Tailgate Talks (Donald Forgione)
Explore every episode of Tailgate Talks
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| 10 Sep 2024 | Volunteer Management | 00:26:49 | |
Warren Poplin Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Volunteer Management. Warren is the retired District Manager with the Florida Park Service with years of practical experience managing an extensive volunteer program. | |||
| 09 May 2023 | For The Birds | 00:32:57 | |
Joni Ellis shares her passion for the conservancy of migratory birds. She is the founder and Executive Director of Optics For The Tropics. This non-profit organization provides binoculars and supplies to Caribbean, Central, and South American biologists, researchers, teachers, and students studying birds. This conversation on the tailgate gives an insight into her work and the trips she leads to countries like Cuba. You can contact her by visiting www.opticsforthetropics.org | |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | The Art of Maintenance Sensitivity | 00:23:24 | |
"Instill the art of knowing your surroundings and being keen to their functionality, utilizing all your senses to enhance the maintenance of your parks and facilities." - Warren Poplin During his distinguished career as a United States Coast Guardsman, Warren learned the importance of maintenance. He was able to use this knowledge to excel with the Florida Park Service, where he rose to become the Bureau Chief for District One Park. Through his experience, Warren learned of the importance of maintenance sensitivity - using all of one's senses to enhance the visitor experience. He shared this knowledge with others, emphasizing how something as simple as a little oil on a squeaky screen door or water in a PTRAP can make a huge difference in a visitor's experience. In this episode, you will learn:
Warren's passion for maintenance sensitivity lives on as he teaches others this important lesson. "Maintenance sensitivity is being keen to what the visitor is experiencing." Episode Highlights: [00:00:08] [00:07:19] [00:07:46] [00:09:24] [00:13:17] [00:18:13] Connect With Donald
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| 19 Dec 2023 | It's Sometimes The Little Things That Make The Biggest Impact | 00:03:38 | |
Donald Forgione sits on the Tailgate and tells impactful stories that inspires us to pay attention to the little things that can make big impacts for your staff and community. Happy Holidays | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | Book Club For Park Professionals Part 1 | 00:31:43 | |
Join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate as he learns about South Carolina State Park's Book Club. Members of the Book Club include James Revis, Regional Chief; Alexandra Mariona, Assistant Park Manager; Michelle Cunningham, Park Manager; Nate Johnson, Park Manager; Kathryn Gompers Park Manager. The Book Club is reviewing the book "The Ecotourism Provider's Handbook, 180 Techniques For An Exceptional Park, Preserve, or Nature Based Attraction co-written by Donald Forgione and Vincent Magnini, PH. D. The book is available on Amazon and at | |||
| 16 May 2023 | 10 Interviewee Techniques That Work | 00:31:26 | |
Warren Poplin joins Donald again on the Tailgate to share 10 Interview Techniques That Work. These two have successfully built high performing teams using these skills. Come sit on the Tailgate to discuss topics that are important to you. | |||
| 16 Jan 2024 | Seasoned Success Experience In The Workplace | 00:29:35 | |
Tommy Turk Joins Donald Forgione on the tailgate to discus the great benefits of hiring seasoned workers. Todays hiring challenges call for a renewed focus on older workers with a lifetime of experiences. Come sit on the Tailgate with Tommy and Donald. | |||
| 14 Aug 2024 | North To Alaska III: An Update | 00:31:24 | |
Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for the third installment of North To Alaska. If you have not listened to the first two episodes, you might want to check them out before listening to this episode. Enjoy. | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | Marketing Strategies To Highlight Your Operation | 00:36:31 | |
Cassie Tucker joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss marketing strategies to highlight your operation. Cassie is a very talented Marketing professional. She co-hosts the Marketing Happy Hour podcast sharing insight into social media, brand marketing, and much more. Cassie is a business owner focused on marketing and is passionate about helping her clients succeed. Find her online at marketingwithcassie.com | |||
| 04 May 2023 | 10 Interviewer Techniques That Work | 00:09:49 | |
Supervisors, Managers, and Leaders will want to listen to this episode. Donald Forgione is in his 40th Year of experience of park management. Thirty-five of them, he has been interviewing potential employees from entry level to directors. He shares his 10 interview techniques that have produced outstanding teams. Come sit on the tailgate and enjoy a conversation with Donald Forgione. | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | Ranger Ride Along In Iowa | 00:32:28 | |
Derek Christoffel joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an exciting ride-along discussion. Derek is a Park Ranger with the Plymouth County Conservation Board. Plymouth County Conservation manages over 2,700 acres of oak timber and river bottom forest, native and reconstructed prairies, wetlands, ponds, and lakes. With numerous miles of unpaved trails, multiple campgrounds, a snow tubing hill with a lift, a disc golf course, boat ramps, picnic shelters, and playgrounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Plymouth County’s 17 wildlife areas, recreation areas, and parks. Year-round environmental education and recreation programs allow everyone to learn new skills and learn about their natural environment. | |||
