"Too often today everything is tech and screens… but picking up a book, putting on a pair of glasses, and seeing something really cool—it’s inspiring and fun."

Notable Moments:
00:03 – Dave’s early love for camping and the outdoors
04:47 – How 3D photography became part of his storytelling
08:44 – Behind the scenes of the Theodore Roosevelt 3D photo
11:22 – Overview of parks included in the book
13:43 – Hidden gem tip for Acadia National Park
17:20 – How kids reacted to the 3D book
21:04 – Leadership advice: “Say yes, then figure it out”
24:55 – Dave’s website and Skull Rock Podcast

Jody Maberry welcomes Disney animator turned author Dave Bossert to discuss his immersive book 3D National Parks Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before. Dave shares how the project was inspired by View-Masters, the magic of 3D photography, and the importance of sparking curiosity about parks, especially for kids who may not have visited one. The episode also touches on leadership lessons from the animation world and how saying “yes” opens new doors.

Read the blog for more from this episode on the website.

Connect with Dave Bossert

Order the book 3D National Parks Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before

For Direct orders contact Inquiry@theoldmillpress.com

Dave’s Website: https://www.davidbossert.com

Listen to the Skull Rock Podcast

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

“National parks are sacred not because of what we build, but because of what we protect.”

Notable Moments

[00:00:20.320] Introduction of Sacred Landscapes

[00:01:23.010] Sam’s unexpected inspiration to write the book

[00:08:14.120] The emotional transformation of spending years on the road

[00:18:03.540] National parks vs. theme parks — how they serve the public differently

[00:31:45.600] Designing places that spark reverence

[00:49:45.430] The legacy Sam hopes Sacred Landscapes will leave

In this episode, author and National Park volunteer Sam Gennawey shares stories from his six-year, 175,000-mile van life journey through U.S. national parks. Known for his writing on theme parks and urban planning, Sam offers a fresh perspective on the intentional design and emotional power of natural spaces. He discusses the origins of his new book Sacred Landscapes, the personal transformation of long-term travel, and the connection between preserving spaces and creating meaningful human experiences.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Sam Gennawey

Get the book Sacred Landscapes

Discover Books by Sam Gennawey

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

“You don’t have to come from parks to lead in parks. But you do have to embrace the culture, listen, and lead with purpose.”

Notable Moments

[00:02:00] Starting out as a seasonal worker builds a foundation

[00:03:40] Promoting park managers without prior experience

[00:05:18] Success stories of hiring from outside the park system

[00:08:48] Benefits of diverse backgrounds in leadership

[00:14:50] Importance of honoring legacy while bringing fresh ideas

[00:21:34] Staying close to your point of service

[00:23:00] Advice from Lee Cockerell: take notes and observe early

Can someone manage a park without ever having worked in one? Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines say “yes” and explain why in this listener-inspired episode. They received an email from Freddie, a new park manager in New York with no prior park experience. Together they unpack how fresh perspectives, paired with respect for legacy, can benefit any park system. Phil shares stories of success when hiring “off the street” and reinforces the importance of staying close to your point of service. Jody offers insight from his own unconventional journey into parks and highlights why diversity of thought can be just as valuable as field experience. Whether you’re brand new or decades deep, this episode is a reminder to lead with intention, learn from the people you serve, and never lose sight of your North Star.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/