LeRoy Poff's career studying rivers modeled a meandering channel through basic organismal ecology, applied management-focused science, and adaptive conservation strategies. Like many of his students, I proudly followed a similar nonlinear path... one that took me right out of academic science and into the world of educational filmmaking. Through my lens as a visual storyteller, I will share some examples of how my work carries the spirit of discovery and intricacy that were part of what LeRoy inspired in students, along with lessons and fond memories from my time in the Poff Lab.