Best National Recreation and Park Association Podcasts (2024)

1
Omar Eaton-Martinez Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 43:16

38m ago43:16

43:16

Today Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman talk story with Omar Eaton-Martinez, who began his career as a teacher in eastern cities and later worked with the National Park Service on youth programs, serving as staff to the National Latino American Museum Commission. Born to Puerto Rican parents, Omar bridges gaps between White Americans, Americans of Col…

1
Talking About the Glacier Park Conservancy 45:45

2d ago45:45

45:45

"By bringing varied backgrounds into conservation careers, we are ensuring our parks represent all of America." Connect with Doug Email Doug Mitchell Glacier National Park Conservancy Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ In Glacier National Park, the journey to reintroduce …

1
Talking About the Glacier Park Conservancy 45:45

2d ago45:45

45:45

"By bringing varied backgrounds into conservation careers, we are ensuring our parks represent all of America." Connect with Doug Email Doug Mitchell Glacier National Park Conservancy Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ In Glacier National Park, the journey to reintroduce …

1
Breaking trails and building community with the Keystone Trails Association 59:20

2d ago59:20

59:20

Send us a text This episode is sponsored by the Keystone Trails Association. Most people never know how much volunteer work goes into their favorite hiking trail. Countless hours are spent breaking trails, cutting back brush, moving rocks, building steps, preventing water erosion and blazing trails. Then, after the trail is built, even more hours a…

1
A Summer as a Seasonal Park Aide 11:25

3d ago11:25

11:25

"I've never been there early enough to see the sunrise, but I've been there late enough to see the sunset. And it does have a really pretty sunset." Notable Moments 02:04 Common Questions from Visitors 06:33 Importance of Seasonal Training 08:02 Day in the Life of a Park Employee 10:12 Family adventures with bears. Resources www.parkleaders.com htt…

1
A Summer as a Seasonal Park Aide 11:25

3d ago11:25

11:25

"I've never been there early enough to see the sunrise, but I've been there late enough to see the sunset. And it does have a really pretty sunset." Notable Moments 02:04 Common Questions from Visitors 06:33 Importance of Seasonal Training 08:02 Day in the Life of a Park Employee 10:12 Family adventures with bears. Resources www.parkleaders.com htt…

1
Ed Gantt, Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 55:08

7d ago55:08

55:08

Edward W. Gantt, a retired Navy Captain with a unique background, talks story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney for "Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters." Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gantt graduated from Howard University and the National Defense University. He served 30 years in the military, first …

1
NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160 27:33

10d ago27:33

27:33

In less than 40 days, thousands of park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Atlanta for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. This is, without a doubt, the best park and recreation conference you can attend — it’s filled with tons of amazing opportunities to learn, build your network, and of course, have a little fun with…

1
Attention to Details Matter to Park Visitors 25:17

10d ago25:17

25:17

"The small stuff is where you create that memory or you create an impression that never leaves them. Attention to those little details really matter." Attention to details isn't just a small matter; it can transform the experience of park visitors. In the latest episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines returns for a conversation about why the …

51
Attention to Details Matter to Park Visitors 25:17

10d ago25:17

25:17

"The small stuff is where you create that memory or you create an impression that never leaves them. Attention to those little details really matter." Attention to details isn't just a small matter; it can transform the experience of park visitors. In the latest episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines returns for a conversation about why the …

1
Timber! Harvesting history at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum 1:17:54

16d ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Send us a text For thousands of years, the land that would become Pennsylvania was dominated by dense, ancient forests that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering trees such as white oaks, chestnuts and hemlocks formed a vast green canopy that covered hundreds of miles. The forests were such an integral part of this landscape that it was n…

1
Innovative Technology and Conservation 27:14

18d ago27:14

27:14

"We need to inspire people, especially young people, with innovation. That is how we can change the world in a positive way. Connect with Viktor Glice website Viktor's Website Viktor on Instagram Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Viktor Meier is the cofounder and CEO of …

