Fancy Scientist with Dr. Stephanie Manka

Bees are the heavy lifters in the pollination world, but NOT the honey bees that so many of us think of! It’s native bees, with over 20,000 species worldwide, that are CRITICAL pollinators.

Here we explore bee diversity including bumblebees, carpenter bees, longhorn bees, mining bees, sweat bees, and leaf-cutter bees - each with unique characteristics and roles in nature.

Also, you’ll learn that you can contribute to REAL science by using Project BudBurst to understand the impacts of climate change on pollinators and plants.

Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! 

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/132-native-plants-and-pollinators/

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to Pollination and Native Plants

01:11 Introduction to Bee Diversity

02:13 The Importance of Observing Bees

03:28 Bumblebees

03:53 Carpenter bees

04:21 Longhorn bees

04:50 Squash bees

05:09 Mining bees

05:44 Sweat bees

06:05 Leafcutter bees

06:18 Citizen Science and Bee Observations

08:02 Conclusion and Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

 If you’re involved in the wildlife or conservation field in any capacity, whether you are a current or aspiring career professional, someone volunteering their time to make the world better for wildlife, or simply just want to learn more to help out, chances are, you’ve struggled with the emotional toll that comes with trying to save a species, cope with the climate change crisis, get plastic out of our system, and the list goes on and on…

Unfortunately, the nature of the conservation field (no pun intended) is inherently dealing with loss. And without giving ourselves the care and attention that we need, in addition to the Earth, these emotions can evolve into chronic conditions.

Anxiety and depression are two such conditions that I have personally struggled with, have learned a lot about over the years, and now have largely overcome (although you’ll notice in this episode I’ve had a lot of ups and downs). Also, I know that I’m not alone.

Today I’m talking about my journey going on and now off of anti-depressants because I know many people in the wildlife field are struggling. I read Facebook posts from my friends who are struggling desperately in graduate school, and of course, I remember my own experiences while getting my PhD. Now, aspiring wildlife professionals are expected to work all the time, constantly put in their all, while their personal health and well-being take a backseat.

Even major scientific journals like Nature and Science have started to take notice and publish many articles about graduate students struggling with mental health disorders. In addition to the challenges associated with biodiversity loss, those working towards becoming wildlife professionals are suffering due to the increased demands put on them driven by intense competition.

This includes more papers to publish, more grant money to bring in, and the pressures of landing a job in this ultra-competitive field. It’s tough for people to deal with. Even for entry-level jobs, expectations are much higher than they were just a couple of decades ago.

In my decades of being in a wildlife and conservation field professional, I used anti-depressants really at the beginning of my career journey to help me cope. I thought there was something wrong with me that I just couldn’t be happy without them. Although they have been a valuable resource for me, in the past few years, I’ve learned so much about my mind and have developed tools, practices, and more that have allowed me to go off of them completely – something I was told by several doctors that I would not be able to do. For today’s podcast episode, I wanted to share this journey with you.

Here, I detail my long and ongoing journey of dealing with anxiety and depression, and what I did to support my mental health to the point of no longer needing antidepressants.I recognize the value of antidepressants, and if you’re currently on antidepressants, I’m not trying to convince you to go off them; rather, this is an episode about engaging in self-care. I provide you with the tools and mindset work that I’ve learned over the years. It’s been truly effective, and the reason behind how I was able to go completely off my antidepressants.

Specifically, I go over:

• How anxiety and depression are related to wildlife and conservation
• How the demands of working in a wildlife career have changed over the years
• Why focusing on mental health is essential and NEEDS to be a high priority for those in wildlife professions  
• My personal journey going on and off of antidepressants: why and how I did it
• My favorite books for teaching you how to truly love yourself and restructure your self-talk
• How a healthy lifestyle and nature are essential tools that boost your mental health
• Other mindset tools for dealing with mental health struggles
• The importance of prioritizing your self care and that mental health is health
• And MORE!

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/133-mental-health-wildlife/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Conservation

02:07 The Struggles of Mental Health in the Scientific Community

04:18 Personal Journey: Overcoming Antidepressants

10:43 The Importance of Self-Care and Mindset

20:27 Practical Tips for Mental Wellbeing

24:42 The Role of Nature and Exercise

26:35 Mindset Strategies and Emotional Management

37:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you to our sponsor Magic Mind!

60% off First Magic Mind Subscription and 20% off one-time purchase with code FANCYS20

Link to all 200 studies for Magic Mind ingredients

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

Pollinators NEED native plants because of their closely tied relationships that are at times millions of years in the making! In this podcast episode, you'll learn why native plants are crucial for pollinators and how non-native plants fall short.

