Part 2, Lorraine Johnson Coleman, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

32:12

DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 46:14

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Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American Culture has made it possible for her to have lived several lives already. Working in Investment Banking, Lorraine discovered Interpretation even after she had become a Storyteller and her Interpretive exploits have taken her to many places with many organizations. She has done Plenary Sessions for Annual Meetings of the National Association for Interpretation, and has worked with organizations such as the Kellogg Foundation, Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions and had her own Storytelling Series on National Public Radio. The author of several books, Lorraine has had a very special career as a storyteller, author and interpreter of African-American culture.

This is Part Two of Lorraine's conversation with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation sharing her appearance on Oprah and becoming a special adviser and performer for Hewlett-Packard and other corporations. Part 2 - Aug. 2

#timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #BlackHistory #BlackCulture #AfricanAmericanHistory #Storyteller #BlackVoices #BlackNarratives #BlackExcellence #BlackStories #OurHistory #CultureKeeper #AfricanAmericanCulture #BlackHeritage #BlackArt

80 episodes

#Science #Society #Travel #Social Sciences #Environment #timfmerriman #Talk Story

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

Part 2, Lorraine Johnson Coleman, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

80 episodes

#Science #Society #Travel #Social Sciences #Environment #timfmerriman #Talk Story

All episodes

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Michael Stuckey, CIT, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merirman on Reflections on Interpretation 42:58

4 days ago42:58

42:58

Michael Stuckey had a career of many decades with National Park Service working in both natural and cultural history parks in a variety of roles, but especially in interpretation. He tells his own story well, "Born in Los Angeles and somehow history grabbed me early on. I began to explore how to work with it professionally. Richmond Battlefield in Virginia was my first park and from there I was able to work in a dozen other parks and sites – natural and historical – and feel that the 33 years where the most wonderful one could imagine. My favorite park? Historically there is a tie between Antietam and Pearl Harbor, and the natural park is hands down, Yosemite. Interpretation has always been my focus, but I have worn many hats including law enforcement, resources management, wildland fire, management, acting Superintendent, and a special niche in living history. I worked with the Interpretive Development Program for several years as an instructor and that taught me tons about how interpretation can and should work. #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #NationalParks #PublicLands #ConservationConversation #ParksLeadership #NatureTalks #Park…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Monique Thompson, CIT, Talks Story with Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 38:11

15 days ago38:11

38:11

Monique Thompson, CIT, is a Restorative Justice practitioner, nature enthusiast, and expert in interpretive education. Her programs inspire community connection and inclusivity, with a focus on environmental and personal well-being. She has been engaged in the education field for over 25 years as an instructor, collaborator, and learner. Early in her career she taught English as a Second Language to young people in Mozambique while serving in the Peace Corps. Since 2019 she has been a very active trainer of CIGs with National Association for Interpretation. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #InterpretationMatters #HEARTApproach #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #raindropnaturalist…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Toby Merriman, Matt Villamaino, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman Talk Story about AI in Interpretation 45:47

5 weeks ago45:47

45:47

Matt Villamaino, Bill Gwaltney, Toby Merriman, and Tim Merriman gather on Zoom to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in heritage interpretation—with a focus on authenticity, ethics, and emerging opportunities. Toby Merriman, MFA, serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University, where he supports faculty in integrating AI, virtual reality, and gamification into teaching and research. This dynamic discussion examines how these technologies might enhance both interpretive training and the design of meaningful visitor experiences.…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Marc Blackburn, NPS Historian and Interpreter, Joins Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation! 33:27

7 weeks ago33:27

33:27

Born and raised in California, Marc Blackburn’s love of history led him to the Pacific Northwest, where he earned a B.A. in history from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Inspired by a passion for teaching and the complexities of the American experience, he pursued graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia. There, under the mentorship of the renowned historian Dr. Russell F. Weigley, Marc earned a Ph.D. with a focus on modern American military and diplomatic history. What began as a summer job in 1987 as a seasonal park ranger at Independence National Historical Park turned into a lifelong calling. Over more than three decades, Marc has brought history to life in some of America’s most iconic and meaningful places—from the Klondike Gold Rush site in Seattle to the battlefields and sacred lands of the Nez Perce, and from the volcanic landscapes of Lava Beds and Tule Lake to the solemn grounds of Colonial National Historical Park, where he currently serves as Manager of Visitor Experience and Community Engagement. Now based in Virginia’s historic Tidewater region with his wife, Marc continues to share stories that connect people to the past, illuminate the present, and inspire stewardship for the future.…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Matt Villamaino Joins Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney Today on Reflections on Interpretation 49:44

