The Wild Lab

Dungeons, Dragons, and Mules: How the Wilderness Saved My Life

In this engaging interview, Kelly Kate shares her journey from trail work and wilderness adventures to becoming a backcountry cook and wilderness guide. Discover how her work supports conservation, community building, and personal transformation in the wilderness. Check out Kelly's work: https://www.instagram.com/thebackcountrycook/ [https://www.instagram.com/thebackcountrycook/]  If you want to get into the mountains with Ned: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/ [https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/]    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:09 Kelly's Journey into the Wilderness 05:30 Lessons from Mules and Communication 06:57 The Art of Backcountry Cooking 10:14 The Role of Animals in Community Building 12:10 Facilitating Ancestral Relationships with Animals 13:36 Diverse Clientele and Their Needs 16:35 Cooking Philosophy in the Backcountry 21:22 Women in the Packing Industry 26:38 Mental Health Benefits of Wilderness 28:32 Creating Safe Spaces in Nature 29:20 The Beauty of Alpine Meadows and Perspective 30:30 How the Backcountry Saved Lives 31:58 Relationships with Place and Nature 33:17 The Role of Packers in Conservation 37:23 Challenges Facing Public Lands and Packers 40:39 The Importance of Community and Connection to Land 43:31 The Future of Packing and Conservation 51:02 Innovative Approaches to Outdoor Education 56:57 Hope for the Future of Public Lands

Why Safe Men Need Teeth: Hunting, Shadow, and the Predator Within w/ Ned Weidner

In this episode, Ned Weidner explores the complex relationship between masculinity, predatory energy, and how modern culture handles these innate instincts. Through personal stories about hunting and reflection on societal patterns, he emphasizes the importance of conscious relationship with power to foster integrity and authenticity. Connect with Ned @stepintoyourwild [https://www.instagram.com/stepintoyourwild/] Key Topics: * The prevalence of predatory energy in human nature and its manifestation in modern culture * The dangers of repressing versus integrating primal instincts * Stories of hunting as rites of passage that teach responsibility, consciousness, and relationship to death * The distinction between unconscious consumption and conscious power * The concept of shadow in Jungian psychology applied to masculinity * The cultural myths about evil and the importance of internalizing awareness of one's own potential for harm * The necessity of rites of passage and mentorship in maturing masculine energy * Practical insights on how hunting can serve as an act of initiation and self-awareness * The dangers of dualistic views on masculinity: indulgence vs suppression Timestamps: 00:00 - The shocking prevalence of predatory energy in modern society 02:11 - Why repression isn't the answer to primal instincts 03:35 - The significance of experiencing death through hunting 04:43 - How hunting fosters humility and connection to responsibility 06:14 - The lessons traditional rites of passage teach about power 07:47 - Jung’s shadow and its relevance to masculine energy 08:53 - The dangers of externalizing evil and how it distorts self-awareness 12:43 - Stories of Joe and the deer: conscious relationship with power 14:34 - The importance of making deliberate choices in confronting energy 16:28 - How hunting integrates predatory energy without succumbing to domination 17:29 - The role of intention and curiosity in hunting and masculinity 19:24 - Recognizing the wildness within and choosing how to hold power 21:11 - Moving beyond repression and indulgence toward relationship and mastery 22:47 - Practical ways hunting acts as a rite of passage for masculine maturity 24:25 - The necessity of honesty, curiosity, and openness in embracing power 25:39 - Final reflections: stay curious, connected, and wild

Desert Ecology, Fish, and Restoring Species with Nick Buckmaster

In this conversation, I interview Nick Buckmaster, a senior environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. We discuss the ecological significance of desert pupfish and Lahontan cutthroat trout, the challenges of invasive species, and the importance of conservation efforts in the Eastern Sierra. Nick shares insights into his work, the Heritage Trout Program, and the role of fishing in fostering a connection to nature. Our conversation highlights the need for community involvement in conservation and the impact of fishing licenses on funding these efforts. Get into the wild with Ned: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/ [https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/]    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick Buckmaster and His Role 02:44 Understanding Desert Pupfish: Ecology and Importance 06:51 Exploring the Eastern Sierra: Geography and Biodiversity 09:03 Conservation Efforts for Pupfish Recovery 12:05 Challenges in Managing Invasive Species 13:35 Ecological Role of Pupfish in Their Habitat 15:53 Personal Connection to Fishing and Conservation 21:03 Favorite Fishing Spots and Experiences 24:01 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout: History and Characteristics 27:04 The Evolution of Cutthroat Trout 29:12 Life History and Morphology of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 32:36 Restoration Projects for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 36:27 Challenges in Fish Restoration and Management 40:40 The Role of Recreation in Conservation 47:35 Heritage Trout Program and Its Importance 54:21 Community Involvement in Conservation Efforts

