Tailgate Talks

Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: Leading From The Middle: The Art Of Managing Up Guest: Warren Poplin In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione and Warren Poplin tackle a topic suggested by a listener: Managing Up . What do you do when you are a passionate employee or mid-level manager who wants to move an organization forward, but your supervisor seems reluctant to make...

Leave No Trace with Mark Eller This episode on  Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione sits down with Mark Eller from Leave No Trace for a conversation about protecting the outdoors through education, stewardship, and personal responsibility. Mark shares the story behind the Leave No Trace movement, the growing pressures facing parks and public lands, and why simple actions by everyday visitors can make...

Out here on the Tailgate, we talk a lot about the future of parks. In this episode, we're getting right to the heart of it—our next generation. I'm joined by Ivan Levin from the National Park Trust , an organization dedicated to connecting kids and families to parks, public lands, and the outdoors. Ivan brings a national perspective on how partnerships between park agencies, nonprofits, and commun...

How many visitors are too many? It is one of the most important and most misunderstood questions in parks and public lands today. In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald sits down with  Jonathan Brunjes, Deputy Administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks, to unpack the concept of carrying capacity and why it is not just about counting people. It is about protecting resources, preserving...

In this episode of Tailgate Talks , I sit down with M.J. James , author of Heal the Hustle , for an honest and timely conversation about burnout, productivity culture, and what it really means to live—and lead—well. Many of us were taught that hustle equals success. Work harder. Push longer. Rest later. But what happens when that mindset starts to cost us our health, relationships, creativity, and...

📝 Episode Show Notes Guest: Lauren McMillan, PhD, RPA – Cultural Resource Manager, Virginia State Parks Lauren. McMillan@dcr.virginia.gov   Host: Donald Forgione donald.forgione@gmail.com Episode Overview In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione sits down with Lauren McMillan, the Cultural Resource Manager from Virginia State Parks, to talk about what cultural resources really are—and...

Ethics for State Park Leaders Guest: Brent Leisure, Director of Texas State Parks (ret)  Ethics in state parks is rarely about clear-cut right and wrong. More often, leaders find themselves navigating gray areas—where policies, public expectations, resource protection, staff morale, and political realities collide. In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald sits down with Brent Leisure for a thoug...

In today's episode, Donald sits on the tailgate with Kevin Korenthal , Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations , to explore how park professionals and their supporting foundations can work together more effectively, more confidently, and with clearer expectations. Kevin brings decades of nonprofit leadership and association experience to NAPF, and he shares practical gui...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Donald sits down with Veronica Greear, Area 6 Manager for Tennessee State Parks, to talk about something every park professional needs to understand — creating programs and experiences that truly welcome visitors with disabilities. Veronica brings a rare and powerful dual perspective: She's a seasoned park ranger, interpreter, manager, and leader… and she...

Episode summary Donald sits down with longtime friend and retired District Manager Warren Poplin to unpack how to plan successful "music in the park" events—from picking the right artist for the vibe, to power, staging, permits, and the little courtesies that turn musicians into repeat partners. It's a nuts-and-bolts, field-tested guide for park pros, friends groups, and community partners. Why th...

In this thought-provoking episode, Donald welcomes back his good friend and frequent guest, Phil Gaines , former Director of South Carolina State Parks and a trusted voice in the world of leadership and legacy. Phil has been on the show several times before, and each time he brings fresh wisdom, humor, and practical insights. This conversation is no different—it's a deep dive into what it means to...

Herding Thunder: Inside the Buffalo Roundup Every year, tens of thousands of visitors gather to witness one of the most dramatic wildlife events in America: the Buffalo Roundup. In this episode of Tailgate Talks , we go behind the scenes to uncover what it takes to move hundreds of bison safely and efficiently across the sweeping prairies of Custer State Park. From managing the herd's health to co...

Donald Forgione — Former Director of 175 Florida State Parks, with 40+ years in ecotourism, leadership, and public service. Now a business owner, speaker, and coach, Donald connects leadership lessons from nature to business. Mike Simmons — Founder of Find My Catalyst , leadership coach, and sales strategist, helping people identify and act on their catalyst for change. Three Key Quotes Donald For...

Episode Summary In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione sits down with Nick Wiley , of Ducks Unlimited (DU), to explore how one of the nation's most recognized conservation nonprofits is partnering with public agencies, private landowners, and park professionals to protect critical habitats and ensure sustainable recreation. From marshland restoration to outdoor education, Nick shares...

🎙 Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: The Bulletproof Spirit: Emotional Survival for First Responders Guest: Captain Dan Willis Episode Summary: In this powerful and timely episode, Donald Forgione welcomes Captain Dan Willis , retired police captain, author of Bulletproof Spirit , and nationally recognized expert on emotional survival for first responders. Drawing from his decades...

In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione sits down with longtime friend and fire professional Zach Prusak to discuss the evolving world of online fire training . With decades of boots-on-the-ground experience and a passion for meaningful instruction, Zach shares how virtual learning can be effective, engaging, and even life-saving—when done right. Together, they dive into the challenges...

🎙 Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management Guest: Brian Pinson Show Notes: In this episode of Tailgate Talks , I sit down with Brian Pinson, a seasoned leader in environmental land management with nearly 30 years of frontline experience in wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Brian has led emergency respons...

Welcome to Tailgate Talks, where we gather around the tailgate to talk about the places we love, the people who steward them, and the leadership it takes to make it all happen. I'm your host, Donald Forgione—and today is a special day. This is Episode 100. That's right— Tailgate Talks has officially hit triple digits. When I launched this podcast, my goal was simple: to create something meaningful...

In this follow-up conversation, Donald Forgione reconnects with Minnesota's State Park Managers, Katie Foshay (Tettegouche & George H. Crosby Manitou State Parks) and Nate Springer (Gooseberry Falls State Park), to continue the insightful dialogue on the challenges, lessons, and successes of stepping into senior park leadership. Building on their previous episode, Katie and Nate share what's chang...

In this episode of Tailgate Talks , host Donald Forgione welcomes back Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, for a timely and insightful conversation on the delicate art of community engagement. Together, they explore the techniques and strategies needed to facilitate stakeholder meetings—especially when working with groups who have deep emotional and historical ties to a pr...

In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione welcomes two rising leaders in Minnesota's state park system— Nate Springer , Park Supervisor at Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Katie Foshay , Park Manager of Tettegouche and George H. Crosby Manitou State Parks. Nate and Katie sit down for a candid conversation about what it's really like to step into park management. From staffing and operati...

In this captivating episode, host Donald Forgione is joined by Phil Gaines, the retired Director of South Carolina State Parks and a current Professor of Practice at Clemson University's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Together, they embark on an insightful journey through three of Florida's remarkable state parks: Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Dudley Farm Hist...

Director to Director: Stakeholder Engagement Join host Donald Forgione on the Tailgate as he welcomes Craig Seaver , retired Park Ranger and former Director of Virginia State Parks , for an insightful conversation on the power of community engagement . With decades of experience in stakeholder relations , Craig shares proven strategies for building strong, lasting partnerships with communities, ad...

On this episode of Tailgate Talks, we dive deep into avalanche rescue and survival training. Rich Gummersall from Idaho State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss this important topic. Whether you're a first responder, outdoor guide, or backcountry adventurer, understanding avalanche safety can mean the difference between life and death. Our guest, Rish Gummersall, shares expert...

In this episode of Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione , we dive into the art of the job interview from the applicant's perspective. Whether you're applying for a park ranger position, a leadership role, or any other job in the field, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you shine. Special guest Tim Dyck is a seasoned HR expert and shares invaluable tips on preparing for an intervie...