Nick Offerman joins Geoff Bennett for our ‘Settle In’ podcast

Key Concepts

• Woodworking for Kids: A guide to teaching children practical skills with tools.
• "Little Woodchucks": Nick Offerman's book on woodworking for families.
• Perseverance in Arts: The importance of having fallback skills and a strong work ethic in creative fields.
• "Death By Lightning": Netflix series portraying President Chester Arthur.
• "Destiny of the Republic": Candice Millard's book that inspired the "Death By Lightning" series.
• Political Integrity: The series aims to inspire audiences about the possibility of choosing leaders with integrity.

"Little Woodchucks": A Guide to Woodworking for Families

Nick Offerman discusses his new book, "Little Woodchucks," which he co-authored with Lee Buchanan. The book is described as a "joyful, mischievous guide to working with your hands," specifically designed for children and their parents. Offerman emphasizes that the book is intended for families to learn and create together, acknowledging that many parents may also be new to using tools. The core idea is to encourage hands-on activities that foster connection and skill development without relying on digital devices or algorithms. The projects are designed so that the finished products genuinely appear to be made by children, rather than being professionally fabricated.

The Value of Practical Skills and Perseverance

Offerman shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of his parents' emphasis on a strong work ethic and practical skills. He explains that before achieving acting success, he spent years in lean times, working odd jobs and building sets. This experience taught him the value of perseverance. He pursued theater school with his parents' support, but they advised him to have a fallback skill to ensure he could make a living. His existing tool skills led him to become a carpenter and scenic builder. Offerman expresses gratitude for these skills, which provided him with a stable income and a fulfilling career path even if acting hadn't materialized as planned. He states, "I have always been so grateful that I have had -- that I have those skills while I'm waiting for the next script to come in."

Portraying President Chester Arthur in "Death By Lightning"

The conversation shifts to Offerman's role as President Chester Arthur in the Netflix series "Death By Lightning." Offerman notes that Chester Arthur is a historical figure largely unknown to most Americans. The series was inspired by Candice Millard's book, "Destiny of the Republic." Offerman was drawn to the role by the compelling and largely untold story of Arthur's "crazy roller-coaster arc," from becoming vice president to ultimately assuming the presidency. He highlights the series' lavish production, directed by Matt Ross and produced by the team behind "Game of Thrones," noting the attention to detail in sets and costumes. Offerman expresses a desire for the series to inspire American audiences by suggesting that it is possible to overcome political corruption and elect leaders with integrity, a concept he finds sadly novel in the current climate.

Conclusion

The discussion with Nick Offerman underscores the enduring value of practical skills, hands-on creation, and perseverance. His book, "Little Woodchucks," aims to pass on these principles to a new generation, fostering family connection through woodworking. His role as President Chester Arthur in "Death By Lightning" reflects a broader interest in exploring overlooked historical narratives and inspiring audiences with themes of integrity and the potential for positive change in politics.