360 - Dolly Varden Metabolics, Arctic Ecology, Ecosystem Connectivity, and Following Curiosity with Adam Hensley

From a chance meeting on a plane to recording a podcast episode, this week Conrad interviews wildlife biologist Adam Hensley.

Adam shares how a childhood love for fishing evolved into a career studying fish, insects, and entire ecosystems—highlighting the power of curiosity, asking questions, and embracing a non-linear path. From switching out of criminal justice to discovering aquatic ecology, his story shows how unexpected pivots can lead to meaningful work.

The conversation explores Adam’s graduate research in Alaska, where he studied Dolly Varden in extreme Arctic environments. With constant water temperatures but dramatic seasonal light changes, his work reveals how fish adapt to survive harsh winters—showing just how interconnected ecosystems truly are.

Along the way, Adam shares unforgettable field experiences—from helicopter access to remote tundra streams to observing wildlife like wolverines and massive fish populations—bringing listeners into the reality of field-based science.

The episode wraps with reflections on career growth, resilience through rejection, and the importance of staying open to opportunities. The biggest takeaway: everything is connected—whether in nature, science, or life—and following curiosity can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

#dollyvarden #arctic #salmonid #aquaticmacroinvertebrates #flyfishing

Instagram:adamchensley

Email: achensley@crimson.ua.edu

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Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music.

The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”