| 07 Nov 2024 | Culture In The Workplace | 00:37:14 | |
Tim Dyck joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Culture In The Workplace. Tim is an expert on workplace culture and owns Best Culture Solutions and The World of Work podcast. | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Water What You Want To Grow | 00:39:22 | |
Phil Gaines joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of continuing education, training, and personal growth. There is great value in being with like-minded individuals throughout our careers. This conversation on the tailgate encourages us to seek opportunities to better ourselves by reading, listing to podcast, or attending a conference. | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | Disruptive Innovations | 00:21:23 | |
Jody Mayberry Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss a presentation that Jody lead at the National Association of State Park Directors Annual Conference. Jody is a former Park Ranger for Washington State Parks and is the host of the popular podcast, The Park Leaders Show. | |||
| 08 Jan 2024 | Leadership Excellence | 00:24:52 | |
Brent Leisure returns to the Tailgate to discuss the State Park Leadership School and the importance of leadership training. Brent is the retired Director for Texas Tate Parks and a Regent at the School. | |||
| 30 Mar 2023 | How To Avoid Being Left Out In The Rain | 00:03:29 | |
Visitors to parks, forest and natural areas are often on vacation and do not have a care in the world. They are often focused on enjoying and spending time with their family and friends and their next adventure. Donald Forgione shares an idea from "The Ecotourism Provider's Handbook, 180 Techniques For An Exceptional Park, Preserve, Or Nature-Based Attraction" he co-wrote with Vincent P. Magnini, PH.D. Posting local weather forecast and informing visitors of potential weather threats can help our visitors plan their day and can keep them safe. | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Caring For The Caretakers: Mental Health In Crisis Response | 00:36:52 | |
David Landis joins Donald Forgione again on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of Caring For The Caretakers. Maintaining your team's Mental Health during a Crisis Response is imperative for the responder. Compassion Fatigue is real and can be mitigated if properly trained. This episode hopes to discuss the importance of this reality on the Tailgate. David is a retired Firefighter and Paramedic from Indianapolis, Indiana. His company, Playing with Possibilities, provides strategic growth advisory services and coaches for personal transformation. | |||
| 05 Sep 2023 | Bridging The Gap To Underserved Communities | 00:34:13 | |
Kyle Bernis and Angelina Stancampiano joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate. Both are from Wyoming State Parks and share their passion for serving underserved communities. Kyle is the Shoshone District Manager and Angelina is the District Interpretive Ranger. Get ready to be inspired!
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| 11 Apr 2023 | Creating A Sense Of Place For Historic Sites | 00:38:31 | |
Scott Spaulding sits on the tailgate with us today to discuss the magic to visitors of a sense of place. When historic site managers maintain historic viewsheds, grow heirloom varieties of food, and pays attention to authentic details, it can enhance the visitors experience. | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | Graves to Fairy Houses | 00:08:54 | |
Tailgate Takeover - Renee Raney joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate again for a Tailgate Takeover. Renee is the Chief of Interpretation and Education with Alabama State Parks. Today Renee asked Donald for his two most unique hobbies and Renee shared hers. prairiecreekconservationcemetery.org | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | Lessons From A Seasoned Park Manager | 00:28:31 | |
Pat Wright joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss park management. Pat is the Park Manager of Montgomery Bell State Park located SW of Nashville, TN. Pat is a 40-year veteran of Tennessee State Parks. | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Achieving Results With Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Communications | 00:37:55 | |
Mike Simmons joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Communications, and Achieving Results. It’s a great conversation that leaders need to hear. Mike helps business leaders and founders FIND Clarity, STOP Second-Guessing the Work They Do, and take the Next Logical Step by making fearless decisions. He is a seasoned coach and leader with over 22+ years of experience in high-growth tech companies. He helps business leaders find clarity, stop second-guessing, and fearlessly take the next logical step. From UPS to Intel and MIT, he’s worked with industry giants and early-stage startups alike. Get ready for insights on strategy, tactics, and leadership development. Let’s dive in! | |||
| 17 Mar 2023 | The Tailgate Talks Podcast Introduction | 00:17:09 | |
"Take the leap and never stop making a difference - that's what Tailgate Talks is all about!" - Jody Maberry Donald Forgione became a park ranger in 1983. His career flourished, eventually leading him to become the director of the Florida Park Service. Now, he has developed Tailgate Talks to provide consulting, training, and speaking to cities, counties, states, and nonprofit organizations around the world.
