The Wild Lab

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
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. 
 
 

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
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 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
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 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. 
 
 

In this episode I explore the concept of 'The Space Between,' a metaphorical space representing the moments of uncertainty and fear before making significant life decisions. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, I highlight the importance of embracing these moments, understanding the fear they bring, and the growth that comes from facing them. The narrative is enriched with stories from my own experiences as a young horseman, highlighting the tension between control and surrender, and the lessons learned from taking risks.
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
 
Please like, share, and follow:
 If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. 

In this conversation, I speak with filmmaker and author Nicholas Triolo about his book The Way Around and the themes of wildness, discipline, and personal growth. We explore how nature influences our lives, the importance of stillness, and the journey of writing as a conversation with the world. Triolo shares insights on revision as a spiritual practice and the balance between conquest and connection in nature. Our discussion emphasizes the ongoing nature of writing and the transformative power of personal experiences in the wild.
To contact Nick on IG: @nicholas.triolo
 
Stay Connected

Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
 
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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.