PODCAST · science
Restoring Darkness
by Scott Wachter and Get a Grip Studios
News and interviews related to the reduction of light pollution.Currently on hiatus.
Episodes
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Episode 22: April Fools Special: planetarian ～ちいさなほしのゆめ～
Scott Wachter sneaks back in to discuss a 2016 ONA about losing sight of the stars and how we can preserve that memory This review episode is sponsored by Hobbylink Japan
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Episode 21: The Darkness News Update for December 25, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Human Rights Toads Orbital Debris Chronomedicine Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/ Find the...
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Episode 20: The Darkness News Update for December 11, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - hormone Therapy - A Nice Cup of Tea - Data Centers Across America - Bylaws Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at...
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Episode 19: The Darkness News Update for November 27, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Big News - Amber LEDs - The Flu - Revoked Status Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/ Find the...
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Episode 18: The Darkness News Update for November 13, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Cancer - Amber LEDs - Burnout - Moths Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/ Find the Darkness…
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Episode 17: The Darkness News Update for October 30, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Crime - Weight Loss - Heart Health - Lawsuits Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/ Find the...
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Episode 16: Blue Lights, Bad Intentions with Scott Wachter
In this explosive episode of Restoring Darkness, hosts Michael and Mark sit down with Scott Wachter of the Darkness News Update to expose the growing threat of hostile lighting. From AI-powered strobe systems that discriminate against shoppers to police flashers that may violate the ADA, we dive...
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Episode 15: The Darkness News Update for October 16, 2025
Highlights from this episode: More Migrations Security Fund Raising Slow Growth Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/ Find the...
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Episode 14: Darkness Has Value: Lighting Design That Protects and Connects with Chiara Carucci
What if darkness wasn’t the absence of light—but a form of urban infrastructure? In this episode, we dive deep with Chiara Carucci, a transdisciplinary lighting designer who's reshaping how cities think about nighttime. From moonlit forests in Sweden to bat-friendly corridors in urban parks…
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Episode 13: The Darkness News Update for October 2, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Health Studies New DarkSky Spots Action For the Birds Space Junk Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be Found at www.RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 12: Connected Cars, Disconnected Lights with Leo Smith
In this eye-opening episode, advocate Leo Smith takes us on a journey through the hidden costs of artificial light. From battling LED glare to reshaping roadway illumination for autonomous vehicles, Leo reveals how policy, technology, and environmental justice intersect in the fight against light...
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Episode 11: Cone by Cone: Mapping the Human Eye with Dr. Austin Roorda
In this eye-opening episode, we welcome Dr. Austin Roorda—visionary researcher, inventor, and professor—who takes us deep into the microscopic world of human vision. From mapping the trichromatic cone mosaic to pioneering adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, Dr. Roorda has…
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Episode 10: The Darkness News Update for September 18, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Wind Farms at Range - Null Results - Fake Crime - Pufflings Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be Found at www.RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 9: Garbage in, Garbage Stays with Dr. Jim Uttley
What if more light doesn’t mean more safety? In this episode of Restoring Darkness, hosts Michael Colligan and Mark Baker sit down with Dr. Jim Uttley, lecturer in architectural science at the University of Sheffield and environmental psychologist, to uncover the surprising truth about street...
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Episode 8: The Darkness News Update for September 5, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Lights on the Borderlands Turtle Records Migrations Anyone for Tennis? Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be Found at...
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Episode 7: Nocturnal Walks and Nightcaps with Alona Rodeh
In this captivating episode, Berlin-based visual artist and urban practitioner Alona Rodeh takes us deep into the heart of the nocturnal city. Known for her immersive installations and advocacy for darkness preservation, Rodeh shares her journey from theater scenography to public art, blending...
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Episode 6: Light & Noise Pollution in National Parks with Morgan Crump
In this illuminating episode, Dr. Morgan Crump, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Vermont, joins the Restoring Darkness podcast to discuss her groundbreaking work on light and noise pollution in U.S. national parks. From red streetlights in Grand Teton to quiet zones in Muir...
