Interview: Rip Current, with Toby Ball

The California Timber Wars of the 1980s and 1990s, particularly the bombing of activist Judi Bari, are examined. Guest Toby Ball, creator of the "Rip Current" podcast, provides context, explaining how the conflict arose from the clash between environmentalists and timber companies over the fate of old-growth redwoods. The discussion covers the controversial tactics of Earth First, including tree spiking, and the timber industry's response, including the "Yellow Ribbon Movement." Ball details the circumstances surrounding Bari's bombing, the FBI's investigation, and theories about who was responsible. He also touches on the legacy of COINTELPRO and its potential relevance to the case, as well as the complicated history of environmental activism in the region.

Outlines

Part 1: Context, Origins

Part 2: Tactics, Conflict, Escalation

Part 3: Investigation, FBI, Corporate Influence

Part 4: Reflections, Journalism, Conclusion

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Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Part 1: Context, Origins

Introduction to the California Timber Wars and Guest Toby Ball

The Genesis of Rip Current Season 2: Investigating the Timber Wars

The Redwood Forest's Decline and the Rise of Earth First

Part 2: Tactics, Conflict, Escalation

Direct Action Tactics and the Controversy of Tree Spiking

Local Sentiments and the Divide Over Environmentalism in California

Escalation of Actions and the Bombing of Judi Bari

Part 3: Investigation, FBI, Corporate Influence

Redwood Summer and the Circumstances Surrounding the Bombing

The FBI Investigation and the COINTELPRO Connection

The Lost Evidence and the Web of Connections

The Yellow Ribbon Movement and Anti-Environmentalist Sentiments

Hill & Knowlton's Role and the Decline of Direct Action Groups

Part 4: Reflections, Journalism, Conclusion

The Challenges of Investigative Journalism and Daryl Cherney's Interview

The Importance of Sharing the Story and Exploring Deeper Threads

Five Timers Club and Contact Information

Interview: Rip Current, with Toby Ball

Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Part 1: Context, Origins

00:00Introduction to the California Timber Wars and Guest Toby Ball

Introduction to the California Timber Wars and Guest Toby Ball

02:03The Genesis of Rip Current Season 2: Investigating the Timber Wars

The Genesis of Rip Current Season 2: Investigating the Timber Wars

08:47The Redwood Forest's Decline and the Rise of Earth First

The Redwood Forest's Decline and the Rise of Earth First

Part 2: Tactics, Conflict, Escalation

13:30Direct Action Tactics and the Controversy of Tree Spiking

Direct Action Tactics and the Controversy of Tree Spiking

17:08Local Sentiments and the Divide Over Environmentalism in California

Local Sentiments and the Divide Over Environmentalism in California

23:57Escalation of Actions and the Bombing of Judi Bari

Escalation of Actions and the Bombing of Judi Bari

Part 3: Investigation, FBI, Corporate Influence

25:08Redwood Summer and the Circumstances Surrounding the Bombing

Redwood Summer and the Circumstances Surrounding the Bombing

32:33The FBI Investigation and the COINTELPRO Connection

The FBI Investigation and the COINTELPRO Connection

40:50The Lost Evidence and the Web of Connections

The Lost Evidence and the Web of Connections

45:05The Yellow Ribbon Movement and Anti-Environmentalist Sentiments

The Yellow Ribbon Movement and Anti-Environmentalist Sentiments

53:07Hill & Knowlton's Role and the Decline of Direct Action Groups

Hill & Knowlton's Role and the Decline of Direct Action Groups

Part 4: Reflections, Journalism, Conclusion

57:20The Challenges of Investigative Journalism and Daryl Cherney's Interview

The Challenges of Investigative Journalism and Daryl Cherney's Interview

1:01:38The Importance of Sharing the Story and Exploring Deeper Threads

The Importance of Sharing the Story and Exploring Deeper Threads

1:07:09Five Timers Club and Contact Information

Five Timers Club and Contact Information