Tune in to discover how plant-pollinator co-evolution was predicted and discovered through incredible examples of plant-pollinator relationships. At the end, I'll challenge you to a fun mini-experiment to see which attracts more pollinators: native or non-native plants.

Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! 

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/132-native-plants-and-pollinators/

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to Pollination and Native Plants

01:02 The Importance of Native Plants for Pollinators

01:50 Unique Plant-Pollinator Relationships

02:43 Historical Discoveries in Pollination

03:26 Native vs. Non-Native Plants: A Challenge

04:23 Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

Since 2017, I decided to change my social media handles from @StephSchuttler to @FancyScientist. I was given this name and I loved it! But have you ever stopped and wondered, when coming across my content, what exactly is a Fancy Scientist?

Well, that is what this podcast episode is all about! Despite running this blog for 7 years, changing all of my social accounts, and forming my small business under the same name, I realized I never really told the story of HOW I became known as the Fancy Scientist…

And it’s important to me because over the years, I’ve received emails from numerous members of my audience who’ve read my story and told me that it really resonated with them, that they also didn’t feel like they quite fit in in the wildlife biology field.

My nickname goes back to when I was a postdoc, working on the eMammal project with middle school teachers. To them and their students, I didn’t look like the stereotypical scientist, especially a wildlife biologist. For starters, I’m a woman, and I showed up to work in makeup, high heels, and with sparkly jewelry. Proudly defying these norms, I became known as the Fancy Scientist.

But I didn’t always proudly defy these norms…

Diversity is undoubtedly important in science, and recently, much attention has been given to increasing gender and racial diversity within the sciences. But in this episode, I share how increasing diversity can go even deeper than that and why it’s so important.

When I was in graduate school, my peers tended to have a specific look that I didn’t fit into: field clothes, no makeup, and Chaco sandals. For a while, I dulled my sparkle (literally and figuratively) and toned down my look to fit in. To be honest, suppressing who I was didn’t feel good because I was no longer being true to myself. I just felt down.

But later, when I fully embraced being a Fancy Scientist, and working in the eye of the public in bright colors and glitter, I served as a reminder to both myself and the future generation that you can be both fancy AND a scientist.

As a business owner, I also defined what being a Fancy Scientist means through my company values. And I didn’t want it to be exclusive. What about people who aren’t fancy in the traditional sense that we think of? Can they be Fancy Scientists too?

The answer is yes! What you’ll learn from this episode is that being fancy is more than just makeup and sparkles; it’s about being unexpected, unconventional, and apart from the norm. But most importantly, it’s about the courage to be yourself loudly and proudly!

Specifically, I go over:

• The origin of the name “Fancy Scientist”
• What is a Fancy Scientist, and how I define it to be inclusive
• How the public, especially children, perceives scientists
• The importance of representation and breaking stereotypes in science
• How community science engages the public, especially children
• Mental health and how to be true to yourself
• and MORE!

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/131-what-is-a-fancy-scientist/

Jump Links:

00:00 Welcome to the Fancy Scientist Podcast

01:39 Defining the Fancy Scientist

02:25 The Origin of the Fancy Scientist Name

03:36 Citizen Science and Classroom Integration

07:25 Breaking Stereotypes in Science

11:38 Embracing the Fancy Scientist Identity

12:55 The Fancy Scientist Definition

21:19 The Importance of Representation

25:44 Blending Science with Other Passions

29:31 Encouragement to Embrace Your Unique Self

31:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

Thank you to our sponsor Magic Mind!

60% off First Magic Mind Subscription and 20% off one-time purchase with code FANCYS20

Link to all 200 studies for Magic Mind ingredients

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

There’s a huge diversity in the number of animal species that pollinate plants - it’s way more than bees! And most people think of honey bees when it comes to pollination, but they are actually poor pollinators and not native to North America. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn about native pollinators all over the world.

You’re going to be surprised to learn how many there are - from small insects to large mammals and even carnivores. Pollinators are everywhere! I challenge you to watch a plant or scan an area and see how much pollinator diversity you can find.

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/130-animal-pollinators/

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

Sometimes, when you think the worst happens, it can actually be the best thing. For wildlife biologist Jamie Bowles of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, losing her job in the medical field launched her wildlife career…

I met Jamie through LinkedIn. She has been so supportive of my posts, and I quickly recognized that, like me, she prioritized and loved mentoring. With her ample and sage advice about getting into wildlife careers, I knew she would be the perfect guest for the podcast.