9 weeks ago49:44

49:44

Matt Villamaino has worked in the interpretive field for over 15 years, not counting the dinosaur museum he and a friend started in his basement at age 8. He currently works for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as the Regional Interpretive Coordinator for the Central Region. He is a Certified Interpretive Trainer, Planner, and Heritage Interpreter and has worked and done training in iconic places like the USS Constitution, Pilgrim Memorial State Park and Springfield Armory NHS in living history and interpretive roles. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
David Larsen's Legacy for Interpretive Training 1:10:02

11 weeks ago1:10:02

1:10:02

David Larsen (1960-2011) was a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger who became the Manager of Interpretive Training with National Park Service (NPS) at The Mather Employee Development Center. After many years as a frontline interpreter at sites such as the the Vietnam Memorial and Harper's Ferry National Historic Park, David stepped up to become a leader in Interpretive thought, philosophy, and training. Bill Gwaltney, Connie Rudd, and Kim Sikoryak were colleagues and collaborators with David during his training years and knew him well. Tim Merriman interviews the trio on “Reflections on Interpretation” about the enduring impact David's philosophy on training and the conceptual framework of Interpretation that has impacted the entire profession of heritage interpretation. Thanks is due NPS for our use of short clips of David speaking via a series of 5-videos available on youtube.com . We highly recommend you watch the entire series of about one hour and fifteen minutes. David's excellent interactive book entitled “Meaningful Interpretation” published by the Eastern National Cooperating Association is available through the association.…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program 22:43

13 weeks ago22:43

22:43

Today Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program. This innovative new training program for the fundamentals of the interpretive approach to communication began in October of 2024 and is now being used by many experienced trainers as a more affordable approach to training new hires, seasonal guides, docents and other frontline workers at parks, zoos, museums, nature centers, historic sites and tour companies. It includes the application of Artificial Intelligence in development of new programs, tours and presentations. Available now at https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ or by YouTube at https://youtu.be/ObEolw2Bd74 #heritageinterpretation #timmerriman #interpretivetraining…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Toby Merriman Talks Story about Artificial Intelligence with Interpretive Trainers 1:09:08

15 weeks ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Toby Merriman is the Acting Director of Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University (SIU). He and his staff assist faculty at SIU in the uses of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Gamification in teaching university students, who so readily employ these new tools. Join Monique Thompson, Clark Hancock, Rosemary Prince, Angel Burns, Matt Villamaino, Joanna Robinson and Tim Merriman in an hour and 8 minutes of Questions and Answers about the uses of these new tools in training interpreters, guides and the many people who employ an interpretive approach to communication. #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #interpretivetraining…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Trainers Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 1:15:22

16 weeks ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Interpretive Trainers are our guests this week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. Karin Hostetter, Robert Smith, Jamie Hubert, Clark Hancock, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman discuss the economic changes affecting training, the challenges of training large numbers of docents, seasonal workers and frontline staff and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on training. Join us for a lively conversation on your favorite audio platform. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #ParkPreservation #interpretivetraining…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
NPS (former) Director Bob Stanton Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 50:06

19 weeks ago50:06

50:06

With nearly four decades of experience with the National Park Service (NPS), Robert G. Stanton has an unmatched depth of experience about the Agency from top to bottom. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Robert Stanton’s experience growing up in an African American community and the need to deal with Race and Racism brought a special focus to his life and career. His career with the NPS began in 1962 when the Secretary of the Interior appointed him as a summer seasonal park ranger at Grand Teton National Park (NP) in Wyoming. He went on to a variety of other jobs including Personnel Management, Public Information Specialist, Management Assistant, Park Superintendent, Deputy Regional Director, Regional Director, Associate Director for Operations, and finally, Director of the National Park Service. As NPS Director, Stanton actively promoted Diversity within the national park system, increased opportunities for young people, and enhanced NPS public programs to better serve all Americans. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #BringingHistoryToLife #AfricanAmericanHistory…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Connie Rudd, Former NPS Interpreter and Superintendent Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 40:45

