How Systems Thinking and Community Transform Environmental Action, with Malene Falch Colatla

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, host David Gouthro sits down with Malene Falch Colotla—a passionate advocate for environmental awareness and transformation. Their conversation starts with a serendipitous meeting while walking their dogs and unfolds into a deep dive into Malene’s personal journey toward environmental consciousness. Discover how a single documentary awakened her commitment to sustainability, the unexpected pathways that led her to facilitate global discussions on systems thinking, and her involvement with Common Earth—a non-profit reshaping climate conversations through community-driven education.Malene shares the story behind her environmental awakening, the powerful impact of systems thinking, and why truly transformative change often begins on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just beginning to explore your own relationship with the planet, this episode offers insight into building meaningful connections, fostering community, and developing a “post-carbon, caring society.” Tune in for an uplifting and thoughtful discussion that will leave you questioning, connecting, and inspired to make a difference—starting with your own perspective.Malene's Short Bio:Malene Falch Colotla’s journey into environmental work began with a simple shift in awareness. Not raised in an especially ecologically conscious family, Malene’s early years were much like most—centered around education, joy, and everyday life. However, as she grew older, her perspective changed as she became more aware of the impact our lifestyles have on the climate and the environment around us. This new understanding sparked her passion for environmental issues, leading her to dedicate her career to making a difference. For Malene, caring for the environment became not just a responsibility, but a calling—one inspired by the realization that our surroundings matter to everyone, whether we recognize it at first or not.Resources:Common Earth websiteReclaiming Climate Change Workshop Common Earth Courses***************************************************************You can connect with David Gouthro at:Website:https://davidgouthro.com/  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals!