Conversations with Gray Carr Bridgers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gray Carr Bridgers.

Hi Gray Carr, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before Martin and Chris Kratt became known as the Wild Kratts, we were Earth Creatures. I collaborated with Martin and Chris in the early 1990s as they developed their original vision for wildlife films designed specifically for children—an effort that laid the foundation for what would become the beloved, multi-generational series The Kratt Brothers, Zoboomafoo, Wild Kratts, and more. My novel, Kiss the Butterfly, draws inspiration from that formative time. Set between 1990 and 1995, the story unfolds across Chapel Hill, NC; Warren, NJ; the Peruvian Amazon; and Jackson Hole, WY. While the characters’ names have been changed, the narrative weaves together real events and imagined journeys—capturing the spirit of both adventure and transformation. In many ways, it embodies the “Butterfly Effect”—the idea that even small, early actions can ripple outward to shape the future in profound, often unexpected ways.
I was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina, and earned a BA in Biology from Duke University. My professional path has been anything but linear—spanning wildlife photography, scientific sales and management, and yoga instruction. Today, I serve as the Assistant Head for Enrollment Management at a progressive 6–12th grade school in Boulder, Colorado—where I continue to connect purpose, passion, and education.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to my current accomplishments has been nothing short of arduous, glorious, and a bit painful! I try to look at life as a series of teaching moments. I have always taken the path less traveled, as the book goes into detail about the main character, Jessica, as she struggles with the hardships of being a woman in a man’s world. These descriptions of her character parallel my life’s struggles. It was one thing to try to produce wildlife films in an industry that was steeped in tradition, back in the early ’90s, but a whole other struggle to get a production company to pick you up. Martin, Chris, and I spent years trying to convince the industry that our concept would resonate with children and families. At the time, this was extremely difficult for us, and no one would listen to or take us on.
Fast forward to the book, “Kiss the Butterfly”, I did not have one publisher that wanted to take on this project (unless I paid them). Being a first-time author has its roadblocks. Therefore, I am grateful that Amazon has a platform for those who want to self-publish. But this road is not easy either. I need to self-promote and appear on as many podcast platforms and bookstore signings as possible, all while working full-time. With that said, I love talking about the book, and I love talking about animals and nature.
WildKratts has influenced generations of people, and there is nothing more thrilling than seeing people’s faces light up when I tell them my story of the Amazon! Then, all the struggles and rejections were worth it!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Throughout my life, I have dabbled in a lot of different things, and I believe that this has given me the ability to be flexible, relatable to people of all walks of life, compassionate, and empathetic. I used to be embarrassed about my varied interests and passions, but now that I am in my 50s, I’ve come to embrace this quality I possess. I plan to take all that I have learned into a podcast called “Outspoken and Untamed,” which will bring together many people I have met over the years to share their stories about family, education, health, nutrition, nature, and the crazy experiences I have had in the past and present. Stay tuned for the launch of the podcast; I promise it will be outlandishly honest and funny. Nature and photography were my original loves when I was in my teens. I studied large format, B&W photography and fell in love with darkroom work and the artistic flair that comes from the darkroom. My family was always traveling, so I had exposure to traveling the World at a very young age and have thoroughly enjoyed those experiences. My friends would say I know no strangers. I think this is true. I can find a common thread with everyone I meet.
My hobbies include horseback riding, yoga, hiking, playing with my dog, photography, bird watching, exploring medical devices and medicine, and anything related to the human body, human experience, and meditation. My love of writing came later in life. I was always told I was not a good writer, so publishing my first book, “Kiss the Butterfly”, made me step way out of my comfort zone. Taking calculated risks, I believe, is the key to longevity and a fulfilling life. I love to travel, tell stories, and my favorite thing – making my two boys, Jack and Ben, laugh!
What sets me apart – I have a story for everything! I have a deep, southern voice, which happens to be a bit captivating.
More books are on the way; I’m currently working on two that will be part of the “Kiss the Butterfly” series.

What’s next?
Well, I have found the love of my life and will be getting married in Vail on August 30th of this year. Scott is hugely supportive of my antics and helped me edit “Kiss the Butterfly”! I hope to step out of my comfort zone many more times and see where the wind takes me for my next passion project. I love promoting “Kiss the Butterfly,” and I hope that through my interviews and the wonderful people I meet, I’ll find another connection that inspires me to explore more of this beautiful planet.
Having children has been one of the most significant gifts I could ever receive. Jack and Ben are about to embark on their careers and explore this World through their lens. I will always be the Mom who is there for them.

Pricing:

• Kiss the Butterfly in Paperback: $15.99
• Kiss the Butterfly in Kindle: $7.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graycarrbridgers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graycarrbridgers/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gray-carr-bridgers-2aa23216/

Image Credits
@Gray Carr Bridgers