After working as a park ranger with Washington State Parks for eight years, Jody went back to school and got an MBA. He started his podcast, the Park Leaders Show, to bring lessons from parks into the business world. He's now done more than 1700 podcast episodes over many years across many shows.
How a former Coast Guard's skills can be applied to park rangers The perspective of the only director to start as a park ranger in Florida Techniques that can be found in Dr. Vincent Magnini's book, the Ecotourism Providers Handbook Join Donald Forgione on more episodes of Tailgate Talks as he shares real-world experience and knowledge on conservation, parks, and leadership from around the world. "What's in it for you is that it's another perspective. It's not right or wrong, and it's not greater or lesser than what you're thinking or what you're doing. It's just simply another perspective."
[00:03:07] When you are entry-level, you are with people all the time. As you rise up you spend less time with the people there recreating. It is still fun in different ways though. [00:06:02] Donald was an airframe aircraft mechanic and would pass a state park twice a day. He took a leap of faith and became a Florida park ranger. In the end, he rose from park ranger to park director, the only one in Florida to do that. [00:11:48] There are 50 states, of course, and many different agencies that could really use the experience. The podcast is the vehicle to get us to where they are so we can help. [00:13:09] Every week on Tuesdays, we will release a 30-minute segment for you. On Thursdays, we will share a short three to five-minute episode. [00:14:37] What's in it for you to listen to Tailgate Talks. Connect With Donald | |||
| 31 May 2023 | Partnership Success Stories | 00:35:35 | |
Barbara Goodman Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss strategies for successful partnerships. Barbara is retired from the National Park Service and has lead many successful partnerships. Barbara and Donald met in a partnership over 20 years ago and they both our currently working to develop another one. Many tips of the trade will be shared for better partnerships. | |||
| 23 May 2023 | The Art Of Mentoring | 00:31:18 | |
Neil Clineman joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the Art of Mentoring. Neil works for Texas A&M as a Fire Program Manager supporting the Department of Defense Wildland Fire Program. Donald has been a mentor to Neil for over 30 years and they talk about their relationship and what they both have learned as a mentee and a mentor. | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Manage Like A Mother | 00:28:50 | |
Valerie Cockerell joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Valerie's new book, Manage Like A Mother. Valerie was born in France and worked at Disneyland Paris. She transferred to Walt Disneyworld in Florida and held many leadership positions. She worked at Downtown Disney, Epcot Center, and the Disney Cruise Lines. Join Valerie and Donald o the Tailgate as they discuss management and Valerie's new book, Manage Like A Mother. | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Grant Writing Tips and Success Stories | 00:33:09 | |
Tasha Simon joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Grant Writing Tips and Success Stories. Tasha is the Chief of the Natural Areas Section for Alabama State Parks. | |||
| 22 Aug 2023 | Inviting Your Community To Support Your Resource Management | 00:32:08 | |
Brent Leisure joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the benefits of Inviting Your Community To Support Your Resource Management. Tips for reaching out and gaining public support for resource management activities is essential for developing lifelong stewards of the resources. Brent Leisure is the retired Director of Texas State Parks and can be contacted at; Donald Forgione can be reached at donald.forgione@gmail.com | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | History of Land Managers | 00:37:46 | |
Craig Seaver joins us for a fascinating walk through time as he shares his knowledge of the origins of Land and Wildlife Managers. From biblical references to present day, Park Rangers, Forest Rangers, Wildlife Managers, and many other positions in our profession will be able to trace there roots back in time. Craig highlights the pioneers in the conservation and recreation movements. | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Ferrets Unleashed: The Critical Role OF The Black-Footed Ferret | 00:07:41 | |
TAILGATE TAKEOVER - Today Kyle Bernis and Angelina Stancampiano return to sit on the Tailgate with Donald Forgione. Kyle is the District Manager and Angelina is the District Interpretive Ranger for Wyoming State Parks. They recently visited the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center in Carr, Colorado and shares their experience. This service lead program releases Black-Footed Ferrets into the wild at several reintroduction sites across the West. | |||
| 10 Oct 2023 | Insights Into Urban Park Interpretation | 00:30:54 | |
Bri Sabin joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the challenges and success stories of Interpreting your park near an urban area. Bri is the Assistant Park Manager of Lucky Peak State Park in Boise Idaho. Come sit on the Tailgate to hear the great things happening in Idaho State Parks.
