The Wild Lab

Ned Weidner
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

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 too—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. MAR 11

    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

  2. FEB 27

    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

    1h 3m

  3. FEB 15

    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

    40 min

  4. FEB 5

    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.

    1h 11m

  5. JAN 26

    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.

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 19

    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.

    1h 9m

  7. JAN 7

    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.

    49 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    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.

    1h 13m
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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 too—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
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Wild Lab
  • Show Website
    The Wild Lab