iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

This is so cool, and I love this perspective. I recently heard something similar at a talk from an Indigenous speaker, and also that elements like air, fire, water have agency and personality. This is so cool! www.nature.com/articles/d41...

nature.com

Why I made a river my co-author

Anne Poelina gives first authorship to a source with deep knowledge about water — the river itself.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Ever wondered how a wildlife biologist turns into a business owner and science communicator? 🌿✨ Learn about my unconventional career path and tips for wildlife career success in the latest episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast! youtu.be/WzAhLmhkLXE

youtu.be

Why I Left Wildlife Research to Build My Own Career: Interview with ME! Dr. Stephanie Manka

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

🚨 Attention parents & educators! 🐾 Ready to learn the 7 essential elements to foster your child’s passion for animals 🦋 that allow them to return to nature 🌿 and cultivate critical life skills? There's one more free training 🎓 that you can get in on today! stephanieschuttler.com/animals-ever...

stephanieschuttler.com

Animals Everywhere

Free LIVE Training Hi! I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka I'm a wildlife biologist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. I've collaborated with K-12 educators for nearly a decade to create engaging ST...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

I'm writing an article about the dire wolf de-extinction for A-Z Animals and am looking to talk to a wolf biologist. If you are interested or know anyone who would be a good fit, please comment below. We get 2.2 million active users per month!

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Patrick Raney of Ducks Unlimited says, "There are a lot of ways to contribute to wildlife conservation" when it comes to careers. If you are struggling to get a job, find your place, or want to make more $, make sure to listen to Fancy Scientist podcast 142. stephanieschuttler.com/142-patrick-...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Your backyard is a classroom 🌿🔍 Squirrels are everywhere, but scientists still have big questions, and kids can help answer these with simple observations. In the latest Wildlife Biology For Kids Club, learn about animal behavior with SQUIRRELS 🐿️🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFEk...

youtube.com

Animal Behavior in Your Backyard: Learn with Squirrels! 🐿️ | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

White-tailed Deer all across Indiana (and beyond!) are in their annual rut. Can you watch rut? How would you do this? I answered these questions & more thanks to Joe Caudell, at the Indiana DNR in my latest A-Z Animals article. a-z-animals.com/articles/how... Have you ever seen rut?

a-z-animals.com

How to Spot Rutting Deer in Indiana This Fall

White-tailed deer rut is a mating ritual that takes place every fall in Indiana, but it's not easy to observe. Here's what you need to know.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

How do trees prepare for winter? 🌳❄️ They lose their leaves! 🍁 It's already snowing here, but we still have some leaves on our trees, and I have a bunch to rake up underneath the snow. 🍂 But I will NOT be putting them in the garbage 🚫🗑️: Watch now: youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Last year I went to the Wild Things conference and LOVED it. It's going to be close to St. Louis this year and if you want to attend for free, sign up to volunteer. Info below: wildthingscommunity.org

wildthingscommunity.org

Wild Things 2026

Marla is the Director of Liebman Institute for Science Innovation on the campus of McHenry County College and is the author of Damselflies of Chicagoland.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

LinkedIn is for business, right? Wrong! LinkedIn can do wonders for your wildlife career🐾💚. On Fancy Scientist podcast 142, Patrick Raney, Ph.D. AKA the "LinkedIn Guy" explains how you can use this platform for conservation & wildlife work. Full episode here: stephanieschuttler.com/142-patrick-...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

How often do you look 👀, but not see? In the latest Fancy Scientist podcast, I feature a Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video (my 1st one!), which gives you tips to OBSERVE like a scientist. 🔬👩‍🔬 Are you really paying attention? 🧐 Listen to find out: 🎧 stephanieschuttler.com/143-observe-...

stephanieschuttler.com

Fancy Scientist Podcast #143: Observations | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

Learn my 5 BEST and super easy tips to maximize your bird life list. That is, the number of bird species you see over your life...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

"What if I told you that there were like DOZENS of engineering firms right here in Syracuse that are looking for people with your skill sets?" I had to have Patrick Raney on the podcast to tell me more about this. stephanieschuttler.com/142-patrick-...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

I was lucky (yes, lucky!) to live alongside venomous snakes, like copperheads, for years in North Carolina. Venomous snakes are demonized, and my goal with my latest A-Z Animals article was to show off how amazing these animals truly are. a-z-animals.com/articles/the...

a-z-animals.com

These Are the Most Venomous Snakes in North Carolina

There are six species of venomous snakes in North Carolina, each with unique features and interesting behaviors.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

