Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

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Tim Merriman talks story with heritage interpretation professionals from all over the world. In his 50+ year career as a heritage interpreter, Tim has been a park ranger, nature center director, and national recreation area research manager. From 1995 to 2012, he was Executive Director of National Association for Interpretation, the professional organization for guides and interpreters in the United States. He has been a motivational speaker, trainer, and planner in 26 countries and all 50 states in the US, sharing his love for communicating with the public about valued places, people and stories in natural and cultural heritage settings.

  1. 5d ago

    Devon Headdress, Native American Instagram Broadcaster, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney

    Devon Headdress is a content creator, community health educator, and founder of BrightHawk Fitness LLC, now rebranding to Headdress Health, based in Molt, Montana. His work centers Indigenous education, treaty rights, and sovereignty, with a focus on how policy and systems impact Native community health and wellness. As a graduate student studying Indigenous health policy, he bridges data, lived experience, and traditional knowledge to advocate for culturally grounded approaches to wellness. Through social media storytelling and educational content, he amplifies Native voices and connects everyday listeners to the real-world impact of federal, state, and tribal policy on Indigenous communities. #DevonHeaddress #NativeAmericanHistory #IndigenousVoices #NativeAmericanStories #IndigenousHistory #DigitalStorytelling #DigitalBroadcasting #NativeContentCreator #CulturalInterpretation #HeritageInterpretation #LivingHistory #PublicHistory #IndigenousPerspectives #CulturalHeritage #ReflectionsOnInterpretation #InterpretiveProfessionals #StorytellingMatters #RepresentationMatters #AmplifyIndigenousVoices #NativeAmericanHeritage #timmerriman

  2. Jul 3

    Julia Washburn, NPS Interpretive Leader, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

    Julia Washburn is a native Washingtonian, recently retired from 35 years with America’s National Parks. Recently, Julia served as Superintendent of Rock Creek Park for six years. Previously, she was the National Park Service Associate Director for Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers. Julia started her career in 1989 after serving two years in the US Peace Corps as a volunteer science teacher in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Her first NPS job was as a park ranger at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast, DC. She has also worked at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, W.Va., the National Park Service’s National Capital Regional Office, and as Senior Vice President for Grants and Programs at the National Park Foundation. Julia has a master’s degree in museum education from Bank Street College of Education and taught as an adjunct in the Museum Education Program at George Washington University for 14 years. She and her husband, Bill, now live on a 118-acre farm in Western Massachusetts, where they practice permaculture and manage the property for wildlife habitat. After leaving the NPS, Julia attended perfume school in Italy. She also earned a diploma in aromatherapy from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. In 2026, she and her business partner launched Willow-Botanicals.com, a small business that makes all-natural perfumes, skincare, and aromatherapy products. #timmerriman #InterpretationMatters #HEARTApproach #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation

    Julia Washburn, NPS Interpretive Leader, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

  3. May 15

    Scott Ainslie, Songwriter, Performer, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

    This week on Reflections on Interpretation, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman interview a musical performer and instructor who consistently receives rave reviews. Scott brings a wealth of musical and historical experience with him to the stage and the classroom.  Coming of age during the Civil Rights era and the protests against the Vietnam War, Scott has a deep reverence for cross-cultural exchange and a strong commitment to social justice. He is the author of Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads and video teacher on the instructional DVD, Robert Johnson: Signature Licks. In 2010, Acoustic Guitar featured Scott’s lesson on Robert Johnson’s music in its November issue. The article with TAB, transcription of Johnson’s Crossroads Blues, and sixteen minutes of video instruction is archived on their website at: http://acousticguitar.com.  With six solo recordings to his credit, Scott’s award-winning The Last Shot Got Him has garnered strong reviews here and in Europe.

