The Wild Lab

The Wild Lab

By Ned WeidnerSociety & CultureScienceNature
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The Wild Lab episodes

  • What People Are Missing about Conservation and Sharing the Land w/ Doug Duren

    In this episode, Doug Duren discusses the evolution of land ownership, conservation, and community-driven management. He explores how sharing land can enhance wildlife habitats, foster relationships, and support sustainable land use practices rooted in Leopoldian principles.

    Connect with Doug: 

    • Instagram
    • Sharing the Land

      • Want to Reconnect to a wilder way of living? Step Into Your Wild

       

      Timestamp:

      00:00 - Introduction to the concept of the opposed rally game cooperative

      00:16 - Doug’s day and commitments amid land conservation discussions
      00:30 - Origins of sharing the land and its connection to Leopold’s ideas
      01:02 - The history of the Leopold cooperative and habitat improvements in Wisconsin
      01:57 - Land access and community engagement in conservation
      03:19 - Challenges of recruiting hunters and land accessibility today
      04:01 - The significance of hunting as a conservation tool
      05:00 - Matching landowners with access seekers via software platforms
      06:28 - Practical advice for starting small and building trust with landowners
      07:57 - Examples of land use and the importance of voluntary cooperation
      08:18 - The contribution of hunters to conservation through deer management
      09:21 - Perspectives on the negative impacts of overpopulation and habitat loss
      10:54 - Habitat challenges across the Midwest and historical land use changes
      11:21 - The importance of understanding land history and the evolution of ecosystems
      12:40 - Flaws in the North American conservation model and habitat-focused management
      14:42 - Broader conservation funding sources beyond hunting and license fees
      16:05 - The need for science-based management addressing habitat and species diversity
      17:34 - Innovative approaches like eco-hunting and the need for habitat-centric policies
      18:51 - The importance of young hunters and fostering a conservation ethic
      19:50 - The potential for selling venison as a sustainable management tool
      22:55 - How science and habitat management can address the overabundance of white-tailed deer
      25:43 - The role of programs like CRP, EQIP, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service in habitat restoration
      27:20 - Land management practices from past to present and their ecological impacts
      29:02 - The significance of land history, storytelling, and long-term stewardship
      32:46 - The origins and purpose of sharing the land as a community effort
      34:56 - The story of Hans Moritz Bach and land conservation through ownership and stewardship
      37:47 - Building a network of willing landowners and access seekers for mutual benefit
      40:38 - The future of land sharing and conservation through community engagement
      44:32 - Teaching and learning through direct experience and the importance of place-based knowledge
      47:33 - The joy of observing land’s natural progression and personal connection
      49:02 - Practical advice for landowners interested in conservation and community sharing
      50:41 - Final thoughts on maintaining land health and fostering reciprocal relationships

      1 hr 31 min
    • Apathy is Killing Our Rivers: A Conversation w/ Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited

      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 Work

      02:58 Early Fishing Memories and Connection to Nature
      05:54 The Transition from Fishing to Conservation
      08:54 The Roadless Rule and Its Importance
      11:50 Current Challenges Facing the Roadless Rule
      19:35 Rallying Voices for Conservation
      22:03 The Importance of Roadless Areas
      23:07 Connecting with Decision Makers
      27:20 Organizing for Conservation
      30:33 Restoring River Ecosystems
      34:49 The Resilience of Native Fish
      48:55 Optimism in Conservation
      58:30 The Call to Action

      1 hr 11 min
    • Unlocking Ecological Leadership: Transform Your Perception and Impact w/ Ned Weidner
      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 leadership

        00:19 - The ecological importance of alpine meadows and biodiversity
        00:31 - How diversity preserves water flow and ecosystem resilience
        01:00 - The role of complexity in ecological functions and societal systems
        01:29 - Oversimplification and "green stuff": misunderstanding ecosystems
        02:16 - The impact of ideological narratives on perception
        02:59 - How perception collapse leads to societal division
        03:29 - The importance of understanding relationships and system complexity
        03:43 - Leadership as navigating complex, intertwined systems
        04:28 - Flattening complexity in political and social narratives
        05:07 - Learning plants as a method to train perception and attunement
        05:35 - Developing sensory awareness through plant identification
        06:24 - Recognizing relationships and diversity in ecosystems
        07:03 - The concept of monocultures and their fragility
        07:33 - Resilience in diverse ecosystems versus monocultures
        08:09 - Societal monocultures and echo chambers in thought
        08:40 - Collapse of fragile thought structures under stress
        09:07 - The importance of interspecies dependencies and resilience
        09:36 - Shifting perception in nature hikes from surface to depth
        10:00 - Learning plant relationships and traditional uses
        10:27 - The transformative moment of connecting with wild nature
        11:12 - How observing relationships creates resilient perspectives
        11:51 - Learning plants to enhance perception and leadership judgment
        12:21 - The connection between nuanced perception and good decision-making
        13:03 - The societal crisis: Loss of perception, attunement, and relationships
        13:39 - Fast-paced media training causes superficial understanding
        14:10 - Slow observation as the key to developing leadership skills
        14:40 - Rebuilding attention and attunement through plant learning
        15:08 - The difference between ideological and ecological leadership
        15:39 - Invitation to deepen perception skills through outdoor programs
        16:07 - Final thoughts: The path to better leadership is through understanding nature