101
Innovative Technology and Conservation 27:14

17d ago27:14

27:14

"We need to inspire people, especially young people, with innovation. That is how we can change the world in a positive way. Connect with Viktor Glice website Viktor's Website Viktor on Instagram Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Viktor Meier is the cofounder and CEO of …

1
Christy Coleman, Living History Interpreter and Manager, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 56:28

22d ago56:28

56:28

A Native of Eatonville, Florida, Christy Coleman grew up in the shadow of African American anthropologist and writer Zora Neale Hurston. As a teenager in 1982, wanting to become an actor, she accepted a summer position as a character actor for an enslaved woman named Rebecca at Colonial Williamsburg. Her growing enthusiasm for History led her to a …

1
From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159 56:15

1M ago56:15

56:15

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re excited to chat with someone very influential in the outdoor recreation industry who is doing a ton of good work to raise awareness about protecting our environment. Not only that, but he is also a leader when it comes to making the outdoors more equitable and accessible. José Gonzáles is the founder of…

1
Poe Paddy and Poe Valley State Parks - Uncover rugged wilderness in Happy Valley 31:34

1M ago31:34

31:34

Send us a text The vast majority of Pennsylvania’s state parks are easy to drive to. That’s one of the reasons our parks are so accessible to residents and visitors. They’re located on paved roads and can often be found just a few minutes from a highway. But then there are parks that are not so easy to get to. They’re the ones that can only be expl…

1
Louise Moreno Talks Story about the Moreno Camps in National Parks with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

A Co-Founder of “The Camp Moreno Project” along with her late Husband, Roberto Moreno and former National Park Ranger Bill Gwaltney, Louise Moreno has been a long-term activist promoting sharing the out of doors with Latino communities and families across the United States. Louise fell in love with the dashing Roberto Moreno and the pair were marri…

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

2M 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
The Legacy of George Melendez Wright 45:48

1M ago45:48

45:48

"Because he died so early, there was no opportunity for him to really grow into what a lot of people think he was gonna become, which was the next director of the National Park Service and one of the leading conservationists in the nation." Key Moments 04:06 Working in conservation, writing about science and natural history. 07:05 Writing a book in…

1
The Legacy of George Melendez Wright 45:48

2M ago45:48

45:48

"Because he died so early, there was no opportunity for him to really grow into what a lot of people think he was gonna become, which was the next director of the National Park Service and one of the leading conservationists in the nation." Key Moments 04:06 Working in conservation, writing about science and natural history. 07:05 Writing a book in…

1
Part 2, Lorraine Johnson Coleman, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 46:14

1M ago46:14

46:14

Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American …

1
Forbes State Forest - Endless outdoor adventures in the Laurel Highlands 58:52

2M ago58:52

58:52

Send us a text To list all of the features of Forbes State Forest would be pointless. That’s because it has so much to offer so many people. You want trails, it’s got it. You want overlooks, its got it. You want waterfalls, it’s got it. Forbes State Forest has some of the best land in Pennsylvania for everything from mountain biking and hiking to A…

1
Lorraine Johnson Coleman, Storyteller/Author, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American …

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

2M 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
What Has Changed in Parks in the Last Decade 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

"If you look back over the last 100 years of significant events in America's parks, state, national, local, that, you know, on that list of the top 10 or 15 things that's that's changed the way we manage parks is, how we did the pandemic." Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleader…

1
What Has Changed in Parks in the Last Decade 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

"If you look back over the last 100 years of significant events in America's parks, state, national, local, that, you know, on that list of the top 10 or 15 things that's that's changed the way we manage parks is, how we did the pandemic." Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleader…

1
Moraine State Park - From ruined to reclaimed in less than 100 years 35:49

2M ago35:49

35:49

Send us a text Standing on the shore of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, you’d never think the area was the site of massive deforestation, coal mining and gas drilling practices that scarred the landscape for decades. But it is. In the 1800s, farmers cleared the forests and drained the swamps that would one day be Moraine State Park. Materials su…

