In this episode of Exposure, we unpack the tense and revealing town hall meeting that unfolded in East Palestine more than two years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment and subsequent chemical burn. With EPA officials, village leadership, and local residents in the room, the conversation swung between technical updates, government assurances, and raw community outrage. What emerged wasn’t just a summary of cleanup efforts—it was a portrait of a town still deeply fractured, still searching for answers, and still demanding accountability.

Disclaimer: Exposure is an editorial and investigative journalism platform produced by Exposure Studios. 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 public impacts of extractive industries—including oil, gas, petrochemicals, and plastics—through in-depth interviews, research, and storytelling. We operate under the protections of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, particularly in our role as journalists critically examining matters of public concern, including government oversight, regulatory failure, and systemic accountability. The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational, educational, and documentary purposes, and to support public dialogue around necessary government action and intervention. We do not endorse unlawful activity or calls for individual action beyond civic engagement and lawful advocacy. We do not knowingly publish false or defamatory statements. All claims are grounded in publicly available records, firsthand accounts, expert interviews, or verified journalistic research. Where critical claims or allegations are made, we strive to provide accurate context and sourcing. As a platform committed to transparency and accuracy, we welcome feedback and corrections. If you believe a factual inaccuracy has occurred, please contact us at info@ohiovalleyallies.org. We will review concerns promptly and, if warranted, issue a correction. While Exposure covers high-stakes and often controversial topics, we do so as independent journalists focused on exposing breakdowns in public oversight and the consequences for communities. Our work is grounded in the pursuit of truth, public accountability, and the broader public interest—not in service to any political party, protest tactic, or private agenda

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.

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📺 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