Episode 134: Protecting America the Beautiful with Giovanni Rocco
“One of my favorite things about traveling is being with community and seeing the sense of pride they feel when they see that their history is being preserved at the national level. ”
Join us for another inspiring episode as we sit down with Giovanni Rocco, the Press Secretary for the United States Department of the Interior. Gio, as his friends call him, was born in Chile and immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. His impressive political career has led him to a pivotal role where he communicates on crucial issues such as climate change, clean energy, and the conservation of America's lands and waters.
Discover the insights and experiences of someone who dedicates his work to protecting our wildlife and natural resources at the highest level. Don't miss this engaging conversation!
Giovanni also discusses:
2:10 - What is the Department of the Interior and what they do
5:00 - The difference between national parks and wildlife refuges
8:00 - National forests
11:00 - Key milestones from the history of the Department of the Interior
15:00 - How it feels for him to be part of preserving history
17:45 - How he ended up in this role
20:30 - What it was like getting an offer for Deputy Press Secretary
22:00 - Experiencing fear and doubt
23:10 - Experiencing nature at a young age in Chile
27:00 - His plan to be a marine biologist
29:30 - How all of his interests came together in his career
31:50 - Reconnecting with nature
34:00 - Why nature is essential to health, well-being, and prosperity
37:00 - His favorite outdoor parks
40:30 - What it is like to work for the White House and the President
42:00 - Advice for people unsure of their path in life
44:30 - Who is going to play him in the Hollywood movie about his life
You can learn more about Giovanni and his adventures by following him on Instagram @omfgio or X @GRoccooo.
Learn more about the U.S. Department of the Interior and how they protect America’s natural resources and wildlife by visiting their website at DOI.gov or following them on Instagram @USinterior.
See below for photos Giovanni shared from his adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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