Hilary Sloane

Hilary Sloane's professional journey began in Hollywood, where she spent over three decades working in film and advertising as a producer and wardrobe stylist. Eventually drawn away from that fast-paced world by a longing for deeper connection and purpose, she relocated to the Mojave Desert in 2009—a place that offered silence, stillness, and space.

A longtime Society of Environmental Journalists member, Hilary has been a documentary photographer, writer, and short-term host in Joshua Tree since 2012. She contributed photography to the Mojave Desert Land Trust and wrote community profiles and features for the Hi-Desert Star. Her award-winning photography has been featured in solo and group exhibitions, often reflecting the quiet resilience of people and landscapes shaped by time. View Hilary's photography work here.

Hilary is also a writer and on-air contributor for Z107.7FM, Joshua Tree’s community news station. Through her work there, she covers local events, profiles community members, and brings attention to regional stories that might otherwise go untold. Whether behind the mic or in the field, she brings curiosity, empathy, and a journalist’s eye to every story—capturing the unique spirit of the desert and the people who call it home. You can read her published articles here.

Rooted in a deep belief that stories can heal, connect, and transform, Hilary has followed her calling worldwide. Volunteering with a UK-based nonprofit, she traveled to Borneo and Tanzania to document conservation and education efforts in rural communities. In 2015, she produced and recorded a podcast episode titled Hip Hop Speaks Many Languages, featuring interviews with two international hip-hop artists and a Los Angeles nonprofit that connects music with at-risk youth.

Hilary is the creator and host of Driftwood Conversations, a podcast that invites conversation and connection. Individuals and friends she has met around the world, share a casual conversation about their work, their lives, challenges and where they get their resilience to continue going forward. These stories of transformation, resilience, and purpose are guided by the belief that we are all shaped by unseen currents and inner callings, and the most powerful force for healing is community.

Hilary is also developing another series called “Talking Love: The Science and Soul of Love,” in which she examines how love manifests in communication, work, and nature. 

Whether through photography, journalism, or podcasting, Hilary's work seeks to answer a single, sacred question: how do we stay open to wonder—and one another—in a world that often demands we close ourselves off?

Connect with Hilary on Substack where she shares articles and insights.