Joe Gibson, trail builder, writer, and Founder/Editor of Trail Crew Stories joins Maddie Pellman on Who Runs This Park: Park Enthusiasts Edition to dive into the hidden world of trail design. Joe’s journey into the trail world began with a single volunteer day, leading to a career spent shaping the way people move through landscapes—often without them realizing it. He explains how great trail work is meant to be invisible, drawing a fascinating comparison between Disneyland’s intentional illusions and the subtle deceptions that allow national park visitors to experience nature without seeing the engineering beneath their feet.

We explore the art and science of trail building, from positive and negative control points to the stark differences between East Coast and West Coast trails. Joe shares insights from his early forays into writing about trails, his experience as project lead for The Parks Project coffee table book, and the whirlwind road trips he took to interview as many people as possible for his upcoming book. We also discuss the global rise of long-distance trails, including the Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia and Georgia, and the evolving role of trails as both recreational pathways and vital lifelines in the wilderness.

We also talk about the threat trails and those that maintain them are under with regards to the recent layoffs in the park and forest service. As Joe says, it is a hard time to be a federal employee -- next time you see a trail crew member or a park ranger, tell them thank you! To write to your reps about the recent layoffs and to further protect our parks, here are a few resources: 

• Tell Congress to Protect National Park Service Staff
• Tell Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to protect national monuments from oil, gas, and mining
• Tell Congress national parks are worth fighting for
• Tell Congress to fund historic and cultural sites nationwide
• Tell Congress to protect wildlife in national parks

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

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Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

This episode takes us to Redwood National and State Parks, home to the tallest trees on Earth and some of the most vital old-growth forests left standing. These ancient redwoods, towering over the California coast, create a landscape unlike any other—where entire ecosystems thrive high in the canopy, and every acre plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate resilience.

We’re joined by Steve Mietz, the superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks. With a deep passion for conservation and decades of experience in public lands management, Steve has been at the forefront of efforts to restore and protect these incredible forests. Under his leadership, projects like Redwood Rising are reclaiming lands impacted by logging, ensuring that future generations will experience the grandeur of old-growth redwoods.

In this episode, Steve shares his insights on what makes these forests so special, the challenges of balancing visitor access with ecosystem protection, and the importance of partnerships—including the tribally led condor restoration project and collaborations with state parks. We also dive into the power of slowing down in nature, the need for more inclusive access to public lands, and, of course, the ever-present legend of Sasquatch.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com.

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark.

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

Zach Davis, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Trek and co-host of Backpacker Radio, joins Maddie Pellman on Who Runs This Park: Park Enthusiasts Edition. Zach has built a career at the intersection of storytelling and adventure, creating a thriving media platform dedicated to the thru-hiking and long-distance backpacking community. In this episode, Zach shares his personal journey—from tackling the Appalachian Trail as his first-ever backpacking trip to becoming a leading voice in the outdoor space.

We dive into the mental and emotional aspects of thru-hiking, the unexpected challenges on trail, and the evolution of The Trek and Backpacker Radio. Zach talks about his experiences writing Appalachian Trials and Pacific Crest Trials, the importance of community in outdoor culture, and the power of in-person storytelling through in-person podcast recordings, live shows and hiker meetups.

Whether you’re an aspiring thru-hiker, a longtime trail enthusiast, or just love a good adventure story, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

This episode takes us to Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah, home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos—towering, otherworldly rock formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Bryce Canyon’s breathtaking amphitheaters, vivid red and orange cliffs, and pristine dark skies make it a treasure of the National Park system.

We’re joined by Jim Ireland, the park’s superintendent since 2021. With nearly 30 years of experience in the National Park Service, Jim’s journey began with a youth internship at Petrified Forest National Park during high school and has taken him to parks across the country, including Natural Bridges, Kenai Fjords, and Timpanogos Cave. A Bevinetto Fellow and former state coordinator for Utah’s 13 national parks, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for public lands to his current role.

In this episode, Jim reflects on his career, from his early days as a GS-1 federal employee to moving around the country to work at different parks. He shares insights into Bryce Canyon’s unique geology, the park’s world-class stargazing programs, and its growing offerings, like expanding the biking trail and adding cross-country skiing. We also explore his personal side, including building a camper van with his son, his favorite hikes, and his love for old-fashioned sanded lemon drops—a must-have desert hiking snack.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

Tim Beissinger and Renee Miller, the dynamic duo behind the social media phenomenon “The Thruhikers,” join Maddie Pellman, host of Who Runs This Park, Park Enthusiasts Edition. With over 2 million TikTok followers and 380K on Instagram, Tim and Renee have captivated audiences with their adventures, expertise, and humor.

In this episode, we explore their incredible journey, from thruhiking the Pacific Crest Trail to designing their own trail routes like the Pacific Northwest Circuit. We talk about their athletic evolution, from marathons, to IRONMANS to thruhiking to their new interest of trail running. We also learn about their process of writing and publishing their book, Thruhikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail. They share behind-the-scenes stories from their viral social media posts, like dehydrating rice and the controversy of hiking with minimal gear.

Tim and Renee’s unique approach to adventure includes meticulously planning their trips—like spending two months in a Wisconsin cabin dehydrating food for the PCT—and embracing the unpredictability of life on the trail. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips for thruhiking, and a peek into how they balance their love for engineering with their adventurous lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newbie to the outdoors, Tim and Renee’s story will inspire you to dream big, explore boldly, and live simply.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

This episode takes us to White Sands National Park in Southern New Mexico, home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white sands form a stunning landscape shaped by both nature and history, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage of the border region. White Sands, once a National Monument, became a National Park in 2019, marking an exciting chapter in its long history.

