The Wild Lab

In this conversation, Chris Wood discusses his journey from a passion for fishing to a career in conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting cold water fisheries and public lands. He highlights the significance of the Roadless Rule, the role of sportsmen in conservation efforts, and the ongoing challenges faced in the field. The conversation also touches on the Klamath River restoration project and the need for community engagement to combat apathy towards conservation. Chris shares insights on the healing power of nature and the optimism that drives conservationists to continue their work despite the challenges.
 
To connect with Trout Unlimited: @troutunlimited
 
Want to learn to hunt or fish? https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris Wood and His Work02:58 Early Fishing Memories and Connection to Nature05:54 The Transition from Fishing to Conservation08:54 The Roadless Rule and Its Importance11:50 Current Challenges Facing the Roadless Rule19:35 Rallying Voices for Conservation22:03 The Importance of Roadless Areas23:07 Connecting with Decision Makers27:20 Organizing for Conservation30:33 Restoring River Ecosystems34:49 The Resilience of Native Fish48:55 Optimism in Conservation58:30 The Call to Action

Unlocking Leadership Through the Wisdom of Plants and Ecosystems
In this episode, Ned Weidner explores the surprising connection between ecological systems and effective leadership. Discover how learning to see the complexity in nature can transform your perception, decision-making, and ability to lead with clarity and resilience.
Key Topics:
The ecological importance of biodiversity in alpine meadows and its parallels to organizational resilience
How oversimplification and "plant blindness" hinder our understanding of complex systems
The role of perception, attunement, and relational awareness in leadership
Practical insights from learning plant identification to develop leadership skills
The dangers of monocultures in ecosystems and organizations and the benefits of diversity
Techniques for training perception and developing nuanced judgment
The importance of slow observation and relationship mapping for leaders
How societal and political structures collapse under oversimplified narratives
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: The connection between ecological systems and leadership00:19 - The ecological importance of alpine meadows and biodiversity00:31 - How diversity preserves water flow and ecosystem resilience01:00 - The role of complexity in ecological functions and societal systems01:29 - Oversimplification and "green stuff": misunderstanding ecosystems02:16 - The impact of ideological narratives on perception02:59 - How perception collapse leads to societal division03:29 - The importance of understanding relationships and system complexity03:43 - Leadership as navigating complex, intertwined systems04:28 - Flattening complexity in political and social narratives05:07 - Learning plants as a method to train perception and attunement05:35 - Developing sensory awareness through plant identification06:24 - Recognizing relationships and diversity in ecosystems07:03 - The concept of monocultures and their fragility07:33 - Resilience in diverse ecosystems versus monocultures08:09 - Societal monocultures and echo chambers in thought08:40 - Collapse of fragile thought structures under stress09:07 - The importance of interspecies dependencies and resilience09:36 - Shifting perception in nature hikes from surface to depth10:00 - Learning plant relationships and traditional uses10:27 - The transformative moment of connecting with wild nature11:12 - How observing relationships creates resilient perspectives11:51 - Learning plants to enhance perception and leadership judgment12:21 - The connection between nuanced perception and good decision-making13:03 - The societal crisis: Loss of perception, attunement, and relationships13:39 - Fast-paced media training causes superficial understanding14:10 - Slow observation as the key to developing leadership skills14:40 - Rebuilding attention and attunement through plant learning15:08 - The difference between ideological and ecological leadership15:39 - Invitation to deepen perception skills through outdoor programs16:07 - Final thoughts: The path to better leadership is through understanding nature
Connect with Ned:
IG @stepintoyourwild
TikTok @stepintoyourwild
YouTube @stepintoyourwild

Discover how leadership skills developed in the military, ranching, and wilderness survival translate across life, emphasizing trust, decision-making, and resilience. James Nash shares his journey from tank commander to ranch owner and guide, highlighting the importance of fundamentals, risk-taking, and embracing failure.
 
