Jean Marie Twambaze grew up near Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, home of the Mountain Gorillas. As a young boy he dreamed of being a park ranger or tourism guide and today he owns his own guide company, JeanMarie Wild, taking guests to the national parks of Rwanda and especially for a trek with mountain gorillas. Tim Merriman and Jean Marie reminisce about training Jean Marie attended with Tim and Lisa Brochu a decade ago and about their 2022 photo safari with Jean Marie. 

Next week Tim Merriman talks story with Certified Interpretive Guide and skilled naturalist, Christian Gernez, of Isthmian Adventures in Panama. Join us on your favorite audio platform.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

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Susan Strauss has a long and very successful career as a storyteller and author who also understands interpretive approaches. Susan's book, The Passionate Fact: Storytelling in Natural and Cultural Interpretation has been popular since being published in 1996. Tim Merriman and Susan discuss her new book, Tree with Golden Apples: Botanical and Agricultural Wisdom in World Myths, which blends stories with related science and the art of storytelling. Dr. Sam Ham wrote the foreword. 

Next week on Friday, August 25, Tim talks story with Jean Marie Twambaze, a very talented Safari Guide and Wildlife Photographer in Rwanda. 

Join us on your favorite audio platform - https://admin5.podbean.com/timfmerriman/episodes/form

Kristin K. Robinson is an interpretive planner, consultant and trainer with her own business, the Naked Stage. She has a long history with interpretation and tourism management and training, especially on the river tours of Europe. Kristin and Tim Merriman each train Certified Interpretive guides virtually via Zoom and in person and share their experiences with this growing program for National Association for Interpretation. 

Next week Tim talks story with Susan Strauss, author and storyteller with a new book coming out, Tree with Golden Apples. 

Join us on your favorite audio platform. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

Dr. Larry Beck, Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University, co-author with Dr. Ted Cable of The Gifts of Interpretation and author/co-author of other important books in the interpretive profession, talks story with Tim Merriman about his professional journey and trends in the profession. 

Next week Tim will talk story with Kristin K. Robinson, Certified Interpretive Trainer, of Connecticut, who trains Certified Interpretive Guides in person and virtually. She also consults with interpretive businesses. 

Join us on your favorite audio platform. 

Lisa Brochu spent more than three decades doing interpretive planning for both private and public organizations. In this conversation she shares with Tim Merriman what led to writing her book, Interpretive Planning: the 5-M Model for Successful Planning Projects. She also talks in detail about one of her favorite interpretive plans in Sichuan, China. Join us for a 40-minute conversation about interpretive planning and more. 

Next week Tim Merriman talks story with Dr. Larry Beck, author and Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University. 

Clark Hancock studied to work in the technical side of theater at Tulane University and he did that for several years. When he found a role at Austin Nature Center as a maintenance worker, it evolved into exhibit and visitor experience design and interpretive training. As a Certified Interpretive Trainer he has trained many at his nature center, but now, in retirement he consults as an interpretive planner with many organizations around his home community of choice in Austin, Texas. Join us for an interesting conversation. 

Next Friday join Lisa Brochu who will share her journey of many decades in interpretive planning consultancy and training. 

Wren Smith is the Interpretive Programs Manager at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Kentucky. She is a Certified Interpretive Trainer with National Association for Interpretation and uses the Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training program with her staff and volunteers. She made a unique contribution to improvement of the CIG course that we discuss in this one hour of conversation. Join us on your favorite audio platform. 

Next Friday - Clark Hancock, interpretive trainer and consultant in Austin, Texas. 

Bill and I continue talking story about his late career transition to serve as Chief of Interpretation of American Battle Monuments Commission in Paris, France. They manage 26 cemeteries and 29 Memorials around the world dedicated to the memory of American service members who lost their lives in foreign wars. Bill also shares his 12 Points of Living History, some very thoughtful guidelines about costumed interpretation and how it can be a more powerful interpretive tool. 

Today I am Talking Story with Bill Gwaltney, an old friend of 42 years, and a gentleman with an amazing career with National Park Service as a living history interpreter at Bent's Old Fort to being Superintendent of Booker T Washington National Monument. He was an advisor and participant in the 1989 movie, Glory and eventually served five years as Chief of Interpretation with American Battle Monuments Commission in Paris, France. This is the first of two hours of conversations. The second will be available next Friday. Join us for one or both on your favorite audio platform. 

Dr. Ted Cable is Professor Emeritus at Kansas State University after a 34 year career as a Professor. Also he has been author or co-author of 15 books on interpretation, conservation and birding. He has traveled more than 50 countries teaching and training and in retirement he continues to write interpretive resources and lead birding tours to international destinations. Join Ted and Tim Merriman and learn more about his interesting journey in this profession. 

Next Friday, June 30, Tim will be talking story with Bill Gwaltney, who will share stories from his long career with National Park Service and other interesting projects and positions.