Shells, Sunrises, and Side Quests with Emily Hunter

What happens when you follow curiosity wherever it leads?

In this episode of The Wild Life, I’m joined by Emily Hunter—a passionate environmental science educator, interpretation specialist, bushwalk guide, and nature communicator currently living and working along Australia’s Ningaloo Reef.

Emily shares her journey from being a "tree hugger" kid in Idaho to becoming a globe-trotting interpreter of nature's stories, using awe as a tool for connection. We explore the power of wonder as a precursor to knowledge, how interpretation helps break down scientific gatekeeping, and what it really means to talk on behalf of the land, sea, and sky.

Along the way, we dive into:

• Why knowledge alone doesn’t spark change—but wonder might
• The magic of the Ningaloo Reef
• What it's like to snorkel with first-timers and hike with strangers before sunrise
• Why environmental education needs weirdness, joy, and emotional honesty
• And how following a sticker or a Facebook post can change your life

Whether you’re a student wondering how to get started, a teacher trying to bring passion into your practice, or someone who’s just trying to rekindle that childhood spark of curiosity—this one’s for you.

🌏 You don’t have to live near a coral reef to live a rich, curious, nature-connected life.

Sometimes it starts with a question. Or a shell. Or a really good sunrise.

📣 Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded that weird is good—and wonder matters.