Bear dens, land ethics, and the kind of mentorship that changes a life—this conversation brings together three Aldo Leopold Award winners and past presidents of The Wildlife Society to explore how a profession found its purpose and how we keep it honest, relevant, and resilient.

From there, we unpack what TWS really is: not just a membership, but a community of practice that transcends workplaces and fuels collaboration. You’ll hear how standards and journals legitimized wildlife management as a science, how policy engagement turned research into action, and how the annual conference built a durable network of peers who can challenge assumptions, share methods, and solve problems together.

Along the way, we trade field stories—from face-to-face bear encounters to cultural wake-up calls in India and the delicate craft of radio-tagging endangered jumping mice—that translate directly into practice: safety, ethics, cultural competence, and adaptive learning.

If you care about wildlife science, conservation policy, and the next generation of biologists, you’ll find perspective and practical guidance here: invest in your network, step beyond your comfort zone, and be an honest broker who pairs evidence with empathy. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear how you’re carrying the land ethic forward.