Best Gary Stuckey Podcasts (2025)

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Gary Candelaria Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 39:31

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5d ago39:31

39:31

Gary Candelaria brings a lifetime of dedication to America’s public lands to this episode of Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. Raised in Los Angeles and inspired early on to become a park ranger, he pursued that dream through a forestry degree at Oregon State University before entering the prestigious Intake…

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Costa Dillon Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 45:09

20d ago45:09

45:09

Costa Dillon is a retired National Park Service ranger and park superintendent who worked in more than a dozen parks in his 35-year career including as Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park, Fire Island National Seashore, and the Horace Albright Training Center. He is the recipient of the Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service Awa…

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T. Lindsay Baker, Historian and Author, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation 39:12

1M ago39:12

39:12

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney for a fascinating conversation with T. Lindsay Baker, a historian of the American West who doesn’t just write about the past, he’s lived it. Author of more than two dozen peer-reviewed histories and a lifelong interpreter, Baker brings academic rigor and interpretive insight together in ways few others do. Known …

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Tim Merriman Talks Story on Reflections on Interpretation: What is the Purpose of Heritage Interpretation? 12:57

2M ago12:57

12:57

For more than fifty years, I’ve been asking one question: What is the purpose of heritage interpretation? Early in my career, a few key experiences set me on a path of reflection—a path that has shaped every step of my professional life since. Few of us have the luxury of working in isolation or for ourselves alone. If interpretation is to be meani…

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Dr. Robert Powell and Dr. Marc J. Stern Talk Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 48:42

2M ago48:42

48:42

Dr. Robert Powell’s research at Clemson University focuses on informal STEM education, interpretation, protected area management, and sustainable tourism. He has led multiple NSF-funded national studies on learning outcomes in parks and environmental education, publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles. A former U.S. Canoe and Kayak Team member, B…

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Celeste Bernardo, Retired NPS Superintendent, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Celeste Bernardo, who devoted 35 years to the National Park Service (NPS), building bridges between people, places, and heritage. With a career spanning coastlines, historic neighborhoods, and international cultural exchanges, Celeste is known for her gift of turning partnerships into lasting legacies. As …

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Toby Merriman, MFA, of SIU Center for Virtual Expression, Talks Story about AI with Tim Merriman 39:30

3M ago39:30

39:30

Toby Merriman, MFA, works each day as Assistant Director of Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University in assisting faculty in understanding how AI, VR and Gamification may improve their teaching and research. Toby grew up with Tim Merriman, his father, at a nature center and actually worked as an interpretive guide at a Dinosaur…

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Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman Talk Story about ABMC and Training 37:51

3M ago37:51

37:51

Today on Reflections I am talking story with my podcast co-host, Bill Gwaltney, who recently returned from a trip to western Europe to visit friends from his long career with National Park Service and especially with friends he made during his final five years with American Battle Monuments Commission. Born and raised in the Nation’s Capital, Bill …

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Michael Stuckey, CIT, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merirman on Reflections on Interpretation 42:58

5M ago42:58

42:58

Michael Stuckey had a career of many decades with National Park Service working in both natural and cultural history parks in a variety of roles, but especially in interpretation. He tells his own story well, "Born in Los Angeles and somehow history grabbed me early on. I began to explore how to work with it professionally. Richmond Battlefield in …

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Monique Thompson, CIT, Talks Story with Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 38:11

5M ago38:11

38:11

Monique Thompson, CIT, is a Restorative Justice practitioner, nature enthusiast, and expert in interpretive education. Her programs inspire community connection and inclusivity, with a focus on environmental and personal well-being. She has been engaged in the education field for over 25 years as an instructor, collaborator, and learner. Early in h…

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Toby Merriman, Matt Villamaino, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman Talk Story about AI in Interpretation 45:47

6M ago45:47

45:47

Matt Villamaino, Bill Gwaltney, Toby Merriman, and Tim Merriman gather on Zoom to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in heritage interpretation—with a focus on authenticity, ethics, and emerging opportunities. Toby Merriman, MFA, serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University, where he sup…