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| 29 Jul 2024 | Director To Director; Texas State Parks | 00:36:50 | |
Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss what is next for Texas State Parks. Coming off a successful Centennial celebration, winning the gold medal, and the passage of Proposition 14, establishing a $1 billion trust fund to acquire and develop new state parks across Texas. The transformative impact alone of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund on the future of Texas State Parks and the landscape of Texas. How do you plan to implement the funds, and what goes into selecting appropriate land for a state park? How is this opportunity driving strategic decisions, enhancing natural resources, expanding public access and recreation, and shaping the next century of Texas public lands? | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | A Lifetime Of Environmental Stewardship In Georgia | 00:39:04 | |
Jeff Cown joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate and provides a glimpse of Jeff's career of environmental stewardship in Georgia. Jeff has held many positions along his journey but always kept focus on protecting the environment and leading his team. Jeff provides advice for those wanting to make a difference in our industry. | |||
| 25 Jul 2023 | 5 Tips For Being Interviewed By A Journalist | 00:28:01 | |
Pete Gallagher joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss tips for being interviewed by a journalist. Pete is an award-winning journalist and environmental reporter and shares his vast experience with the Tailgate community. | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | Parkonomics: Pricing Paradigm And The Value Of Parks | 00:34:39 | |
Amanda Drake and James Revis join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the value of parks. Self sufficiency is an important goal of many agencies. Learn how employing the strategy of dynamic pricing has helped South Carolina State Park and their visitors. | |||
| 31 Aug 2023 | Bear Necessities In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 00:21:33 | |
Rosie Forgione joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate as they explore one of their favorite National Parks. Rosie and Donald were childhood sweethearts and have been on many adventures together in the wilds for 44 years. Join them on their adventure as they see a bear, hike a trail and visit historic log cabins. | |||
| 07 May 2024 | Rethinking Access: Top 10 Overlooked Accessibility Concerns | 00:34:48 | |
Richard Edwards joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the personal, professional, and common sense side of the American Disability Act, Unerversital Assccesability, and just doing the right thing. Ric is the ADA Director for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is a wheelchair user. Ric’s insight into this critical subject is invaluable. | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | "Interpretising", Revenue With A Purpose | 00:31:14 | |
Craig Seaver joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate by popular demand. Craig has coined the word Interpretising" and is here to tell us all about it. This is a great conversation that can benefit your site as well as extend the guest experience and provide mission compliant angle into creating revenue for the area you manage. Themed and relevant merchandise, displayed in respectful, yet strategic locations can create lifelong stewards and advocates for your operation. Craig can be reached at craig@lwbristol.com | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Safety In Action | 00:28:29 | |
Kyle Bernis joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Safety In Action. Safety is an essential aspect of our day-to-day operations. | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | Book Club For Park Professionals Part 2 | 00:27:52 | |
Join Donald Forgione as he sits on the Tailgate again with South Carolina State Park's Book Club. Members of the Book Club include James Revis, Regional Chief; Alexandra Mariona, Assistant Park Manager; Michelle Cunningham, Park Manager; Nate Johnson, Park Manager; Kathryn Gompers, Park Manager.