1
Lee Coffee, Jr., Buffalo Soldier Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 1:02:32

2M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Ten years into his 24-year US Army career, First Sergeant Lee N. Coffee Jr. assumed a carefully researched living history interpretive role as a 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier, Sgt. Emanuel Stance, a Medal of Honor recipient during the Indian Wars campaign in the 1870s. As a historian and professional speaker, Lee has won awards for over thirteen year…

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

3M 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
Finding Balance in Your Park Career 23:38

3M ago23:38

23:38

"Work-life balance means that you're trying to find a way to balance this so you're a complete person and your batteries are recharged." Key Moments 01:10 Peak of park busyness means a ranger is always on as a ranger. 05:29 Balancing work and life in park professions. 09:08 Passion for work requires deliberate disengagement. 11:52 Engaging in activ…

1
Finding Balance in Your Park Career 23:38

3M ago23:38

23:38

"Work-life balance means that you're trying to find a way to balance this so you're a complete person and your batteries are recharged." Key Moments 01:10 Peak of park busyness means a ranger is always on as a ranger. 05:29 Balancing work and life in park professions. 09:08 Passion for work requires deliberate disengagement. 11:52 Engaging in activ…

1
Beltzville State Park - Beach, boating and beyond in the Poconos 56:26

3M ago56:26

56:26

Send us a text There are few sights I enjoy as much as people having fun in Pennsylvania state parks. Children playing tag and hide-and-go-seek. Adults telling stories around a picnic table. Friends catching up while grilling. And never have I see so many people having such a good time, then on Memorial Day weekend at Beltsville State Park. Upon en…

1
Interpreting Freeman Tilden 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

"Does it really make any difference if you do believe something, but are at the same time intolerant of someone who does not agree or concur in your beliefs?" Key Moments 01:27 Meeting Freeman Tilden. 09:42 Starting a Career with Park Service at age 58. 11:54 Freeman Reevaluates National Park Service Principles and Writes "Interpreting Our Heritage…

1
Interpreting Freeman Tilden 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

"Does it really make any difference if you do believe something, but are at the same time intolerant of someone who does not agree or concur in your beliefs?" Key Moments 01:27 Meeting Freeman Tilden. 09:42 Starting a Career with Park Service at age 58. 11:54 Freeman Reevaluates National Park Service Principles and Writes "Interpreting Our Heritage…

1
John Miller, CIT, former NAI Region 6 Director Talks Story with Tim Merriman 48:45

3M ago48:45

48:45

John Miller had a long career as manager and interpreter at a fish hatchery in Branson, Missouri, a very popular tourism destination. He has also served in a variety of leadership roles with National Association for Interpretation, including Region 6 Director and more recently Chair of the Nominations Committee. He shares a unique story of a photo …

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

3M 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
How to Have an Effective Welcome Station 29:01

3M ago29:01

29:01

"The welcome station is where you are telling a visitor what to expect during the rest of their time with you." Key Moments 05:58 First Impressions Matter at Parks 10:41 The Importance of Welcome Station Staff 16:34 Understanding Role vs. Purpose 19:06 Optimizing Park Efficiency 21:41 Importance of Face Time with Park Rangers 24:57 Pre-Shift Meetin…

1
How to Have an Effective Welcome Station 29:01

3M ago29:01

29:01

"The welcome station is where you are telling a visitor what to expect during the rest of their time with you." Key Moments 05:58 First Impressions Matter at Parks 10:41 The Importance of Welcome Station Staff 16:34 Understanding Role vs. Purpose 19:06 Optimizing Park Efficiency 21:41 Importance of Face Time with Park Rangers 24:57 Pre-Shift Meetin…

1
How fireflies light up Pennsylvania's night skies with Dr. Sarah Lower 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

Send us a text The arrival of fireflies has always represented summer to me. They've meant barbeques. They meant fireworks. They meant being a kid. I’ve heard from so many people about the memories they have connected to lightening bugs. Exploring the woods with grandparents who have long passed. 4th of July parties with their friends. A first kiss…

