Introducing: Future Wild

Summary

The MeatEater Podcast:

"Introducing: Future Wild"

Host: Steven Rinella
Date: May 20, 2026

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Episode Overview

This introductory episode of the new series "Future Wild" sets the stage for an exploration of the rapidly changing natural world and its impact on outdoor enthusiasts, including hunters, anglers, campers, and climbers. Host Steven Rinella frames the podcast as a quest to uncover the future of wildlife, wild places, and the communities who cherish them. He underscores both the mounting challenges facing the natural world and the innovative efforts underway to protect it, promising to bring expert insights to pressing conservation questions.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Accelerating Pace of Change

• Steven Rinella highlights the profound and accelerating transformation of the natural environment:

  • Quote: "Our world is changing. It always has, of course. But the pace of change today seems different." (00:00)

• He notes the undeniable impact this has on those most connected to nature:

  • Quote: "For those of us whose lives revolve around the natural world—hunters and anglers, campers and climbers—it's impossible not to recognize that change is coming for the things that we love, too." (00:13)

Challenges Facing the Natural World

• Rinella points to visible and worrying trends:
  • Shrinking open spaces
  • Declining wildlife populations
  • Cuts in government funding and reduced staff for public lands
• Quote: "Open space is dwindling, wildlife populations are on decline, and government funding and staff levels for our public lands are being slashed." (00:22)

Rising Advocacy & Innovation

• In spite of the challenges, Rinella spotlights a rising movement of passionate advocates:
  • "At the same time, passionate advocates of all types are working to steward our wild world in innovative and more promising ways than ever." (00:30)
• This optimism introduces a theme of creative solutions and community action.

Urgent Questions About the Future

• The host sets out the central questions that will drive "Future Wild":
  • What does the future hold for wildlife and wild places?
  • What will these changes mean for people whose lives are intertwined with nature?
• Quote: "What does the future hold for wildlife in wild places? What will all of this mean for hunters and anglers and outdoor recreators of all types who depend on these wild things? The questions are obvious. The answer's less so." (00:35)

Purpose of the "Future Wild" Series

• Rinella introduces the new series as a journey for answers:
  • "Future Wild is here to seek out the experts and insights that can help." (00:49)
• The tone is humble yet hopeful—recognizing uncertainty, but emphasizing curiosity and community effort.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Our world is changing. It always has, of course. But the pace of change today seems different." — Steven Rinella (00:00)
• "For those of us whose lives revolve around the natural world... it's impossible not to recognize that change is coming for the things that we love, too." — Steven Rinella (00:13)
• "Open space is dwindling, wildlife populations are on decline, and government funding and staff levels for our public lands are being slashed." — Steven Rinella (00:22)
• "At the same time, passionate advocates of all types are working to steward our wild world in innovative and more promising ways than ever." — Steven Rinella (00:30)
• "Future Wild is here to seek out the experts and insights that can help." — Steven Rinella (00:49)

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Structuring the Series Going Forward

• The episode promises:
  • In-depth exploration of the dynamic between loss and innovation in conservation
  • Inclusion of a diverse set of voices and expertise from the outdoor and scientific communities
  • Honest dialogue about the uncertain future, infused with humor and surprise

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Takeaway

Steven Rinella launches "Future Wild" with a frank assessment of the threats facing the natural world, paired with cautious optimism about the collective ability of passionate advocates to make a difference. The episode sets an inviting and thought-provoking tone for listeners eager to understand—and shape—the future of the wild outdoors.

Transcript

[A]

Our world is changing. It always has, of course. But the pace of change today seems different. And for those of us whose lives revolve around the natural world hunters and anglers, campers and climbers it's impossible not to recognize that change is coming for the things that we love, too. Open space is dwindling, wildlife populations are on decline, and government funding and staff levels for our public lands are being slashed. At the same time, passionate advocates of all types are working to steward our wild world in innovative and more promising ways than ever. All of this raises important questions. What does the future hold for wildlife in wild places? What will all of this mean for hunters and anglers and outdoor recreators of all types who depend on these wild things? The questions are obvious. The answer's less so. Future Wild is here to seek out the experts and insights that can help.