

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

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
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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.

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 10min
Redefining Masculinity in Nature with Jarod Anderson
In this conversation, Jared Anderson and I explore the themes of wildness, masculinity, and the healing power of nature. We discuss the importance of stillness, observation, and the role of words in mental health. Our dialogue emphasizes the need for vulnerability and empathy in redefining masculinity, while also recognizing the significance of personal boundaries. Through our shared experiences, we highlight the connection between nature and emotional well-being, advocating for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
To get in contact with Jarod: @cryptonaturalist
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 11, 2025 • 28min
Hunting is a Mirror to Life
In this solo episode, I explore the profound connection between hunting and intimacy, challenging the traditional notions of conquest in both realms. I emphasizes the importance of presence, patience, and reverence in our interactions with nature and relationships.
We have two spots available for our upcoming men's backcountry retreat Sept 18-21. DM on Instagram if you are interested in joining.
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.

Sep 3, 2025 • 59min
From Pastor to Hunter: A Journey into Wildness with Tony Jones
In this conversation, Tony Jones and I explore the concept of wildness, the journey of rewilding from a structured life to embracing the outdoors, and the spiritual connections found in hunting and fishing. We discuss the ethics of hunting, the importance of conservation, and the ongoing battle to protect the Boundary Waters from mining. Our conversation emphasizes the need for stewardship over dominion and encourages listeners to engage in conservation efforts.
To get in contact with Tony: @thereverendhunter
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
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.

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
Bears, Conservation, and Mental Health with Joe Kondelis.
In this conversation, Joe Kondelis and I talk about the role of hunting in maintaining ecological balance and conservation efforts. We discuss personal stories about the role of hunting in our own mental health, and the importance of hunter advocacy for wildlife conservation.
To get in contact with Joe and the American Bear Foundation: https://americanbearfoundation.org/
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
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.

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
Horses and Lessons in Authenticity with Duey Freeman
In this conversation, Duey Freeman and I explore the intricate dynamics of human relationships, trauma, and healing. We discuss the importance of creating spiritual connections, understanding the prey-predator dynamic in relationships, and the empowerment that comes from community. Our conversation delves into the roles of victims, predators, and perpetrators, emphasizing the need for men to confront their inner predator and foster healthy relationships. We also highlight the significance of attachment and trust, advocating for emotional openness and the ability to navigate tough times together.
To get in contact with Duey: https://www.dueyfreeman.org/
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
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.

Aug 14, 2025 • 15min
What Horses Can Teach Us about Fear
In this solo episode, I tell a story about how swimming with horses taught me how to overcome the fear of taking that first step into the unknown.
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
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
Please like, share, and follow: If this episode stirred something in you, send it to a friend. Help spread the medicine.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Healing Power of Hunting with Tom Alford
In this conversation, Tom Alford and I explore the profound impact of hunting on personal growth, masculinity, and emotional healing. Tom shares his lifelong passion for hunting, emphasizing its role in connecting with nature, God, and oneself. We discuss the importance of father-son relationships in hunting, the emotional weight of taking a life, and the lessons learned from the wilderness. Tom also highlights the significance of teaching young people about hunting and the respect it fosters for life.
To get in contact with Tom Alford: @thomasalfordhunting
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Exploring the Healing Power of Plants with Remi Delaune
In this enlightening conversation, I speak with Remi Delaune, a curandero and former Greek Orthodox monk, about his transformative journey from France to the Yucatan Peninsula. We explore themes of spirituality, the importance of rites of passage, and the healing power of plants. Remi shares insights from his time in the monastery, his experiences with psychedelics, and the significance of master plant diets. The discussion delves into the differences between religious practices and plant medicine, the nature of identity, and the importance of connecting with nature and the spirit world. Remi emphasizes the need for personal growth, facing fears, and integrating lessons from ceremonial experiences into everyday life.
To learn more about Remi, Ashley, and Kumankaya, you can check them out on IG @kumankaya or on their website https://www.kumankaya.com/
Stay Connected
Instagram: @stepintoyourwild
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.