Welcome to The Wild Life
WONDER + WILDNESS
Chase curiosity on an awe-inspiring adventure that unravels the wonders and interconnectedness of life, the universe, and the natural world. The Wild Life is a place for discovery, a place for questions, and a place where captivating stories of creatures and passionate experts unite to celebrate our planet’s diversity and inspire action.
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From Concern to Action: A Toolkit for Grounded, Strategic Climate Conversations
Most people are already on board. Now let’s help them move forward. If most people already accept that the climate crisis is real, then our next job isn’t to convince them—it’s to support them. Our job is to connect the dots. To make action feel possible, personal, and worth it. This toolkit is for science Read more
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Most people already accept the climate crisis is real and human caused. So why does it still feel like we’re stuck?
Rethinking our strategy, energy, and role in climate communication Let’s start with the truth: If you’re still spending most of your energy trying to convince people that climate change is real, you might be fighting yesterday’s battle. Not because climate denial isn’t still out there. It absolutely is—just look at Congress. But because polling from Read more
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Between the Lines: Science, Silence, and the Stories We Tell About Wolves
A Beyond the Count Interlude This wasn’t a post I planned on writing this week. But sometimes, something shows up in the conversation that deserves reflection and a response. Last week, the Voyageurs Wolf Project (VWP) posted their thoughts on wolf hunting and trapping. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth reading. Their message, in short: they don’t Read more
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Wolves are More Than a Number
Part 4 of Beyond the Count: the science, the stories, and the stakes When we talk about wolves in Minnesota—or anywhere in North America—there’s one question that always seems to dominate: How many are there? But here’s the thing: Wolves are more than a number. And their value doesn’t begin or end at 2,919. The Problem Read more
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The Questions that Deserve Answers
Part Three of Beyond the Count: the science, the stories, and the stakes In my last post, I explored why the way we count wolves in Minnesota might not be telling us what we think it is—and why that matters more than ever as conversations about delisting and hunting re-emerge. Since then, I’ve received thoughtful Read more
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The MN Wolf Count: What the Numbers Do (and Don’t) Tell Us
Part Two of Beyond the Count: the science, the stories, and the stakes When it comes to wolves, everything comes back to the numbers. How many wolves are there?Are there too many?Have they “recovered”?Should protections be removed? Numbers shape headlines. Numbers drive public perception. And most importantly—they influence policy decisions that determine whether wolves live Read more
ABOUT ME
AND THE SHOW
My name is Devon Bowker. I’m a naturalist, high school science teacher, father, podcaster, writer, and geek of all trades. This is my passion project.
The Wild Life blog + podcast is my place of exploration, and I hope it can be for you, too. I started this in 2017 and, for years, I’ve had a hard time landing. It’s only recently I decided it’s okay to fly. To create, to seek, to adventure, to find yourself immersed in wonder and oneness with the natural world–that’s what I hope to do with this blog and podcast. Anything and everything from answering small questions to diving deep into the science. The Wild Life blog + podcast follows the threads that connect us all, no matter how thin or how small. I appreciate you being here.
Devon and The Wild Life in the Media
Today: High school teacher goes viral for his spot-on impression of Keurig coffee maker
KNSI: Teacher of the Year Candidates Released
Men’s Health: Your Monthly Guide to Making 2024 the Healthiest Year Ever
KVSC: THE UNTOLD STORY OF DISTANCE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 WITH ISD742’S DEVON BOWKER, SCIENCE TEACHER, NATURALIST, AND BLOGGER
SCSU: Biology teacher with viral videos looks to inspire critical thinking in his students
What Listeners Are Saying
The Nagging Naturalist.
This is a wonderful podcast that really helps combine a passion for the natural world with storytelling and the human experience. A big part of conservation is about connecting people with the natural world and inspiring them to care about it, and the hosts have done a great job of doing that.
Juleen Moreno
I really like this podcast I love nature the host convo was very natural and entertaining. Keep up the good work
Vikram Baliga
I’ve really enjoyed getting into The Wild Life. The hosts bring an earnestness and kindness to the show that is incredibly endearing. It’s funny and informative and a great learning experience for the whole family.
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Feel free to reach out, I’d love to hear from you!