Park Leaders Show

Jody Maberry
  • 4.8 (44)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Park Leaders connects the wisdom of Park Managers, leaders in the park system, and thought leaders of the business world with up and coming park leaders. This is the show for Park Rangers, Park Managers, and leaders who want to have an impact. Join host Jody Maberry as he talks to park leaders from all over the world.

  1. MAR 23

    You Don't Pick Your Legacy

    "Legacy is not what you leave for people. It's what you leave in people." Notable Moments [00:00:56] How a simple story sparked a deeper look at legacy [00:03:43] Why you don't get to choose your legacy [00:06:32] The difference between leaving something for people vs. in people [00:07:45] Why your greatest impact often goes unnoticed [00:12:42] The reality of leadership: not everyone will agree with you [00:20:52] Practical advice for building your legacy from day one Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore the concept of legacy and what it truly means for park leaders. Phil shares insights from his career, including why leaders don't get to choose their legacy and how it's ultimately defined by others. The conversation focuses on the idea that legacy is not about projects or accomplishments, but about the impact left in people. They discuss how leadership decisions, relationships, and everyday interactions shape how others remember you. Phil also offers advice for early career leaders, encouraging them to stay grounded in purpose, lead with values, and recognize that their legacy begins with their very first day. Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    24 min

  2. MAR 17

    Enhancing Parks, Museums, and Exhibits

    "Technology should enhance the story without intruding on the landscape." Notable Moments [00:01:23] How immersive storytelling helps museums and visitor centers [00:03:36] Approaching historic sites without overpowering artifacts [00:07:22] Why media creates emotional connections for visitors [00:11:37] How interpretive signs enhance experiences along trails [00:13:58] Using technology like QR codes to expand storytelling [00:19:02] Extending ranger knowledge through media and audio [00:26:13] Helping parks refresh outdated exhibits with phased plans [00:29:35] Advice for park leaders about engaging future generations Jody Maberry welcomes guest Tim Steinouer, executive producer for BPI, a multimedia company that specializes in immersive environments for museums, attractions, and visitor centers. Tim shares how thoughtful storytelling, media, and interpretive design can enhance visitor experiences without overpowering the natural or historic elements that make parks special. Tim shares how BPI helps modernize exhibits, use technology carefully along trails, and capture the voices of park rangers to extend interpretation beyond the visitor center. This is the kind of creative thinking that is important for park leaders to consider. How are you helping future generations discover, experience, and connect with parks? Read the blog for more from this episode.  Connect with Tim Steinouer BostonProductions.com Tim Steinouer  Resources Park Leaders About Park Leaders The Park Leaders

    32 min

  3. MAR 10

    The History of Women Who Worked the Fire Lookouts

    "These women helped protect our forests long before most people realized their role." Episode Highlights [00:00:42] Welcoming Allison Martin back to the show [00:02:16] Introducing the history of fire lookouts [00:05:04] Why lookout towers were critical for early fire detection [00:08:33] Women who served as early fire lookouts [00:12:11] The responsibilities of monitoring forests from remote towers [00:17:45] The solitude and discipline required for lookout work [00:21:18] Why these stories matter for understanding park history This episode welcomes Allison Martin back to the show. Allison is an English teacher from Indiana and host of IN the Parks podcast, where she shares stories connected to Indiana State Parks. In this episode, Jody shares one of Allison's podcast episodes that explores the history of women who served as fire lookouts. Long before modern fire detection systems, lookout towers played a critical role in protecting forests. The episode does a fantastic job showcasing the dedication, responsibility, and often overlooked contributions of women who helped protect forests and public lands. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Connect with Allison IN the Parks Podcast website Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/INtheParksonline Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/INtheparksonline Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    53 min

  4. MAR 3

    Keys to Good Leadership

    "It may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility." Notable Moments [00:02:29] Leadership transitions are creating uncertainty across parks and agencies [00:04:06] Leadership is hard, relentless, and has no finish line [00:09:06] Accountability means owning outcomes, even when they aren't your fault [00:10:30] Vision and communication give direction to leadership [00:11:15] You don't have to be the smartest, but you must be knowledgeable [00:12:15] "It may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility" in action [00:13:51] There is no such thing as no leadership. Someone will emerge [00:22:56] Leadership development begins long before you have the title [00:25:17] How initiative at any level inspires leaders above you Phil Gaines joins Jody Maberry to discuss the keys to good leadership during times of transition in parks and conservation. They explore why leadership is hard, why it has no finish line, and why accountability, confidence, vision, communication, and knowledge are critical. Leadership isn't defined by a position. It's a matter of taking action, and it starts long before you receive the title. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    29 min

