Welcome to Tailgate Talks, weekly talks with former Park Ranger Donald Forgione. Join Donald on the back of his tailgate for a conversation about conservation, recreation, business, and more.
Tailgate Talks
Claim This Podcastby Donald Forgione
5.0(26 reviews)
116 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
74
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality82
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YouTube85
Engagement82
Podcast Overview
Welcome to Tailgate Talks, weekly talks with former Park Ranger Donald Forgione. Join Donald on the back of his tailgate for a conversation about conservation, recreation, business, and more.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/17/2023
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74
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality82
Social0
YouTube85
Engagement82
8
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excellent
Episode Length
35 minutes
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Every 8 days
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Recent Episodes
May 12, 2026
Leave No Trace: Far More Than Just Picking Up Trash
<h3 data-section-id="1nutnp4" data-start="64" data-end="98">Leave No Trace with Mark Eller</h3> <p data-start="100" data-end="371">This episode on Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione sits down with <span class="whitespace-normal">Mark Eller</span> from <a class="decorated-link" href= "https://lnt.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel= "noopener" data-start="205" data-end="261">Leave No Trace</a> for a conversation about protecting the outdoors through education, stewardship, and personal responsibility.</p> <p data-start="373" data-end="745">Mark shares the story behind the Leave No Trace movement, the growing pressures facing parks and public lands, and why simple actions by everyday visitors can make a lasting difference. The discussion explores how outdoor recreation professionals, park managers, volunteers, and visitors all play a role in protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.</p> <p data-start="747" data-end="1107">The episode also highlights the importance of practical, science-based outdoor ethics, visitor education, and the challenge of balancing increased visitation with conservation. Donald and Mark discuss how Leave No Trace principles apply not only in remote wilderness settings, but also in local parks, campgrounds, beaches, trails, and everyday outdoor spaces.</p> <p data-start="1109" data-end="1124">Topics include:</p> <ul data-start="1125" data-end="1523"> <li data-section-id="trjw9y" data-start="1125" data-end="1170">The history and mission of Leave No Trace</li> <li data-section-id="1ggftft" data-start="1171" data-end="1215">The Seven Principles and why they matter</li> <li data-section-id="1j5ubcb" data-start="1216" data-end="1271"> Protecting parks during periods of heavy visitation</li> <li data-section-id="1iadeew" data-start="1272" data-end="1313"> Visitor behavior and resource impacts</li> <li data-section-id="ce0cya" data-start="1314" data-end="1346"> Education versus enforcement</li> <li data-section-id="1vevnsa" data-start="1347" data-end="1410"> Stewardship partnerships with parks and recreation agencies</li> <li data-section-id="1yi1wst" data-start="1411" data-end="1479">How recreation professionals can build a culture of conservation</li> <li data-section-id="b2bh4i" data-start="1480" data-end="1523">The future of outdoor ethics in America</li> </ul> <p data-start="1525" data-end="1726">Whether you work in parks, recreation, forestry, wildlife management, tourism, or simply love the outdoors, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for caring for the places we all enjoy.</p> <h3 data-section-id="13eaeyq" data-start="1728" data-end="1747"> About the Guest</h3> <p data-start="1748" data-end="2122"><span class= "whitespace-normal">Leave No Trace</span> is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the outdoors through education, research, and stewardship. Mark Eller serves as Director of Membership and Communications, helping lead outreach, storytelling, partnerships, and educational initiatives that support responsible outdoor recreation.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1m3omo7" data-start="2124" data-end="2138"> Learn More</h3> <ul data-start="2139" data-end="2306"> <li data-section-id="80xjia" data-start="2139" data-end="2207"> <a class="decorated-link" href= "https://lnt.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel= "noopener" data-start="2141" data-end="2205">Leave No Trace Website</a></li> <li data-section-id="6q3bkd" data-start="2208" data-end="2306"> <a class="decorated-link" href= "https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target= "_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2210" data-end="2304">The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace</a></li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1qwrr2i" data-start="2308" data-end="2331"> Contact Information</h3> <ul data-start="2332" data-end="2436"> <li data-section-id="1qe0of8" data-start="2332" data-end="2369"> General Information: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel= "noopener" data-start="2355" data-end="2367">info@LNT.org</a></li> <li data-section-id="189y14v" data-start="2370" data-end="2436"> Mark Eller: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="2384" data-end="2396">Mark@LNT.org</a></li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="138ycos" data-start="2438" data-end="2469"> Connect with Tailgate Talks</h3> <p data-start="2470" data-end="2548">For speaking, training, consulting, or podcast inquiries with Donald Forgione:</p> <ul data-start="2550" data-end="2695"> <li data-section-id="168jw2j" data-start="2550" data-end="2585"> Email: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="2559" data-end= "2583">donald.forgione@gmail.com</a></li> <li data-section-id="idgv1f" data-start="2586" data-end="2695"> LinkedIn: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2598" data-end="2695">Donald Forgione on LinkedIn</a></li> </ul>
May 5, 2026
Connecting Kids to Parks: Partnerships That Build the Next Generation of Stewards
