Episode 212: Mallory McDuff part 1

Practice You with Elena Brower

On the women who've designated themselves as voices for the Earth and prioritizing joy amidst the truths of our times.

• (0:00) - Introduction to Mallory McDuff and the Podcast
• (1:52) - Hannah Herman's Connection to Mallory McDuff
• (4:49) - The Power of Climate Storytelling
• (6:20) - Colette Pichon Battle's Story
• (12:03) - Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson's Focus on Ocean Justice
• (24:50) - Mari Copeny's Activism in Flint, Michigan
• (36:11) - Kendra Pinto's Fight Against Fracking in New Mexico
• (44:55) - Conclusion and Call to Action

Mallory McDuff discovered the field of Environmental Education as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic, where she saw the critical importance of integrating local communities in conservation. She's the author of four books examining the intersection of spirituality and the climate crisis: Natural Saints (OUP, 2010), Sacred Acts (New Society Press, 2012), Our Last Best Act: Planning for the End of Our Lives to Protect the People and Places We Love (Broadleaf Books, 2021), and Love Your Mother: 50 States, 50 Stories, and 50 Women United for Climate Justice (Broadleaf Books, 2023). She also co-authored a book for practitioners Conservation Education and Outreach Techniques (OUP, 2015) and written more than 50 essays for the New York Times, Washington Post, WIRED, Newsweek, and more. In this episode, we discuss Love Your Mother. Much of her writing draws on her life at Warren Wilson College, where she lives with her two daughters. In her classes, students collaborate with diverse community partners—from youth to senior citizens—to teach and learn together using the forests, farms, and fields of the campus.