Explore every episode of the podcast Tailgate Talks
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culture In The Workplace | 07 Nov 2024 | 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. | |||
| Caring For The Caretakers: Mental Health In Crisis Response | 22 Oct 2024 | 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. | |||
| Ranger Ride Along In Iowa | 23 Jul 2024 | 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. | |||
| Lessons From A Seasoned Park Manager | 16 Jul 2024 | 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. | |||
| Souvenirs And Support | 02 Jul 2024 | 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. | |||
| North To Alaska II: An Update | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:26:52 | |
Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an update on their journey to Alaska. | |||
| Director To Director: Leadership | 18 Jun 2024 | 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. | |||
| Forestry Family Frolic | 11 Jun 2024 | 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. | |||
| Safety In Action | 04 Jun 2024 | 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. | |||
| North To Alaska | 28 May 2024 | 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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| Ok Boomer: Exploring Generational Differences And Similarities | 14 May 2024 | 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. | |||
| Rethinking Access: Top 10 Overlooked Accessibility Concerns | 07 May 2024 | 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. | |||
| North To Alaska IV: Series Final | 15 Oct 2024 | 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. | |||
| Tailgate Takeover - Firefighter Paramedic Leadership | 30 Apr 2024 | 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 | |||
| Tribal Relations; Bridging Cultures | 23 Apr 2024 | 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. | |||
| Self Mastery Skills To Live By | 16 Apr 2024 | 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 | |||
| Park Ranger Associations | 09 Apr 2024 | 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. | |||
| Principles of Authentic Leadership | 26 Mar 2024 | 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. | |||
| Warriors To Rangers; Service To Service | 19 Mar 2024 | 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 | |||
| The Staircase To Stewardship Concept | 12 Mar 2024 | 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. | |||
| Leadership And The State Park Leadership School | 05 Mar 2024 | 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. | |||
| Book Club For Park Professionals Part 2 | 27 Feb 2024 | 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 | |||
| Book Club For Park Professionals Part 1 | 20 Feb 2024 | 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 | |||
| Rangering Past And Present | 24 Sep 2024 | 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 | |||
| Trust, Communications, and Resilience | 13 Feb 2024 | 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. | |||
| Beyond The Rut: Overcoming Challenges & Finding Fulfillment | 06 Feb 2024 | 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. | |||
| A Park Is Born | 30 Jan 2024 | 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. | |||
| Five Step Guide To Branding Brilliance | 23 Jan 2024 | 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 | |||
| Seasoned Success Experience In The Workplace | 16 Jan 2024 | 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. | |||
| Leadership Excellence | 08 Jan 2024 | 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. | |||
| It's Sometimes The Little Things That Make The Biggest Impact | 19 Dec 2023 | 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 | |||
| Parkonomics: Pricing Paradigm And The Value Of Parks | 12 Dec 2023 | 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. | |||
| Mountain Railroad Conservation | 05 Dec 2023 | 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!" | |||
| Tales From The Oregon Trail | 28 Nov 2023 | 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. | |||
| Director To Director; Alaska State Parks | 17 Sep 2024 | 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. | |||
| Tour With Park Manager Of F.D. Roosevelt State Park In Georgia | 21 Nov 2023 | 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. | |||
| Providing A Great Campground Experience | 14 Nov 2023 | 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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| Manage Like A Mother | 31 Oct 2023 | 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. | |||
| Old Friends, New Laughs, Endless Questions From An Inquisitive Guest | 26 Oct 2023 | 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. | |||
| Employee Recruitment To Retention And Everything In-Between | 24 Oct 2023 | 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. | |||
| Soldiers & Skunks, Valor & Vapors | 17 Oct 2023 | 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. | |||
| Insights Into Urban Park Interpretation | 10 Oct 2023 | 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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| Disruptive Innovations | 03 Oct 2023 | 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. | |||
| A Lifetime Of Environmental Stewardship In Georgia | 26 Sep 2023 | 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. | |||
| Graves to Fairy Houses | 21 Sep 2023 | 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 | |||
| Volunteer Management | 10 Sep 2024 | 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. | |||
| Echoes Of The Earth: Interpreting Nature | 19 Sep 2023 | 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. | |||
| Ferrets Unleashed: The Critical Role OF The Black-Footed Ferret | 12 Sep 2023 | 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. | |||
| Bridging The Gap To Underserved Communities | 05 Sep 2023 | 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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| Bear Necessities In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 31 Aug 2023 | 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. | |||