Tailgate Talks

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.  Lauren. Emmert@idpr.idaho.gov Cole. Ross@idpr.idaho.gov donald@tailgate-talks.com

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. rededwards@dnr. IN.gov donald@tailgate...

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  David@davidladis.me donald@tailgate-talks.com

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.  Angelina. Stancampiano@wyo.gov Donald@tailgate-talks.com  

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    david@davidlandis.me   donald@tailgate-talks.com  

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. donald@tailgate-talks.com  

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 o...

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...

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....

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. 

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...

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...

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.  donald@tailgate-...

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...

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. 

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. conta...

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. 

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. brentleisure1@gmail.com   donald@tailgate-talks.com   

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 Donald@tailgate-talks.com  

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.   adrake@scprt.com    jrevis@scprt.com donald@tailgate-talks.com  

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 sa...

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. 

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.  desmond,timmons@dnr.ga . donald@tailgate-talks.com  

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.   

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 Valer...