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

Ky Harkey joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their mutual love of Interpretation. Ky is the Founder/Principal of the Visitor Experience. Ky is a master storyteller and serves parks nationwide with all levels of Interpretation. Join Donald and Ky on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of Interpretation.  

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Jody Mayberry, the Host of the popular podcast The Park Leaders Show, returns to join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss getting and being a mentor. Donald shares how Jody is a mentor who taught him the ropes of being a podcaster. Join them as they discuss the power of getting and being a mentor.

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Tim Dyck joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Culture In The Workplace. Tim is an expert on workplace culture and owns Best Culture Solutions and The World of Work podcast.

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David Landis joins Donald Forgione again on the Tailgate to discuss the importance of Caring For The Caretakers. Maintaining your team's Mental Health during a Crisis Response is imperative for the responder. Compassion Fatigue is real and can be mitigated if properly trained. This episode hopes to discuss the importance of this reality on the Tailgate. David is a retired Firefighter and Paramedic from Indianapolis, Indiana. His company, Playing with Possibilities, provides strategic growth advisory services and coaches for personal transformation.

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Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley joined me on the Tailgate to discuss our final thoughts on our trip to Alaska. We spent four months, 12,000 miles, 2 RV's, and shared a lifetime of memories together. Join us on the Tailgate for North To Alaska IV.

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Matt Cerkel joins Donald Forgione on the tailgate to discuss Rangering Past And Present. Matt is a Park Ranger and the President of the Park Rangers Association of California. Join them on the tailgate to learn how the Park Ranger Association of California is helping the profession.

www.calranger.org

https://www.calranger.org/certifications.html

https://www.marinwater.org/visiting-mt-tam

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Ricky Gease, Director of Alaska State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Alaska State Parks.  Ricky hosted Donald several times during his summer in Alaska and dives into what makes Alaska different and what is consistent with all recreation and park professionals.

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Warren Poplin Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Volunteer Management. Warren is the retired District Manager with the Florida Park Service with years of practical experience managing an extensive volunteer program.