The Tailgate Talks Podcast Introduction

“Take the leap and never stop making a difference – that’s what Tailgate Talks is all about!” – Jody Maberry

Welcome to Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione. This podcast will be an inspiring and insightful journey about taking an active role in conservation and recreation. In this first episode, Donald welcomes Jody Maberry, an experienced podcast host and park leader. Together we explore the power of meaningful connections and our work with parks.

Donald Forgione became a park ranger in 1983. His career flourished, eventually leading him to become the director of the Florida Park Service. Now, he has developed Tailgate Talks to provide consulting, training, and speaking to cities, counties, states, and nonprofit organizations around the world.

After working as a park ranger with Washington State Parks for eight years, Jody went back to school and got an MBA. He started his podcast, the Park Leaders Show, to bring lessons from parks into the business world. He’s now done more than 1700 podcast episodes over many years across many shows.

In this episode, you will learn:

How a former Coast Guard’s skills can be applied to park rangers

The perspective of the only director to start as a park ranger in Florida

Techniques that can be found in Dr. Vincent Magnini’s book, the Ecotourism Providers Handbook

Join Donald Forgione on more episodes of Tailgate Talks as he shares real-world experience and knowledge on conservation, parks, and leadership from around the world.

“What’s in it for you is that it’s another perspective. It’s not right or wrong, and it’s not greater or lesser than what you’re thinking or what you’re doing. It’s just simply another perspective.”

Episode Highlights

[00:03:07] When you are entry-level, you are with people all the time. As you rise up you spend less time with the people there recreating. It is still fun in different ways though.

[00:06:02] Donald was an airframe aircraft mechanic and would pass a state park twice a day. He took a leap of faith and became a Florida park ranger. In the end, he rose from park ranger to park director, the only one in Florida to do that.

[00:11:48] There are 50 states, of course, and many different agencies that could really use the experience. The podcast is the vehicle to get us to where they are so we can help.

[00:13:09] Every week on Tuesdays, we will release a 30-minute segment for you. On Thursdays, we will share a short three to five-minute episode.

[00:14:37] What’s in it for you to listen to Tailgate Talks.