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Episode 5: The Darkness News Update for August 21, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Go to Jail Shopping Problems Turtle Season Hospital Lighting Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/
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Episode 4: The Darkness News Update for August 7, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Sleep Hazards Solar Panel Hazards Sports Fields An Appeal to the UN Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 3: The Darkness News Update for July 24, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Bigger, Longer Research - Night Shifts - 100 Miles of New Brunswick Coastline - Florida! Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at...
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Episode 2: The Archeology of Night: Rediscovering Darkness with Dr. Nancy Gonlin
In this illuminating episode, we explore the hidden side of human history: the night. Dr. Nancy Gonlin, professor of anthropology at Bellevue College, joins us to discuss her pioneering work in the Archaeology of the Night. Learn how ancient cultures navigated darkness, how modern lighting is...
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Episode 1: The Darkness News Update for July 10, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - The Biggest Camera Ever! - Extended Stay in the ICU - Extra-Electoral Political Action - Passing Gas Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can…
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Episode 29: The Sociology of Light with James Solecki
In this illuminating episode of the Restoring Darkness podcast, hosts Michael Colligan and Mark Baker welcome outdoor lighting designer James Solecki—founder of INTEGRA Bespoke Lighting and Island Villa Lighting. From stage lighting gigs as a teen to award-winning installations across Ontario and...
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Episode 28: The Darkness News Update for June 26, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Parks Funding - New Data - Curb Cuts and Umbrellas - Blacker Than the Blackest Black Times Infinity! Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can…
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Episode 27: Fireflies Don’t Have Blackout Curtains with Eileen Kragie
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Eileen Kragie, founder of Dark Sky Friends and passionate advocate for DarkSky International, to explore the urgent issue of light pollution and how it's transforming our night skies. Eileen shares how her lifelong awareness of light trespass evolved...
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Episode 26: The Hidden Impact of LED Lighting: A Call for Policy Change
In this episode of Restoring Darkness, Mark Baker and Michael Colligan dive deep into the unintended consequences of LED lighting. Mark shares eye-opening insights on LED light discrimination, its impact on people with disabilities, and the urgent need for updated policies and regulations. From…
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Episode 25: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter - June 12, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - “Health” and “Human” “Services” - Seasons - Municipal Meetings - The Kids are Alright Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources at...
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Episode 24: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter May 29, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Scientific Consensus - Stressed Out - For the Birds - Space Mirrors Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be Found at RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 23: Recognize Electric light as a Form of Pollution? With Yana Yakushina
In this episode, we welcome back Yana Yakushina, a legal expert and researcher tackling light pollution from a policy and environmental law perspective. We dive into the latest regulatory frameworks, legal victories, and the fight to recognize artificial light at night as a serious environmental...
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Episode 22: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter May 15, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Health Updates Nesting Migrations Geopolitics Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at www.restoringdarkness.com
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Episode 21: Soft Lights and Hard Truths: Lighting's Impact on Humans with Larry Boxler
Join hosts Mark and Michael as they sit down with Larry Boxer, an optical engineer with over 30 years of experience in lighting innovation. This episode dives deep into the science behind lighting design, discussing its impact on human health, night environments, and the evolving challenges…
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Episode 20: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter May 1 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Dark Sky Week! - Hospital Design - Migration Season - Policy Engagement Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at...
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Episode 19: Darkness Pollution with Dr. Amardeep Dugar
In a thought-provoking episode of Restoring Darkness, Michael Colligan, Mark Baker, and Dr. Amardeep Dugar rethink lighting design, challenging outdated metrics and advocating for life-centric lighting—an approach that considers the broader ecological impact of artificial light. 🌍 Key Takeaways:...
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Episode 18: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter April 17, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - 3-Way Conflicts - Alignments - Dark Sky Week - Lawsuits Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 17: Darkness News Roundtable with Scott Wachter
In this episode of Restoring Darkness, Michael Colligan, Mark Baker, and Scott Wachter unpack the hidden dangers of light pollution, from LED-induced migraines to its role in societal chaos. They expose how the lighting industry’s shift from bulbs to LEDs dodged accountability, while personal...