We’re joined by Marie Frias Sauter, the park’s superintendent since 2012. Marie’s journey is as dynamic as the dunes she oversees. Growing up as a dual citizen in Mexico City, her early fascination with geography and cartography led her to study at the University of Georgia, where she witnessed the transformation of traditional map-making into modern GIS technology. Over her career, Marie has lent her expertise to parks across the country, bringing her passion for preservation and innovation to every role.

In this episode, Marie shares her insights on managing a park with deep ties to both the Department of Defense and its sister park in Mexico, the evolving science of the gypsum dunes, and the park’s soon addition—the Ice Age Trail. She also discusses the discovery of ancient trackways, the thrill of hiking and sledding down the dunes, and the challenges of climate change, including the potential loss of wet dune systems as water tables decline.

Join us as we explore Marie’s extraordinary career, the vibrant culture of the borderlands, and the unique wonders of White Sands National Park.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

Kenzie Smith, Christian Outdoor Content Creator, Retreat Host, and Podcast Creator, joins Maddie Pellman, host of Who Runs This Park, Park Enthusiasts. Kenzie is the creative force behind My Valley His Victory, a podcast exploring faith, outdoor adventures, and building authentic community. A self-taught outdoorswoman, Kenzie is passionate about showing that it's never too late to learn outdoor skills—whether that's backpacking, skiing, or overlanding—and proving that adventure can be a pathway to connection and spiritual growth.

In this episode, Kenzie shares how being laid off turned out to be a blessing, sparking her journey into content creation and her mission to build a faith-centered outdoor community. From working in Alaska after college to hosting transformative women’s retreats in Colorado, Kenzie’s story is one of resilience and passion. We dive into her recent completion of the iconic John Muir Trail, her favorite annual event, The Highlander, and her experience as a former college athlete finding solace and purpose in the outdoors.

Kenzie’s Instagram community is a testament to her belief in the power of shared adventures. You’ll leave this episode inspired to pursue your own outdoor journey, embrace new challenges, and maybe even plan your next big hike. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, Kenzie’s story will resonate with anyone longing to find their place in the wild. 

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters (POW), joins Maddie Pellman, host of Who Runs This Park, Park Enthusiasts. POW is the outdoor movement driving climate action, fueled by the world’s most influential athletes, artists, and brands. With Erin at the helm—an intelligent, passionate, and adventurous leader—POW is tackling the climate crisis through transformative policy solutions and grassroots advocacy.

In this episode, we dive into the heart of POW and the remarkable journey of Erin herself. For Erin, national parks laid the foundation for her love of the outdoors—she even got married in Yosemite. Her career is a testament to bold pivots: from finance to the outdoor industry to climate advocacy, she has embraced a life of purpose and adventure. From completing a four-month bike race in Africa to being the youngest woman to run a marathon on every continent, Erin now pursues her goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.

We geek out over Erin’s experiences at Specialized and Aspen Skiing Company, including Aspen’s legendary powder day policy. And as we unpack POW’s work, Erin explains why imperfect advocacy is key to tackling the climate crisis, how the athlete ambassador model is driving impact, and why disrupting the status quo is POW’s biggest challenge.

This episode will leave you inspired to join the movement, better informed about the climate crisis, and ready to channel your love of the outdoors into meaningful action.You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 

Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.

A special in-person episode, recorded at the National Park Friends Alliance Fall Meeting, featuring Yosemite Conservancy President & CEO Frank Dean and Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. Frank and Cicely provide a unique moment for Who Runs This Park by showcasing the incredible partnership between Yosemite and the Yosemite Conservancy, offering insights into the vital relationships between national parks and their friends groups.

This fun and laughter-filled conversation takes you behind the scenes of some fascinating stories, including the origins of the Starbucks in Yosemite Valley. We discuss the evolving and improving relationship between Yosemite and climbers (timely, as it's Rocktober!), the challenges and rewards of managing a park with over 800 miles of trails—including the iconic John Muir Trail (JMT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)—and the significance of Yosemite as the birthplace of the conservation movement, where "it all began" for the National Park Service.

We also explore the power of leading with empathy and humor, reflect on Cicely's 40 years of service with the Park Service, and reminisce about Frank and Cicely’s friendship, which began nearly 35 years ago during the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Alaska.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, email us at [email protected], or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com.

Sign up for the Who Runs This Park newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark.Who Runs This Park is hosted and produced by Maddie Pellman, with music by Danielle Bees.

Sandy Colhoun, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) President, joins Maddie Pellman, host of Who Runs This Park, Park Enthusiasts. NOLS, built on the vision that wilderness is the great equalizer, stands as THE leader in outdoor education—a nonprofit Maddie has been captivated by since taking her first Wilderness First Aid Course in 2022, followed by an unforgettable backcountry skiing adventure in Japan on a NOLS alumni course. You can tell in the interview, Maddie is beyond excited to be talking with Sandy.  In this episode, Sandy shares his own life adventures, from biking through the Himalayas to ski patrolling in Park City, while diving deeper into the mission and vision of NOLS. He reflects on the idea that life happens at the crux of opportunity and preparation, emphasizing the power of taking leaps of faith and embracing learning. Sandy also touches on the unique role NOLS plays in training programs for both the Navy and astronauts, highlights the concept of Expedition Behavior, and discusses how national parks and public lands have shaped NOLS and his own life. This is not an episode you’ll want to miss!
You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 
Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 
Who Runs This Park is produced by Maddie Pellman with music by Danielle Bees.