Throughout this interview, Jamie calls herself lucky. I don’t think she’s lucky at all. Rather, she did the RIGHT things to set herself up so that when opportunities were available, they were GIVEN to her. As the Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Jamie set herself up for success.

Now having worked at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for nine years, Jamie has held a multitude of different jobs. She started out working in fish, but later moved on to work on everything from habitat, to wolves, to now porcupines, and working with the public. She also did this while being a mom of four! 

As you’ll find out from our interview, Jamie had children when she was 18 and went to college after she became a mom. In her wildlife career, she was always going to school and working towards getting this career while balancing it with motherhood, and she has some amazing wisdom about how she did it.

However, Jamie’s story is not without its challenges–she got a later start in her career than more traditional students, having turned to wildlife biology after losing her job in the medical field amidst the COVID-19 pandemic (which she later realized was a blessing in disguise!). She returned to school as a non-traditional student, being older and also a mom.

Although Jamie was aware of these challenges, she didn’t let them hold her back. She was strategic. Through networking, flexibility, and operating with knowledge of a long-term career plan, Bowles was well-prepared when opportunity presented itself. Luck alone would not have gotten her to where she is today!

I have worked with hundreds of students, sharing my over 20 years of knowledge as a wildlife biologist to help them land permanent careers in this field, and I know for a FACT that you don’t need luck to land your dream job – you make it happen.

Jamie’s hard work has led her all over Oregon, working with numerous species of wildlife. From backpacking up the mountains as an intern with fish in bags (yes, fish in bags!), to managing wolf-human relationships, to launching a community science project to document North American porcupine presence, Jamie Bowles has truly done it all! I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode and hear all about the exciting, fun, and crazy stories she has to tell.

Jamie also recognizes that success is not a path that is walked alone. She stresses the importance of mentorship, and we talk all about how to find a mentor, what you can gain from mentorship, and the role it played in her career. Once a mentee, and now a mentor herself, check out Jamie Bowles’ LinkedIn for great advice about wildlife careers!

If you’re interested in wildlife biology, especially as a non-traditional student or career switcher, you will be left inspired following along with Jamie Bowles’ journey and how she got to where she is today. Her resilience will motivate you, and her wisdom will leave you feeling like you, too, can conquer not only the challenges that this field presents but whatever personal obstacles you’re facing as well.

You will learn that Jamie put herself out there, that she was actively networking, and she made opportunities happen for her.

Specifically, I go over:

• Jamie Bowles’ experience working in wildlife biology at the state level and how she landed her first jobs
• What it’s like to work in different types of positions within a state agency, and what it takes to get jobs like those
• The competitive nature of wildlife careers
• The importance of networking and finding good mentors
• How experience and education help you land a permanent position in wildlife careers
• Crazy experiences she’s had while on the job
• What it’s like working with wolves
• Her experiences working in wildlife biology as a mom of four 
• And MORE!

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/129-jamie-bowles/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

01:34 The Fancy Scientist: Embracing the Title

03:44 Jamie’s Role at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

04:58 Career Path: From Intern to District Wildlife Biologist

13:44 The Importance of Networking in Wildlife Careers

14:53 Volunteering and Gaining Experience

18:04 LinkedIn for Wildlife Careers Masterclass

21:51 Fisheries: A Gateway to Wildlife Careers

23:47 Pursuing a Master's Degree in Wildlife

25:13 Overcoming Educational Gaps in Wildlife Careers

25:50 The Sierra Nevada Red Fox Project

26:15 Pursuing Higher Education in Wildlife Management

27:19 Career Opportunities Without a Master's Degree

28:38 The North American Porcupine Project

31:14 Working as an Assistant Wolf Biologist

34:12 Balancing Motherhood and a Wildlife Career

39:29 Unusual and Memorable Wildlife Experiences

41:32 The Importance of Mentorship in Wildlife Careers

45:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

You’ve heard about the importance of pollinators, but what exactly is it? When you learn what pollination consists of, you’ll quickly realize it truly is a miracle of nature! This week on the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, we’re diving into the fascinating world of pollination—how it happens, who some pollinators are, and why it's essential for our survival. You'll discover how pollen travels from the anthers to the stigma to create seeds, and why this process is vital for the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and even the medicines we take. I’ll challenge you to find pollination in action right in your own backyards!

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/128-pollination/

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

When we think about saving the environment, kids aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind for most people – especially when it comes to fiction books written for children. But maybe that’s an important missing link…

I’ve been seeing more and more scientists coming out with children’s books, and to be completely honest, it’s something I’ve thought about myself! In fact, I remember reading the book 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth, and it had a profound impact on me.