Want to learn to hunt or fish? https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/
Connect with James: James Nash's profile
Resources & Links
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Six Ranch
The Wild Lab Podcast
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to James Nash and the history of Six Ranch01:02 - The rugged landscape surrounding the Six Ranch and Hell’s Canyon03:55 - Military service, combat experience, and lessons in leadership under stress04:51 - Transition from war to ranching and guiding adventures globally06:15 - What makes Hell’s Canyon unique and challenging terrain navigation07:55 - Applying military fundamentals to ranch work and wilderness guides09:08 - Trust-building and communication as core leadership skills11:21 - Balancing democratic and autocratic leadership styles13:10 - Making quick decisions at 70% certainty and avoiding analysis paralysis16:26 - Overcoming decision fears through small, low-stakes choices like restaurant orders17:36 - The importance of after-action reviews and learning from hunts and huntsmen18:28 - Embracing failure as a learning tool and encouraging initiative in others21:06 - The significance of seizing opportunities before time runs out22:02 - The critical role of decision speed in hunting success and personal confidence24:41 - The value of hunting not just for meat, but for knowledge transfer25:42 - Defining success in guiding: process over outcome28:13 - Hard work, perseverance, and multiple endeavors as keys to growth31:01 - Allowing mistakes to foster development rather than overprotecting33:45 - The importance of stories in understanding truth and history36:07 - Lessons from "In the Heart of the Sea" and "Endurance" about leadership and resilience38:21 - The interplay of fiction and nonfiction in grappling with universal truths40:55 - The influence of stories and metaphors in human understanding42:31 - The relationship with death shaped by ranching, hunting, and military service44:25 - Ecosystem balance and the role of life and death in nature’s cycle45:42 - Recognizing death as a part of life’s shared experience and its societal impact50:06 - Small steps to reconnect with nature and the cycle of life and death51:19 - Advice for young leaders: seize opportunities, act decisively, and start now52:44 - Connecting with James for hunting, ranching, or ranch consultancy53:20 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to support the podcast

In this conversation, Ingrid Lyons, the executive director of Save the Boundary Waters, discusses the current threats facing the Boundary Waters wilderness area in Minnesota due to proposed copper mining. She shares her personal connection to the area, the ecological and economic implications of mining, and the importance of public engagement in protecting this vital natural resource. Our conversation emphasizes the need for collective action to safeguard the Boundary Waters for future generations.
To take action for the BWCAW: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/ 
Want to learn wilderness skills and connect with the land? https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Boundary Waters and Ingrid Lyons02:57 Ingrid's Early Memories and Connection to the Boundary Waters05:54 Transition from Visitor to Advocate for the Boundary Waters08:43 The Unique Experience of the Boundary Waters Wilderness11:47 Current Threats to the Boundary Waters: Mining Issues14:53 Understanding the Mining Controversy and Its Implications17:32 The Environmental Risks of Copper Mining22:19 The Pollution Dilemma of Copper Mining23:18 Ecological and Cultural Risks of Mining27:55 Economic Impacts of the Boundary Waters29:16 Advocacy for Protection of the Boundary Waters31:51 The Broader Implications of Mining Legislation35:22 Potential Consequences of Mining Approval37:54 A Vision for the Future of the Boundary Waters

In this conversation, Nick Jensen and I explore the significance of plants and ecosystems, discussing topics such as plant blindness, the importance of native plants, and the role of conservation in public lands. Nick emphasizes the need for observation in nature, personal connections to plants, and the impact of community advocacy on conservation efforts. Our discussion also touches on the beauty of ecosystems, challenges posed by invasive species, and the importance of engaging with nature in everyday life.
To connect with California Native Plant Society: https://www.instagram.com/california_native_plants/
 
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Want to join a Primal Hunt or Fishing Trip?
Walker School of the Wild: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/walker-school-of-the-wild.html
 
Subscribe to The Wild Lab

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TzHzFi8lkaxIqyJDwoAet?si=33d247444d3d4042
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-lab/id1816620068
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stepintoyourwild
 
