In this special 20th episode of The Wild Idea, Bill and Anders are recording face-to-face for the first time, from the deck of a sailboat in Southeast Alaska. To mark the milestone, they’re returning to where it all began—with questions. In Episode 1, they introduced themselves by interviewing each other. Now, twenty episodes later, they’re answering twenty questions submitted by listeners.

The result is a wide-ranging, often hilarious, occasionally serious, and always thoughtful conversation that covers everything from their dream podcast guests and close calls in the backcountry to artificial intelligence, bipartisan conservation, screen addiction, and the secret behind those corny intro questions. They reflect on how the show has evolved, what’s surprised them, and how listener input has helped shape the direction of the podcast.

Along the way, they share personal stories about fear, wonder, and why wilderness still matters, even in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’ve been following since Episode 1 or just joined the community, this episode offers a revealing behind-the-scenes look at the voices behind The Wild Idea and an invitation to help shape what comes next.

Asked and Answered:

1. Who would you most like to have as a guest on the podcast – living and deceased?

2. Have you ever been so uncomfortable or scared in a wilderness setting that you regretted being there?

3. What are your thoughts on AI’s potential in conservation and its ethical risks?

4. What lessons can renewable energy and other climate causes take from public lands advocacy?

5. How can listeners support funding for state and Tribal historic preservation offices?

6. What advice do you have for public lands advocates on incorporating cultural preservation?

7. What is the trait you most admire in trail companions?

8. What is your idea of misery in the outdoors?

9. Can wilderness still be considered the “gold standard” in the era of climate change?

10. How do you decide which voices to highlight on the podcast?

11. Are the corny opening questions scripted?

12. Has the conservation movement become too politically partisan?

13. What’s your favorite piece of non-federal land to enjoy?

14. Will you be focusing more on river or ocean protections in future episodes?

15. If a wilderness area were named after you, what landscape would it feature?

16. Did you misread Senator Mike Lee’s public lands proposal?

17. Will you feature someone who can talk about getting youth away from screens and into the wild?

18. Why did you decide to start recording The Wild Line every week?

19. Have any episodes been received differently than expected?

20. Have you built the community you were hoping to build?

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or at thewildidea.com.

Resources and mentions from today’s episode:

People

• Robert Macfarlane – Author of Underland, The Old Ways, and more
• Terry Tempest Williams – Writer and conservationist
• Aldo Leopold – Legacy and Foundation
• Richard Louv – Author of Last Child in the Woods
• Josh Jackson – Writer and podcast guest (EP19)
• Tony Bynum – Conservation photographer (EP17)

Places

• Village Creek State Park – Arkansas
• Mount Mitchell State Park – North Carolina
• Sound Sailing Alaska – Sailing trips aboard the SV Bob

Organizations

• The Wilderness Society – Public lands advocacy
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) – National Park Service
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• The Wild Idea – Submit a question or suggestion

This week, it’s just your hosts, Bill and Anders, turning the mic on themselves. Bill Hodge has spent his career in conservation, trail work, and wilderness stewardship. He’s the guy who will nerd out about Forest Service regs one minute and crack a bear joke the next. Anders Reynolds comes from the world of advocacy and policy, with years spent helping campaigns find the right words and the right fights. He has never met a metaphor he didn’t like.

Together, they co-host The Wild Idea, a podcast about the intersection of human nature and wild nature. Each week, they talk with thinkers, doers, and everyday people who are working to protect and connect the places that shape us, from national forests and remote rivers to community green spaces and cultural landscapes. It’s a mix of big ideas, personal stories, and a fair amount of wit and wisdom.

They also host The Wild Line, a short weekly news segment released every Friday that cuts through the noise to bring you updates on public lands, policy shifts, and stories shaping the natural world. Think of it as your quick hit of conservation news, designed for busy brains and people who care about the wild.

Bill and Anders aren’t afraid to disagree, go deep, or laugh at themselves – but mostly at each other – which they do often. They are also both terrible at taking time off, which is how we got to 35 episodes (20 Wild Ideas, 5 Bonuses and 10 Wild Lines) so quickly.

The Wild Idea is independently produced by Wild Idea Media. If you believe conversations like this matter, you can help us keep them going by subscribing, leaving a review, sharing the episode, or signing up for our newsletter at thewildidea.com. Together, we can protect what connects us.