Tailgate Talks

Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions any organization makes. In the latest episode of Tailgate Talks , I sat down with Tim Dyck from Best Culture Solutions, an expert in hiring and employee selection, to dive deep into the hiring process. We explored the key strategies that hiring managers need to know to attract and select top talent, from crafting effective job postings...

Learn about the great things the Ranger Association of California (PRAC) is providing to park professionals. Matt Cerkel, President of PRAC, is the Senior Park Ranger at Marin Municipal Water District and sits on the Tailgate with Donald Forgione to discuss this critical work. Matt@calranger.org Donald@tailgate-talks.com

David Landis Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the power of planning for leaders. Good planning provides confidence in yourself, your team, and your leadership team. David's 30 years of experience as a Firefighter and paramedic have galvanized for him the importance of proper planning. With his business, "Playing with Possible, LLC," he helps leaders with self-mastery and helps buil...

Welcome to this special episode of Tailgate Talks! As we close out another incredible year, I wanted to take some time to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead. This year has been a whirlwind of growth and connections. I'm genuinely amazed at the success of Tailgate Talks. Hosting this podcast has introduced me to many incredible people, and I'm honored to share their stories with you. 2024 brought u...

Greg Snider joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the Southwest Parks and Recreation Training Institute (SWPRTI). Greg is a long time retired employee of Oklahoma State Parks and a member of the SWPRTI. Their 69th Conference will be heled the first week of February at Sequoyah State Park in Oklahoma. gregsnider62@gmail.com donald@tailgate-talks.com   Sequoyah Lodge 918-772-2545

Ky Harkey joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their mutual love of Interpretation. Ky is the Founder/Principal of the Visitor Experience. Ky is a master storyteller and serves parks nationwide with all levels of Interpretation. Join Donald and Ky on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of Interpretation.   Ky@thevisitorexperience.org donald@tailgate-talks.com

Jody Mayberry, the Host of the popular podcast The Park Leaders Show, returns to join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss getting and being a mentor. Donald shares how Jody is a mentor who taught him the ropes of being a podcaster. Join them as they discuss the power of getting and being a mentor. jody@jodymaberry.com donald@tailgate-talks.com

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. tim@bestculturesolutions.ca donald@tailgate-talks.com

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...

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. donald@tailgate-talks.com

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. www.calranger.org https://www.calranger.org/certifications.html https://www.marinwater.org/visiting-mt-tam donald@ta...

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. Ricky.gease@alaska.gov donald@tailgate-talks.com

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.

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...

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.  donald@tailgate-talks.com

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 soc...

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...

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 w...

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.  Pat. Wright@tn.gov donald@tailgate-talks.com

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. Jessica. L.Dolin@wv.gov Donald@tailgate-talks.com

Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an update on their journey to Alaska. donald@tailgate-talks.com

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. Brentleisure1@gmail.com Donald@tailgate-talks.com

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 t...

Kyle Bernis joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Safety In Action. Safety is an essential aspect of our day-to-day operations. donald@tailgate-talks.com

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. tom@tomstarservices.com donald@tailgate-talks.com