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In this conversation, Andrew Forsthoefel shares his transformative journey of walking across America, exploring themes of fatherhood, self-discovery, and the importance of listening. He discusses the challenges and joys of new fatherhood, the balance between work and family life, and the significance of creating heart-centered spaces in education. Andrew emphasizes the healing power of vulnerability and the role of mentorship in personal growth, ultimately highlighting that listening is an act of love that fosters deeper connections between individuals.
To connect with Andrew: https://littlecourtyard.substack.com/
 
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Want to join a Primal Hunt or Fishing Trip?
Walker School of the Wild: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/walker-school-of-the-wild.html
 
Subscribe to The Wild Lab

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TzHzFi8lkaxIqyJDwoAet?si=33d247444d3d4042
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-lab/id1816620068
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stepintoyourwild
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. 
 

In this conversation, Garrett Renon shares his transformative journey from a career in the military industrial complex to becoming a plant medicine practitioner and coach. He discusses the importance of gratitude, presence, and celebrating small wins in life. Garrett delves into his experiences with ayahuasca and the Shipibo tradition, emphasizing the significance of building relationships with plant spirits through the dieta process. He highlights the need for focus and depth in personal growth, as well as the importance of safety and responsibility in plant medicine practices. The conversation culminates in the introduction of Garrett's new program aimed at integrating mind, body, and spirit for holistic personal development.
 
To connect with Garett: @unpluggedhuman.life
 
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Want to join a Primal Hunt or Fishing Trip?
Walker School of the Wild: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/walker-school-of-the-wild.html
 
Subscribe to The Wild Lab

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TzHzFi8lkaxIqyJDwoAet?si=33d247444d3d4042
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-lab/id1816620068
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stepintoyourwild
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. 

In this episode, I explore the question of why we hunt, and delve into the deeper reasons that connect hunting to our humanity. I discuss the evolutionary, psychological, and philosophical implications of hunting, emphasizing its role in shaping our species and our relationships with nature. The conversation sets the stage for a multi-part series that will further investigate how hunting influences our identity and existence.
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Join a Primal Hunt or Fishing Trip?
Walker School of the Wild: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/walker-school-of-the-wild.html
 
Subscribe to The Wild Lab

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TzHzFi8lkaxIqyJDwoAet?si=33d247444d3d4042
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-lab/id1816620068
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stepintoyourwild
 
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 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. 

In this episode, Jess Johnson shares her journey as a woman in the hunting community, discussing her upbringing in nature, the importance of reciprocity in conservation, and the unique challenges women face in the hunting world. She emphasizes the role of intuition in hunting, the emotional journey of new hunters, and the need for diverse voices in the hunting community. Jess also highlights the mission of Artemis, a program aimed at empowering women in hunting and conservation efforts, and the importance of storytelling in connecting with others.
To connect with Jess: @jesscjohnson_
 
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Want to join a Primal Hunt or Fishing Trip?
Walker School of the Wild: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/walker-school-of-the-wild.html
 
Subscribe to The Wild Lab

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TzHzFi8lkaxIqyJDwoAet?si=33d247444d3d4042
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-lab/id1816620068
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stepintoyourwild
 
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 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. 
 

In this conversation, Adam Jackson, co-founder of Sacred Sons, shares his journey from a troubled youth to a leader in the men's movement. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of gratitude in personal growth, and the need for modern rites of passage for young men. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, service, and authenticity in creating a culture of brotherhood. Adam reflects on the impact of grief and loss, the legacy of service, and the vision for Sacred Sons as a movement that fosters connection and healing among men.
To connect with Adam and Sacred Sons: @sacredsons
 
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Want to join a Primal Hunt or Fishing Trip?
Walker School of the Wild: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/walker-school-of-the-wild.html
 
Subscribe to The Wild Lab

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TzHzFi8lkaxIqyJDwoAet?si=33d247444d3d4042
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-lab/id1816620068
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stepintoyourwild
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend.