In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione welcomes two rising leaders in Minnesota’s state park system—Nate Springer, Park Supervisor at Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Katie Foshay, Park Manager of Tettegouche and George H. Crosby Manitou State Parks.

Nate and Katie sit down for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to step into park management. From staffing and operations to public expectations and personal growth, they share the surprises, challenges, and lessons they’ve already learned on the job.

This episode is packed with practical tips for new and aspiring park managers—and a few laughs too—as the guests take over the mic and ask Donald their own questions in a special Tailgate Takeover format.

Whether you’re managing your first park or mentoring the next generation, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at what leadership in parks really means.

In this captivating episode, host Donald Forgione is joined by Phil Gaines, the retired Director of South Carolina State Parks and a current Professor of Practice at Clemson University's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Together, they embark on an insightful journey through three of Florida's remarkable state parks: Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Donald and Phil delve into the unique features and management practices of each park, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights:

• Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park: Phil and Donald discover the wonders of this National Natural Landmark, featuring a 120-foot-deep, 500-foot-wide sinkhole that harbors a miniature rainforest ecosystem. They learned about the park's geology, the diverse flora and fauna within the sinkhole, and the efforts to preserve this geological marvel.
• Dudley Farm Historic State Park: Phil and Donald stepped back in time to experience Florida's farming heritage from the 1850s to the mid-20th century. They explored the authentic working farm, complete with original buildings and period-dressed staff performing daily chores, and gained an understanding of the significance of preserving this slice of history.
• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Phil and Donald uncovered the rich biodiversity of Florida's first state preserve, home to wild bison, horses, alligators, and over 270 species of birds. They discuss the park's historical significance, its role in conservation, and the challenges of managing such a diverse habitat.

Throughout the episode, Donald and Phil reflect on their experiences in park management, the importance of conservation, and the stories that make these parks treasures of Florida's natural and cultural landscape.

Bios:

• Phil Gaines: With a 38-year career at the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, Phil served as Director for 13 years. Following his retirement, he continues to contribute to the field as a Professor of Practice at Clemson University, where he focuses on developing future leaders in parks and recreation management. ​
• Donald Forgione: Director of Florida State Parks (ret), Author, Keynote Speaker. Donald brings decades of experience in park management and conservation. As host of this podcast, he shares his passion for the outdoors, storytelling, and preserving the natural and cultural resources of our parks.

Director to Director: Stakeholder Engagement

Join host Donald Forgione on the Tailgate as he welcomes Craig Seaver, retired Park Ranger and former Director of Virginia State Parks, for an insightful conversation on the power of community engagement. With decades of experience in stakeholder relations, Craig shares proven strategies for building strong, lasting partnerships with communities, advocacy groups, and elected officials.

In this episode, Craig and Donald discuss: ✅ The importance of stakeholder engagement in park and recreation management ✅ How to foster relationships with key partners and decision-makers ✅ Effective strategies for public relations and advocacy ✅ Lessons learned from years in leadership—from field ranger to director ✅ Real-world examples of successful community collaborations

Whether you’re a park professional, public servant, or leader in outdoor recreation, this episode is packed with practical advice on navigating partnerships, earning trust, and leveraging relationships to support parks and public lands.

🎧 Tune in now and discover the art of stakeholder engagement from one of the best in the field!

On this episode of Tailgate Talks, we dive deep into avalanche rescue and survival training. Rich Gummersall from Idaho State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss this important topic. Whether you're a first responder, outdoor guide, or backcountry adventurer, understanding avalanche safety can mean the difference between life and death. Our guest, Rish Gummersall, shares expert insights on how to prepare for, respond to, and survive an avalanche emergency.

If you work or recreate in avalanche-prone areas, this episode is packed with actionable advice that could save lives. Tune in to learn how to prepare for the unexpected and respond effectively in high-risk situations.

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In this episode of Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione, we dive into the art of the job interview from the applicant’s perspective. Whether you're applying for a park ranger position, a leadership role, or any other job in the field, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you shine. Special guest Tim Dyck is a seasoned HR expert and shares invaluable tips on preparing for an interview, answering tough questions, and standing out as the ideal candidate. Tim is the founder of Best Culture Solutions and can help elevate you and your team. Check out Tim's podcast, World at Work, for more insight.  

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Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions any organization makes. In the latest episode of Tailgate Talks, I sat down with Tim Dyck from Best Culture Solutions, an expert in hiring and employee selection, to dive deep into the hiring process.

We explored the key strategies that hiring managers need to know to attract and select top talent, from crafting effective job postings to conducting interviews that reveal true potential. Tim shared insights on what separates great hires from mediocre ones and how organizations can create a hiring process that builds a strong, engaged team.

One of the biggest takeaways? The importance of hiring for culture fit—skills can be taught, but the right attitude and values are what truly make a difference.

Whether you’re a park professional, a recreation leader, or anyone involved in hiring, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you make better hiring decisions.

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Learn about the great things the Ranger Association of California (PRAC) is providing to park professionals. Matt Cerkel, President of PRAC, is the Senior Park Ranger at Marin Municipal Water District and sits on the Tailgate with Donald Forgione to discuss this critical work.

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David Landis Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the power of planning for leaders. Good planning provides confidence in yourself, your team, and your leadership team. David's 30 years of experience as a Firefighter and paramedic have galvanized for him the importance of proper planning. With his business, "Playing with Possible, LLC," he helps leaders with self-mastery and helps build stronger leaders and stronger communities.

Davidlandis.me

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Welcome to this special episode of Tailgate Talks! As we close out another incredible year, I wanted to take some time to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead. This year has been a whirlwind of growth and connections. I'm genuinely amazed at the success of Tailgate Talks. Hosting this podcast has introduced me to many incredible people, and I'm honored to share their stories with you. 2024 brought us so many memorable episodes. While the podcast is a huge part of what I do, it's just one of the many ways I serve the parks and recreation community. Consulting, training, keynotes, and coaching make up most of my work, and I'm passionate about helping professionals and organizations reach their full potential. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support, your ideas, and your passion are what make this podcast possible. Here's to another year of inspiring, educating, and celebrating conservation and recreation together!

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Greg Snider joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the Southwest Parks and Recreation Training Institute (SWPRTI). Greg is a long time retired employee of Oklahoma State Parks and a member of the SWPRTI. Their 69th Conference will be heled the first week of February at Sequoyah State Park in Oklahoma.

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Sequoyah Lodge 918-772-2545