Our winter 2026 issue of The Wildlife Professional featured a special focus on the mental health of wildlifers with articles discussing burnout, rehumanizing the workplace, imposter systems and more. 

In this episode of “Our Wild Lives,” TWS digital content manager Katie Perkins is joined by TWS member and special focus contributing author Michelle Doerr. Together they explore Doerr’s path from urban deer biologist to conservation wellness and culture consultant. Along the way, she shares actionable tips for wildlifers looking to prioritise their mental health.

“Our Wild Lives” is The Wildlife Society’s weekly podcast, sharing compelling stories from wildlife professionals doing critical work around the world. Your hosts, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett, of The Wildlife Society, bring you thought-provoking conversations with leading experts and emerging voices. New episodes are released weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

Further reading:

About Michelle - https://anavahconsulting.com/about-us/

Michelle’s business: https://anavahconsulting.com/

Read The Wildlife Professional - https://wildlife.org/the-wildlife-professional/

About her book, “Grapevine” - https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_patriot/community/mother-daughter-duo-release-memoir-on-battle-with-eating-disorder/article_98c91016-5eff-11ef-ad53-4bfd42810e17.html

The Voice of the Earth by Theodore Roszak - https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Voice_of_the_Earth.html?id=RnyxQgAACAAJ

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold - https://www.aldoleopold.org/products/a-sand-county-almanac

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