Best National Parks Conservation Association Podcasts (2024)

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Episode Forty Seven- Pediatrics and Prescribing Nature with Park Rx America Founder Dr. Robert Zarr 1:03:55

2h ago1:03:55

1:03:55

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Humans have always looked for new and innovative ways to treat illness and enhance health. Many continue to seek healthcare approaches that are not typically part of the standard medical systems we have become accustomed to. When we follow a non-conventional approach combined with traditional medicine,…

1
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158 1:03:10

7d ago1:03:10

1:03:10

As you may know, May was Older Americans Month, and NRPA celebrated by sharing how older adult programs in parks and recreation are making a big impact in communities across the country. On today’s episode, we’re excited to explore one of the most popular programs in NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi. Through funding from the Centers…

1
Episode Forty Six-"The Way of the Guide" with Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Founder Amos Clifford 1:38:12

14d ago1:38:12

1:38:12

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Humans have always interacted with the natural world and relied on environments such as forests for shelter, food, and medicine. Cultures worldwide have started incorporating time in forests as part of therapeutic processes. Japanese healthcare systems have included the practice of shinrin-yoku (forest…

1
It Takes a Village 36:47

15d ago36:47

36:47

Last month, several hundred people gathered in Greenwich Village to celebrate the opening of a new visitor center at Stonewall National Monument and to honor the movement Stonewall set in motion as the “birthplace for Pride.” Mark Segal is a longtime activist and journalist who participated in the momentous events that took place here in June 1969,…

1
Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157 38:15

25d ago38:15

38:15

As we continue to celebrate Park and Recreation Month, we’re excited to highlight a story that truly embodies our theme of “Where You Belong.” Today’s episode is all about ensuring opportunities to recreate and spend time in nature are available to all, regardless of ability. And, it’s perfect timing because July is also Disability Pride Month! We …

1
Episode Forty Five- Green Spaces and Happy Faces: Growing Mental Health in Nature with Dr. Matt Biel 1:19:15

28d ago1:19:15

1:19:15

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Mental health is a topic that we hear about often. Managing the mental dimension of wellness is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. It is estimated that nearly 20 million of our nation's young people can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorde…

1
Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156 32:03

1M ago32:03

32:03

Happy Park and Recreation Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a story that truly embodies this year’s theme of “Where You Belong.” Each year, the NRPA team hosts a cover contest to find a cover photo and story for the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine that supports the year’s theme, and this year’s winner is a gem. Today w…

1
Episode Forty Four- Growing in Nature with Children & Nature Network President and CEO Sarah Milligan-Toffler 1:21:37

1M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Humans have been innately connected to nature from the beginning of our species. Nature has served as the first teacher, providing countless lessons about life. Few things capture children's attention, imagination, and hearts like the natural world. Like most adults, children are spending much more tim…

1
Before the Gate 42:25

2M ago42:25

42:25

On the remote Sea Islands of South Carolina, golf courses and gated developments are changing the rural character of some of the first African American-owned lands in the country. The Gullah/Geechee are the direct descendants of the enslaved people who once worked on the area's rice, cotton and indigo plantations; now, the island that serves as the…

1
Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155 1:02:04

2M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Happy Pride Month! On today’s episode we’re discussing an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging. We learned about this partnership when Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager for Get Outdoors Nevada, submitted a phot…

1
Episode Forty Three- Ukulele Music and The Freedom to Love with Healthcare Professional and Musician Dr. Eddie Gammill 1:22:39

2M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Music is a fundamental attribute of our species, appearing in almost every culture throughout history. Whether or not we can keep tune or time, humans have continued to play, sing, and hum throughout the ages. The human brain can distinguish between music and other sounds. Research shows that our nervo…

1
Episode Forty Two- Following Passion and Environmental Education with NEEF CEO Sara Espinoza 1:10:54

2M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. One thing I know about humans and why we have thrived as a species is our love of learning. Education is a healthy activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Improving intellectual wellness looks different for each of us. For some, it is multiple degrees and certifications. For others, it is researchi…

1
A Brief Shining Moment 28:23

3M ago28:23

28:23

They say the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas... but what about the middle of the day? Not just any day—in this episode, we experience the recent total solar eclipse at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and discover how the history of this Hill Country ranch connects it to the night sky and the heyday of the U.S…