        Connect with Ned:

        IG @stepintoyourwild

        TikTok @stepintoyourwild

        YouTube @stepintoyourwild

        22 min
      • What Military, Ranching, and Wilderness Teach You about Leadership with James Nash

        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 Ranch
          01:02 - The rugged landscape surrounding the Six Ranch and Hell’s Canyon
          03:55 - Military service, combat experience, and lessons in leadership under stress
          04:51 - Transition from war to ranching and guiding adventures globally
          06:15 - What makes Hell’s Canyon unique and challenging terrain navigation
          07:55 - Applying military fundamentals to ranch work and wilderness guides
          09:08 - Trust-building and communication as core leadership skills
          11:21 - Balancing democratic and autocratic leadership styles
          13:10 - Making quick decisions at 70% certainty and avoiding analysis paralysis
          16:26 - Overcoming decision fears through small, low-stakes choices like restaurant orders
          17:36 - The importance of after-action reviews and learning from hunts and huntsmen
          18:28 - Embracing failure as a learning tool and encouraging initiative in others
          21:06 - The significance of seizing opportunities before time runs out
          22:02 - The critical role of decision speed in hunting success and personal confidence
          24:41 - The value of hunting not just for meat, but for knowledge transfer
          25:42 - Defining success in guiding: process over outcome
          28:13 - Hard work, perseverance, and multiple endeavors as keys to growth
          31:01 - Allowing mistakes to foster development rather than overprotecting
          33:45 - The importance of stories in understanding truth and history
          36:07 - Lessons from "In the Heart of the Sea" and "Endurance" about leadership and resilience
          38:21 - The interplay of fiction and nonfiction in grappling with universal truths
          40:55 - The influence of stories and metaphors in human understanding
          42:31 - The relationship with death shaped by ranching, hunting, and military service
          44:25 - Ecosystem balance and the role of life and death in nature’s cycle
          45:42 - Recognizing death as a part of life’s shared experience and its societal impact
          50:06 - Small steps to reconnect with nature and the cycle of life and death
          51:19 - Advice for young leaders: seize opportunities, act decisively, and start now
          52:44 - Connecting with James for hunting, ranching, or ranch consultancy
          53:20 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to support the podcast

          1 hr 3 min
        • Protecting the Boundary Waters with Ingrid Lyons

          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 Lyons

          02:57 Ingrid's Early Memories and Connection to the Boundary Waters
          05:54 Transition from Visitor to Advocate for the Boundary Waters
          08:43 The Unique Experience of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
          11:47 Current Threats to the Boundary Waters: Mining Issues
          14:53 Understanding the Mining Controversy and Its Implications
          17:32 The Environmental Risks of Copper Mining
          22:19 The Pollution Dilemma of Copper Mining
          23:18 Ecological and Cultural Risks of Mining
          27:55 Economic Impacts of the Boundary Waters
          29:16 Advocacy for Protection of the Boundary Waters
          31:51 The Broader Implications of Mining Legislation
          35:22 Potential Consequences of Mining Approval
          37:54 A Vision for the Future of the Boundary Waters

          41 min
        • The Heart of Botany: A Conversation with Nick Jensen of CNPS

          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. 

           

           

          1 hr 11 min
        • Walking to Listen with Andrew Forsthoefel

          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. 

           

          1 hr 5 min
        • Exploring the Depths of Plant Medicine with Garett Renon

          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. 

          1 hr 10 min
        • Hunting Makes Us Human with Ned Weidner

          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. 

          50 min
        • Empowering Women in Hunting: A Conversation with Jess Johnson

          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. 

           

          1 hr 14 min

        About The Wild Lab

        From the publisher's feed

        The Wild Lab, explores how wildness still lives in our bodies, our relationships, and the natural world. Through story, conversation, and practice, we investigate how to reawaken what the modern…