The Wildlife Experience
Season 1
by Andrew Austin
In this episode I interview Lauren Chappell (@fish.and.chapps) on Instagram. Lauren is a Master's student at Texas State University studying aquatic biology and passionate conservationist. We discuss her interests in wildlife, aquatic biology, conservation, her experience getting into hunting, the importance of good mentorship, general advice for aspiring conservation professionals, and other related topics.
In this episode I interview Kelsey Felio (@kelfeliotexas on Instagram). Kelsey is a passionate hunter and conservationist from southeast Texas that rarely misses a weekend of hunting during duck season. We discuss her interest in hunting, what it's like being a woman in the hunting community, her experiences in college studying environmental policy, duck calling, eating ducks, and various other hunting and conservation related topics.
In this episode I interview Amanda and Emily Gale (@galeforcetwins on Instagram). Amanda and Emily are passionate anglers from south Florida that make a living creating educational fishing content on various social media platforms. We talk about their experiences in the fishing industry, how they got started on social media, the nuances of being successful on social media, off-shore fishing, marine fishery management, and related topics.
In this episode I interview Britt Perry (@winged_hunt on Instagram). Britt is a biologist currently working for the National Wild Turkey Federation and passionate falconer. We discuss her career as a biologist, field herping, turkey hunting, the longleaf pine ecosystem, falconry, and related topics.
I suppose it's a good time to post a solo episode to reflect on the podcast and ramble a little on the mission here. I am thoroughly enjoying hosting this podcast and look forward to improving the experience for you guys. Thanks for listening!
In this episode I interview Sophie Morris (@sophiemorris_18 on Instagram). Sophie is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and wildlife biology student at Texas Tech University. We discuss her journey into wildlife biology, ins and outs of studying wildlife biology in college, the importance of research experience, the Wildlife Society, recreation ecology, nature and mental health, and related topics.
In this episode I interview Matt Buckingham (@naturalistjourney on Instagram). Matt is a passionate naturalist and photographer that is currently working as a protected species biologist in Texas. We discuss his career in natural resources, what it means to be a naturalist, how certain species benefit from human disturbance, Pleistocene refugia in Texas, Texas natural history in general, what the "Big Thicket" really is, sky islands of west Texas, his fascination with white-tailed deer, searching for rare plants, his time studying bird communities in Argentina, tips for aspiring biologists and naturalists, and other conservation and natural history topics.
In this episode I interview Lark Heston (@lark_likethebird on Instagram). Lark is a passionate naturalist and ecologist that is currently working for NEON in Tennessee. We discuss various wildlife and conservation topics including her research experiences in undergrad and grad school, working and birding in High Island as a bird nerd. NEON, the importance of knowing ecosystems, birding, and other related topics.
In this episode I interview Shan O'Gorman (@aquatic_biologist on Instagram). Shan is a fisheries biologist that manages ponds for a living and a passionate fisherman. We discuss various aspects and misconceptions related to pond management, fish biomass and population dynamics, the importance of forage and plankton in fisheries management, life histories of various game fish, fisheries science and aquatic ecology, bass fishing, and other related topics.
In this episode I interview Saunders Drukker (@saundersdrukker on Instagram). Saunders is a PhD student studying rattlesnakes and an all around passionate naturalist. We cover a range of topics related to field herping, herp conservation, his research on rock rattlesnakes, current conservation issues and the future of wildlife, advice for aspiring naturalists and biologists, and other related topics.