1
Episode Forty One- Adversity and The Power of Swimming with Paralympic World Record Holder Elizabeth Marks 1:18:24

3M ago1:18:24

1:18:24

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Swimming is one of our most popular recreational activities. It is a healthy, low-impact movement that we can continue throughout life. Aside from being a lot of fun, swimming is a great way to enhance health and wellness holistically. The mental health benefits of swimming include a release of endorph…

1
Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154 59:14

3M ago59:14

59:14

As you may recall, our final episode of 2023 was part one of our conversation around neurodiversity and parks and recreation. It was a wonderful conversation with Kande Jones, the Development Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission, and Dave McDaniel, the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and Recreation about their experience as ne…

1
Episode Forty- Nature, Mental Health, and the Power of the Written Word with Poet and Wellness Advocate Jennifer Gordon 1:27:42

3M ago1:27:42

1:27:42

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. The written word has always been a distinct part of the human experience, capturing our history and creating beautiful stories to escape into. Some of the earliest discovered writings were poetry, with many celebrating the natural world as its muse. Humans have a complex and symbiotic relationship with…

1
Holding Back the Sea 31:35

4M ago31:35

31:35

At first glance, American Samoa feels like an idyllic, tropical South Pacific paradise where life has changed very little in the past century. But residents have been struggling with the pronounced effects of climate change and other serious challenges. Samoan beaches are visibly eroding, heat and salt water are affecting residents’ ability to grow…

1
Episode Thirty Nine- Pedaling Through History with "The Bicycle Nomad" Erick Cedeño 1:14:31

4M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Cycling is a healthy, low-impact activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Cycling has been proven to improve strength and flexibility, build coordination and balance, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, foster social connection, strengthen the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health.…

1
Episode Thirty Eight- Healthy Parks for Healthy People with National Parks Service Public Health Director Captain Sara Newman 1:22:00

4M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. What if we told you that there was a healthcare system of over 400 locations that manages more than 325 million people each year and offers resources that are proven to positively impact every dimension of your health and well-being, with an annual cost (for unlimited visits) of less than $100...if not…

1
Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153 43:28

4M ago43:28

43:28

On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what …

1
Episode Thirty Seven- Addiction, Running Far, and Doing Hard Things with Ultramarathoner Charlie Engle 1:11:11

5M ago1:11:11

1:11:11

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Addiction is a chronic condition that can affect many dimensions of our lives, including our physical and mental health, relationships, and overall wellness. The two primary forms of addiction are substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. While addiction is most notably associated with substan…

1
The Beauty of Loss 24:17

5M ago24:17

24:17

The Colorado River flows through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest, provides drinking water to more than 40 million people, and is one of the most important sources of water for U.S. agriculture. But access to the river has never been fair, and now, water levels are at historic lows after decades of extreme drought. Photojour…

1
Episode Thirty Six- Prescribing Nature with Canada PaRx Founder Dr. Melissa Lem 1:06:25

5M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Nature was the first physician, the first hospital, the first pharmacy, and the first healthcare plan. The scientific community is finally (and formally) proving what we have always known... time in nature makes us healthier. Healthcare systems have been utilizing nature as a form of treatment for deca…

1
Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152 53:30

5M ago53:30

53:30

March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s episode does just that. There are so many women who are leaders in parks and recreation and bringing positive change to their communities, and today we’r…

1
Episode Thirty Five-Mind, Body, and Soil with Root in Nature 1:19:51

6M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Getting our hands dirty is not a new idea. A strong connection to soil has always been critical for human thriving. Around 12,000 years ago, our hunter-gatherer ancestors started transitioning into a farming culture. Growing crops became a reliable and sustainable way to access high-quality food. Besid…

1
Creating the Country’s First ‘Idea Park’ 26:14

6M ago26:14

26:14

In the late 1970s, only three national park sites out of 300 had specifically been created to interpret women’s history. Judy Hart, then a chief ranger for legislation in the National Park Service’s Boston office, knew she wanted to improve that number, but she wasn’t sure how. Hart’s determination took her to Seneca Falls, New York, as well as Cap…

1
Episode Thirty Four-Nature and Neuroscience with Dr. Susan A. Masino 1:06:20

6M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Just in case it wasn’t clear, humans are complex. How our minds and bodies function together is nothing short of fascinating. One of our favorite aspects of human performance and well-being is the neuroscience behind how we live. Neuroscience is understood to be a multidisciplinary science, one that is…

1
Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing in San Antonio — Episode 151 44:51

6M ago44:51

44:51

We know the importance of partnerships in parks and recreation, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving into an exciting partnership between NRPA and Bobcat. As part of this partnership, Bobcat has extended five grants, each worth $50,000, to support five park improvement projects across the country. Today, we’re excited to learn m…

1
Episode Thirty Three-Health Tech Solutions and Mental Wellness with Preventia Founder/CEO Brian Schroeder 1:21:15

7M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. According to the Global Wellness Institute, mental wellness is “an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect, and function; it is an active process that helps us to build resilience, grow, and flourish.” By definition, this means that it is more than just the absence of mental illness, which…

1
Stamped in the Soil 32:37

7M ago32:37

32:37

In the 1950s and ’60s, Alabama was a battleground for voting equality. White elected officials had long denied Black citizens their constitutional right to vote, and thousands of activists faced violent opposition from white residents and officials. In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery march made history, galvanizing the nation and leading to the passa…

1
Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150 1:08:29

7M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

As you may know, January is National Mentoring Month, and all month long, NRPA has been sharing content around how mentoring through parks and recreation is helping youth develop positive connections with trusted and caring adults, which we know can support their long-term success. National Mentoring Month is an annual opportunity to spread awarene…

1
Episode Thirty Two-Yoga, Nature, and the World's First Wellness Model with Larissa Hall Carlson 1:15:39

7M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Wellness as we know it gained notoriety in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The writings and leadership of an informal network of US physicians and scholars were pivotal in shaping how we began exploring “holistic” ways of addressing health. The wellness field is built on the foundations of multiple medica…

1
Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149 47:12

7M ago47:12

47:12

Season two of Open Space Radio begins today! For the next year, we will focus on conversations around the 2024 NRPA annual theme, “Where You Belong,” and we’re so excited to kick off this season with a wonderful conversation. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County (Arizona) Parks a…

1
Episode Thirty One- Workplace Well-Being and Health Culture with Richard Safeer, M.D. 1:22:18

8M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Happy New Year!!! Many of us start each January by setting goals, deciding on priorities, and declaring resolutions for the upcoming year. The most common goals each year center around health and well-being, with many falling under the umbrella of “getting in shape” or “losing weight.” According to a n…

1
Episode Thirty-Faith, Family, and Holiday Festivities with SInger/Songwriter Kerrie Roberts 1:19:26

8M ago1:19:26

1:19:26

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. We often talk about the natural world as being the first classroom, the first physician, and the first form of spiritual practice. As we find ourselves in the Holiday Season, we decided to discuss the connections between faith, nature, and the human experience. While we all may have different faith-bas…

1
Episode Twenty Nine-Brook Trout, Bluegrass, and Belonging with Orvis DEI Partner Sav Sankaran 1:39:47

8M ago1:39:47

1:39:47

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Nature is the perfect classroom for learning about the importance of diversity. By simply stepping outside and observing a natural environment for a few moments, we will most likely see one of the greatest examples of how a diverse system can thrive. The natural world shows us how wonderfully different…

1
Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) — Episode 148 1:14:06

9M ago1:14:06

1:14:06

Back in October at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, there was a session that really piqued our interest – so much so, that we wanted to turn it into a two-part podcast episode, with today’s episode being part one (and part two coming in Spring 2024!). The session, “Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces: Insights from Park and Recreation Professio…

1
The Skeleton Crew 34:32

9M ago34:32

34:32

Paleontologists have long explored Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the border of Arizona and Utah for its fossils, notably its prolific dinosaur tracks — but few bones have ever been found there. But last March, after watching the waters at Lake Powell drop, scientists made a calculated hunch to investigate areas of the lakebed that hadn’t …

1
Episode Twenty Eight- Becoming a Healthy Deviant with Pilar Gerasimo 1:14:34

9M ago1:14:34

1:14:34

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Thanks to decades of advances in awareness, research, and resources, humans are living longer. Yet large amounts of the population are consistently facing chronic health issues, diseases, and health disparities, These ongoing challenges are common and costly, and many are preventable. Many factors are …

