What does it take to follow your childhood dreams and break barriers in the process? In this episode of Ignition Sequence, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant—large carnivore ecologist, conservationist, and host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild—shares her inspiring journey from a young girl fascinated by nature shows to becoming a leading voice in wildlife ecology. Dr. Wynn-Grant reflects on the challenges she faced, including overcoming academic struggles, battling stereotypes, and carving out her place as a Black woman in a field where she often defies expectations. She also dives into the importance of representation, her passion for science outreach, and the role of social justice in environmental conservation. What you’ll learn: 1. Turning Dreams into Reality How Dr. Wynn-Grant went from a childhood love of nature shows to hosting one of her own. 2. Overcoming Bias and Breaking Stereotypes Her experiences with daily biases and how she continues to thrive and inspire others in wildlife conservation. 3. The Power of Passion Over Performance Why passion, not grades, drove her path to becoming a scientist and why it matters for the next generation. 4. A Holistic View of Conservation The intersection of social justice and environmental preservation, and why empowering communities is essential for saving wildlife. 5. What it Means to Truly Belong How hosting a nature show fulfills her mission to inspire and educate while providing much-needed representation in the field. Join us for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is enlightening, as Dr. Wynn-Grant shares how her journey in science has been a force for change—both for herself and for the planet. Timestamps: 00:04:04 - Dreams Take Flight: Rae’s childhood inspiration to become a wildlife TV host 00:06:20 - Passion Over Performance: How nurturing curiosity over grades shaped her career 00:10:17 - Breaking Barriers: Rae shares her experiences overcoming biases in wildlife biology 00:16:00 - From Struggle to Success: Overcoming academic challenges through resilience 00:18:37 - Adventures in Kenya: How Rae’s first immersive experience set her on her path 00:29:00 - Facing the Great White Shark: An exhilarating encounter during a film shoot 00:35:39 - Representation in Conservation: Why diversity matters in environmental science 00:44:00 - Intersections of preservation, colonialism, and empowerment 01:00:03 - The Importance of Believing in Yourself: Rae’s reflection on personal growth 01:02:06 - What’s Next? Rae’s goals for finding joy and balance beyond her career