THE SHOW
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist, storyteller, and nature show host whose path to success defies every traditional metric of merit. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Rae shares how she went from struggling in math and science classes to earning a PhD and becoming a leading voice in wildlife conservation.
We explore the pivotal role that belief, representation, and access played in shaping her journey from her first exposure to nature through TV, to a transformative study abroad trip to Kenya, to an unexpected pivot from lions to black bears. Rae also opens up about hitting emotional rock bottom in her 30s, the identity crisis that followed, and how she rebuilt her life with honesty, humility, and hope.
This episode is a testament to what’s possible when we follow our passion, even when our performance or our path doesn’t fit the mold.
BEHIND HER BRILLIANCE: Taking a non-traditional approach
THE GUEST
DR. RAE WYNN-GRANT | WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST + TV HOST + AUTHOR
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist and the co-host of NBC’s newest original series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.
With an expertise in uncovering how human activity influences carnivore behavior and ecology, she focuses on the ecological and social drivers of human-carnivore conflict.
Rae is passionate about science communication and is also the creator and host of award-winning podcast Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant (produced by PBS’ Nature). Her current field system encompasses the central coast of California where she is studying the unique ecology of carnivores in coastal zones, as well as the role of protected areas in connectivity of high-quality habitat for large carnivores. Her previous research questions surrounded the ecological drivers of human-carnivore conflict with grizzly bears in the Northern Great Plains, black bears in the Western Great Basin, African lions in rural Kenya and Tanzania, as well as grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
A native Californian, Dr. Wynn-Grant attributes her interest in wildlife and conservation to the television shows she watched as a child, including the iconic original series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
She was introduced to the field of conservation biology as an undergraduate and is unapologetic about her passion for studying charismatic megafauna. Dr. Wynn-Grant serves on the Board of Directors for NatureBridge, where she largely aids the organizations in their equity, inclusion, and diversity strategies.
Dr. Wynn-Grant received her B.S. in Environmental Studies from Emory University, her M.S. in Environmental Studies from Yale University, and her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Columbia University. She completed a Conservation Science Research and Teaching Postdoctoral fellowship with the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History. She is currently a Research Faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management leading carnivore research on the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. She maintains a Research Fellow position with National Geographic Society focusing on carnivore conservation in partnership with the American Prairie Reserve and a Visiting Scientist position at the American Museum of Natural History.
TOPICS COVERED
- Why passion trumps performance – How to pursue your calling even when traditional metrics suggest you’re “not qualified”
- The representation breakthrough – Why seeing yourself reflected in expertise positions transforms what feels possible
- Navigating productive discomfort – How to embrace stretching experiences that feel uncomfortable but lead to growth
- Identity crisis as catalyst – Using rock bottom moments as launching pads for authentic reinvention
- The marriage blueprint trap – Why relationships fail when one person brings a pre-drawn life plan instead of co-creating
- Accountability without excuses – The liberation that comes from owning your choices and their consequences
- Nontraditional paths to traditional success – How to thrive by refusing to fit conventional molds while still achieving recognized accomplishments
- Environmental justice reframed – Why urban communities often care more about environmental issues than rural ones (despite stereotypes)
- The privilege of starting over – Understanding what safety nets make radical life changes possible
- Choosing authenticity over expectations – The courage required to disappoint others in service of being true to yourself
- And much more!
THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Wild Life (Rae’s book)
Wild Kingdom (TV series)
God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (Rae’s book pick)
Wildflower by Aurora James
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