It never ceases to amaze me how much our wildlife populations have changed over time & how resilient some species can be. I'm writing an article about deer in Indiana, a highly abundant species, but in the late 1800, they were extirpated and had to be reintroduced. www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and...

in.gov

White-tailed Deer Biology

White-tailed deer in Indiana, including food habits, family life, habitat and population from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Now is the perfect time to be a scientist and track phenology with changing leaf color using BudBurst🌈🍁. Watch the latest Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video to learn how. Designed for kids, but applicable to everyone! youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

youtu.be

Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Leaves are falling 🍂— but don’t toss them! Those leaves help frogs 🐸, salamanders 🦎, turtles 🐢, butterflies 🦋 & more survive the winter. In my new Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video, we explore fall leaf science 🍁 + how to help wildlife at home 🏡🐾. youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

youtu.be

Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

🐢🦋 Protect local wildlife by leaving leaves. Learn why this simple action makes a big difference! In the latest Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video, I explain how, as well as teach you the science behind leaves changing colors & falling off: youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

youtu.be

Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

Liberals still haven't learned their lessons with messaging. I am all for the IDEA of "No Kings," but when you use negative messaging, you aren't fighting FOR anything, and you are activating the word "King," which Trump actually likes, so now he is tweeting AI videos of him as a king.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

You know you’re not like most girls when you find a bug in your house and your first thought is “what kind?” And then proceed to take a photo of it for community science.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Are dolphins & porpoises just different words for the same kinds of animals? Are bison and buffalo okay to use interchangeably? Are there really any differences between frogs and toads? My latest article clears up the confusion surrounding mixed-up animal groups. a-z-animals.com/articles/com...

a-z-animals.com

Common Animal Confusions, Solved by Experts

Are buffalo and bison the same? How can you tell a toad from a frog? This article clears up confusion on mixed-up groups of animals.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Wondering if the Becoming a Wildlife Professional series is right for you? Watch this...plus, remember, it's free! youtu.be/4C6EhHFSkT0 Enroll here: stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to...

youtu.be

Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free 3 Part Training!

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

According to stock images, ecology in practice looks like touching a lot of leaves (usually in a monoculture), looking at nature with a magnifying glass, and/or taking water samples 🤨

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Should you skip wildlife careers since they don’t pay well? 🤔 What do you think? Here's my response. For more, make sure to enroll in the Becoming a Wildlife Professional FREE training that starts next week! stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

We lost a true hero today. Jane Goodall showed the world that women could be scientists, especially wildlife biologists. She changed the game - demonstrated that animals weren't just numbers without compromising scientific integrity.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Did you know that by modern definitions, trees ARE wildlife? 🌳🌲Explore how magnificent trees are, and I’ll give you some tips to get you started with identifications so that you can get to know the trees around you in the latest Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video: youtu.be/gd41_1hr6l4

youtu.be

You’ll Want to Hug a Tree After This Video 🌳🤗🌲 | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Can we normalize how cute snakes are today? (If you live where there are venomous snakes and need advice, I have lots. I’ve lived alongside venomous snakes for years and worked in areas where some of the deadliest ones live.)

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

I knew this eventually would come to a head & glad to see MAHA take it on. I am NOT MAHA, but I am aligned with a lot of their agenda & was before they existed (e.g getting food dyes out, reducing pesticides, etc). I believe it was called being an environmentalist…😛 www.nytimes.com/2025/09/15/c...

nytimes.com

G.O.P. Plan on Pesticides Faces Revolt From MAHA Moms

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

I just made some new activities for the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club and I am so excited about them! Here's a sneak peek 👀. Come join us officially for the fun. I'm doing 2 week free trials now! 🌱🦊🐝🦋🐞🐍 stephanieschuttler.podia.com/membership/1...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I recently engaged in discussion about how BlueSky isn't the place to reach people for scicomm because it's an echo chamber, but there just aren't that many people either. Doesn't even show up on this Pew Research poll of political influence on social media. www.messageboxnews.com/p/does-maga-...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

You don't have to go to Africa or the Amazon to see and study wildlife. You don't even need to be a scientist. Wildlife is ALL around you, and it's my mission to show you, get you, and the children in your life curious and inspired to learn more💫🌿🐾🦎🐦🦋 Learn more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=my4e...

youtube.com

For Kids Who Love Animals...Here's What to Do! | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Migration is the perfect time to get curious about birds 🦆🐦‍⬛🦅. Start seeing how many new species you can find with my tips to get started. I’m looking for 8 parents or caretakers 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 to continue their curiosity journey to get kids outside 🌳🦋🌞, learn science, and connect to nature 🌍💚. Who’s in? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Migration season is here again! 🦆🐦‍⬛🍂 Here are some of my fav tips for spotting new species of birds 🐦🔭. I'm looking for 8 more parents or caretakers 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 ready to join me in activities to get kids outside 🌳🦋🌞, learning science, and getting connected to nature 🌍💚. Who's in? 🙋‍♀️🙋

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

I'm looking for 10 parents or caretakers inspired and ready to get their kids outside more - for as little as a few minutes a day or even a week! 🌱🦊🐝🦋🐞🐍 Drop your fav nature emoji to get your FREE trial today.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

Check out this guy! One of the coolest insects I’ve ever seen. Waiting on an @inaturalist.bsky.social ID…anyone know what it is?