  4. Apr 24

    Greg Gnesios, NPS and Orbridge Travel Naturalist, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

    Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney as they talk story with Greg Gnesios about his diverse career in NPS, BLM and Orbridge Travel. For 27 years Greg was a ranger/naturalist with the National Park Service in places such as Pinnacles National Park and Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California; and Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico.  In the late 1970s he was a ranger in Canyonlands National Park. He moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 2001 as the first manager of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. He has since served as Chairman of the Board for the Colorado National Monument Association  and Byway Coordinator for the Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway.  During the summer season, he leads tours throughout the west for various travel organizations. His award-winning photography has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, museum exhibits, calendars and books.   #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

  5. Mar 20

    Alan Alex Marti, Safari Guide, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney in the Serengeti

    Alan Alex Marti is more than a safari guide, he is a cultural bridge and storyteller shaped by the landscapes and traditions of northern Tanzania. Of Maasai and Iraqwi heritage, Alan represents just two of the country’s 127 tribes, diverse communities united by a shared national language, Swahili, while each maintains its own rich linguistic and cultural identity. Fluent in Swahili, English, and Maa, Alan moves easily between worlds, welcoming guests from across the globe while remaining deeply rooted in his own. As a freelance guide working with multiple safari companies, he navigates not only vast distances, across a country larger than Texas, but also the expectations, curiosities, and emotions of every traveler he hosts. Behind the wheel of his Toyota Land Cruiser, Alan carries more than six guests at a time, he carries responsibility. He is a driver on rugged terrain, a mechanic when challenges arise, a naturalist interpreting wildlife behavior, a historian giving voice to the land, and a host creating a sense of belonging in unfamiliar places. What truly sets Alan apart, however, is his presence. His warm, congenial nature invites connection, transforming a safari from a sightseeing trip into a shared human experience. Through his guidance, guests don’t just see Tanzania, they begin to understand it, feel it, and carry a piece of it with them long after the journey ends. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nationalpark  #Tanzania #Serengeti #VisitTanzania #GreatMigration #SerengetiMigration #AfricanWildlife #SafariExperience

  6. Mar 6

    Susan Langdon, NPS, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation

    With more than 32 years of experience in interpretation with the National Park Service, Susan brings a depth of wisdom shaped by service, leadership, and a passion for meaningful connection. Her career began as an intern and quickly progressed to a seasonal interpreter, permanent park guide, and ultimately Park Ranger Interpreter. Along the way, she supervised and mentored interpretive staff, championed audience-centered interpretation, and trained teams in the most current, effective interpretive techniques. A certified interpreter instructor through both the National Park Service’s Mather Training Center and the National Association for Interpretation, she has led large volunteer programs and equipped volunteers with skills in customer service and informal interpretation, ensuring that every visitor encounter has the potential to inspire. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was partnering with two Native American tribes to reconnect youth and elders with their traditional homeland at Rocky Mountain National Park. Together, they created opportunities for intergenerational storytelling that strengthened cultural identity and ultimately enriched park staff and visitors alike. She draws on decades of lived experience to explore the art and heart of interpretation, sharing stories, practical tools, and thoughtful conversations that inspire listeners to create deeper emotional and intellectual connections between people and place. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

  7. Feb 20

    Dominic Cardea, NPS Retired, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney

    Dominic Cardea (Dom) recently retired after a 34 year National Park Service career spent turning big ideas—geology, history, culture, and community—into invitations to be curious. He helped shape and facilitate national interpretation and leadership programs, coached frontline interpreters, and trained hundreds in digital interpretation. A curious philosopher at heart, Dom loves the “why” behind a place and its objects—what they reveal, how they connect, and the questions they spark. He champions audience-centered, resource-focused interpretation that’s collaborative and co-creative, not a TED Talk in the woods. He’s happiest when the guests, places and objects becomes the co-facilitators of experiences—and everyone leaves wanting to explore more- including him . #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

  8. Feb 8

    Karen Cucurullo, NPS, Joins Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation

    Join us for a powerful conversation with Karen Cucurullo, a seasoned leader with nearly 35 years in the National Park Service. From Manassas to Death Valley, Karen has served in diverse roles, from interpretation and education to resource management and law enforcement. Before retiring she supervised in the Southeast Regional Office, supporting parks and communities across 9 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Discover how her holistic perspective shapes stewardship of 3.8 million acres of national treasures, thousands of cultural sites, and endangered species protection—connecting people, places, and purpose through the heart of public lands.   #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

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About

Tim Merriman talks story with heritage interpretation professionals from all over the world. In his 50+ year career as a heritage interpreter, Tim has been a park ranger, nature center director, and national recreation area research manager. From 1995 to 2012, he was Executive Director of National Association for Interpretation, the professional organization for guides and interpreters in the United States. He has been a motivational speaker, trainer, and planner in 26 countries and all 50 states in the US, sharing his love for communicating with the public about valued places, people and stories in natural and cultural heritage settings.

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