Best National Recreation and Park Association Podcasts (2025)

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

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7d 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

25d 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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Reflections From the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit — Episode170 28:49

29d ago28:49

28:49

This Pride Month, we are proud to spotlight the powerful work happening in Maryland to build more inclusive and welcoming park and recreation spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Way back in September 2024, Christina attended the second annual Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit at the North Laurel Community Center. A…

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

1M ago33:27

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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

2M 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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Centering Community and Connection at Anacostia Park — Episode 169 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

Earlier this spring, we had the chance to attend an incredible event in Washington, D.C., where we caught up with Akiima Price, co-founder and program advisor for Friends of Anacostia Park — an organization with a mission to enrich the lives of D.C. residents by preserving the park and connecting the surrounding communities to its restoration. We m…

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

2M 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

3M 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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Introducing Guardians of Greenspaces — Episode 168 51:21

3M ago51:21

51:21

Happy Earth Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to share a collaboration with NRPA’s new podcast, Guardians of Greenspaces. Guardians of Greenspaces is a podcast focused on conservation from a park and recreation maintenance lens. Hosted by Rukmini Kalamangalam, a program specialist on NRPA’s community and environmental resilience team, Guardi…

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

3M 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

4M 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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Celebrating Women’s History Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 167 39:11

4M ago39:11

39:11

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities. Women have long played a vital role in parks and recreation – but it has historically been a male-dominated industry. Today, the leadership and presence of women in the prof…

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

4M 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

5M 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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Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166 33:30

5M ago33:30

33:30

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls. Providing these opportunities is more than just fairness; it’s about giving girls the opportunities and support they need to succeed, both on and off the field. Participation in sports…

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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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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Mentoring: A Positive Impact for All — Episode 165 53:38

6M ago53:38

53:38

Pictured: Teen Leaders in the HYPE program at City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities participate in an exercise to overcome obstacles. Photo courtesy of Blythe Brown. Did you know that 74 percent of adults who were mentored as youth say their mentor contributed significantly to their success in life? Now, consider that more than 1 …

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

6M 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

7M 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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Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Inspiring Park and Recreation Stories — Episode 164 1:02:55

7M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

It’s our final episode of Open Space Radio for 2024! Did you know we released 15 episodes this year and talked with 27 amazing community leaders for a whopping 758 minutes of conversation (more than 12 hours!) about the power of parks and recreation? Thank you to everyone who joined us on the show to share their story this year and to everyone who …

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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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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Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163 56:30

9M ago56:30

56:30

Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163 On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m excited to share our collab episode with GovLove Podcast, which we recorded live back in October at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. This was our first live episode recording — with an audience. So, besides the obvious nerves that came alo…

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

9M 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

9M 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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Tom Medema, Associate Director of NPS, and Tim Merriman Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters 1:01:29

10M 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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From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162 35:17

10M ago35:17

35:17

We are getting very excited to travel to Atlanta (in just one week!) to connect with thousands of our closest park and recreation friends at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. And on today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who is local to the Atlanta area and might have some insider tips if you’ll be joining us next week. Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, is t…

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

10M 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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Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161 30:22

10M ago30:22

30:22

On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly after-school group mentoring program, Roving Leaders. Among countless initiatives and opportunities that are part of the program, top of mind this time of ye…

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

10M 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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Ed Gantt, Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 55:08

11M 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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NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160 27:33

11M 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…

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

11M 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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From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159 56:15

11M 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…

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

12M 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…

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

12M 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…

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

12M 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 …

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

12M 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 …

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

12M 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 …

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

1y 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…

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Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156 32:03

1y 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…

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

1y 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 …

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

National Recreation And Park Association Podcasts