The Wild Lab

Ned Weidner

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 world made us forget. We talk with trackers, horsemen, monks, plant shamans, hunters, coaches, and wild-hearted thinkers. And the host Ned Weidner goes solo digging into what it means to live closer to instinct, to let the wilderness shape us, and to walk the long road back to ourselves.

  1. 30 Jul

    The Inner Lives of Animals: Sentience, Coexistence, and the Case Against Killing

    Join Ned Weidner and Marc Bekoff in a profound conversation as they explore animal emotions, morality, deep ecology, and the ethical responsibilities of humans in natural ecosystems. Discover insights from decades of ethology research and how we can rewild our hearts to foster coexistence with wildlife. Check out Marc's Work: https://marcbekoff.com/  Work with Ned: https://www.instagram.com/nedweidner/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marc Bekoff's Journey 03:06 The Influence of Childhood on Animal Connection 05:58 The Nonlinear Path to Animal Behavior Research 09:00 Academic Challenges and Ethical Considerations 11:59 The Role of Coincidence in Life's Journey 14:54 Deep Ethology and Slow Watching 17:59 Rewilding Our Hearts and Understanding Animal Emotions 20:58 Paradigm Shifts in Animal Behavior Science 32:34 Understanding Animal Sentience 35:01 The Importance of Compassionate Conservation 39:52 The Role of Death in Nature 52:11 Human-Animal Coexistence 01:00:32 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Reflections

  2. 9 Jul

    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/  If you want to get into the mountains with Ned: 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

  3. 19 Jun

    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 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

  4. 5 Jun

    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/    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

  5. 15 May

    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  Findhorn Venison: https://findhornvenison.co.uk/    Learn to Hunt and fish with Ned: 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

  6. 28 Apr

    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/   If you want to hunt, fish, or learn wilderness skills from Ned: @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

  7. 14 Apr

    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

  8. 25 Mar

    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

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Trailer

About

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 world made us forget. We talk with trackers, horsemen, monks, plant shamans, hunters, coaches, and wild-hearted thinkers. And the host Ned Weidner goes solo digging into what it means to live closer to instinct, to let the wilderness shape us, and to walk the long road back to ourselves.

Information

  • Creator
    Ned Weidner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Wild Lab
  • Show Website
    The Wild Lab

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