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Marc Blackburn, NPS Historian and Interpreter, Joins Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation! 33:27

6M ago33:27

33:27

Born and raised in California, Marc Blackburn’s love of history led him to the Pacific Northwest, where he earned a B.A. in history from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Inspired by a passion for teaching and the complexities of the American experience, he pursued graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia. There, under …

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Matt Villamaino Joins Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney Today on Reflections on Interpretation 49:44

6M ago49:44

49:44

Matt Villamaino has worked in the interpretive field for over 15 years, not counting the dinosaur museum he and a friend started in his basement at age 8. He currently works for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as the Regional Interpretive Coordinator for the Central Region. He is a Certified Interpretive Trainer, Planner…

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David Larsen's Legacy for Interpretive Training 1:10:02

7M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

David Larsen (1960-2011) was a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger who became the Manager of Interpretive Training with National Park Service (NPS) at The Mather Employee Development Center. After many years as a frontline interpreter at sites such as the the Vietnam Memorial and Harper's Ferry National Historic Park, David stepped up to beco…

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Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program 22:43

7M ago22:43

22:43

Today Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program. This innovative new training program for the fundamentals of the interpretive approach to communication began in October of 2024 and is now being used by many experienced trainers as a more affordable approach to training new hires, seasonal guides, docen…

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Toby Merriman Talks Story about Artificial Intelligence with Interpretive Trainers 1:09:08

8M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Toby Merriman is the Acting Director of Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University (SIU). He and his staff assist faculty at SIU in the uses of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Gamification in teaching university students, who so readily employ these new tools. Join Monique Thompson, Clark Hancock, Rosemary Prince, An…

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Trainers Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 1:15:22

8M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Interpretive Trainers are our guests this week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. Karin Hostetter, Robert Smith, Jamie Hubert, Clark Hancock, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman discuss the economic changes affecting training, the challenges of training large numbers of docents, seasonal workers and frontline s…

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NPS (former) Director Bob Stanton Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 50:06

9M ago50:06

50:06

With nearly four decades of experience with the National Park Service (NPS), Robert G. Stanton has an unmatched depth of experience about the Agency from top to bottom. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Robert Stanton’s experience growing up in an African American community and the need to deal with Race and Racism brought a special focus to his life and …

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Connie Rudd, Former NPS Interpreter and Superintendent Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 40:45

9M ago40:45

40:45

Born during a snowstorm in Ft. Riley, Kansas, Connie's adventurous spirit was kindled from the start. This early connection to winter led to a passion for sled dog racing with her purebred Samoyed team, a venture she pursued for 20 years across the United States. Raised in Athens, Ohio, Connie developed a love for reading that sparked her imaginati…

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John Steinle, Museum Curator and Living History Specialist, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 45:38

10M ago45:38

45:38

John Steinle, originally from Hamilton, Ohio, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dayton. After several years as a commercial artist, he switched careers to history. He obtained a master’s degree in Museum and Archival Management from Wright State University and worked as a Curator and Archivist at the Cincinnati Art Museum and …

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Michael Watson, Former NPS Chief of Interpretation, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 42:52

10M ago42:52

42:52

Michael Watson began his career as a High School Intern at a Minute Man Missile Plant, a Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Driver, 4-H Camp Naturalist, and Naturalist at Burr Oak State Park (OH). After graduating from The Ohio State University (1967), he became a Science Teacher in the Marion (OH) Public School System (1967-1971). His National Park Ser…

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Rob Pacheco, Hawaii Forest & Trail Founder, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 43:20

11M ago43:20

43:20

Rob Pacheco's journey began in California, where he spent his formative years assisting a local beekeeper and fostering a deep curiosity for the nature around him. At the University of Colorado, Rob enrolled in a multi-disciplinary environmental program while beekeeping for researchers studying honey bee genetics. He moved to the Big Island of Hawa…

