The American Southwest

I was looking to get an overview and understanding of the ancient puebloans and wow, this guy really knocks it out of the park. He does a great job of relaying on the latest scientific consensus while also infusing his own logic based take on their history. And he does so in a great story telling style that really pulls you along with him and let’s you visualize the places he’s talking about.

Some good overviews of Southwest history, but the host can’t help himself from peppering in climate denialism, gun fetishism, half-baked politics. The image that comes to mind is of a rich kid wearing an Indiana Jones hat as an affectation.

Thomas Wayne Riley is the reason that I would rather meet a bear than a man when I’m in the back country camping in a national park. Leave your gun and entitlement at home. Instead try carrying an extra water bottle, small snack, and first aid kit. If you don’t need them before you get back to the parking lot, give them to one of those overweight visitors. Presto! You just made someone’s visit to a national park better. Most of the rangers I know have tough jobs, and aren’t overweight. I agree with him about the camping fees, though …

Stayed for the Southwest