The Book Club is reviewing The Ecotourism Provider's Handbook, 180 Techniques For An Exceptional Park, Preserve, or Nature Based Attraction, written by Donald Forgione and Vincent Magnini, PH. D. The book is available on Amazon and at www.tailgate-talks.com | |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | Trust, Communications, and Resilience | 00:04:07 | |
Donald Forgione's old truck is at the Kentucky State Park Managers Conference at Jenny Wiles State Resort Park. Kentucky State Parks is celebrating their 100 year anniversary. Donald Forgione will be the Keynote Speaker at the conference. Leadership is so important in any organization and Donald will share his thoughts on the importance of Trust, Communications, and Resilience. | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | Life Saving Search And Rescue | 00:32:43 | |
Ray Smith joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss saving lives through Search and Rescue. Ray Smith is a District Manager for Georgia State Parks and a skilled Search and Rescue Instructor. Search and Rescue in an established discipline of trained professionals and volunteers dedicated to this field. With a lot of experience under his built, Ray shares helpful techniques to find and give aid when needed. for more information on Search and Rescue, go to the National Association for Search and Rescue at NASAR.org | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | Tales From The Oregon Trail | 00:16:07 | |
John Redd joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate and shares stories of the Oregon Trail. John is a Park Ranger at Three Islands Crossing State Park in Idaho. Three Island Crossing was a major route crossing the Snake River on the Oregon Trail. Join John and Donald on the Tailgate on a trip on the Oregon Trail. | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Warriors To Rangers; Service To Service | 00:27:32 | |
Warriors To Rangers; Service To Service
Are you finding it challenging to fill your vacant positions? Join Eric Hougland and Donald Forgione on the tailgate as they discuss the Skill Bridge program. This program is provided to service men and women to help transition them from military life to civilian life. Eric is the Professional Development Coordinator for Virginia State Parks and shares his insight with this program.
skillbridge.osd.mil | |||
| 27 Apr 2023 | What's In A Name | 00:03:20 | |
Consistent nomenclature is essential for communicating with your staff and visitors. It is easy for slang, nicknames, or old names of buildings and places to be in our operations. This is especially true in older facilities or properties that had different uses in the past. | |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | Beyond The Rut: Overcoming Challenges & Finding Fulfillment | 00:31:56 | |
Jerry Dugan joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss overcoming challenges and finding fulfillment beyond the rut. Let's face it: Sometimes, We find ourselves in a rut and need practical solutions to climb out. Jerry is the Author of the book Beyond The Rut and the host of the popular podcast of the same name. Join Jerry and Donald on the Tailgate for some common sense approach to getting out of the rut. | |||
| 20 Apr 2023 | Emergency Response Plan | 00:03:31 | |
Emergencies can happen at any moment and it is essential that a plan is devised before it happens. Inviting the first responders within and outside of your operation is crucial in developing a good plan. | |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | The Limits of Accessibility | 00:03:48 | |
"It is the staff's attitude and not the visitor's mobility that sometimes defines the limits of accessibility." When his elderly mother's mobility impedes their visit to a state park, Donald must rely on the compassionate staff to help her navigate the challenging terrain, inspiring him to use his experience to create an accessible eco-tourism operation. Donald learned about accessibility of natural areas and historic sites from after an experience visiting a state park with his elderly. There are challenges around providing universal accessibility in these areas, but it is staff attitude that often limits it. If you are a park leader, gather a team and discuss measures to make the operation more accessible. There is also value in highlighting accessibility on websites and assessing operations for ADA compliance. In this episode, you will learn the following:
"You have the power to make a positive impact on someone's life." Connect With Donald
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| 08 Jun 2023 | What I Have Learned From My Hiking Boots | 00:13:58 | |
Donald Forgione sits on the tailgate today and discusses the qualities he prefers in hiking boots. He then relates those qualities to what he tries to provide as a leader and what he looks for in an employee. He also provides updates on the podcast on this 20th week of Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione. | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | The Staircase To Stewardship Concept | 00:35:28 | |