From Childhood Curiosity to Ecological Stewardship w/ Linzi Seivwright

In this episode, Scottish ecologist Linzi Seivwright shares her journey from childhood fascination with deer to her current work managing deer populations and habitats in Scotland. She discusses land ownership, deer management strategies, balancing ecological health with cultural values, and engaging communities in conservation efforts. This conversation explores the cultural significance of deer in Scotland, deer management practices, the role of hunting as a responsibility versus a right, and innovative approaches to sustainable land stewardship and community engagement. It highlights the importance of hope, collaboration, and connecting people with nature through responsible deer management and venison production. Connect with Linzi: https://caorann.com/about-2 [https://caorann.com/about-2]  Findhorn Venison: https://findhornvenison.co.uk/ [https://findhornvenison.co.uk/]    Learn to Hunt and fish with Ned: https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/ [https://www.stepintoyourwild.com/]    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Seivwright and Scottish Conservation 02:54 The Landscape of Murrayshire and Deer Management 05:59 Childhood Influences and Early Passion for Ecology 08:54 Connecting Young People with Nature and Careers 11:41 Cultural Significance of Deer in Scotland 15:08 Challenges in Deer Management and Conservation 17:56 Balancing Ecosystem Health and Deer Populations 21:02 Diverse Landowner Groups and Management Plans 22:10 Creating Deer Management Plans 25:24 Hunting as Responsibility vs. Right 27:10 Cultural Significance of Deer in Scotland 28:38 Balancing Tradition and Technology in Deer Management 29:46 Challenges of Hunting Rights and Responsibilities 32:12 Connecting Communities with Hunting 40:02 The Venison Story and Local Food Security 51:46 Future of Deer Management and Conservation Collaboration

Veganism is Not Harmless with Tovar Cerulli

In this episode, Tovar Cerulli and I engage in a profound conversation about hunting, its cultural roots, ethical considerations, and its role in shaping our relationship with death. We explore how hunting is more than a way to procure food — it's a practice deeply intertwined with identity, spirituality, and ecological awareness. To connect with Tovar: https://tovarcerulli.com/ [https://tovarcerulli.com/]   If you want to hunt, fish, or learn wilderness skills from Ned: @stepintoyourwild [https://www.instagram.com/stepintoyourwild/]   Key Topics: * Tovar Cerulli’s personal journey from veganism to hunting as a means of reconnecting with nature * Cultural history of hunting in North America, including its associations with nobility, class, and identity * The ecological concept of coexistence, and how it involves accepting death as part of life * The psychological and spiritual significance of hunting moments of connection and sacredness * The critique of hunter education and the importance of social, emotional, and ritual infrastructure to initiate new hunters * Evolving notions of coexistence, shifting from no harm to accepting death as a natural process * The role of hunting as a pathway to accepting mortality and enhancing compassion and understanding in society * The importance of making outdoor and hunting spaces more inclusive and accessible Timestamps: * (00:00) - Introduction: The cultural complexity of hunting and its significance * (03:16) - The history and archetypes of the hunter: nobility, rednecks, and societal perceptions * (08:52) - Ethical ambiguity and perceptions of hunters in American culture * (13:00) - Moments of sacredness and connection during hunting experiences * (16:10) - The meaning of coexistence: from no harm to accepting mortality * (21:11) - How hunting shapes the relationship with death and mortality * (27:25) - Integrating death into the psyche: emotional and spiritual impacts * (34:30) - Initiation into hunting: education, ceremony, and cultural infrastructure * (40:18) - Modern efforts to provide social and emotional support for new hunters * (45:00) - Closing thoughts: inclusion, access, and the future of hunting culture