Connecting Kids to Parks: Partnerships That Build the Next Generation of Stewards

Leave No Trace: Far More Than Just Picking Up Trash

Leave No Trace with Mark Eller This episode on Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione sits down with Mark Eller from Leave No Trace [https://lnt.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for a conversation about protecting the outdoors through education, stewardship, and personal responsibility. Mark shares the story behind the Leave No Trace movement, the growing pressures facing parks and public lands, and why simple actions by everyday visitors can make a lasting difference. The discussion explores how outdoor recreation professionals, park managers, volunteers, and visitors all play a role in protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations. The episode also highlights the importance of practical, science-based outdoor ethics, visitor education, and the challenge of balancing increased visitation with conservation. Donald and Mark discuss how Leave No Trace principles apply not only in remote wilderness settings, but also in local parks, campgrounds, beaches, trails, and everyday outdoor spaces. Topics include: * The history and mission of Leave No Trace * The Seven Principles and why they matter * Protecting parks during periods of heavy visitation * Visitor behavior and resource impacts * Education versus enforcement * Stewardship partnerships with parks and recreation agencies * How recreation professionals can build a culture of conservation * The future of outdoor ethics in America Whether you work in parks, recreation, forestry, wildlife management, tourism, or simply love the outdoors, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for caring for the places we all enjoy. About the Guest Leave No Trace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the outdoors through education, research, and stewardship. Mark Eller serves as Director of Membership and Communications, helping lead outreach, storytelling, partnerships, and educational initiatives that support responsible outdoor recreation. Learn More * Leave No Trace Website [https://lnt.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace [https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Contact Information * General Information: info@LNT.org * Mark Eller: Mark@LNT.org Connect with Tailgate Talks For speaking, training, consulting, or podcast inquiries with Donald Forgione: * Email: donald.forgione@gmail.com * LinkedIn: Donald Forgione on LinkedIn

Connecting Kids to Parks: Partnerships That Build the Next Generation of Stewards

Out here on the Tailgate, we talk a lot about the future of parks. In this episode, we're getting right to the heart of it—our next generation. I'm joined by Ivan Levin from the National Park Trust, an organization dedicated to connecting kids and families to parks, public lands, and the outdoors. Ivan brings a national perspective on how partnerships between park agencies, nonprofits, and communities can create meaningful opportunities for young people to experience parks—many for the very first time. We talk about what's working across the country, how programs like Kids to Parks Day are making an impact, and how park professionals at every level can plug into these efforts in a practical way. This is a conversation about access, stewardship, and making sure the parks we care for today are valued tomorrow. In This Episode, We Discuss: * The mission and impact of the National Park Trust * Why early connections to parks matter more than ever * How partnerships expand reach and resources * Practical ways park professionals can get involved locally * Success stories from across the country * Building lifelong stewards through meaningful outdoor experiences Why This Matters If we want strong parks in the future, we need strong connections today. Programs that introduce kids to the outdoors aren't just nice to have—they are essential to the long-term sustainability of our profession and the places we protect. Learn More To learn more about the National Park Trust and how you can get involved, visit: 👉 https://parktrust.org/ [https://parktrust.org/] Connect with Tailgate Talks If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your team and colleagues. Together, we can keep growing as professionals and strengthening the impact of parks across the country. donald.forgione@gmail.com [donald.forgione@gmail.com]

Loving Our Parks to Death: The Real Conversation About Carrying Capacity

How many visitors are too many? It is one of the most important and most misunderstood questions in parks and public lands today. In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald sits down with Jonathan Brunjes, Deputy Administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks, to unpack the concept of carrying capacity and why it is not just about counting people. It is about protecting resources, preserving visitor experience, and making thoughtful management decisions that sustain parks for generations. Together they explore: * What carrying capacity really means, beyond a simple number * The difference between physical, ecological, social, and managerial capacity * Why "more visitation" is not always a success story * How crowding affects both natural resources and the visitor experience * Practical tools park leaders can use to evaluate use and impacts * The role of communication, expectations, and education in managing demand * Why carrying capacity is ultimately about stewardship, not restriction This conversation brings real world perspective to an issue many agencies are grappling with as visitation grows nationwide. It is an honest look at how we balance access with preservation, while staying true to the mission of public lands. Whether you are a park professional, planner, elected official, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how we care for the places entrusted to us. jbrunjes@parks.nv.gov [jbrunjes@parks.nv.gov] donald.forgione@gmail.com [donald.forgione@gmail.com]

