"Wildlife conservation and ecosystem conservation is, I mean it's life or death at this point."

Welcome Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:

We’re joined on the Starline by the current co-hosts of the legendary wildlife show. One is a wildlife ecologist, TV host, author and speaker. The other is a wildlife expert, conservationist and TV host. We welcome the co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.

Friends, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Wild Kingdom is back with a whole new season. Peter, when you look back at the original Wild Kingdom, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve brought to “Protecting the Wild” today?

Dr. Rae, you said “I hope viewers will be transported to exciting places far and near that are rich with stories of conservation hope”. How important is conservation today?

I had a recent conversation with biologist Doug Smith on returning wolves to Yellowstone and the impact it made on the ecosystem there. What species do you think best represents the urgency of protecting habitats right now?

The Rockin' 8:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. All this is 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure. Since we have two guests, we’ll alternate questions.

1. Yes, No or Maybe : Rae, it was easier to prepare for a Wild Kingdom episode than getting interviewed by John Legend?

2. Yes, No or Maybe : Peter, one of your first episodes from Wild Kingdom was diving with great white sharks. Your son said “you’re bait”. Have you tried to convince the producers to put Rae in a shark cage yet? 

3. Dr. Rae: favorite animal?

4. Peter: most underappreciated animal? 

5. Dr. Rae: last time you took your kids to the beach was when and did you teach them a lesson?

6. Peter: best memory from rural Hudson Valley, New York?

7. Dr. Rae: One place that opened your eyes to a totally new level?

8. Peter: sunrises or sunsets?

The Back Half:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. Dr. Rae, as you work with Peter you bridge a powerful show to a new generation. How has his passion and experience helped you?

Peter, how does Dr. Rae’s energy influence Wild Kingdom for the future?

Dr. Rae you said “There are no rules to this thing called life- and especially non-traditional careers”. How has this opportunity changed you?

Peter you said “But the show made us all very aware that our planet had problems and we needed to preserve the natural world for both animals and our own quality of life. What kind of a world would it be if we didn’t have wildlife and wildlands?” What improvements have you seen since you started in 1985?

Dr. Rae, why large carnivores and how does that passion connect with Wild Kingdom?

Peter, how do you balanced the emotions of conservation, the wins and some losses, when sharing stories with viewers?

Sneaking In a Couple More:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. Dr. Rae, if you could spotlight one issue in the future, what would it be?

Peter, was there ever a behind-the-scenes moment that never made it to air and what happened?

As scientists, how do you make subjects relatable to kids who might just be tuning in for the cute animals?

Two Big Questions:

The co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant join us for Two Big Questions. Rae, looking at your journey, from field scientist to co-host of Wild Kingdom, how do you hope your story inspires others?

Peter, after decades of bringing the wild into people’s homes. What do you hope your legacy and Wild Kingdom’s legacy will mean to the next generation?

The Wrap:

Peter likes opening his back door into the woods, Dr. Rae is just a nine minute walk to beach. They want you to watch Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild” on NBC Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant thank you for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.