You see, over my 20 years of working in science, first as a researcher and then leading a citizen science program focused on middle school kids, I realized that science alone cannot save a species.

For most species, the solutions to their conservation challenges are embedded in how people view wildlife whether it’s from an educational, political, economic, or cultural lens. And it’s difficult to change adults’ minds.

By working on such conservation issues over the years and understanding their root cause, the importance of keeping children interested in nature from a young age has become more and more clear to me.

When kids love nature early on, it sets them up to be lifelong environmental advocates, stewards of nature, and conservationists. While adults tend to have their minds made up, kids are still curious; they’re still learning about the world and how it works.

That’s where children’s author Rosanne Parry comes in. She connects children to nature through the fiction novels that she writes. Rosanne has authored books such as A Wolf Called Wander, a #1 Indie Best Seller, A Wolf Called Fire, a 2025 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, and A Horse Named Sky, which debuted on the New York Times Middle Grade Hardcover Best Sellers List at #4, continuing on the list for over 30 weeks.

Rosanne's books are written from the perspective of different animals, including orcas, mustangs, and more. She conducts thorough research on the species to ensure scientific accuracy, but crafts stories from fiction, allowing children to view the world and understand it from an animal’s perspective, ultimately creating empathy.

If you’re interested in publishing, reaching a younger audience, or learning about how kids are key to saving and supporting our environment, you won’t want to miss this interview with Rosanne Parry. I finished this podcast feeling inspired by her story. She has great advice not just for aspiring authors, but also for how getting interested in nature.

Specifically, I go over:

• Rosanne Parry’s journey to becoming a children’s author
• How she comes up with ideas for her best-selling books
• Her research process before writing so that her material is scientifically accurate, while engaging
• What her writing process is like and how she goes about it
• How she makes a living as an author
• Tips for writing and publishing a children’s book
• The differences between self-publishing and working with a publisher
• And MORE!

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/127-rosanne-parry/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:15 The Journey to Becoming a Children's Author

03:55 Balancing Writing and Family Life

07:05 The Inspiration Behind Animal-Centric Stories

09:47 Writing Process and Research

16:18 Publishing Children's Books: A Guide

22:29 Exploring Middle Grade Books

22:47 Challenges of Writing for Young Children

23:47 Inspiring Young Readers and Writers

26:40 Citizen Science and Nature Exploration

29:16 Female Perspectives in Science

35:19 The Financial Realities of a Writing Career

39:51 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

Chances are, you've seen the headlines that the dire wolf is no longer extinct. The company Colossal Biosciences claims to have brought it back from extinction in the form of three living, breathing dire wolf pups.

But my headlines have actually been flooded with scientists saying “not so fast…” so what is really going on here? 

Having studied African forest elephants using genetics during my Ph.D., a species related to the extinct woolly mammoth and a target of de-extinction efforts, this topic has long been on my mind to discuss on the podcast. 

Given the recent dire wolf news, I’ve been getting so many questions about this, that I thought it would be a great time to discuss this and prepared this episode as soon as I could (despite a myriad of technical difficulties). 

De-extinction is the concept of bringing back a fully extinct species back to life and as you’ve seen now as evidenced from the dire wolves, scientists are actively working on it. But should they be? And why? 

First, I break down the dire wolf headlines, offering insight into the scientific process of de-extinction as a whole, how the team at Colossal Biosciences approached de-extinction and why, and how most scientists feel about their result: Are these really dire wolves? 

I then open up to a larger conversation about de-extinction: why are scientists attempting to de-extinct species at all? Is there conservation merit in doing so? Which species are being considered? I address a plethora of topics as well as moral and ethical considerations. 

Specifically, I go over: 

• What exactly is de-extinction and how it can be done
• Why de-extinction is so hard to actually do
• How Colossal Biosciences resurrected what they are calling the dire wolf
• What scientists think of Colossal’s dire wolves; are they really dire wolves? Why or why not?
• Insights on how scientists think about species in general
• What else goes into a species being a species aside from genetics
• What is the point of de-extinction? Why should scientists attempt it? Which kinds of species are being considered?
• My opinions on de-extinction: which species are okay to bring back and why
• Does de-extinction help conservation? How? 
• How de-extinction can hurt conservation efforts
• How the Trump administration is attempting to use de-extinction efforts to undermine the Endangered Species Act
• And more!

