What does it take to protect towering dunes, alpine tundra, and ancient wetlands—all in one park? In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Compton, Superintendent of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado. Known for its surreal dune field (the tallest in North America), the park also holds rich biodiversity: from subalpine lakes to desert shrublands, all shaped by a powerful, protected watershed.

Andrea shares how her early fascination with the natural world—and a career rooted in bat, bird, and owl surveys—led her from environmental consulting to the National Park Service. We trace her path from Cabrillo National Monument to Joshua Tree, and now to Great Sand Dunes, where scientific research, resource stewardship, and storytelling converge.

She breaks down how inventory and monitoring programs help the Park Service track ecosystem change over time, and reveals the lesser-known histories of the places she's managed—from tide pools and WWII bunkers to sacred springs and groundwater politics.

This episode is for the science-minded, the sand dune dreamers, and anyone curious about how we conserve complexity 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.

In this episode, Pitt shares how a childhood spent under the rule “get outside by 8 a.m. or get a long list of chores” sparked a lifelong love for wild places—and led to a career connecting communities to the outdoors. From founding a kayak school to leading Utah’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, Pitt brings a deep passion to every corner of the outdoor space.

We talk about his current role at AllTrails as Head of Social and Environmental Impact, the rise of state-level outdoor recreation offices, and the power of data, coalition-building, and public-private partnerships to shape the future of outdoor access. He also shares some of his favorite national park stories, community-driven grant programs, and—importantly—his go-to outdoor snacks.

Whether you're into outdoor policy, a weekend warrior, or just someone who loves a good trail story, this episode is packed with heart, strategy, and inspiration from one of the leading voices in outdoor recreation.

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.

What does it mean to lead the largest national park in the United States—one that’s bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ben Bobowski, Superintendent of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in southeastern Alaska. With over 13 million acres of towering peaks, vast glaciers, and deep cultural history, this park is not only massive, but awe-inspiring.

Ben shares his journey through the National Park Service—from his beginnings as a wildlife biologist to leading teams at Rocky Mountain National Park and serving internationally as a Fulbright Global Scholar. We talk about his role in shaping national climate policy, his commitment to Indigenous food security, and what it's like to steward one of the world’s most remote and rugged landscapes.

This conversation is a blend of science, leadership, and pure wilderness wonder. Whether you're a park lover, climate nerd, or just dreaming of Alaska, this one’s for you.

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.

In this episode, Maddie talks with Claire Smallwood, co-founder and Executive Director of SheJumps, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. Claire shares the story behind SheJumps, her time in Senegal, and how community and storytelling shaped her vision. They explore how outdoor experiences build confidence, why no one is born knowing outdoor skills, and the role of passion and resourcefulness in growing a nonprofit. Claire’s belief: everyone deserves a joyful, adventurous life—no matter where they come from.

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.

In this episode of Who Runs This Park, host Maddie Pellman sits down with Deb Yandala, the longtime CEO of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With over two decades of leadership, Deb has grown the Conservancy into one of the most impactful national park friends groups in the country—expanding educational programming, launching arts initiatives like the beloved concert series, and forging deep community connections across northeast Ohio.

Deb reflects on her journey from curriculum developer to CEO, the strategic merger that launched the Conservancy, and the importance of board leadership, diversified income streams, and collaborative partnerships. She offers powerful insights on what makes nonprofits thrive, how to get involved in the national park space, and why parks are essential to our mental health and social fabric.

This conversation is both a celebration of Deb’s legacy and a roadmap for aspiring leaders who believe in the healing power of nature and the value of strong community-rooted partnerships. As Deb prepares to step down later this year, her story offers wisdom, inspiration, and a reminder that we are ultimately judged by what we do, not what we plan.

Feeling inspired and want to support Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Donate to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park here. 

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.

Juliana Chauncey, a.k.a. "Chaunce," joins Maddie Pellman on Who Runs This Park: Park Enthusiasts Edition. A long-distance hiker, author, and co-host of Backpacker Radio—the #1 hiking podcast with over 8 million downloads—Chaunce has built a life around adventure, storytelling, and community.

In this episode, Chaunce shares how she became a part of Backpacker Radio, the balancing act of a career alongside long-distance hiking and podcasting, and her approach to saying "yes" to opportunities that shape her journey. We discuss the unexpected turns of trail life, the humor and camaraderie of the hiking community, and the evolution of her creative projects, including her book, Hiking From Home: A Long-Distance Hiking Guide for Family and Friends. She also dives into the Mile by Mile Project, an in-depth historical exploration of the Appalachian Trail that she’s spent the past five years researching.

Whether you’re an aspiring thru-hiker, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone navigating the balance of career and passion, 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.

Biscayne National Park is a world apart—just a short distance from Miami, yet mostly underwater, teeming with vibrant coral reefs, sprawling seagrass beds, and a rich maritime heritage. From hurricanes to habitat restoration, managing a marine park presents unique challenges, and few know that better than Sarah Hopson, the superintendent of Biscayne National Park.

In this episode, Sarah shares what it takes to steward a park where 95% of the landscape is water. We dive into coral reef restoration projects, seagrass protection, and the hundreds of research permits that fuel scientific discoveries in the park. Sarah also discusses the hidden impacts of hurricanes on natural ecosystems, the role of volunteers in keeping Biscayne beautiful, and why she believes there’s a park—and a job—for everyone in the National Park Service.

We also explore what to do on a perfect day in Biscayne, from snorkeling the Maritime Heritage Trail to spotting butterflies on Elliott Key. Plus, Sarah reflects on the legacy of park stewardship and the ever-evolving role of the National Park Service in preserving both our places of glory and our places of brokenness.

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.

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. 

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 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.