1
We’re Stronger Together — Episode 147 43:47

9M ago43:47

43:47

It is our next to last episode of 2023, and we’re so thrilled to chat with our guest today, as she is someone who we’ve been hoping to get on the podcast for a while, someone who is a true leader in the profession, and someone who a lot of our listeners may know. Dr. Tiffany Johnson — or Dr. J., as she’s known in many circles — is not only one of t…

1
Episode Twenty Seven (Season Two Premiere)- Veteran Well-Being with John Langford and Sarah Evans 1:45:26

9M ago1:45:26

1:45:26

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!! Our veteran population is crucial to our way of life for many reasons. They have dedicated a portion of their lives to protecting our freedoms, shaping our nation, and setting the example of adaptability and service. Veterans Day is a time for us to stand united in showing our res…

1
Entering the Next Era of Open Space Radio — Episode 146 1:09:30

9M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

I’m really excited for today’s episode because I am joined by my colleagues and new co-hosts, Christina High, NRPA’s marketing specialist, and Cara Myers, NRPA’s marketing and engagement manager. I’m really looking forward to this new era of Open Space Radio, and as many of you know, it’s been a while since I’ve had co-hosts. So, we thought it woul…

1
Episode Twenty Six (SPECIAL EDITION)- Elevating Change at the WELCOA Summit 2:09:37

10M ago2:09:37

2:09:37

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. One of the biggest fears we face as a species is change. We have been socialized to believe that change is “bad,” or “scary,” or “hard.” While some changes are unpredictable and require more effort, change is the one true constant in our lives. It is also important to remember that every good thing you…

1
The Beacon 27:15

10M ago27:15

27:15

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in America and a storied waterway where the Atlantic Ocean meets a series of rivers. It’s the place where Algonquian Chief Powhatan met with early English settlers in the 1600s; where the first enslaved people were brought to America; where Harriet Tubman was born and emancipated herself and many others; an…

1
Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders in Parks and Recreation — Episode 145 41:54

10M ago41:54

41:54

Earlier this month I joined nearly 9,000 other people who are passionate about parks and recreation in Dallas at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. It was a week full of inspiration, networking and fun — and for me, a chance to celebrate not only all the good work happening in local parks and recreation, but also see the culmination of my NRPA collea…

1
How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144 43:17

10M ago43:17

43:17

How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144 It’s another exciting day here on Open Space Radio because I get to introduce you to our other new co-host on the show! If you follow NRPA on social media, you likely already know Christina High. Christina is NRPA’s marketing coordinator and is the brilliant person behind all the fun…

1
A Reporter ‘On the Brink’ at Cape Hatteras 20:45

11M ago20:45

20:45

Barrier islands naturally undergo erosion. But in the tiny town of Rodanthe, North Carolina, near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, sea-level rise fueled by climate change has intensified this process, creating difficult and dangerous conditions for the community. Four homes have collapsed into the ocean since February 2022, and the park’s dunes and…

1
Paving the Way for Girls and Women in Sports with DiDi Haračić — Episode 143 29:52

11M ago29:52

29:52

I am very excited for today’s episode for a couple of reasons. First, if you’ve been listening to the show for a while, you know I haven’t always been a solo host. Well, we have some exciting things happening and I’m very pleased to announce that one of my future co-hosts is making her debut on the podcast today. Cara Myers is NRPA’s marketing and …

1
Episode Twenty Five- Reflections and Saying Goodbye to Season One with Mark and Steve 1:16:11

11M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

We'd love to hear from you about this episode. Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” The end of season one??? Can it possibly be true? We are completely humbled by the response to our first season of this podcast. We began this project with one goal in mind: to celebrate humanity and how we embrace the natur…

1
A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142 30:50

11M ago30:50

30:50

I was recently pulling some of the Open Space Radio statistics for a presentation to NRPA staff, and while I was presenting, I kept thinking to myself, “The numbers are great, it’s important to track these kinds of metrics. But also, we have had some truly remarkable guests and amazing conversations over the course of this show, and you can’t reall…

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National Parks Conservation Association Podcasts

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