Monica Stahlmann aka Leokadia George on Seeing Wolves Through a Different Lens

This is the full episode interview with Monica Stahlmann, who also writes under the pen name Leokadia George.

Monica is a children’s book author, mental health therapist, and volunteer at the Wolf Conservation Center. In this conversation, we sit with wolves, story, family, and the deeper threads that connect us to nature and each other.

We talk about Trumpet, a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf known as F1 1505, and how her story inspired a children’s book series rooted in honesty, care, and respect for wild animals. Monica shares why early storytelling matters, how fear around wolves is often learned, and what it looks like to offer children a different first story.

We also explore conservation, dialogue in polarized spaces, ancestry, wildness, and why being close to nature can feel so grounding. This conversation is thoughtful, gentle, and full of heart.

Key Takeaways

• Wolves live as families, much like we do
• Stories shape how fear or understanding takes root
• Dialogue opens space for shared solutions

Reflection and Action

• What story about nature are you ready to see differently?
• Spend a few quiet moments outside this week and notice what settles

Resources and Links

• Email: leokadiageorge.books@gmail.com. 
• Wolf Conservation Center and live webcams
• https://nywolf.org
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/nywolforg
• X: https://x.com/nywolforg
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7pgxuIaHyodYW0kDD27-dw
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/wolfconservationcenter/
• Trumpet The Miracle Wolf Pup: https://a.co/d/0RIBa3h

Monica’s books are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble online, independent bookstores, libraries, and the Wolf Conservation Center store.