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Episode 16: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter April 3, 2025
Highlights from this episode: New Metric Apps Bird Safety Millinery Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 15: April Fools - Review - Planetes (2003)
Scott Wachter takes a break, from talking about light pollution to explain why the 2003 Sunrise TV anime, Planetes, informs his coverage of space junk on the Darkness News Update. This review episode is sponsored by Hobbylink Japan
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Episode 14: Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter March 20, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Heart Health Let’s Talk About Sleep Migrations Trending Topics Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 13: Light Scarcity with Nadine Baalbaki
Nadine brings us a completely different perspective on the light pollution issue. We in the peaceful, prosperous parts of the world debate how to deal with light pollution, what color temperatures to use, and when to turn it off. There are parts of the world where light is scarce and whether it…
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Episode 12: The Prince of Princia with Rushil Kukreja
When’s the last time you spoke at the U.N.? Well, 15 year old Rushil Kukreja has done it. This smart kid is taking action on light pollution. His website, princia.org, is dedicated to “combatting light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of our night skies.” As part of a science fair...
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Episode 10: The Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter for March 6, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Road Trips Low Orbit Parks Highways Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com
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Episode 11: Light Pollution is Addictive with Dana Zartner
Do we have a right to night? Dana thinks so. We also have a right to health and there is more and more evidence that light at night can be detrimental to our health, and to the environment. Dana applies her legal expertise to her books, articles, essays, and speaking engagements to change…
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Episode 9: The Bay Bridge Rant with Michael Colligan
The Bay Bridge in San Francisco got new lights–high Kelvin, high bright LED lights–lighting up the water all around it. You know we have had many guests on this podcast that have established the harm that bright, high kelvin, blue-rich light causes on humans and the environment. Has no one from...
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Episode 8: The Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter for February 20, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Manipulating a Groundhog’s Day Weight Loss Interpreting of ALAN Getting Down Under the Sea Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be found at...
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Episode 7: David and Goliath with Michael Calhoun
They say, “You can’t fight city hall.” Well, young David Calhoun is. In the small town of Vernonia Oregon, David is on a quest to reduce light pollution in and around the town. His focus so far has been on the main street, where they have switched to 5000K LED’s. Even from his home in the woods 3...
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Episode 6: Going Around and Around with Sasha Rodoy
Sasha is back and she’s fightin’ mad! She’s still battling the refractive eye surgery industry, and because of the damage her eyes experienced from that, LED street lights are a problem for her. So now she is battling her local council to fix the terrible LED street lighting in her borough–not…
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Episode 5: The Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter for February 6, 2025
Highlights from this episode: - Lucky 13 State Parks in CO - Maritime Issues - Street Lighting Across Europe - A Bigger Trump Sign Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources can be...
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Episode 4: It’s Like Looking at the Sun with Philip Gotthelf
Philip was recently on Get a Grip on Lighting, Episode 381, (getagriponlighting.com/episode-381-induction-dont-call-it-a-comeback-philip-gotthelf), making him one of our few cross-over guests. His company, Tesla Induction Lighting makes Dark Sky compliant induction light fixtures and lamps. That...
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Episode 3: The Darkness News Update with Scott Wachter for January 23, 2025
Highlights from this episode: Made in the Shade Threats to Chilean Observatories Fossil Fuels Mending Fences Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/ Headlines and Sources are available at...
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Episode 2: The Wages of Sin is Light Pollution with Michael Colligan
Michael identifies five of the seven deadly sins—gluttony, greed, pride, wrath, and sloth—as fundamental causes behind the growing light pollution epidemic. Gluttony manifests in our excessive and often wasteful use of electric light at night, far beyond what is necessary. Greed drives industries...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Restoring Darkness have?
Restoring Darkness currently has 215 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Restoring Darkness about?
News and interviews related to the reduction of light pollution.Currently on hiatus.
How often does Restoring Darkness release new episodes?
Restoring Darkness publishes regularly with 215 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Restoring Darkness?
You can listen to Restoring Darkness on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Restoring Darkness?
Restoring Darkness is created and hosted by Scott Wachter and Get a Grip Studios.
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