
About this episode
The episode discusses the impact of the Trump administration's border wall plans on Big Bend, TX, and the local community's efforts to protect their environment.
When local river guide-turned small-town investigative reporter Sam Karas discovers that the Trump administration has been quietly waiving environmental regulations to expedite the building of a new border wall, she knows that they'll be coming for the Big Bend soon. This remote corner of West Texas is widely beloved for its rugged beauty, dark skies, and unique wildlife, and now, locals are coming together across party lines to protect the way of life they know and love along the Rio Grande. Thin Green Line Chandra Brown, river guide and writing coach, led a 5 day retreat canoeing the Rio Grande. On their final night, Mother Nature erupted. Support comes from Kuat Racks Oboz Darn Tough Free shipping on any order with code DIRTBAG Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order. Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.
People in this episode
Guest: Sam Karas
Topics covered
- environmental regulations
- border wall
- local activism
- river guiding
- wildlife conservation
- Texas
Keywords
- Big Bend
- border wall
- environment
- activism
- Rio Grande
- Sam Karas
- Chandra Brown
- Texas
- wildlife
- regulations
Sponsors
Kuat Racks, Oboz, Darn Tough, Ka’Chava
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Trump administration
Places: Big Bend, TX, Rio Grande
More episodes of The Dirtbag Diaries
- Derick Lugo: Mr. Fabulous · May 29, 2026 · 40 min
- Minneapolis Unbound · May 22, 2026 · 50 min
- Lowest To Highest · May 8, 2026 · 57 min
- The Shorts– Near Miss · April 24, 2026 · 27 min
- Portable: A Mystery in Three Parts · April 17, 2026 · 1h 12m
- Acceptable Conduct · April 10, 2026 · 46 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Dirtbag Diaries podcast page.