The Staircase To Stewardship Concept is a great way to think about visitor engagement. Ky Harkey joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss this engaging concept. Ky Harkey founded The Visitor Experience to spread joy and protect public lands through wildly successful visitor experiences. Ky honed his approach to Visitor Experience Design during a 10-year career serving Texas State Parks. As Interpretation Director, he led 35 program staff and 65 field Interpreters to develop projects and products which engage new audiences and improve 10 million annual visits. Ky facilitated the National Collaboration of State Park Interpretation Directors from 2017-2022. He's also spent time as a NOLS Backpacking Instructor, Wilderness EMT, and active leader in the Children in Nature Network. When he's not helping parks, he's playing in them. Ky has visited all 88 Texas State Parks, 26 National Parks, and he founded the longest backpacking route in Texas. | |||
| 14 May 2024 | Ok Boomer: Exploring Generational Differences And Similarities | 00:33:12 | |
Lauren Emmert and Cole Ross join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss generational differences and Similarities. Lauren is a Park Ranger at Winchester Lake State Park, and Cole is a Park Ranger at Round Lake State Park. Both of these park professionals work for Idaho State Parks. | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | Park Ranger Associations | 00:11:22 | |
Join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate as we delve into the crucial work of Park Ranger Associations. These associations serve as pillars of support for park professionals nationwide, offering various forms of assistance and fostering a sense of community among those dedicated to preserving our natural treasures. | |||
| 02 Jul 2024 | Souvenirs And Support | 00:33:17 | |
Jessica Dolin joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the benefits of gift shops within our operations. Jessica is the Retail Merchandizer for West Virginia State Parks. | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | Leadership And The State Park Leadership School | 00:29:07 | |
Join Dani Schneider on the Tailgate with Donald Forgione to discuss Leadership and the State park leadership School. Dani is a Regional Operation Manager for Vermont State Parks and this years Class Representative for the State Park Leadership School. | |||
| 28 May 2024 | North To Alaska | 00:26:51 | |
Tom Linley joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their trip to Alaska. Tom is a returning guest, seasoned park professional, and full-time RVer. They discuss the adventure and the challenges of embarking on this long trip. North to Alaska is a song by Johnny Horton that was popular in the 50’s.
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| 23 Mar 2023 | Three Signs to Consider in the Welcome Zone | 00:03:19 | |
During this episode of Tailgate Talks Donald discusses the surprising contrast between two parks and how it affects your visitor experience. The section of road between the highway and the ranger station really sets the stage for the visitor's experience. It is important to audit these signs in this important section of the park drive. Auditing signs is a way to improve the park experience. Issues to consider included whether the signs are needed, if they can be more effective in another location, and if there is an appreciation sign on the way out of the park. In this episode, you will learn:
"Be mindful of the difference in atmosphere when entering a new park." Connect With Donald
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| 11 Jun 2024 | Forestry Family Frolic | 00:33:11 | |
Ludie Bond and Ash Ehlers join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the benefits of family members working in the same department. Ludie is a Wildland Mitigation Specialist and a Public Information Specialist for the Florida Forest Service. Her Daughter Ash Ehlers is a Forest Ranger with the Florida Forest Service. Many trades have been passed down throughout history from mother and father to daughter and son. This trend especially happens in the first responder fields, including Rangers, Land Managers, and other conservation industries. Join this fun and enlightening conversation on the Tailgate. | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | Introducing The "Ranger First" Philosophy | 00:37:00 | |
Craig Seaver joins us again to continue exploring Rangering" and introducing "Ranger First." Many agencies have adopted the Ranger First Philosophy, which continues to gain popularity nationwide. | |||
| 30 Jan 2024 | A Park Is Born | 00:20:27 | |
Linda Lanterman joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss a new Kansas State Park. Acquiring property for a new or existing state park is not an easy task. Even if the property is donated, the process can be daunting. Linda is the Director of Kansas State Parks and shares her journey and excitement of a new State Park. | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | A Cut Above With Stihl Outdoor Equipment | 00:33:26 | |
Roger Phelps, with STIHL Inc., Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their relationship with the recreation and conservation communities. Roger Phelps joined STIHL Inc. in 2001 as the Corporate Communications Manager. In that position, he is responsible for creating and telling the STIHL story through integrated event marketing, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and digital and social media to increase the visibility of and affinity for the STIHL brand and over 10,000 STIHL dealers. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served ten years in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He has served on the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation Board of Directors, the National Association of State Park Directors Leadership School Board of Regents, and the Professional Grounds Management Society Board of Directors. | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Director To Director: Leadership | 00:28:03 | |