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Migration is here again! This is a FANTASTIC time to get your kids outside because birds are everywhere 🐦🦅🦜🦆🐦‍⬛. When they are migrating, you have the opportunity to see many new species. 🐦 Protip: Sign up for BirdCast alerts so you will know when migration is at its peak! birdcast.info

birdcast.info

BirdCast - Bird migration forecasts in real-time

When, where, and how far will birds migrate? How many birds passed last night? Our tools help you explore the answers to these and many other questions about bird migration.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

I’m looking for 10 parents who are ready & excited 🤩 to get their kids outside 🌳, make discoveries 🔍, and foster curiosity 🧠💡 through their love of wildlife 🦋🐸🦉. Who’s ready to get started with me, a real wildlife biologist? 🙌 youtu.be/my4eVfkZMsk

youtu.be

For Kids Who Love Animals...Here's What to Do! | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Do you have a child who loves animals, but don't know how to nurture their fascination? Learn how to foster their children’s sense of wonder and curiosity by getting them outside and connected to nature🌱🦊🐝🦋🐞🐍 youtu.be/my4eVfkZMsk

youtu.be

Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Your daily reminder....nature is all around you! 🌱🦌🌼🐿🦋🐌🪲🦎

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Get ready to be inspired. I sat down with my former student @pantheracamilla.bsky.social on the Fancy Scientist podcast to go over the exact process she used to win the prestigious NSF GRFP grant. stephanieschuttler.com/135-camilla-...

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Reposted by Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler)

Camilla Price @pantheracamilla.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Happy to be interviewed by Dr. Stephanie Manka, the "Fancy Scientist," about my journey to graduate school at CSU! #ecology #NSF #SciComm

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Can you believe bird migration has already started 🐦🐦‍⬛🦆🦅🦉? Get the best birding tips I’ve learned over the years from real scientists. youtu.be/PyLwwmikxWg

youtu.be

BEST Tips for Beginner Birders from Real Wildlife Biologists | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Low-carb is a fallacy for fat loss. I've eaten more carbs than ever in my journey of losing and maintaining 13% of my body fat. In this study, those who ate a carb surplus gained muscle mass, while the protein-only group gained almost nothing. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39423761/

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Greater energy surplus promotes body protein accretion in healthy young men: A randomized clinical trial - PubMed

The trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry as UMIN000034158.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

This is so sad. I hear from people often now that they talk to ChatGPT like it's their friend, giving it names. It's not. It's not real. It's 100% fake. We need real human connection and real friends. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/t...

nytimes.com

A Teen Was Suicidal. ChatGPT Was the Friend He Confided In.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

I used to see monarchs all the time. Just now I saw one delicately land on a goldenrod - a rare occasion - went inside to grab my phone, and when I came back, it was gone. It seems like their behavior has changed - fleeting, gone so fast...I hope we can save this species...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

This is the approach I used to get a 33% interview rate for wildlife job applications. That is, for every 3 jobs I applied to, I got an interview for at least one of them.

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Learn exactly how my former student won the prestigious NSF GRFP grant to fully fund herself for graduate school in the latest Fancy Scientist Podcast. This episode is HIGHLY relevant if you want to go into wildlife careers, but the lessons apply to ANY goal stephanieschuttler.com/135-camilla-...

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Learn how my former student won the prestigious NSF GRFP grant to fund herself for graduate school in this episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast. This is HIGHLY relevant if you want to go into wildlife careers, but the lessons you’ll learn apply to ANY situation. youtu.be/xKJm1KUN-I4

youtu.be

FULLY Fund Yourself for Grad School! How She Did It: Interview with NSF GRFP Winner Camilla Price

YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

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Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

This critical tip for helping me overcome depression is still the hardest one for me. For more on how I got off of anti-depressants after being on them for nearly 20 years, check out Fancy Scientist podcast # 133: Maximizing Mental Health in Wildlife Work. stephanieschuttler.com/133-mental-h...

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