Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

Here's an interview I did with Liam from the East Bay Yesterday podcast about working for the railroad in Oakland and studying botany on the side. It's available on most podcast apps, so if Spotify makes you want to puke all you have to do is search for the podcast title (East Bay Yesterday) and find the episode from December 10th 2024. This was a fun conversation about a world that doesn't exist anymore, especially after the railroads adopted the cost-cutting measures known as "Precision Scheduled Railroading" (talk about some sleazy business euphemisms eh?).

open.spotify.com/episode/3NbS1Of9PpMW2QheI10Xhr?si…

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 614



@marymactavish

As someone who is lived in the East Bay for most of my life, I meant to tell you after your wondering around West Oakland looking at the things you had planted, how much joy that episode brought me. I started watching you for your Texas stuff, of course, but that just gave me such sense of place, such gladness that these plants are still thriving in a place that's hard sometimes even for people to thrive. I listen to that podcast regularly, so I will check out this episode with you in it.

4 months ago | 11  

@zarinaromanets7290

Nice, I remember an older episode of you talking to an old railroad buddy getting me through a work day, some good stories. And surprisingly a lot in common with my construction world not being what it was anymore.

4 months ago | 3

@NJGardengirl1961

Thanks. Spotify does make me wanna puke like Regan in The Exorcist.

4 months ago | 1

@jamieellohengee2667

You look like such a bad ass botany-loving hunk who is fed up with life in da Eocene in that photo on Spotify. Love it!

4 months ago | 5

@jonathanveach369

Hell yeah, thanks for sharing! Two of my favorite things: trains and plants!

4 months ago | 1

@mandipai

“Maybe a bit abrasive” haha Thank you! 🌺

4 months ago | 0

@that_guy_Ash

As a guy who really digs finding weird plants, wildflowers, and what they're up to in their habitat, as a railroader (Maintenance of Way), and as a curious guy generally, this was an awesome interview to listen to. Thanks!

4 months ago | 3  

@HI74IH

The fist vid o watched of ya was in Oakland I used to work in that area. Your so welcome at out 50plus acres in the Livermore hills after the fire a few year back

4 months ago | 0

@naughtiusmaximus1811

Salmon sightings in the lake recently...

4 months ago | 15

@EthanS.C.024

Yooo it would be cool to see You explore Bay Area Fungi.

4 months ago | 4

@karljiks

oh fuck yea bud, gonna check out soonTM

4 months ago | 4

@cacogenicist

I really wish Amtrak didn't have to beg the freight companies to let their trains run on time. Amtrak is supposed to have the right of way -- but they absolutely do not, and passenger trains are held up constantly by freight trains on the West Coast.

4 months ago | 0

@ThinkAboutIt-2x

Spotify does not want to open in any of my browsers.

4 months ago | 1

@naughtiusmaximus1811

Worlds Collide!!!!

4 months ago | 4

@Thom4ES

Won wonders whitch way should one run ? Who who whom set free the last - owls - how does it actually go : in the end- wise ,ya know ? What do ya think ? What do z ya know ? Upper cananda or goode old mexico , countdown onto one ; an just let go 00. Ooo. 00oo singed the Milwaukee roads last hobo. Adue!

4 months ago | 0