Heal the Hustle: How High Performers Reclaim Health, Purpose, and Joy

In this episode of Tailgate Talks, I sit down with M.J. James, author of Heal the Hustle, for an honest and timely conversation about burnout, productivity culture, and what it really means to live—and lead—well. Many of us were taught that hustle equals success. Work harder. Push longer. Rest later. But what happens when that mindset starts to cost us our health, relationships, creativity, and joy? M.J. challenges the traditional hustle narrative and offers a healthier, more sustainable way forward—especially for leaders, high performers, and purpose-driven professionals who care deeply about their work. Together, we talk about: * How hustle culture quietly leads to burnout * The difference between ambition and exhaustion * Why rest is not a reward—it's a requirement * Reframing productivity to include health and humanity * Practical ways leaders can model balance without losing effectiveness * How healing the hustle creates stronger teams, better decisions, and longer careers This conversation is especially relevant for public servants, park and recreation professionals, nonprofit leaders, and anyone who feels called to serve—but doesn't want to lose themselves in the process. If you've ever felt tired, stretched thin, or wondered, "Is this pace really sustainable?"—this episode is for you. About the Guest M.J. James is the author of Heal the Hustle and a passionate advocate for redefining success in a world that glorifies burnout. Through her work, she helps individuals and organizations rethink productivity, prioritize well-being, and build lives rooted in purpose—not constant pressure. 🔗 Learn more about M.J. and her work: mjjames.com donald.forgione@gmail.com [donald.forgione@gmail.com] tailgate-talks.com

Protecting Stories, Not Just Places: Cultural Resources and Why They Matter

📝 Episode Show Notes Guest: Lauren McMillan, PhD, RPA – Cultural Resource Manager, Virginia State Parks Lauren.McMillan@dcr.virginia.gov [Lauren.McMillan@dcr.virginia.gov] Host: Donald Forgione donald.forgione@gmail.com [donald.forgione@gmail.com] Episode Overview In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione sits down with Lauren McMillan, the Cultural Resource Manager from Virginia State Parks, to talk about what cultural resources really are—and why they matter far beyond compliance, checklists, or old buildings. This conversation explores the humanity behind cultural resources: the people, stories, and lived experiences embedded in landscapes, structures, and artifacts across our parks. Lauren shares her journey from academia into state parks, how teaching shapes her work today, and why helping staff understand the why behind cultural resource protection changes everything—from decision-making to visitor experience. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that parks don't just protect land—they protect stories. Key Topics Covered * What cultural resources actually include (and common misconceptions) * Moving from compliance-driven preservation to meaningful connection * The role of cultural resource managers in everyday park decisions * Balancing preservation, safety, and public use * Why physical places help us connect to the humanity of the past * How understanding cultural resources strengthens park staff and visitor experience Conversation Highlights * Cultural resources aren't just "old things"—they are evidence of real people * Why interpretation and preservation go hand in hand * How cultural resource awareness empowers non-specialist park staff * The danger of treating preservation as a checklist instead of a responsibility * Protecting stories, not just structures Who Should Listen * Park, recreation, and public land professionals * Interpreters, rangers, maintenance staff, and managers * Leaders making decisions that affect historic and cultural sites * Anyone who believes parks are about people as much as places Closing Thought When we understand the stories embedded in our parks, we don't just protect resources—we honor the people who came before us and enrich the experience of those who come after.