Shared Values in a Polarised World: Listening to Augustus Hoff

By Jessica McCallum, Podcast Research & Partnerships Intern

On the podcast this week, Augustus spoke to us about his journey as a conservationist and storyteller. Listening to him, I realised how much our experiences and the ways we discovered our passions align, particularly in how we find purpose and translate it into action.

Growing up in Florida, a very traditional, conservative area, Augustus shared how showing compassion, emotional values, or using them as a driver for change is often seen as “naive.” He explained that, at the core, many people actually share the same basic values: wanting to love and support the people in their lives, pursuing passions, and being responsible and caring for the future. Yet, in a polarising environment, these shared values are often misunderstood. He highlighted local practices like hunting and fishing, which at first might seem disconnected from conservation but actually tie back to family, culture, and shared values. Many hunters and fishermen, for instance, are surprisingly supportive of conservation goals—protecting the fish or land they use—though their reasoning may differ from someone approaching it from an idealistic perspective. This showed that while people may approach the world differently, their hearts and intentions are usually aligned.

I found it particularly fascinating how he took his childhood love for the ocean in Florida and brought it to landlocked Colorado. At first, this might seem naive, yet he found ways to engage people with activities like scuba diving, indoor pools, and aquariums. Getting people to care about something they haven’t experienced is challenging, but passion can be a bridge. I had a somewhat opposite experience, moving from landlocked Alberta to Florida, and could relate to the challenge of connecting passion to unfamiliar environments. Augustus’ insight reminded me that people can care about issues beyond their direct experience when approached with enthusiasm and authenticity.

This idea also connected to my own hesitations. I’ve sometimes worried about advocating for causes I care about because it felt niche or unnoticed. Augustus’ approach showed me that genuine passion validates what others care about and inspires action, even in spaces where interest seems limited.

Another interesting point was his emphasis on balance and perspective. In environmental work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Augustus emphasised the importance of processing emotions, recognising personal limits, and carving out space for joy. Not everything is in our control, and understanding our scope allows us to focus on meaningful, achievable action.

Finally, I appreciated how he integrates pragmatism into his work. Augustus explained how connecting with people through financial or practical lenses can make environmental action accessible to those who might not respond to purely idealistic appeals. This approach, combined with empathy and passion, allows for broader engagement—even across polarised perspectives.

Listening to Augustus was a reminder that meaningful engagement requires curiosity, empathy, and action grounded in what we can control. Our experiences may differ, yet shared values and thoughtful communication can build surprising connections. When we approach one another with a willingness to understand and to act with the care we hope to receive, we begin to live the Golden Rule in practice.