1
Talking About the National Recreation and Park Association 30:41

3M ago30:41

30:41

"Parks can be a great antidote to social isolation and mental health struggles. Yet the only way to do that effectively is to invest in our parks and make sure that the experience that people have when they go is positive and supportive of those health outcomes." Key Moments 05:31 The Impact of Local Parks on Personal Growth 08:39 NRPA's origin and…

1
Talking About the National Recreation and Park Association 30:41

3M ago30:41

30:41

"Parks can be a great antidote to social isolation and mental health struggles. Yet the only way to do that effectively is to invest in our parks and make sure that the experience that people have when they go is positive and supportive of those health outcomes." Key Moments 05:31 The Impact of Local Parks on Personal Growth 08:39 NRPA's origin and…

1
Dr. Rex Ellis, African-American Museum Curator Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation 43:58

3M ago43:58

43:58

Dr. Rex Ellis created the engaging African-American living history interpretive program at Colonial Williamsburg and went on to become the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs at the National Museum African-American Museum History and Culture at Smithsonian Institute. Join us at Reflections on Interpretation to learn of his journey from interpr…

1
Presque Isle State Park - Pennsylvania's Great Lake Getaway 48:11

4M ago48:11

48:11

Send us a text Last year, nearly four million people visited Presque Isle State Park in Erie- making it the most visited state park in Pennsylvania. And anyone whose ever visited this wonderful park understands why. There’s no other park like Presque Isle in the Commonwealth. It is totally unique and incredibly special. But what makes Presque Isle …

1
Kim Sikoryak, NPS Planner and Trainer, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 40:56

4M ago40:56

40:56

Kim Sikoryak has had a three decade career working for National Park Service as a Ranger, Planner and Trainer. Today on Reflections on Interpretation:Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters, co-hosts Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman chat with Kim about his long and varied career and the importance of excellent interpretation in national parks. htt…

1
Certfied Interpretive Trainers Talk Story with Tim Merriman about Changes with NAI Certifications 1:13:34

4M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

The Certified Interpretive Guide and Host Courses are no longer certifications through National Association for Interpretation and NAI Certified Trainers have some opinions about those changes. Tim Merriman has Rita Nethersole, Clark Hancock, Mary McCormac, Dr. Phillip Smart and Lisa Brochu as guests in this special edition of Reflection on Interpr…

1
Michaux State Forest - Exploring Pennsylvania’s 'cradle of forestry' in the Appalachian Mountains 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

Send us a text Spanning 85,000 acres across three Central Pennsylvania counties, Michaux State Forest is a sanctuary of lush woodlands, crystal-clear streams and a rich tapestry of history and wildlife. Considered Pennsylvania’s “cradle of forestry,” Michaux State Forest is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, giving visitors a bevy of settings to…

1
Tim Merriman Talks Story with Guest Host Bill Gwaltney about Tim's 50 Plus Years in Heritage Interpretation 1:08:48

4M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Tim Merriman has had a 50 plus year career in the interpretive profession including Executive Director of National Association for Interpretation for 17 years. He has been a Nature Center Director, Manager of Research and Innovations at a National Recreation Area and a Park Ranger/Interpreter at a State Park. He was President of Association of Inte…

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

4M 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
Benjamin Rush State Park - Cultivating community through gardening 33:43

4M ago33:43

33:43

Send us a text The definition of a garden is a small piece of ground used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs or flowers. But it’s much more than that. It’s a community meeting place. It’s an outdoor classroom. It’s an organic food market. It’s a sustainable hobby. And it’s a place to make lifelong friendships. Ask anyone whose spent time in a communi…

1
Mark Jordahl, CIG, Manager of Communications with GRACE Center, Talks Story with Tim Merriman 58:40

4M ago58:40

58:40

Mark Jordahl, CIG, joins Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation after several decades as an adventure guide, tourism entrepreneur and guest communications specialist with Natural Habitat Adventures. He is now the Communications Manager with Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in Democratic Republic of Congo, work…

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