NPS (former) Director Bob Stanton Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

52:22

Season 3 of the smash hit FX/Hulu show “The Bear” roared to life just days ago, but Will Poulter (the actor who plays fan-favorite Luca) and 2014 F&W Best New Chef Dave Beran had been prepping for weeks. Poulter — like his co-star Jeremy Allen White — staged with Beran at his Santa Monica restaurant Pasjoli to learn how to accurately portray a professional chef onscreen. The lessons went so well, Beran says he’d hire Poulter as a cook — even despite a messy mishap with a pastry bag. The two dished all about getting kitchen culture right on and offscreen, what it takes to be at the top of your craft, and the pure magic of a great restaurant service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 50:06

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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.

#timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #BringingHistoryToLife #AfricanAmericanHistory

77 episodes

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

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

NPS (former) Director Bob Stanton 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

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.

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/

77 episodes

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

All episodes

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

3 days 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

18 days 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

5 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

7 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

9 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

10 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

13 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

15 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

17 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

19 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

21 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

23 weeks ago43:59

43:59

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story for an engaging conversation with author, photographer, mule packer, storyteller, and cowboy poet E.T. Collinsworth. Together, they will explore E.T.'s remarkable life, adventures, and experiences on both sides of the border. E.T. Collinsworth hails from Tennessee but has deep ties to Chicago and the Czech Republic. After pursuing a traditional education, he ventured to the unconventional Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. There, he embraced a call for adventure, taking a summer job as a cowboy on a cattle ranch in Brazil. Immersing himself in the culture, E.T. not only learned Portuguese but also honed his skills as a saddle tramp, launching a diverse career that spanned South America, Mexico, and the U.S.-Mexico border. His work with the U.S. Forest Service in support of wildland firefighting, along with his role as a Volunteer-In-Parks for the National Park Service, showcases his commitment to the land and its stories. A multi-talented individual and an extraordinary storyteller, E.T. Collinsworth draws from his rich experiences to cultivate a unique perspective on languages and a profound empathy for different cultures. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a consummate storyteller whose narratives resonate with adventure and heart. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #TimMerriman #heritageinterpretation #CowboyPoetry #Storyteller #CowboyLife #CowboyStories #RuralStoryteller #WesternCulture #TalesFromTheTrail #WildernessPoet #OutdoorsAndPoetry #LifeOfACowboy #PoeticJourney…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Walt Dabney, Former NPS Superintendent, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 52:27

25 weeks ago52:27

52:27

Immerse yourself in an enlightening conversation with Walt Dabney, a distinguished former National Park Service Superintendent, NPS Chief Ranger, and ex-Director of Texas State Parks. Walt's illustrious career spans decades, marked by his significant contributions to both our cherished National Parks and the Texas State Parks system. Early in his tenure with the NPS, Walt was entrusted with the unique role of accompanying Freeman Tilden, fondly known as "The Father of Interpretation," as his host, driver, guide, and "adjutant" for a year. This transformative experience saw them journey across the National Park System, engaging in profound daily discussions about life, public lands, and the art of Interpretation. A proud 1969 alumnus of Texas A&M, Dabney dedicated over thirty years to the National Park Service. Post-retirement, he revitalized the Texas State Parks, turning an underfunded system into a well-financed, professional, customer-oriented, and technologically advanced entity. Now, in his second retirement, Walt remains a passionate advocate for the preservation, protection, and enjoyment of Public Lands. Discover more about his insights by watching his video: "The History & Future of America's Public Land with Walt Dabney." https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #NationalParks #TexasStateParks #PublicLands #ConservationConversation #ParksLeadership #WaltDabney #NatureTalks #ParkPreservation…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Susan Marie Frontczak, Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 46:48

27 weeks ago46:48

46:48

This week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters our guest is Susan Marie Frontczak. Storysmith® Susan Marie Frontczak's deeply researched Living History programs are the center of her repertoire. In her programs as Marie Curie, Mary Shelley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Irene Castle, Erma Bombeck and Clara Barton, Susan Marie melts, stretches, and reforms the boundaries between theatre, storytelling, and public speaking. These programs are presented with no imaginary "fourth wall" between the historical figure and the audience. Rather, the audience travels back in time to hear from and converse with the historical personage. Many of these are in the "Chautauqua" format consisting of a monologue in character, followed first by a Q&A with the historical figure, and then a Q&A out of character as the scholar. Susan Marie has presented over 900 Living History programs in 43 of the United States and nine countries abroad since 2001.…

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

1
Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of Smithsonian Institution, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney 57:19

29 weeks ago57:19