Brent Leisure returns to join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for a discussion from Director to Director. Brent is the retired Director of Texas State Parks, and Donald is the retired Director of Florida Stae Park. Both gentlemen rose through the ranks in their respective large park systems. | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | Employee Recruitment To Retention And Everything In-Between | 00:37:32 | |
Tom Linley Joins Donald Forgione again on the Tailgate to discuss Employee Recruitment To Retention And Everything In-Between. Tom has over 30 years of experience building exceptional teams and shares his talents with us on the Tailgate. Tom is the CEO and Owner of Tom Star providing business services nationwide. | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | Mountain Railroad Conservation | 00:26:54 | |
Marshall Markley Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the joys and challenges of managing a railroad company town as a state park. Marshall is the Superintendent of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in West Virginia. The park has restored an entire town including many historic train engines that operate still today. Join Marshall Markley and Donald Forgione on the Tailgate or should i say caboose. "All aboard!" | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Soldiers & Skunks, Valor & Vapors | 00:10:28 | |
Tailgate Takeover - Bri Sabin returns to listen and tell Ranger Stories on the Tailgate. Bri is the Assistant Park Manager at Lucky Peak State Park in Idaho. Bri's passion for her park is so much fun to listen to. | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | Communicating The Importance Of Prescribe Fire | 00:38:31 | |
Ludie Bond with the Florida Forest Service joins Donald Forgione for a great discussion on Prescribe Fire. As a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, she has spent her career caring for forestland and the communities around them. join them for a fascinating world of Prescribed Fire. | |||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Old Friends, New Laughs, Endless Questions From An Inquisitive Guest | 00:13:53 | |
Tailgate Takeover - Tom Linley returns to the Tailgate and reverses the rolls and is asking the questions to Donald Forgione. In this interesting and funny episode, we get to learn more about the host of the show from a colleague and friend of almost 40 years. | |||
| 15 Jun 2023 | Leadership In Fire Ecology | 00:41:54 | |
Zach Prusak joins us on the Tailgate to discuss Leadership In Fire Ecology. Zach is the Fire Training Specialist at Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. Tall Timbers is recognized as the home of the study of fire ecology and is an advocate to protect the right to use prescribed fire for land management. Training, mentoring, managing and leading a fire program takes skill and passion. Come sit on the tailgate with Zach and Donald Forgione as they discuss this important topic. | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Tour With Park Manager Of F.D. Roosevelt State Park In Georgia | 00:38:53 | |
DOWN THE SERVICE ROAD EPSODE - Join Donald Forgione as he Tours F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Georgia with the Park Manager Desmond Timmons. Join them as they discuss maintenance, staff recruitment and retention, cabins, campgrounds, and special places in the park. | |||
| 26 Mar 2024 | Principles of Authentic Leadership | 00:29:57 | |
Warren Poplin returns to join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the Principles of Authentic Leadership. Warren is a retired District Manager for Florida State Parks and a life long conservation and recreation professional. He is a former Coast Guardsman who lead his team to success during many stressful situations. An Authentic Leader who shares his experiences and passion of leadership on the Tailgate. | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | Tribal Relations; Bridging Cultures | 00:39:05 | |
Angelina Stancampiano joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Tribal Relations. Angelina is the Shoshone District Interpretive Ranger for Wyoming State Parks and a Tribal Member. Angelina and Donald share experiences and suggestions to start, and grow relationships with tribal entities. | |||
| 19 Sep 2023 | Echoes Of The Earth: Interpreting Nature | 00:36:07 | |
Renee Raney joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss impactful interpretive skills that she uses to deliver amazing results. Renee is the Chief of Interpretation and Education with Alabama State Parks. | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Rangering Past And Present | 00:30:14 | |
Matt Cerkel joins Donald Forgione on the tailgate to discuss Rangering Past And Present. Matt is a Park Ranger and the President of the Park Rangers Association of California. Join them on the tailgate to learn how the Park Ranger Association of California is helping the profession. https://www.calranger.org/certifications.html | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | Director To Director; Alaska State Parks | 00:37:07 | |