<p data-start="320" data-end="463">Out here on the Tailgate, we talk a lot about the future of parks. In this episode, we're getting right to the heart of it—our next generation.</p> <p data-start="465" data-end="664">I'm joined by <span class= "whitespace-normal">Ivan Levin</span> from the <span class= "whitespace-normal">National Park Trust</span>, an organization dedicated to connecting kids and families to parks, public lands, and the outdoors.</p> <p data-start="666" data-end="874">Ivan brings a national perspective on how partnerships between park agencies, nonprofits, and communities can create meaningful opportunities for young people to experience parks—many for the very first time.</p> <p data-start="876" data-end="1076">We talk about what's working across the country, how programs like <strong data-start="943" data-end="964">Kids to Parks Day</strong> are making an impact, and how park professionals at every level can plug into these efforts in a practical way.</p> <p data-start="1078" data-end="1192">This is a conversation about access, stewardship, and making sure the parks we care for today are valued tomorrow.</p> <hr data-start="1194" data-end="1197" /> <h3 data-section-id="1o7m2qy" data-start="1199" data-end="1235"> <span role="text"><strong data-start="1203" data-end="1235">In This Episode, We Discuss:</strong></span></h3> <ul data-start="1237" data-end="1572"> <li data-section-id="e3e3ty" data-start="1237" data-end="1290">The mission and impact of the National Park Trust</li> <li data-section-id="fnse35" data-start="1291" data-end="1347">Why early connections to parks matter more than ever</li> <li data-section-id="17c6ewe" data-start="1348" data-end="1395">How partnerships expand reach and resources</li> <li data-section-id="1czd4pc" data-start="1396" data-end="1458"> Practical ways park professionals can get involved locally</li> <li data-section-id="j875yu" data-start="1459" data-end="1502"> Success stories from across the country</li> <li data-section-id="1rq3s1h" data-start="1503" data-end="1572"> Building lifelong stewards through meaningful outdoor experiences</li> </ul> <hr data-start="1574" data-end="1577" /> <h3 data-section-id="qeonxq" data-start="1579" data-end="1603"> <span role="text"><strong data-start="1583" data-end="1603">Why This Matters</strong></span></h3> <p data-start="1605" data-end="1843">If we want strong parks in the future, we need strong connections today. Programs that introduce kids to the outdoors aren't just nice to have—they are essential to the long-term sustainability of our profession and the places we protect.</p> <hr data-start="1845" data-end="1848" /> <h3 data-section-id="1epywuf" data-start="1850" data-end="1868"> <span role="text"><strong data-start="1854" data-end="1868">Learn More</strong></span></h3> <p data-start="1870" data-end="1978">To learn more about the National Park Trust and how you can get involved, visit:<br data-start="1950" data-end="1953" /> 👉 <a class="decorated-link" href="https://parktrust.org/" target= "_new" rel="noopener" data-start="1956" data-end= "1978">https://parktrust.org/</a></p> <hr data-start="1980" data-end="1983" /> <h3 data-section-id="4vhflo" data-start="1985" data-end="2020"> <span role="text"><strong data-start="1989" data-end="2020">Connect with Tailgate Talks</strong></span></h3> <p data-start="2022" data-end="2195">If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your team and colleagues. Together, we can keep growing as professionals and strengthening the impact of parks across the country.</p> <p data-start="2022" data-end="2195"><a href= "mailto:donald.forgione@gmail.com">donald.forgione@gmail.com</a> </p>
February 24, 2026
Loving Our Parks to Death: The Real Conversation About Carrying Capacity
<p data-start="999" data-end="1030">How many visitors are too many?</p> <p data-start="1032" data-end="1428">It is one of the most important and most misunderstood questions in parks and public lands today. In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald sits down with <strong><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Jonathan Brunjes,</span></strong> Deputy Administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks, to unpack the concept of carrying capacity and why it is not just about counting people. It is about protecting resources, preserving visitor experience, and making thoughtful management decisions that sustain parks for generations.</p> <p data-start="1430" data-end="1452">Together they explore:</p> <ul data-start="1454" data-end="1951"> <li data-section-id="1ku08gd" data-start="1454" data-end="1517"> <p data-start="1456" data-end="1517">What carrying capacity really means, beyond a simple number</p> </li> <li data-section-id="rdv4r0" data-start="1518" data-end="1598"> <p data-start="1520" data-end="1598">The difference between physical, ecological, social, and managerial capacity</p> </li> <li data-section-id="6wcrqh" data-start="1599" data-end="1654"> <p data-start="1601" data-end="1654">Why "more visitation" is not always a success story</p> </li> <li data-section-id="1cxef1o" data-start="1655" data-end="1729"> <p data-start="1657" data-end="1729">How crowding affects both natural resources and the visitor experience</p> </li> <li data-section-id="1awohc6" data-start="1730" data-end="1798"> <p data-start="1732" data-end="1798">Practical tools park leaders can use to evaluate use and impacts</p> </li> <li data-section-id="1sg8gvs" data-start="1799" data-end="1876"> <p data-start="1801" data-end="1876">The role of communication, expectations, and education in managing demand</p> </li> <li data-section-id="18q8047" data-start="1877" data-end="1951"> <p data-start="1879" data-end="1951">Why carrying capacity is ultimately about stewardship, not restriction</p> </li> </ul> <p data-start="1953" data-end="2193">This conversation brings real world perspective to an issue many agencies are grappling with as visitation grows nationwide. It is an honest look at how we balance access with preservation, while staying true to the mission of public lands.</p> <p data-start="2195" data-end="2403">Whether you are a park professional, planner, elected official, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how we care for the places entrusted to us.</p> <p data-start="2195" data-end="2403"><a href= "mailto:jbrunjes@parks.nv.gov">jbrunjes@parks.nv.gov</a> </p> <p data-start="2195" data-end="2403"><a href= "mailto:donald.forgione@gmail.com">donald.forgione@gmail.com</a> </p>
116 total episodes available
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