professor Samantha Montano (Massachusetts Maritime Academy, author of Disasterology) about the stages of emergency management, needs following different types of disasters, and the changing emergency management landscape across the United States. Released November 21, 2025.
A conversation with Professors Leslie Holland and Amaya Atucha (University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension) about cranberry production, water use, recycling, and enjoyment. Released November 14, 2025.
Environmental justice tactics, strategies, and institutions
A conversation with Professor Tracy Perkins (Arizona State University) about the history of the environmental justice movement in California and different types of environmental action and activism. Released November 7, 2025.
A conversation with Brian Richter (Sustainable Waters) about budgeting water for the environment and water accounting for the future. Released October 31, 2025.
A conversation with Professor Sonali McDermid (New York University) about irrigation, evapotranspiration, and impacts on climate systems. Released October 24, 2025.
Tribal and Transboundary Issues in the Colorado River Basin
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.