Rewilding And Book Covers

 You the listeners send in questions to talk about. Your co-hosts Stuart and William, try and spin it round to the environment in some way. Neither see the questions before they press record. No preparation, they try and hopefully, a little bit like you, approach this stuff cold.

Scott, Arisaig, Scotland - “Rewilding, a significant contemporary movement, entails the restoration and enhancement of local, regional, and international food chains and biodiversity. However, there is no singularly correct method for ecosystem management and conservation. Should we not, therefore, prioritize the rewilding of our own lives, thoughts, and perspectives first, before starting this journey? Alternatively, should we at the very least consider rewilding ourselves concurrently with wider ecological initiatives? Presently, this personal aspect of rewilding is often deferred until substantial progress has been made in ecological rewilding elsewhere, which creates separation between humankind and the wider natural world”.

William affirms that humans are part of nature—we’re animals, not separate. Stuart shares a curiosity about rewilding, which he sees as enriching biodiversity, not just letting things grow unchecked. William outlines three approaches: maintaining the present, restoring the past, or imagining something new. Stuart argues there’s no single right way, stressing that nature is diverse and complex.

Stuart feels somewhat “wild” already and values continually challenging his perspective. Insight, he believes, is fluid—something earned over and over. William echoes this, asking how disconnected we’ve become from nature and whether we’re aligning with broader ecological efforts or staying isolated.

In terms of action, Stuart calls for personal reflection: what does rewilding mean to you? William challenges rewilding’s stereotypes, arguing it’s not just for the whimsical—it’s a conscious break from consumerism and disconnection.

Floss, Gimli, Manitoba, Canada - “We too readily judge a book by its cover, and we know that, but readily overlook, that to just see the outside is limiting, as most things of substance happen on the inside. One of the greatest freedoms we can experience ourselves, and can offer others, is how we react to things, situations and people. Really, the only things worth doing, of true value, is that which we do for others. So we need to remember to avoid making quick assumptions about people and whether they're decent types, until we have the facts”.

William agrees with Floss’s point that we instinctively judge by appearances—it’s how we try to make sense of things. His call to action is to view those around us as potential allies, friends, or simply connections—there’s always potential.

Stuart notes we often forget we judge by appearances and reminds us that whether it’s a person, animal, or ecosystem, the truly important things happen beneath the surface. William tries to see beyond the exterior. Stuart questions if we’re honest about the image we present and sees widespread inauthenticity.

William reframes the idea: to help others, we must work on knowing ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with also gaining from giving. Stuart advises withholding judgment until we know the facts.

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