Episode Summary In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione sits down with Nick Wiley, of Ducks Unlimited (DU), to explore how one of the nation’s most recognized conservation nonprofits is partnering with public agencies, private landowners, and park professionals to protect critical habitats and ensure sustainable recreation. From marshland restoration to outdoor education, Nick shares how DU’s work extends far beyond waterfowl. Learn how Ducks Unlimited is building bridges between hun...
Jul 22, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 104
🎙 Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: The Bulletproof Spirit: Emotional Survival for First Responders Guest: Captain Dan Willis Episode Summary: In this powerful and timely episode, Donald Forgione welcomes Captain Dan Willis, retired police captain, author of Bulletproof Spirit , and nationally recognized expert on emotional survival for first responders. Drawing from his decades of experience in law enforcement and training, Captain Willis shares actionable strategies for maint...
Jul 08, 2025•34 min
In this episode of Tailgate Talks , Donald Forgione sits down with longtime friend and fire professional Zach Prusak to discuss the evolving world of online fire training. With decades of boots-on-the-ground experience and a passion for meaningful instruction, Zach shares how virtual learning can be effective, engaging, and even life-saving—when done right. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of delivering fire training online, especially for park rangers, prescribed burn c...
Jun 24, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 102
🎙 Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management Guest: Brian Pinson Show Notes: In this episode of Tailgate Talks , I sit down with Brian Pinson, a seasoned leader in environmental land management with nearly 30 years of frontline experience in wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Brian has led emergency response teams across the country and has built a career defined by courage, calm under pressure, and a co...
Jun 10, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 101
Welcome to Tailgate Talks, where we gather around the tailgate to talk about the places we love, the people who steward them, and the leadership it takes to make it all happen. I'm your host, Donald Forgione—and today is a special day. This is Episode 100. That's right— Tailgate Talks has officially hit triple digits. When I launched this podcast, my goal was simple: to create something meaningful for park, forestry, and wildlife professionals, recreation leaders, conservationists, friend groups...
May 28, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 100
In this follow-up conversation, Donald Forgione reconnects with Minnesota's State Park Managers, Katie Foshay (Tettegouche & George H. Crosby Manitou State Parks) and Nate Springer (Gooseberry Falls State Park), to continue the insightful dialogue on the challenges, lessons, and successes of stepping into senior park leadership. Building on their previous episode, Katie and Nate share what’s changed since we last spoke—what they’ve learned, grown, and handled new complexities as site manager...
May 13, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 99
In this episode of Tailgate Talks , host Donald Forgione welcomes back Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, for a timely and insightful conversation on the delicate art of community engagement. Together, they explore the techniques and strategies needed to facilitate stakeholder meetings—especially when working with groups who have deep emotional and historical ties to a project. Topics covered include: Effective planning and preparation for community meetings The importa...
Apr 29, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 98
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’...
Apr 15, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 97
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 featu...
Apr 01, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 96
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 sta...
Mar 18, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 96
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 recr...
Mar 04, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 94
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 Cu...
Feb 18, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 93
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 hi...
Feb 04, 2025•31 min•Season 92Ep. 2
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. Matt@calranger.org Donald@tailgate-talks.com
Jan 21, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 91
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 donald@tailgate-talks.com...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 90
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 ma...
Dec 31, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 89
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. gregsnider62@gmail.com donald@tailgate-talks.com Sequoyah Lodge 918-772-2545...
Dec 10, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 88
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. Ky@thevisitorexperience.org donald@tailgate-talks.com
Dec 03, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 87
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. jody@jodymaberry.com donald@tailgate-talks.com
Nov 19, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 86
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. tim@bestculturesolutions.ca donald@tailgate-talks.com
Nov 07, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 85
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 advi...
Oct 22, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 83
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. donald@tailgate-talks.com
Oct 15, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 82
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 donald@tailgate-talks.com...
Sep 24, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 81
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. Ricky.gease@alaska.gov donald@tailgate-talks.com
Sep 17, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 80
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.
Sep 10, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Mike Simmons joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Communications, and Achieving Results. It’s a great conversation that leaders need to hear. Mike helps business leaders and founders FIND Clarity, STOP Second-Guessing the Work They Do, and take the Next Logical Step by making fearless decisions. He is a seasoned coach and leader with over 22+ years of experience in high-growth tech companies. He helps business leaders find clarity, stop second-guessi...
Aug 27, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for the third installment of North To Alaska. If you have not listened to the first two episodes, you might want to check them out before listening to this episode. Enjoy. donald@tailgate-talks.com
Aug 14, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Roger Phelps, with STIHL Inc., Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their relationship with the recreation and conservation communities. Roger Phelps joined STIHL Inc. in 2001 as the Corporate Communications Manager. In that position, he is responsible for creating and telling the STIHL story through integrated event marketing, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and digital and social media to increase the visibility of and affinity for the STIHL brand and over 10,000 STIHL dealer...
Aug 06, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss what is next for Texas State Parks. Coming off a successful Centennial celebration, winning the gold medal, and the passage of Proposition 14, establishing a $1 billion trust fund to acquire and develop new state parks across Texas. The transformative impact alone of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund on the future of Texas State Parks and the landscape of Texas. How do you plan to implement the ...
Jul 29, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Derek Christoffel joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an exciting ride-along discussion. Derek is a Park Ranger with the Plymouth County Conservation Board. Plymouth County Conservation manages over 2,700 acres of oak timber and river bottom forest, native and reconstructed prairies, wetlands, ponds, and lakes. With numerous miles of unpaved trails, multiple campgrounds, a snow tubing hill with a lift, a disc golf course, boat ramps, picnic shelters, and playgrounds, there is something for...
Jul 23, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 74
