The Scenic Route

The Power of the Scenic Route

At Ohio Wesleyan University, the path to greatness is rarely a straight line. Often, the most impactful growth happens during the detours—those moments of discovery, mentorship, and hands-on experience that a liberal arts education makes possible.

McCalister Klinzing '28 is the embodiment of this journey. A double-major in biology and economics with a minor in communications and a varsity basketball player, McCalister isn't just checking boxes; he is bridging worlds. Through his podcast, The Scenic Route, he explores unconventional career paths, proving what happens when a student has the resources to say "yes" to the unknown.

Lessons from the Unplanned

McCalister's podcast tagline is simple: "There's nothing wrong with taking the scenic route. You might learn something along the way." For him, the most vital lesson hasn't come from a syllabus, but from the act of starting.

"The biggest lesson I've learned is that clarity comes from movement, not waiting," McCalister says. "Every time I stepped into something uncertain—research projects, travel, starting the podcast before I felt 'ready'—I learned more about who I am. Doing something is better than doing nothing. The more I follow the things that genuinely interest me, the more everything else seems to just fall into place."

Passion as a North Star

In his interviews with people who have carved out unique lives, McCalister noticed a recurring theme: Passion. It's a trait he's had to lean into while balancing the rigors of lab work, problem sets, and athletics at OWU.

"If you love what you do, you don't give up when it gets hard; you lean in," he explains. "The late nights feel worth it, and the challenges feel like opportunities because I'm genuinely excited about what I'm learning."

By combining his technical understanding of biological systems and economic structures with the storytelling skills honed on his podcast, McCalister is preparing for a career that doesn't just exist in a vacuum. He envisions a future in conservation communication or environmental policy—fields where he can understand the science, navigate the economic systems and communicate the "why" to the world.

Cal on a podcast with Stephan Kesting, a Canadian adventurer, author, Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, and educator. Kesting is also a veteran firefighter with over 25 years of service and is a recipient of the Canadian National Medal for Bravery.

 

From the Classroom to the Apennines

This interdisciplinary approach was solidified through a life-changing Theory-to-Practice Grant (TPG). McCalister traveled to Italy for a project titled "Rewilding in the Central Apennines: Bridging Ecology, Community, and Business." While there, he sat across from international experts like Mario Cipollone and Franco Tassi, learning how conservation is as much about people and business as it is about biology.

"That trip took conservation principles out of the textbook and put them into my hands," McCalister shares. "It simply couldn't have happened without the flexibility and support built into a liberal arts environment. OWU gave me the freedom to merge my majors, my minor, and my sport with a creative project that donor support made possible."

From Stories to Solutions

Ten years from now, McCalister hopes to be known as someone who didn't just talk about issues, but took action. "I want to use clear, compelling storytelling to get people to care, and then translate that care into real-world impact for our environment."

Cal with Casey Anderson, a renowned world-traveling wildlife conservationist, filmmaker, and storyteller. Anderson rose to prominence through his work with National Geographic and is best known for raising Brutus the grizzly bear, a once-orphaned cub who became a global symbol of conservation and human responsibility toward wildlife.

He envisions a future in which he leverages the foundation laid at OWU to move the needle on global conservation problems—perhaps even starting a business that creates a positive footprint in the world's wild spaces.

Give the Gift of Discovery

At Ohio Wesleyan, the "scenic route" is paved by the generosity of our alumni and friends. When you support the University, you aren't just making a donation—you are providing the freedom to explore and the tools for discovery that allow Bishops to turn their curiosity into impact.

You are invited to give the gift of freedom and discovery by supporting We Are OWU
 this February 18–19.

Your gift ensures that every student has the chance to step outside the classroom, pursue an unplanned passion, and find their own path to greatness. Help us empower the next generation of leaders to explore the unknown and ignite their own possibilities. Click here to support student discovery!

Connect with the Journey

Ready to hear these stories for yourself? You can support McCalister's work and get inspired by tuning in to his show.

  • Listen: Tune into "The Scenic Route" wherever you listen to podcasts

  • Follow: Check out the show on Instagram @thescenicroute_podcast

  • Nominate: Do you know someone who's taken the scenic route? If you have suggestions for an unconventional guest or would like to share your own path, reach out to McCalister at mmklinzing@owu.edu.