Species of the River

02/04/20 • 37 min

In our season finale, Mark River interviews Quapaw Canoe Company founder John Ruskey about the natural and invasive species of plants and animals found in and along the Mississippi River and how ecological events such as the changing climate and the current trend of flooding benefits some species while harming others. Featuring "Reflections" by Mark River, "Rivertime" by John Ruskey and a special performance of the song "Muddy Water" by John Ruskey.

Previous Episode

River Music

The Mississippi River has inspired some of the most iconic music in the world and in this episode, we explore the importance and the reach of its musical influence. First, we meet and hear a performance by St. Louis native Lucious Spiller who is currently making waves in the Mississippi Delta blues music scene. We also present a performance and interview with Meghan Maike, a Canadian/Australian folk singer who now calls Clarksdale, Mississippi her home. Also featuring "Reflections" by Mark River and "River Time" by John Ruskey.

Next Episode

Flooding and Infrastructure

In this episode, Mark River interviews John Ruskey about the worsening flood events along the Mississippi River and how human engineering - in a benevolent attempt to keep the river stable for development, agriculture, commerce - has unintentionally endangered the crucial wetlands and put communities such as New Orleans at risk.