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ET Collinsworth, Cowboy Poet and Storyteller, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 43:59

11M ago43:59

43:59

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story for an engaging conversation with author, photographer, mule packer, storyteller, and cowboy poet E.T. Collinsworth. Together, they will explore E.T.'s remarkable life, adventures, and experiences on both sides of the border. E.T. Collinsworth hails from Tennessee b…

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Walt Dabney, Former NPS Superintendent, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 52:27

12M ago52:27

52:27

Immerse yourself in an enlightening conversation with Walt Dabney, a distinguished former National Park Service Superintendent, NPS Chief Ranger, and ex-Director of Texas State Parks. Walt's illustrious career spans decades, marked by his significant contributions to both our cherished National Parks and the Texas State Parks system. Early in his t…

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Susan Marie Frontczak, Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 46:48

12M ago46:48

46:48

This week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters our guest is Susan Marie Frontczak. Storysmith® Susan Marie Frontczak's deeply researched Living History programs are the center of her repertoire. In her programs as Marie Curie, Mary Shelley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Irene Castle, Erma Bombeck and Clara Barton, Susan…

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Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of Smithsonian Institution, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney 57:19

1y ago57:19

57:19

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Interpreters and Guides was honored to recently interview Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution—and its first African American and first historian to hold the position. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1952 to educators Lonnie II and Montrose Bunch, Dr. Bunch earne…

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Juan Castaing, Chilean Interpretive Guide and Trainer Talks Story with Tim Merriman 42:38

1y ago42:38

42:38

Juan Castaing, a Chilean Interpretive Guide and Trainer, specializes in heritage interpretation, media and hospitality services. He has been combining ecotourism and communication for more than 20 years. His expertise lies in effectively communicating and managing cultural experiences, particularly those blending nature and culture. Castaing offers…

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Danni Stefanetti Interview! 16:10

1y ago16:10

16:10

The Australian sensation has a new song and video out called “Rock N Roll In

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Jack Griffith (Novo Combo) Interview! 46:30

1y ago46:30

46:30

A great chat with a great guy. Novo Combo is back with a new album after 40 years.

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Kathe Hambrick, Author & Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 52:46

1y ago52:46

52:46

Kathe Hambrick is Executive Director of the Amistad Research Center in Louisiana. In this role, Hambrick sees an opportunity to mentor and shape a new generation of curators, archivists, and digitization specialists. The mission of the Amistad Research Center is to "collect, preserve, and provide access to original documents that highlight the soci…

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Eiliezer Nieves Rodriguez of Puerto Rico Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 51:48

1y ago51:48

51:48

While teaching as a Geography Professor at University of Puerto Rico for twenty-two years, Eliezer Nieves-Rodriguez has trained Certified Interpretive Guides, served as an interpretive planner and consultant to local communities as well as international interpretive trainer for the RESERVA Program. .He grew up in Puerto Rico and has spent his long …

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AleX (Violet Breed) Interview! 26:24

1y ago26:24

26:24

Brian Wheat, the founder and bassist of the multi-platinum selling band Tesla, has announced an exciting new musical venture with AleX, an emerging singer/songwriter from the U.K. The duo has joined forces to create a new band called Violet Breed, with their debut single, "AWAKE," out now on all major platforms. Violet Breed represents a powerful c…

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Iain Matthews Interview! 54:47

1y ago54:47

54:47

Check out Iain Matthews new album “How Much Is Enough” due out on October 25th! Iain Matthews (born Ian Matthews MacDonald, 16 June 1946) is an English musician and singer-songwriter. He was an original member of the British folk rock band Fairport Convention from 1967 to 1969 before leaving to form his own band, Matthews Southern Comfort, which ha…

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McKenna Michels Interview! 48:29

