On this episode of Park Leaders Show Phil Gaines discusses the changes in the recreation experience over the last few years. With increases in crowds a ranger is a key part of the park experience. parkleaders.com/a-park-ranger-…

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Jon and Destry Jarvis joined to discuss their book, "National Parks Forever: Fifty Years of Fighting and a Case for Independence". parkleaders.com/a-look-at-poli…

Bringing parks into the classroom has never been more accessible. James Fester returns to share how park experiences can transform learning and inspire the next generation of conservationists. It's all about creating unforgettable educational adventures. parkleaders.com/the-national-p…

The 250th anniversary of the U.S. is coming. How can parks help tell the stories of our nation's founding? Phil Gaines joins me to share how every park, from coast to coast, has a role to play. parkleaders.com/parks-role-in-…

You can’t lead in parks without stepping into politics. Take a listen to hear how land conservation challenges go deeper than party lines and why public lands are worth protecting for everyone. parkleaders.com/the-politics-o…

Every great conservation success starts with one local champion and a great story. Jeff Parrish, Global Managing Director for Protect Oceans, Lands, and Water at The Nature Conservancy, shares how stories and radical collaboration are saving the planet. parkleaders.com/stories-connec…

José Claro and Rodrigo Condeza have spent over a decade protecting 325,000 acres of a pristine wilderness called Puchiguin in Chile’s Cochamó Valley. Their love for the land and respect for local communities demonstrate true leadership in conservation. parkleaders.com/protecting-puc…

What do national parks and Disney have in common? A shared mission to inspire awe through storytelling. Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, joins to explore this intersection of themed and natural parks. parkleaders.com/creating-immer…

Hiring from outside the park world? It might just be the fresh perspective your team needs. In this episode, Phil Gaines and I explore why park experience isn't the only path to great leadership. parkleaders.com/do-you-need-pa…

Author and National Park volunteer, Sam Gennawey shares stories from his six-year, 175,000-mile van journey through U.S. national parks. Known for his writing on theme parks and urban planning, he brings a new perspective on the power of natural spaces. parkleaders.com/exploring-sacr…

Dave Bossert shares about his career in Disney animator and how a childhood love of the outdoors became a book that brings history and wonder to life. His appreciation national park history and storytelling led to a 3D book that makes history pop. parkleaders.com/exploring-park…

The future of parks starts with people. In this episode, I share my keynote at Michigan DNR’s in-service event where I why you are the difference, the importance of public lands, and the irreplaceable value of every role in the park system. parkleaders.com/back-to-the-fu…

Law enforcement in parks is a topic that can stir opinion, passion, and often more questions than answers. Retired police major Chip Huth shares why interactions are more about connection than authority when protecting the people and places within parks. parkleaders.com/law-enforcemen…

Former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis shares why steady leadership matters most in uncertain times. His reflects on what it takes to lead through challenges and why the mission of the Park Service still matters today. parkleaders.com/the-future-of-…

Conservationist and author Doug Peacock shares stories from a lifetime spent in wilderness and insights into the threats facing wild places. His perspective highlights why the fight to protect the wild is never-ending, even if most people never see it. parkleaders.com/takes-from-a-w…

Innovation in parks doesn’t always look groundbreaking. In fact, it often starts small. A cooler, a new app, or a social trend can reshape how people experience the outdoors. It's up to leaders to decide how they are going address it. parkleaders.com/disruptive-inn…

Strong teams grow patiently and with purpose, much like thriving ecosystems. Chris Lee, Executive Director of Des Moines County Conservation and co-host of Parks and Restoration, shares how leaders build healthy cultures by guiding instead of overworking. parkleaders.com/a-look-at-the-…

Monica Stahlman turned her curiosity into real impact after a single wolf pup’s story led her into a whole new world of conservation work. Her passion is a great reminder of what can happen when you follow the pull of something that fascinates you. parkleaders.com/citizen-conser…

Christopher Hill connects people to wildlife protection through conservation and travel. Impact Destinations helps travelers fund key projects and see the impact up close. For many, the experience creates a lasting commitment to conservation. parkleaders.com/conservation-t…

Wildfires reshape landscapes. They also test how we communicate, prepare, and lead. Photographer Stuart Palley has spent years documenting climate change and environmental issues. He knows that with wildfires, understanding becomes a form of preparedness. parkleaders.com/the-role-of-me…