RecLess Podcast

Jonathan Winters - Superintendent of Recreation & Older Adults, Richardson, TX and Founder of The Rec Network - speaks to what spurred him to start the social networking group - The Rec Network, transitioning into the field later in his career, tapping into the passion for mentoring and facilitating learning and goal setting for his staff and others. Click here to learn more: https://www.faceb...

RecLess presents: This Parks & Rec Life - Chris and Robin Nunes Chris is the Chief Operating Officer for The Woodlands Township, TX, and spouse, Robin, is a career long educator. This Parks & Rec Life is a podcast exploring the impact of a parks and recreation career on the lives of the loved ones of a parks professional. Hosted by Hannah Mize with guest host, Tom Venniro. Hannah Mize is t...

Alison Rhodes - Director of Parks and Recreation at City of Boulder, COdiscusses weather readiness and preparedness in CO, the unique challenges of working through frustrations and continuing professional growth in one agency, as well as leading and inspiring staff through shared experiences, and preparing for and meeting challenges with confidence. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-R...

Karen O'Donnell - Director of Parks & Recreation at City of Wheat Ridge, CO - speaks to her personal motivation for success and her love of igniting and coaching it in others, setting healthy work life boundaries, storytelling and educating city leaders and community about the value of parks and recreation, as well as her leadership and mentorship style and perspective. This episode sponso...

Chad Holpfer - Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry - City of Jefferson, WI - provides feedback and perspective from state vs. national conferences, moving into a director position and providing unique offerings to that community, leaning into new leadership experiences and styles, and enlightening the guys on the joy of cheese curds! This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Loca...

Bill Tschirhart, CPRP, CGFM - Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts - Kettering, OH - speaks to staying involved in his chosen community, intentional steps taken, and development and confidence in skills to be a desirable candidate and leader, financial strategy and skills in leadership positions, and adjusting leadership to various department sizes and needs. This episode sponsored by...

Chase Ellis, CPO, CPRP - Director of Parks and Recreation, Trophy Club, TX - speaks to developing a strong support system that doesn't shy away from discussions surrounding mental and emotional health, the idea of corporate coaching, normalizing therapy, and creating a sustainable mindset in the face of professional hardship, resulting in the development of the Directors Summit established in...

RecLess presents: This Parks & Rec Life - a new podcast exploring the parks and recreation field from the viewpoint of the support system and the family of a parks professional. Shane and Hannah Mize kick off this new series with a conversation about their family structure and some of the wins and struggles that they have encountered during their time in the field. This is a sneak peak of a ne...

Melissa Lockwood - General Manager, Baha Bay at Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas - shares her path in the parks and rec world from the public to the private sector and her international adventures managing teams at some of the most prestigious resorts and parks in the world. Click here to learn more - https://bahabay.bahamar.com/ https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/ https://www.yasisland.com/ This episo...

Jai Cole - Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Authority, VA explores conversation about a leadership mindset, the art of developing relationships and making connections, resume and interview tips and tricks, and the idea of "leading up." This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/ Shane Mize is the Dir...

Heavenly Smith - Recreation Program Coordinator, Susquehanna Township - Harrisburg, PA converses about finding a career in and navigating parks and rec as a nontraditional hire, the path that lead to her being a Thirty Under Thirty winner, the benefit of implementing skills gained from other jobs in parks, and covers topics from mental health and building a support system, to successful conflict r...

Cort Jones, NRPA Director of Content Marketing; Christina High, Social Media Manager at NRPA; Cara Myers, Marketing and Engagement Manager at NRPA; are the driving force behind Open Space - the official blog and podcast of the National Recreation and Parks Association. Listen in as they talk about the fun, responsibility, and opportunities to tell the stories of, and provide resources and tools fo...

Chris Hunter, CPSI - Superintendent of Park Operations at Mecklenburg County, NC offers a crash course in his leadership philosophy, strategies that have given him success in relationships as the "chief cheerleader for parks and rec," and the challenges and mindset of switching from running a parks and rec staff to a parks ops staff. Make sure to connect with him on LinkedIn to check out...

Brandon Washington, MPA, CPRE - Recreation Program Superintendent, Casa Grande, AZ highlights his transition into the field of parks and recreation from athletics, the difference that being involved makes for a career and networking opportunities, and constantly striving for excellence as he moves into various leadership roles and pushes his career forward. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - Th...

Hashim Taylor - Director of Rec, Parks, & Cultural Activities, Alexandria, VA discusses his role on the board of the National Recreation and Park Association, helping steer national policy, advocating for the program, and amplifying the message for parks professionals. He also discusses his early career and his trajectory to his leadership philosophy and current role. This episode sponsored by...

Molly Keays - Director of Parks and Recreation, South Windsor, CT highlights stepping from the private sector world with the YMCA into the world of public service, navigating local politics, making connections and networking with other young professionals, and finding success. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.c...

Nate Salley - The Audible Coach, Former Carolina Panther NFL Player, Certified Executive Coach highlights his leadership philosophy, overcoming difficult circumstances, inspiring staff, and navigating change. Click here to learn more - https://natesalley.com and follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theaudiblecoach This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run...

Gabby Vera, CPRP - Director of Parks and Recreation, Lake Havasu, AZ benefitted from parks and recreation programs as a youth and her experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy, mindset, and accomplishments that has led to an award winning year, including the 2025 AZ Young Professional of the Year and the 2025 Robert Crawford award. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local G...

Antonio Murphy - Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, Killeen, TX - highlights his nontraditional career journey and how he used social media as a tool to help achieve his goals. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/ To learn more about Rec Technologies - rec.us/partner Shane Mize is the Director of Park...

Bernita Reese - CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation, Columbus, OH highlights her excitement about Columbus hosting the 2029 NRPA Conference, the unique services that Columbus has to offer, and setting youth and young adults up for success, no matter their background or circumstance. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.ci...

Kristine Stratton - President and CEO of the National Recreation and Parks Association reveals behind the scenes insight into site selection for the yearly NRPA conference, consideration and intention behind yearly offerings, and her personal investment and passion in growing parks and recreation professionals across the country. Visit RecLesspod.com to order limited time merch. This episode spons...

Craig Bouck - Principal, Strategy Partner - BRS Architecture, www.brsarch.com Craig passionately speaks to the impact that a facility can make not only in a community, but on individuals and their quality of life and the ideals and vision behind that impact. Visit RecLesspod.com to order limited time merch. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Techn...

Highlighted moments and reflections from Season 4 and a few hints about what is yet to come! Don't miss out on a special opportunity from our friends at National Recreation and Park Association! Click on the link below to find out how you could attend the NRPA National Conference in Orlando, FL for free! https://bit.ly/PRMGiveaway Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city...

John Prue Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Management and Program Analyst for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Bunny Allen MWR Management and Program Analyst for Navy Region Northwest speak to the mission, unique opportunities, similarities, and differences of working in military recreation. For more information about the National Recreation and Parks Association Armed Forces Recreation Network (AFRN)...

Shonnda Smith - Executive Director of Parks & Public Services and Executive Director of Public Works- Mobile, AL - Discusses her three rules for success and happiness, advice that she gives young, and not so young, professionals to develop them into capable leaders, and steps that she uses to encourage professional growth. She also speaks to her experience of serving as a member on the Nationa...