1y ago48:29

48:29

"’I Don't Know’ is a song about finding new love immediately following the end of a destructive relationship, and learning to put aside hesitation caused by damage from the past,” explains Michels. “While I wrote the song to have a hint of sorrow in there, I wanted the overall tone of it to be more upbeat and give the listener a small dose of ‘will…

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Tom Medema, Associate Director of NPS, and Tim Merriman Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters 1:01:29

1y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Tom Medema, the Associate Director of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers for the National Park Service (NPS), has had an inspiring career journey that began in Muskegon, Michigan. After earning both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Tom embarked on a 35-year adventure with the NPS, taking on increasingly impactful roles—from interpreter t…

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Sixpence None The Richer Interview! 29:23

1y ago29:23

29:23

Sixpence None The Richer have a new EP coming out on October 4th called “Rosemary Hill!”

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Interpretive Trainers and Tim Merriman Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation 1:22:32

1y ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Today is a special edition of Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters podcast featuring more than one hour of conversation among five very experienced interpretive trainers. Clark Hancock from Austin, Texas, Donna Horton from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gabriela Plumasseau from Paris, France, Heidi McFarland from Boulder Cree…

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

1y 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…

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Mark Farner Interview! 27:12

1y ago27:12

27:12

The legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Farner, formerly of Grand Funk Railroad, is back with a new album called “Closer To My Home” coming out November 8th!

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John Schlitt (Petra) Interview! 51:10

1y ago51:10

51:10

The legendary singer of Petra talks about their 50th anniversary, his solo career and many amazing stories. Love this guy!

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William Lee Golden & Danni Stefanetti Interview! 17:55

1+ y ago17:55

17:55

Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden debuts as a songwriter at 85 with “I’ve Got My Heart On You,” a heartfelt duet featuring rising star Danni Stefanetti. Inspired by his son Solomon’s words during his touring days, this song blends Golden’s legendary status with Stefanetti’s fresh talent. Golden, a Country and Gospel Hall of Famer with 5 Grammys, bri…

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Robby Johnson Interview! 45:25

1+ y ago45:25

45:25

A great conversation with talented country singer and songwriter Robby Johnson! Check out his new single: “More Than You Think”

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

1+ y 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 …

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Melissa Manchester Interview! 47:16

1+ y ago47:16

47:16

The talented singer songwriter discusses her career and what she is doing now. This was a wonderful conversation. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the whole interview.

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Ron Keel Interview! 52:22

1+ y ago52:22

52:22

Get ready for the voice behind rocking bands like Keel, Steeler and the Ron Keel Band. This conversation has everything! You will enjoy it. Check out the new album Keelworld! RFK Media set to release “KEELWORLD” featuring all-new brand-new music from Ron Keel Band, Keel, Steeler, IronHorse, Emerald Sabbath, Ronnie Lee Keel and more! “This is the al…

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Kate Stanton (Indie Artist) Interview! 59:58

1+ y ago59:58

59:58

Kate Stanton is an indie singer-songwriter specializing in sophisticated dream pop. Her songwriting is a “contemplative and transcendental experience with an unbelievably soft voice that reaches to catch your attention in deep and translucent waters, purifying the soul and enabling you to feel the positive vibrations”, (Roadie Music Reviews). With …

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Billy Thomas (McBride & The Ride) Interview! 27:42

1+ y ago27:42

27:42

They are celebrating 35 years and a new EP in October. The drummer for McBride & The Ride tells us all about it.

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

1+ y 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 …

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John Sebastian Interview! 59:50

1+ y ago59:50

59:50

The legendary singer, songwriter and musician, John Sebastian, formerly of The Lovin Spoonful, discusses his career and interesting stories.

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Jeff Christie Interview! 32:06

1+ y ago32:06

32:06

The new album, HERE AND NOW, will be released digitally on September 13. Pre-sales start on August 13, and you can pre-save now! To pre-save: https://hypeddit.com/herenow/jeffchristie To listen to snippets: https://www.jeffchristie.com/#hereandnow