Ricky Gease, Director of Alaska State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Alaska State Parks. Ricky hosted Donald several times during his summer in Alaska and dives into what makes Alaska different and what is consistent with all recreation and park professionals. | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | Five Tips For Exceptional Volunteer Management | 00:38:58 | |
Tom Linley Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate Today to discuss Exceptional Volunteer Management. Tom know how to transform an operation using volunteers. When he was the Park Manager at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, he grew the park's volunteer program form 6,000 annual hours contributed to over 60,000 annual hours. Additionally, he served as the Chief of Staff and Director of Emergency Management for a statewide volunteer agency, Volunteer Florida. Join Tom and Donald on the Tailgate to gain insights from Tom's remarkable career with volunteer management. | |||
| 01 Aug 2023 | Incident Management Leadership | 00:34:34 | |
Brian Pinson joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of leadership when managing an incident. Brian has work for several agencies and has lead many teams and understands incident management and leadership. he currently in the Preserve Manager at the Disney Wilderness Preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy. Contact Brian brian.pinson@tnc.org | |||
| 06 Apr 2023 | How Best to Accept a Complaint | 00:05:39 | |
Excepting complaints is not easy, but with practice, you can learn to accept them with empathy and professionalism. saying Thank You is an excellent way for your visitor to know that you have heard and accepted their complaint or suggestion. | |||
| 13 Apr 2023 | Exploring Environmental History | 00:04:07 | |
Reading the signs of our environmental landscape can lead to historical discoveries right under our feet. Join Donald Forgione as he explores the lay of the land in search of clues about past civilizations. | |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | Self Mastery Skills To Live By | 00:30:36 | |
David Landis joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Self Mastering Skills To Live By. David is a retired Fighter and Paramedic from Indianapolis, Indiana. His company, Playing with Possibilities, provides strategic growth advisory services and coaches for personal transformation. Find him on LinkedIn or at davidladis.me | |||
| 08 Aug 2023 | Welcoming Everyone Into Your Operation | 00:37:06 | |
Paul McCormack Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss challenges and success stories of increasing diversity with visitors and employees of state parks. Paul is the Director of South Carolina State Parks and has a passion for inclusion. Join them on the Tailgate for this important topic. you can reach Paul at | |||
| 04 Jul 2023 | Highly Successful Friends Groups | 00:33:25 | |
Jeffery Forbes stops by the Tailgate to discuss Highly Successful Friends Groups. Jeffery is the President of the Friends of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and provides insight into a great relationship with the park. Jeffery and Donald Forgione discuss potential relationship challenges with a nonprofit organization and a government entity. Come sit on the Tailgate and listen to some great tips on having a Highly Successful Friends Group. | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Five Step Guide To Branding Brilliance | 00:36:42 | |
Lauren V. Davis joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of branding to your operation. Lauren is the owner of Lauren V. Davis Creative and works with entrepreneurs and organizations with branding expertise. She is a popular speaker and the host of the Real Personal Branding Podcast. Lauren can help your park, friends group, concession, or other allied organizations. contact her at info@laurendaviscreative.com | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | Providing A Great Campground Experience | 00:29:24 | |
Larry Fooks joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Providing A Great Campground Experience for our campers. Larry has served in Arkansas and Florida State Parks and is an avid camper. Join them on the Tailgate as they share their experiences providing and participating in camping.
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| 30 Apr 2024 | Tailgate Takeover - Firefighter Paramedic Leadership | 00:20:45 | |
David Landis returns to joins Donald Forgione with a Tailgate Takeover to discuss Leadership. David is a retired Fighter and Paramedic from Indianapolis, Indiana. His company, Playing with Possibilities, provides strategic growth advisory services and coaches for personal transformation. Find him on LinkedIn or at | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | North To Alaska II: An Update | 00:26:52 | |
Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an update on their journey to Alaska. | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | North To Alaska IV: Series Final | 00:32:39 | |
Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley joined me on the Tailgate to discuss our final thoughts on our trip to Alaska. We spent four months, 12,000 miles, 2 RV's, and shared a lifetime of memories together. Join us on the Tailgate for North To Alaska IV. | |||