Episode 013: Max Mishkin: Nature As Our Spiritual Home, A Calling In The Wild

My guest today is Max Mishkin. I met Max on our first day of college at the College of William of Mary, almost a decade ago. Together in 2009, we hiked over 300 miles of the Appalachian trail, coursing our way through several southern states including Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Since that time, Max has followed his passion for nature and re-dedicated his life to preserving and protecting the outdoor spaces that he loves.

He was worked with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy based in Harper’s Ferry WVA and has been a caretaker for the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail. As part of his work in our natural spaces, Max has documented its beauty through photography and uses it to tell stories of places and the people that love them.

On his site: http://www.mishkinphoto.com Max contributes to the ongoing story of conservation. For as he sees it, photography is a means to connect the essential human experience with the imagery of our most cherished natural wonders, all in an effort to better understand our relationship with nature and the stakes of its preservation.

Whether he is managing his conservation photography company, working as a park ranger or thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, Max's story is all about following your dreams in the face of conventional wisdom.

In our conversation today, Max shares a piece of his life’s journey, navigating his way through societal norms to eventually discover that his passion for nature, his spiritual purpose and his practical talents all overlapped as part of his work IN THESE NATURAL SPACES THEMSELVES. Breaking down the walls of work and play, recreation and livelihood, Max offers us a poetic yet realistic portrayal of what can truly happen when you follow your dreams and do what you love. I hope you enjoy this heartwarming conversation from two close friends.

For all those who have struggled with attentional deficit or hyperactivity issues, various learning disabilities and otherwise challenging school and working environments, I believe this episode with Max will touch your spirit, giving you more fire to know what is truly possible when you disregard those who say you cannot, and live in the empowered spirit that says of course you can.

Where to Find and Follow Him

http://www.mishkinphoto.com

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