The Wildlife Society Legacy with Wini Kessler, Carol Chambers and John Organ

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.Share your thoughts on the Our Wild Lives Podcast by sending us a text here!Become a member of The Wildlife Society: https://wildlife.org/membership/Support Wildlife, Invest in Wildlife Professionals: https://wildlife.org/donate/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewildlifesociety/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewildlifesocietyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wildlife-society/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Wildlife_Society