"Every park has trees and trails. What makes people come back is you."

Notable Moments

[00:03:05] – Starting the keynote, the outhouse story that sparked an award

[00:07:24] – Transition from financial analyst to ranger life

[00:14:07] – Pandemic pressure and park visitation boom

[00:19:02] – Shifting from surviving to thriving post-2020

[00:26:49] – Importance of all roles: field and office

[00:30:01] – Why park staff are the defining feature of any park

[00:33:20] – Difference between "learned" and "earned" park stories

[00:38:27] – Parks' impact on quality of life, not just economy

[00:42:41] – Michigan's leadership in innovation and conservation

[00:47:44] – The importance of gatherings like in-service

Jody Maberry delivers his full keynote from the Michigan DNR in-service gathering, reflecting on the theme "Back to the Future of Parks." He shares memorable stories and lessons from his time as a park ranger, during the pandemic, and how park professionals can shape the future of outdoor spaces. With humor, humility, and heartfelt appreciation, this talk highlights the power of people, the importance of public lands, and the irreplaceable value of every role in the park system.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Too often today everything is tech and screens… but picking up a book, putting on a pair of glasses, and seeing something really cool—it's inspiring and fun."

Notable Moments: 00:03 – Dave's early love for camping and the outdoors 04:47 – How 3D photography became part of his storytelling 08:44 – Behind the scenes of the Theodore Roosevelt 3D photo 11:22 – Overview of parks included in the book 13:43 – Hidden gem tip for Acadia National Park 17:20 – How kids reacted to the 3D book 21:04 – Leadership advice: "Say yes, then figure it out" 24:55 – Dave's website and Skull Rock Podcast

Jody Maberry welcomes Disney animator turned author Dave Bossert to discuss his immersive book 3D National Parks Like You've Never Seen Them Before. Dave shares how the project was inspired by View-Masters, the magic of 3D photography, and the importance of sparking curiosity about parks, especially for kids who may not have visited one. The episode also touches on leadership lessons from the animation world and how saying "yes" opens new doors.

Read the blog for more from this episode on the website.

Connect with Dave Bossert

Order the book 3D National Parks Like You've Never Seen Them Before

For Direct orders contact [email protected]

Dave's Website: https://www.davidbossert.com

Listen to the Skull Rock Podcast

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"National parks are sacred not because of what we build, but because of what we protect."

Notable Moments

[00:00:20.320] Introduction of Sacred Landscapes

[00:01:23.010] Sam's unexpected inspiration to write the book

[00:08:14.120] The emotional transformation of spending years on the road

[00:18:03.540] National parks vs. theme parks — how they serve the public differently

[00:31:45.600] Designing places that spark reverence

[00:49:45.430] The legacy Sam hopes Sacred Landscapes will leave

In this episode, author and National Park volunteer Sam Gennawey shares stories from his six-year, 175,000-mile van life journey through U.S. national parks. Known for his writing on theme parks and urban planning, Sam offers a fresh perspective on the intentional design and emotional power of natural spaces. He discusses the origins of his new book Sacred Landscapes, the personal transformation of long-term travel, and the connection between preserving spaces and creating meaningful human experiences.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Sam Gennawey

Get the book Sacred Landscapes

Discover Books by Sam Gennawey

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"You don't have to come from parks to lead in parks. But you do have to embrace the culture, listen, and lead with purpose."

Notable Moments

[00:02:00] Starting out as a seasonal worker builds a foundation

[00:03:40] Promoting park managers without prior experience

[00:05:18] Success stories of hiring from outside the park system

[00:08:48] Benefits of diverse backgrounds in leadership

[00:14:50] Importance of honoring legacy while bringing fresh ideas

[00:21:34] Staying close to your point of service

[00:23:00] Advice from Lee Cockerell: take notes and observe early

Can someone manage a park without ever having worked in one? Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines say "yes" and explain why in this listener-inspired episode. They received an email from Freddie, a new park manager in New York with no prior park experience. Together they unpack how fresh perspectives, paired with respect for legacy, can benefit any park system. Phil shares stories of success when hiring "off the street" and reinforces the importance of staying close to your point of service. Jody offers insight from his own unconventional journey into parks and highlights why diversity of thought can be just as valuable as field experience. Whether you're brand new or decades deep, this episode is a reminder to lead with intention, learn from the people you serve, and never lose sight of your North Star.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Storytelling is the bridge between awe and understanding, whether you're in a theme park or a national park."

Notable Moments

01:05 – Bob's national park road trip that shaped his worldview

05:24 – "Recreation" vs. "Re-creation": the true power of parks

06:10 – Walt Disney's advice: walk the park, observe the guests

08:41 – How Disney draws inspiration from national parks

12:19 – Gaps in concessionaire storytelling at national park lodges

14:51 – Bob's advice for elevating the lodge experience

16:15 – Lessons from Kennedy Space Center concessions

20:39 – Making food and retail part of the park's story

28:16 – Advice for up-and-coming park leaders

32:14 – Why rangers are just as iconic as Disney cast members

In this inspiring conversation, Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, joins to explore the intersection of themed and natural parks. In his new book, Dream Chasing, Bob discusses how his childhood road trip to national parks shaped his creative path and what natural park leaders can learn from theme park storytelling. From immersive lodge experiences to the role of frontline staff, this episode offers practical and visionary ideas for elevating the park guest experience.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Bob Weis

www.bobweis.com

Order the book – Dream Chasing

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"When you truly love a place, you do whatever it takes to protect it, even if it takes a decade."

