Unmasking Humanity with Jonathan Lash: From Peace Corps to Page-Turning Thrillers!

Get ready, folks! Joshua T. Berglan is back with another insightful episode of Unmasking Humanity , and this time he's sitting down with the remarkable Jonathan Lash ! This isn't your average chat; it's a deep dive into a life dedicated to service, justice, and now, gripping storytelling.

Mark your calendars for March 27th, 2025 , because this transcript is packed with wisdom, humor, and fascinating anecdotes from a man whose career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the front lines of environmental protection to the intricate world of fiction, Jonathan Lash's journey is truly inspiring.

From Greenwich Village to Global Impact: A Life of Purpose

Joshua kicks off the interview with a powerful introduction, highlighting Jonathan's incredible trajectory. Imagine this: Peace Corps volunteer, federal prosecutor, leading voice in environmental law, Vermont Secretary of Natural Resources, law professor, and even a college president! Seriously, talk about a stacked resume!

Jonathan humbly shares that his life has been a series of "wonderful opportunities," starting with his eye-opening experience in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. Living without electricity or running water, he learned invaluable lessons about the human spirit and the joy found in community, a stark contrast to his upbringing in New York City. One particularly touching story involves an encounter with an elderly village leader who held John F. Kennedy in such high regard that he wondered if the assassinated leader would "rise for a third time," blurring the lines between sainthood and leadership in a truly profound way.

Fighting for Justice: From the Courtroom to Climate Change

Driven by a passion for social justice, Jonathan transitioned to law, finding himself drawn to the logic and structure of the legal system. His time as a federal prosecutor in Washington D.C. provided a raw and intense look at the realities of crime and poverty in the nation's capital. He recounts the emotional weight of seeing a 14-year-old hardened criminal suddenly transform into a scared kid facing jail time, a moment that sparked a desire to find a different avenue for his skills.

That path led him to environmental law , where he became a leading voice in tackling the monumental challenge of climate change . As president of the World Resources Institute for 15 years, Jonathan spearheaded practical solutions, focusing on large-scale changes like energy-efficient vehicles and holding industries accountable for their emissions. His groundbreaking work earned him recognition as a "Warrior and Hero" by Rolling Stone magazine – pretty cool, right?

Turning the Page: A New Chapter in Fiction

Just when you think Jonathan's done it all, he throws us a curveball! At almost 80, he's embarked on a new career as a mystery novelist with his debut book, "What Death Revealed: A Story of Virtue, Vice and Violence." This gripping tale is set in a divided Washington D.C. after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, delving into themes of racial injustice, corruption, and the search for truth.

The inspiration for the novel came unexpectedly during a writer's group exercise. A prompt to write a "dark scene" unlocked a memory from his early days as a prosecutor, and the characters seemingly took on a life of their own, guiding him through the writing process. Jonathan describes it as an almost magical experience, where the characters had a story to tell, and he was simply the vessel.

Corruption, Justice, and the Power of Storytelling

The conversation delves into the theme of corruption within the novel, specifically in the context of a major infrastructure project. While the book is fiction, Jonathan reveals he did stumble upon evidence of real corruption during the construction of Washington's metro system. This highlights the potential for corruption to exacerbate existing social inequalities, a topic that resonates deeply with Joshua.

Jonathan offers a balanced perspective on corruption, acknowledging that while it exists, there are also many honest and upright individuals working within the system. His novel explores the obligation some feel to address corruption and violence, driven by both personal and larger societal reasons.

Finding Balance: Fly Fishing and Gardening

Amidst the serious topics, Joshua touches upon Jonathan's love for fly fishing and gardening . These hobbies provide a much-needed balance to the intensity of his work, offering moments of focus, peace, and connection with nature.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers

For all the creatives out there, Jonathan shares some invaluable advice: "Start writing anything!" Don't get bogged down by the need for a perfect ending or the pressure to sell a bestseller. The key is to embrace the process of expression and have fun with it. He also recommends Stephen King's book on writing as a great starting point.

The Power of Community: More Important Than Ever

As the interview wraps up, Jonathan shares a final thought that resonates deeply in today's world. He emphasizes the importance of community and working with neighbors to protect and emphasize the positive aspects of our democracy and culture. While he encourages everyone to check out his book, he believes that engaging with our local communities is even more crucial right now.

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Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Unmasking Humanity with Joshua T. Berglan!