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As social and environmental crises intensify, the need for skilled, grounded activism has never been greater. In this episode of Next Economy Now, Nick Mucha, Senior Director of Environmental Issues and Strategy at Patagonia, shares what it takes to support movements and build capacity for lasting impact. Nick also introduces Patagonia’s new book, Tools to Save Our Home Planet, a practical guide for changemakers at every stage of their journey.
Drawing from decades of experience in conservation and community development, Nick reflects on how Patagonia is shifting its role as a funder to center frontline communities and deepen relational work. He explores what it means to move beyond performative action, how to build broad-based coalitions, and why burnout prevention is a strategic necessity.
Whether you’re starting small or already leading systemic efforts, this conversation offers grounded tools and insights to help you grow your impact with clarity and purpose. Listen to the full episode for a timely look at what it takes to create durable change.
Key Points From This Episode:
How Nick’s Peace Corps experience shaped his path to environmental work. [0:00:27]
Patagonia’s new book, Tools to Save Our Home Planet, and other updates. [0:03:52]
Activism as a skillset: why strategy matters as much as passion. [0:08:13]
Practical tips for lobbying from Kai Anderson’s chapter in the book. [0:09:47]
The activist “arc” outlined in the book: from awareness to movement-building. [0:11:44]
How to engage in nuanced coalition-building, even with unlikely allies. [0:15:53]
Practical insights from Tools to Save Our Home Planet that shifted Nick Mucha’s perspective on long-term activism after 20 years in the field. [0:21:46]
Lessons from the Klamath River dam removals: an inspiring environmental victory. [0:26:06]
Why the difference between performative action and substantive change is rooted in relationship. [0:28:10]
Final advice: start small, build skills, and support existing organizations. [0:32:25]
—
Quotes:
“Patagonia changed. We started to become more clear about: what is our role, and how do we support the movement and really [center] frontline communities and those that are most impacted by the series of crises that we face.” — Nick Mucha [0:05:42]
“If we're trying to really drive sweeping, meaningful change, you have to be in coalition and partnership with people that you don't like, who you might be quick to have an opinion about and be vocal with that opinion about.” — Nick Mucha [0:17:39]
“This is neither a sprint nor a marathon. This is a relay race.” — Nick Mucha [0:22:55]
“That's where the power is. This is not about me sprinting or me pacing myself, but bringing people along all the while. And that intergenerational piece is noteworthy, because anybody that's been in this work for a while, you realize just how slow moving it is.” — Nick Mucha [0:23:31]
“Don't let your inability to do everything undermine your determination to do something.” — Nick Mucha [0:32:56]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Nick Mucha on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mucha-95a6964/
Patagonia — https://www.patagonia.com/home/
Tools to Save Our Home Planet — https://www.patagonia.com/product/tools-to-save-our-home-planet-a-changemakers-guidebook/BK925.html
Tools for Grassroots Activists — https://www.patagonia.com/product/tools-for-grassroots-activists-paperback-book/BK740.html
Patagonia Action Works — https://www.patagonia.com/actionworks/home/
This is Bears Ears — http://bearsears.patagonia.com/
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