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg 

Full show notes:

👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/126-de-extinction/

Jump links:

01:14 My Scientific Background and Expertise

03:07 Understanding De-Extinction

04:28 How De-Extinction Works, & Why It’s So Hard to Do

09:27 Woolly Mammoth and Tasmanian Tiger De-Extinction Challenges

12:01 The Dire Wolf Project by Colossal Biosciences

15:27 Scientific Skepticism and Ethical Considerations

22:15 Why Colossal Chose the Dire Wolf

24:41 Species Concepts and Controversies

27:49 More Than Genetics: What Makes a Species a Species

31:39 Why Bring an Extinct Species Back

32:39 Argument of Ecological Restoration of Resurrected Species

39:13 Ethical and Moral Considerations

40:45 Is De-extinction Good for Conservation?

46:11 De-extinction and the Endangered Species Act

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

Are you somebody who really cares about wildlife and conservation and you're trying to get people to change their behavior? Reduce their carbon footprint? Get them to not litter? Or keep their cats indoors to save birds? 

Whether it’s getting people to switch to clean energy sources or eating less meat to help save the planet, all of these things all require human behavior change, and the foundation of such change is communication. 

A lot of people tend to think we just need to educate people more - that people have a deficiency in knowledge, and that if only we could get people to understand the data and studies like we do, then they would see the error in their ways. But as we've seen with well-researched topics with lots of supporting data and studies like climate change and vaccines, this is not true. There is more to it! We need effective communication, which requires dialogue. 

This week’s podcast is inspired by two events: (1) the results of the 2024 election here in the United States where we saw the public vote for an administration that is anti-environment and science and (2) the aftermath of me reading an eye-opening, enlightening, and highly entertaining book on the subject of rethinking by social scientist Adam Grant: Think Again. 

In this episode I talk about how to be a more effective communicator, get people to rethink their opinions and values (including yourself!), and teach you how to have productive, engaging, and useful debates with people who think, at times, very differently than you. I am living proof it is possible!

The lessons shared largely come from the book Think Again, but also my own personal experience engaging with and even being friends with people from “the other side.” You’ll learn how to reframe your perspective on arguments so you don’t feel exhausted, angry, or drained, how effective listening is critical in debate, and how providing nuance, multiple perspectives, and humility can make you more effective in changing minds. 

Often when we talk about working with wildlife, we think about it from the animal's perspective and studying the species, but in reality, almost all of the conservation solutions with declining biodiversity have to do with interventions on the human side. Want to save wolves? We need to reduce poaching. Want to save monarchs? We need to get people to plant more milk weed and reduce habitat loss. These things require interventions on the human side. 

So if you are someone who works in science or conservation, or are simply someone who wants to create more positive change in the world, then this episode is for you!

Specifically I talk about: 

• Why it’s important to engage in debate and that it doesn’t have to be hostile, exhausting, or heated
• How debate makes us stronger leaders and better scientists
• How spirited discussions helped Disney create Pixar’s The Incredibles that went on to win two Oscars
• How to reframe arguments into debates and learn how to dance rather than fight
• Common “don’ts” and mistakes that many people make that close people off and cause them to dig more into their original beliefs
• How to motivate someone to share information with you
• Why facts alone don’t work in changing minds
• That asking questions activates a rethinking cycle in your debate partner (and yourself!)
• Why listening is critical to getting people to open up and be receptive
• How the “vaccine whisperer” got people to vaccinate their children through non-judgemental empowerment and listening
• That binary or black and white thinking can actually cause people to move away from your cause
• How uncertainty and humility can make you more effective in changing minds
• And more!

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/

🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/

📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/

🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/

I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg

Full show notes:

👉https://stephanieschuttler.com/125-facts-dont-change-minds/

Jump links:

00:22 Challenges in Science Communication

01:19 The Role of Personal Experience and Think Again book

01:53 Human Interaction in Wildlife Conservation

03:40 Why Engage in Debate

09:00 Changing Perspectives on Arguing: The Dance of Debate

10:08 Don'ts in Science Communication

12:40 Building Relationships Outside the Screen

14:24 Engaging with the Opposition

16:39 Finding Common Ground with Wildlife Enthusiasts

16:55 Managing Emotions in Heated Discussions

17:50 The Power of Genuine Compliments

18:31 Engaging with Curiosity and Questions

21:43 The Art of Motivational Listening

22:35 Building Trust and Empowering Others

29:23 Introducing Nuance and Gray Areas

32:55 Avoiding Jargon and Being Approachable

34:50 Next Steps and Call to Action

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

Website: https://fancyscientist.com/

Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/