The Story of the Restoring Darkness Podcast

NAILD Leads Light Pollution Efforts

NAILD Leads Light Pollution Efforts

Under Presidents Matt Thesing and Brian Amundson, NAILD took early action on light pollution. In 2019, they formed two light pollution abatement committees, leading to an open letter in 2021.

In November 2020, they signed an agreement with the International Dark Sky Association (now Dark Sky International) to develop educational materials. Inspired by Get a Grip on Lighting, NAILD later launched the Restoring Darkness podcast to advance this mission.
2019–2021
2019 – 2020
The Birth of Starving for Darkness Podcast

The Birth of Starving for Darkness Podcast

At NAILD’s request, Michael Colligan conceptualized and created the podcast in 2019 to advance its initiatives. It debuted in October 2020 as a seven-episode pilot on Get a Grip on Lighting, with Greg Ehrich consulting and Jane Slade later joining as co-host.

Supported by IES, Dark Sky International, and NLB—with funding from NAILD—the podcast, originally titled Starving for Darkness, explored the spiritual and ecological impacts of light pollution. Slade’s passionate advocacy deepened discussions on how artificial light disrupts nature and human well-being.
Evolution into Restoring Darkness

Evolution into Restoring Darkness

By episode 23, Jane Slade became the sole host of the show, fulfilling the podcast’s original vision. Her impact earned her Dark Sky International’s prestigious Darkness Defender Award, and the podcast made history as the first media property in the IES Progress Report.

Following Slade’s departure, NAILD continued the show, rebranding it as Restoring Darkness. The shift marked a transition from mourning lost night skies to tackling the root causes of light pollution, exposing industry denial, and advocating for real solutions in the face of unchecked LED expansion.
2021 – Present
2021 – 2022
Transition and Challenges for Restoring Darkness

Transition and Challenges for Restoring Darkness

With these changes along with Slade’s departure, IES, NLB, and DSI concluded their support. During this transition, Restoring Darkness sought to redefine itself. While the podcast remained dedicated to addressing light pollution, finding a new host proved difficult. Many hesitated, fearing backlash from the lighting industry, accreditation agencies, and governments. This period of uncertainty highlighted the challenges of confronting powerful institutions.

Scott Wachter Joins as Content Contributor

Scott Wachter Joins as Content Contributor

Scott Wachter, writer and presenter of The Lighting Industry News Brief, joins the site as a content contributor. Reporting on light at night and how it interacts with health, conservation, astronomy, and public policy. The text here, on our social feeds, and the podcasts he presents and produces on the subject remain the most extensive resource in the field and reach 6000 people per month.

June 2023 – Present
2022 – Present
A New Era with Mark Baker and Soft Lights

A New Era with Mark Baker and Soft Lights

Restoring Darkness found new direction through a partnership with Mark Baker and the Soft Lights Foundation. Mark reframed light pollution as a health and environmental hazard, exposing industry shortcomings and the need for harm reduction over marketing-driven health claims. His work underscored how LEDs may be worsening the problem, emphasizing the urgency of change.

Now hosted by Michael Colligan and Mark Baker, the podcast blends science, advocacy, and industry expertise. Backed by Soft Lights Foundation and NAILD, it remains a key platform for advancing better lighting standards, reducing harm, and deepening awareness of light pollution’s impact on health and the environment.