21 weeks ago40:45

40:45

Born during a snowstorm in Ft. Riley, Kansas, Connie's adventurous spirit was kindled from the start. This early connection to winter led to a passion for sled dog racing with her purebred Samoyed team, a venture she pursued for 20 years across the United States. Raised in Athens, Ohio, Connie developed a love for reading that sparked her imagination, inspired by stories like “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.” After earning a double major in English and Physical Geography from Ohio University, she continued her education at the University of Illinois, focusing on fluvial geomorphology. Connie began her career as a GS-3 Dispatcher with the National Park Service at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, later transitioning to roles at Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Parks. In 1991, she became Regional Chief of Interpretation, where she pioneered “Compelling Stories” workshops enhancing storytelling within the Service. Connie eventually served as Superintendent at several national parks before retiring in 2014. Today, she works as a professional photographer, capturing landscapes and wildlife while promoting conservation and inspiring others to connect with nature. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #NationalParks #PublicLands #ConservationConversation #ParksLeadership #NatureTalks #ParkPreservation #connieruddphotography…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
John Steinle, Museum Curator and Living History Specialist, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 45:38

23 weeks ago45:38

45:38

John Steinle, originally from Hamilton, Ohio, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dayton. After several years as a commercial artist, he switched careers to history. He obtained a master’s degree in Museum and Archival Management from Wright State University and worked as a Curator and Archivist at the Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Historical Society. In 1992, he moved to Colorado, where he held Director positions at various Ohio museums before becoming the Administrator of the Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen in 1994, under Jefferson County Open Space. Steinle was later promoted to History Education Supervisor and Region Supervisor for the Bear Creek Region, retiring in 2016. An author of several books on Frontier Forts, Colorado during the Civil War, and Silver Mining, he has been active in living history and reenactments since 1975, participating in groups like the 1st Colorado Volunteers Civil War unit and the American Military Living History Association. He currently serves as the President of the latter, presenting educational programs and taking part in events that commemorate American military history. Steinle has performed as various historical figures, including Doctor Edward Bancroft, members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a 19th Century phrenologist, Indian Agent William W. Bent, and Colorado Senator Henry Teller. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Arvada, Colorado. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #BringingHistoryToLife…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Michael Watson, Former NPS Chief of Interpretation, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 42:52

25 weeks ago42:52

42:52

Michael Watson began his career as a High School Intern at a Minute Man Missile Plant, a Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Driver, 4-H Camp Naturalist, and Naturalist at Burr Oak State Park (OH). After graduating from The Ohio State University (1967), he became a Science Teacher in the Marion (OH) Public School System (1967-1971). His National Park Service career began as a Seasonal Interpreter at Mount Rainier National Park (WA) (1971) before relocating to Everglades National Park (FL) as its Environmental Education Program Coordinator (1976). He became a Training Instructor at the Stephen T. Mather Training Center (Harpers Ferry, WV) (1981) where he developed and trained NPS Rangers who educate and interpret to park visitors and students. As Director of Interpretation for the National Park Service in Headquarters, Washington, DC (1987-1992), Watson developed policy and guidelines for 3,000+ uniformed Interpretive Park Rangers. From 1992-2006, he returned to the Mather Training Center as its Superintendent. During his career, he also completed a series of international assignments to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Russia, Austria, and others where he helped develop public interpretation and education, environmental education, and staff training programs in their respective park services. In retirement, Mike is an NPS Volunteer in Parks and has staffed the Museum of the National Park Ranger at Yellowstone NP several summers. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #NationalParkService #NPS #NationalParks #NatureInterpretation #ParkRanger #Conservation #ExploreYourPark…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Rob Pacheco, Hawaii Forest & Trail Founder, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 43:20

27 weeks ago43:20

43:20

Rob Pacheco's journey began in California, where he spent his formative years assisting a local beekeeper and fostering a deep curiosity for the nature around him. At the University of Colorado, Rob enrolled in a multi-disciplinary environmental program while beekeeping for researchers studying honey bee genetics. He moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, eager to immerse himself in the world of bees. Along this path, Rob blossomed into an extraordinary naturalist, marked by an insatiable curiosity and remarkable skill. As a student, he discovered his knack for engaging with children through bee programs, igniting a desire to work in education and outreach. In Hawaii, he expanded this passion into children's tours, which evolved into Hawaii Forest & Trail—a company that has become one of the most respected and sought-after experiences in the islands. For over 31 years, Rob has championed interpretation as a foundational value for HFT. Now, as the Founder and CEO, he is entrusting the business to his son and other family members while continuing to share his expertise on the trails, a skilled naturalist and storyteller with countless tales to share.…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
ET Collinsworth, Cowboy Poet and Storyteller, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 43:59

29 weeks ago43:59