

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 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2025 • 31min
Fear and Growth: A Journey with Ned Weidner
In this episode I explore the concept of 'The Space Between,' a metaphorical space representing the moments of uncertainty and fear before making significant life decisions. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, I highlight the importance of embracing these moments, understanding the fear they bring, and the growth that comes from facing them. The narrative is enriched with stories from my own experiences as a young horseman, highlighting the tension between control and surrender, and the lessons learned from taking risks.
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
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Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Journey of The Way Around with Nicholas Triolo
In this conversation, I speak with filmmaker and author Nicholas Triolo about his book The Way Around and the themes of wildness, discipline, and personal growth. We explore how nature influences our lives, the importance of stillness, and the journey of writing as a conversation with the world. Triolo shares insights on revision as a spiritual practice and the balance between conquest and connection in nature. Our discussion emphasizes the ongoing nature of writing and the transformative power of personal experiences in the wild.
To contact Nick on IG: @nicholas.triolo
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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.

Nov 18, 2025 • 38min
Learning to Trust: A Bridge between Wildness and Control with Ned Weidner
Join me (Ned Weidner) as I explore the intricate dance of trust, fear, and courage through personal stories and experiences with a horse named Toby. Discover how trust is not just a leap of faith but a series of small, intentional steps that bridge the gap between wildness and control. This episode delves into the nuances of building trust in oneself and others, offering insights into how these lessons can be applied to everyday life. The stories in this episode challenge the conventional wisdom of 'going all in' and embrace the power of patience and presence.
If you are interested in diving in deeper with me in person, DM me on instagram @stepintoyourwild
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. Help spread the medicine.

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Future of Public Lands with Devin O'Dea
In this conversation, I speak with Devin O'Dea, the Western Policy and Conservation Manager for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA). We discuss the vital role of BHA in advocating for public lands and wildlife conservation, the challenges facing these areas, and the importance of community involvement in stewardship projects. Devin shares his personal journey into hunting and fishing, emphasizing the connection to wild food and the need for sustainable practices. We also explore the implications of the Roadless Rule, the North American model of conservation, and the future of public lands amidst habitat fragmentation and climate change.
To contact Devin on IG: chefboyodea or check out the work happening over at BHA
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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. Help spread the medicine.

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
Rewilding Our Lives with Daniel Vitalis
In this conversation, I speak with Daniel Vitalis, a prominent figure in the world of wild food and rewilding. We explore the importance of connecting with nature, the challenges of modern life, and the need for balance between wildness and structure. Daniel shares his insights on the significance of understanding food as a part of living organisms and the impact of death on our relationship with nature. Our discussion emphasizes the need to slow down and appreciate the magic of life while navigating the complexities of the digital and built environments.
To contact Daniel on IG: danielvitalis or check out WildFed on YouTube.
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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. Help spread the medicine.

Oct 24, 2025 • 20min
Learning from Creeks and the Power of Stillness with Ned Weidner
In this solo episode, I explore the concept of stillness, using the metaphor of a creek to explore mental health and personal growth. Reflecting on my childhood experiences in Ohio, I share how the creek taught me patience, connection, and the importance of letting life's currents clear the path ahead.
If you are interested in diving in deeper with me in person, DM me on instagram @stepintoyourwild
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. Help spread the medicine.

Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 7min
Rites of Passage and What It Means to Be an Adult with Darcy Ottey
In this conversation, I speak with Darcy Ottey about her book Rites and Responsibilities: A Guide to Growing Up. We explore the complexities of adulthood, the importance of community in personal development, and the paradox of writing a guide to growing up while emphasizing the need for communal support. Darcy shares insights on identity formation and the journey of understanding oneself within a community context. She also talks about the importance of understanding our ancestry.
To contact Darcy: @darcy.ottey
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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. Help spread the medicine.

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Skiff as Confessional with Johann Dupreez
In this conversation, Johann Dupreez and I talk about the work he does as executive director of Indifly Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit that guides indigenous communities towards sustainable futures through fly fishing eco-tourism. We delve into the transformative power of fishing and the ways fishing can bring communities together in the name of conservation.
Check out the work Indifly is doing: @indiflyfoundation
To check out Johann and his art: @johanndupreez_art
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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. Help spread the medicine.

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 37min
Father and Son Dynamics in Nature with Vince Chafin
In this conversation, Vince Chafin and I explore the concept of wildness, freedom, and the deep connection to nature that shapes a person's spirit. Vince shares his experiences growing up in the woods, the lessons learned from hunting, and the bond formed with his father through these shared experiences. Our discussion delves into the masculine and feminine expressions of wildness, the importance of responsibility, and the profound gratitude that comes from understanding life and death.
To get in contact with Vince: @vincematoska
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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. Help spread the medicine.

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 17min
You Gotta Bleed a Little to Be Free with Traver Boehm
In this conversation, Traver Boehm discusses his journey of personal growth through the Uncivilized Movement, the significance of stillness, and the transformative experiences of dark retreats. He emphasizes the importance of living authentically and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. Traver shares insights on masculinity, fear, and the necessity of confronting one's own mortality to live a fulfilling life. He offers advice for those considering dark retreats and reflects on the profound lessons learned from his experiences in darkness.
To get in contact with Traver: @traverboehm or https://www.manuncivilized.com/
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
Interested in hunting, fishing, or tracking?
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. Help spread the medicine.


