In Exposure Episode 7, we sit down with Bob and Darlene Williamson—lifelong residents of Jefferson County, Ohio—whose quiet country life has been upended by the rapid encroachment of oil and gas infrastructure. Their story is not one of opposition to energy development, but a deeply personal account of how fracking infrastructure—particularly compressor stations—can devastate a family's health, property, and peace of mind. What unfolds is a raw, emotional portrait of forced sacrifice in the name of industry profit.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Nicole Deziel, Associate Professor at Yale School of Public Health, to explore her groundbreaking research on the health impacts of fracking and petrochemical development.

From growing up near cancer clusters in Long Island to leading a pivotal study in Barnesville, Ohio, Dr. Deziel shares what led her to become one of the nation’s top exposure scientists.

We dig into:

• The hidden chemicals in our water and air

• The link between fracking and plastics

• What her studies reveal about cancer, birth defects, and environmental injustice

• The political pressure scientists face when researching oil and gas

Nicole’s work has resulted in over 30 peer-reviewed studies and secured the only $2M EPA grant for fracking research under the Trump administration. Set in the Ohio River Valley, this conversation is a vital listen for anyone concerned about the intersection of public health, science, and industry.

🌐 Learn more or take action: ohiovalleyallies.org
📺 Watch on YouTube: @exposurepodcast

#Fracking #EnvironmentalJustice #PublicHealth #Petrochemicals #ScienceMatters #Yale #NicoleDeziel #ExposurePodcast

Disclaimer: Exposure is an editorial and investigative journalism platform produced by Ohio Valley Allies. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization or its affiliates. Our mission is to investigate and document the impacts of extractive industries—including oil, gas, petrochemicals, and plastics—through in-depth interviews, research, and storytelling. We aim to expose the truth behind these industries’ operations and consequences using good-faith inquiry, verified sources, and the protections afforded to journalists under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational, educational, and documentary purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice, a call to action, or an endorsement of any specific viewpoint, protest, or organization. We do not knowingly publish false or defamatory statements. All claims are based on publicly available information, firsthand accounts, expert interviews, or journalistic analysis. Where allegations or critical claims are made, we strive to provide context and sourcing. We are committed to correcting material errors. If you believe a factual inaccuracy has occurred, please contact us at info@ohiovalleyallies.org for timely review and, if warranted, correction. While Exposure covers controversial and high-stakes topics, we do so as journalists seeking transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas—not as advocates for any political party, protest strategy, or legal action.

In this episode of Exposure, hosts Stuart and Jill break down a crucial development: the newly signed energy executive order. With the beginning of 2025 ushering in a new administration, this executive order frames energy development as a national security emergency, opening the door to major changes in how energy projects are approved and implemented. This conversation is a cursory look into the implications of this decision, its potential consequences for landowners, the environment, and the broader conversation around energy independence.

Join us for Part 2 of our eye-opening conversation with investigative journalist Justin Nobel and oilfield veteran Richard as we dive even deeper into the hidden truths of the oil and gas industry. From radioactive waste spreading on farmlands to the shocking health impacts on workers and communities, this episode uncovers the untold stories of an industry operating in the shadows.

Learn about the real consequences of fracking, the disturbing practices surrounding toxic waste disposal, and why promises of prosperity often leave communities worse off. If you care about clean water, public health, and economic justice, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🛠️ Get involved and take action: Ohio Valley Allies 📚 Explore Justin’s book Petroleum 238: Available at local bookstores or online. 👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more truth-telling episodes!

How has the fracking boom impacted Appalachia? In this eye-opening episode of the Exposure Podcast, we speak with Sean O’Leary, a leading researcher and expert on economic development in the Ohio River Valley. Sean breaks down the hard data that challenges the narrative that oil and gas are economic saviors for the region. From job losses to population declines in the top 22 gas-producing counties, we uncover the untold story of economic realities, environmental exploitation, and how communities can rebuild for a sustainable future. 📌 Key Topics Discussed: Why the top 22 gas-producing counties in Appalachia are losing jobs and people. How the natural gas industry profits while communities bear the costs. The structural flaws in fracking as an economic engine. Sustainable solutions for Appalachia: A pivot to clean energy and infrastructure investment. 💡 Take Action: Help us amplify the truth. Share this episode, subscribe to our channel, and join the movement for a cleaner, more sustainable future. 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Frackalachia Report - https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/frack... Bureau of Labor Statistics Data on Appalachian Counties - https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/appalach... 📧 Stay Connected: Visit us at https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/ to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. 🔔 Subscribe for More Content Like This! #Fracking #CleanEnergy #Appalachia #ExposurePodcast

Exposure Episode 4 - Industry Insider Part 1: Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Oil and Gas Fracking Waste In this eye-opening episode of Exposure, co-hosts Jill Hunkler and Stuart Day interview investigative journalist Justin Nobel and former oil industry truck driver Richard Cummings to reveal the dangerous, often hidden realities of fracking waste. They delve into the toxic and radioactive elements found in waste produced by oil and gas extraction and uncover the alarming health and environmental impacts of current waste disposal practices. Key Topics Covered: The reality of radioactive waste in oil and gas extraction Fracking waste disposal through deep well injection and its environmental risks Health impacts on workers exposed to fracking waste without proper protections Regulatory loopholes that classify fracking waste as “non-hazardous,” allowing dangerous practices to persist The role of community activism in raising awareness and pushing for change Join us as we discuss how the oil and gas industry manages waste and why communities are stepping up to protect their health and safety. 🔗 Watch now to learn more and take action: For more information, visit https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/ #FrackingWaste #EnvironmentalJustice #RadioactiveWaste #OilAndGas #Podcast

The Ohio River Valley Institute has just released a new survey which reveals that 9 in 10 Pennsylvania voters support stricter regulations on fracking. That includes things like requiring companies to disclose what sort of chemicals they're using in their drilling operations, requiring safer transport of fracking waste, increasing setback distances between new fracking wells and schools and hospitals, and also increasing air monitoring near fracking wells, compressor stations and other infrastructure. Investments in clean energy, and energy efficiency upgrades are overwhelmingly popular among Pennsylvania voters. They found that 80% of the survey respondents, say they have a favorable opinion of solar energy, 73% support wind, and 84% support spending taxpayer dollars on wind and solar development to increase renewable energy usage in the state.

We speak with Ben Hunkler, Communications Manager, for the Ohio River Valley institute about their Pennsylvania poll findings and how the energy transition is already underway. It's up to policymakers to decide whether or not we're going to jump on board and be a part of a clean energy future, or whether we're going to be stuck in a polluting oil and gas industry economy that hasn't produced economic returns for more than a decade. Ben makes the case that there's broad support for investing in clean energy and transitioning our economy to one that hasn't polluted our communities and put our families in harm's way.