In this episode, I interview Harold Wood, writer and historian, who specializes in the life and work of John Muir, one of the nation’s most influential and now, controversial, wilderness advocates. Harold discusses his lifelong interest in Muir and explains why his blend of scientific observation and poetic writing remains influential today. He outlines Muir’s role in the wilderness movement and the Sierra Club’s early conservation campaigns. The conversation addresses presentism and claims about Muir’s views of Native Americans. Harold disputes allegations linking Muir to Indigenous removals, racism and eugenics. Harold argues that we have much to learn from the life and advocacy of Muir and that we should come together as conservationists to address the challenges of the present day.

00:56 Episode Overview

02:05 Harold Wood Background

03:03 Why Muir Matters

03:49 Who Was John Muir

04:55 Roosevelt Yosemite Trip

06:38 Fame and Hetch Hetchy

11:18 Sierra Club Origins

13:15 Outings and Modern Era

16:17 Presentism Explained

20:02 Early Native Views

23:13 Views Evolve Through Travel

26:11 Ecocentric Worldview

28:35 Indigenous Land Management

31:42 Yosemite Removal Claims

33:53 Parks and Displacement

36:18 Muir Backlash

41:26 Eugenics Claims Rebuttal

42:19 Sequoia League Support

46:46 Unity Through Grassroots

49:42 Wilderness Big Lie

56:14 Agency Politics and Wilderness

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