  5. FEB 17

    The Moment of Truth for Park Visitors

    "You don't get a second chance at a first impression." Notable Moments [00:00:59] Introducing the concept of "moment of truth" [00:02:13] Premises as the "front porch" of the park [00:06:21] Defining product beyond retail [00:09:58] Promises and the purpose of parks [00:16:07] Why people are the most fragile moment of truth [00:22:09] The importance of the uniform and credibility [00:24:26] Final reminder: don't miss the moment A moment of truth happens when a guest comes in contact with what you do and the experience it gives them. Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore how this concept applies to parks and conservation leadership. They break it into four areas: premises, product, promises, and people and discuss how each interaction shapes a visitor's experience. From first impressions at the entrance gate to the power of a ranger's uniform, every contact becomes a defining moment. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    25 min

  6. JAN 27

    Stories From the 1979 Alaska Ranger Task Force

    "We were sent to Alaska to show the flag, explain why we were there, and make sure nobody got hurt. None of that was guaranteed." Notable Moments [00:04:26] Why the Alaska Ranger Task Force was formed [00:06:12] Establishing a ranger presence across 60 million acres [00:10:05] Hostility toward rangers on the ground [00:19:25] Aircraft sabotage and safety risks [00:24:22] Plane burned during task force operations [00:31:10] Defusing a tense confrontation in McCarthy [00:39:36] A landmark game case in Gates of the Arctic [00:46:53] Defining success: restraint and leadership Walt Dabney recounts his experiences as part of the 1979 Alaska Ranger Task Force, a small group sent to establish a National Park Service presence following the proclamation of new national monuments. He shares stories of isolation, hostility, restraint, and leadership during a pivotal moment in public lands history. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    57 min

  7. JAN 20

    Podcasting and Parks

    "People don't fall in love with parks because of facts alone. They fall in love when they understand the stories." Notable Moments [00:00:55] Why Allison started a podcast about Indiana State Parks [00:02:32] Discovering a love for the outdoors later in life [00:03:17] How the podcast gained support from Indiana State Parks [00:06:27] Finding stories inside each park [00:08:02] Why interpretive naturalists are powerful storytellers [00:14:00] Rediscovering familiar parks through curiosity [00:18:22] The role of hospitality in Indiana State Parks [00:24:51] Advice for civilians who want to have an impact on parks Allison Martin, an English teacher from Indiana and host of In the Parks, shares how storytelling can deepen connections to state parks. She discusses creating a podcast without prior experience, working with park staff, highlighting interpretive naturalists, and how civilians can meaningfully support parks through curiosity, volunteering, and visitation. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Connect with Allison IN the Parks Podcast website Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/INtheParksonline Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/INtheparksonline Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    32 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Parks are About Relationships

    "Parks are about relationships. With your team, your communities, your partners. That's what sustains leadership over time." Notable Moments 00:01:03 – Lisa shares her unconventional path into parks leadership 00:05:38 – Why relationships are the key to long-term success as a director 00:09:03 – The value of national peer networks for park leaders 00:13:18 – How visitor behavior has changed since the pandemic 00:15:12 – Adapting parks without losing their purpose 00:24:02 – Leading through budget shortfalls with transparency 00:29:18 – What Oregon State Parks does better than anyone else 00:30:33 – Advice for emerging park leaders In this episode, Jody Maberry talks with Lisa Sumption, Director of Oregon State Parks, about long-term leadership, teamwork, and navigating change in modern park systems. Strong park systems aren't built on policies alone. They're built on trust, teamwork, and relationships that last. Leadership rooted in people, not ego, makes all the difference. Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    32 min
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4.8
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

Park Leaders connects the wisdom of Park Managers, leaders in the park system, and thought leaders of the business world with up and coming park leaders. This is the show for Park Rangers, Park Managers, and leaders who want to have an impact. Join host Jody Maberry as he talks to park leaders from all over the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Jody Maberry
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    337
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Park Leaders
  • Show Website
    Park Leaders Show

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