Changemakers from the grassroots are the most inspiring people out there, but they need the right support to do their job well and make our home planet much better. Nick Mucha, Director of Environmental Issues and Strategy at Patagonia, talks about his latest book that explores how to empower intergenerational activism. Together with Corinna Bellizzi, he explains how to use art in elevating small actions against climate crisis and what it takes to boost skill-based volunteering. Nick also discusses the danger of monetizing public lands and why the smallest communities will be adversely affected by such a decision.

About Guest:

Nick Mucha is one of the editors of Tools to Save Our Home Planet. He serves as the Environmental Capacity Building Director at Patagonia. In this role, Nick leads Patagonia’s efforts to focus and deliver strategic grantmaking support to Patagonia’s grantee organizations while enhancing the effectiveness and durability of nonprofit partners. His work is born out of a deep appreciation for the vitally important role that nonprofit organizations play in tackling our most vexing environmental, social, and economic issues. Nick has 15 years’ experience leading conservation and community development programs throughout the world. His interest in this work was born while he and his wife served as Peace Corps volunteers in Honduras from 2004-2006. From that experience Nick founded his own organization supporting coastal communities that were grappling with booming surf tourism in southern Nicaragua. After running that organization for 7 years, Nick served as Director of Programs for Save The Waves Coalition with a focus on protecting surf ecosystems worldwide. Nick holds a B.A.in political science from UC Santa Barbara. Outside of work, Nick is usually serving up dad jokes to his three kids or scheming to get in a quick surf, trail run, or weekend adventure off-grid.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mucha-95a6964

Guest Website: https://www.patagonia.com

Show Notes: Raw audio

00:03:02 - Nick’s Journey To Environmental Activism

00:07:56 - Motivation And Inspirations Behind The Book

00:14:03 - Helping Activists Avoid Burnout

00:23:26 - Making The Book Fresh And Relevant

00:26:32 - Protecting And Supporting Public Lands

00:33:07 - Supporting The Noble Mission Of Patagonia

00:40:19 - Picking Your Starting Point And Taking Action

00:52:54 - Taking Care Of Yourself

00:56:57 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words