Park Leaders connects the wisdom of Park Managers, leaders in the park system, and thought leaders of the business world with up and coming park leaders. This is the show for Park Rangers, Park Managers, and leaders who want to have an impact. Join host Jody Maberry as he talks to park leaders from all over the world.
"Government isn't changed by policies. Government is changed by people." Episode Chapters [00:03:04] Why bureaucracy exists and what it was designed to accomplish [00:07:38] Five practical ways to move ideas forward in large organizations [00:10:19] Why reaching a decision maker is often the biggest obstacle [00:11:03] How leaders can empower employees to accomplish more [00:15:27] Why parks must…
"The administrator's job is to support the people who serve visitors every day." Episode Chapters [00:03:17] Bob McGill reflects on a 35-year career with Nevada State Parks [00:04:57] Discovering that leadership can be a support role [00:07:41] Surpassing milestones as a state park director [00:10:03] Growing staffing, equipment, and resources across Nevada State Parks [00:13:15] Why great park…
"You cannot personally make sure every visitor has a great time... but you can make sure at least one visitor has a great experience." Episode Chapters [03:36] Shifting from high attendance to quality visitor experiences [05:33] Complexities of social carrying capacities explored [08:50] Relying on technology and reservation systems [10:22] Zion crowding and alternative options [13:45] Addressing…
"The best park art helps you feel like you're standing there." Episode Chapters [00:43] Arden Von Hager shares how a childhood outdoors connection shaped his life and art [02:28] How Arden's artistic talent was recognized and developed into a career [09:48] Creating national park artwork that captures what a place feels like [14:24] The intentional process behind every painting [23:18] Exploring…
"Parks become even more meaningful when you can track the memories you've made there." Notable Moments [00:00:32] Jada Dooling shares her family's goal to visit all 50 states [00:02:28] How a road trip inspired the creation of All Roads Taken [00:05:11] Features that help travelers set goals and track progress [00:08:59] Using photos to automatically verify park visits [00:10:35] Jada's favorite…
"When someone changes, something has changed in their life." Notable Moments [00:00:02] Why this episode was difficult but necessary to record [00:01:22] Personal experience with depression while working in parks [00:03:25] Lee Cockerell shares his experience with anxiety [00:09:48] The importance of routine, activity, and support [00:19:19] Why you should talk openly and seek help [00:29:27]…
"Legacy is not what you leave for people. It's what you leave in people." Notable Moments [00:00:56] How a simple story sparked a deeper look at legacy [00:03:43] Why you don't get to choose your legacy [00:06:32] The difference between leaving something for people vs. in people [00:07:45] Why your greatest impact often goes unnoticed [00:12:42] The reality of leadership: not everyone will agree…
"Technology should enhance the story without intruding on the landscape." Notable Moments [00:01:23] How immersive storytelling helps museums and visitor centers [00:03:36] Approaching historic sites without overpowering artifacts [00:07:22] Why media creates emotional connections for visitors [00:11:37] How interpretive signs enhance experiences along trails [00:13:58] Using technology like QR…
"These women helped protect our forests long before most people realized their role." Episode Highlights [00:00:42] Welcoming Allison Martin back to the show [00:02:16] Introducing the history of fire lookouts [00:05:04] Why lookout towers were critical for early fire detection [00:08:33] Women who served as early fire lookouts [00:12:11] The responsibilities of monitoring forests from remote…
"It may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility." Notable Moments [00:02:29] Leadership transitions are creating uncertainty across parks and agencies [00:04:06] Leadership is hard, relentless, and has no finish line [00:09:06] Accountability means owning outcomes, even when they aren't your fault [00:10:30] Vision and communication give direction to leadership [00:11:15] You don't have…