Notable Moments

00:01:04 Meeting Rodrigo and Jose 00:02:03 Rodrigo shares how a simple question sparked conservation 00:07:15 Jose explains fighting the first hydroelectric project 00:20:54 What happens after the land is protected 00:32:04 The significance of the ancient Alerce tree

Jody Maberry recounts his unforgettable trip to Chile's Cochamó Valley, especially meeting Rodrigo Condeza and Jose Claro. Together, they have spent over a decade fighting to stop hydroelectric dams and irresponsible development in Pucheguin. Their efforts highlight the power of dedication and community-led conservation. Listen to hear about their battles, the unique Alerce trees, historic trails, and the vision for balancing wilderness protection with community livelihood and responsible tourism.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Puelo Patagonia: puelopatagonia.cl

Conserva Pucheguin Project: conservapucheguin.org

Connect with Jody

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"The only way you're going to save the world is with a damn good story."

Notable Moments

02:13 – Jeff's origin story: how a zoo letter changed his life

04:47 – Radical collaboration and partnerships across conservation groups 06:31 – Story of Pueblo Patagonia and local leadership in Chile

13:16 – Big change starts with one local champion

17:26 – Why storytelling is essential to conservation success

24:16 – Gabon's 30x30x30x30 model and protecting rivers, too

26:14 – Partnering with Disney for the Lion Recovery Fund

33:18 – Jody's zoo and creek story: early sparks of passion

37:52 – Jeff's advice for new park leaders: seek diverse experiences, tell good stories

What if the future of conservation hinged less on policy and more on storytelling?

Conservation doesn't start with land. It starts with people. And it lasts because of the stories we carry forward. In this episode, Jody Maberry talks with Jeff Parrish, Global Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy. Jeff shares how global conservation success starts with local champions, radical collaboration, and the power of storytelling. From protecting ancient forests in Chile to elephants in Gabon, Jeff emphasizes that people are the heart of conservation, not policy. He highlights partnerships with Disney and grassroots leaders, and reminds us that whether you're a donor or a ranger, your story matters.

Read the blog and make sure to take a listen to hear more on how stories connect people to conservation.

Episode Resources

The Nature Conservancy

About Jeff

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Notable Moments

[00:01:03] – Why politics and public land are inseparable

[00:04:37] – The impact of the Antiquities Act on land policy

[00:06:57] – South Carolina's bipartisan approach to land conservation

[00:10:31] – Western vs. Eastern perceptions of public land ownership

[00:15:11] – Economic and social value of protected lands

[00:21:13] – The difference between temporary wins and permanent losses

[00:26:40] – Why every acre counts, from Yellowstone to your local county park

Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore the often-overlooked political realities of public land management. They examine how geography, history, and growth shape public land debates differently across regions, especially in the East vs. the West. From the Antiquities Act to state and federal tensions, they reflect on why effective leadership requires understanding policy and public sentiment. Phil shares South Carolina's strategic approach, and both emphasize that conservation is about legacy—not just land. This episode encourages park leaders to engage in meaningful conversations, beyond politics, to protect the places that define our country.

Read my blog for more about the politics of public lands.

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

There are a number of ways parks can contribute to the United States' 250th anniversary. From South Carolina's rich revolutionary history to the roles western parks can play, this conversation highlights how parks serve as stewards of history, not just nature. Phil joins to share his involvement with state commissions and the American Battlefield Trust, offering ideas for programming, preservation, and storytelling.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Notable Moments

[02:30] Phil's work with commissions and battlefield preservation

[04:02] Lexington and Concord: the shot heard around the world

[06:29] Parks' role in preserving and retelling history

[09:30] Revolutionary stories from South Carolina

[11:30] Creating commissions across the U.S.

[13:00] The opportunity for storytelling and youth engagement

[17:11] Andrew Jackson's teenage war story

[20:48] Importance of land preservation

[21:51] How every state can contribute to the celebration

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"I'm going to do something that's connected to the national parks or our or a state park near me so that I can use my knowledge and see the real world impact it has. And that way, I never am stuck in class asking, why is this important? Why on earth do I have to learn this?"

Notable Moments

03:02 Parks' Enhanced Virtual Learning Programs

05:30 The Value of Learning About Distant Places

12:39 Bridging Classrooms and Public Lands

17:53 Engaging Park Rangers as Educators

24:08 Enhancing Park Visitor Experience

26:14 Park Principles for Classroom Management

Order the Book The National Park Classroom

www.nationalparkclassroom.com

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Every park holds stories waiting to be told. James Fester, an educator and former interpreter with California State Parks and the National Park Service, returns to discuss the ever-evolving connection between national parks and education.

Read the blog for more on the ways that parks have been successfully integrated into classrooms and the powerful outcomes of such collaborations.