“Disruptive innovation in parks rarely starts big. It’s often the small changes that reshape how people connect with the outdoors.”

Episode Highlights

00:42 How a small cooler forever changed camping and visitation.

05:23 – RVs and modern camping units disrupt campgrounds built in the 1930s.

09:13 – Digital platforms can drive unexpected visitor surges.

10:52 –Reshaping reservation systems and campsite use.

14:44 – Why leaders must act, not react when disruptive innovations emerge.

15:50 – QR codes, drones, and geocaching are examples of disruptive tech in action.

21:37 – Monitoring trends to keep parks relevant.

25:34 – Shifting demographics and expectations require adaptation, not resistance.

27:35 – Small steps of change often matter more than sweeping cultural shifts.

Disruptive innovations don’t always arive with fanfare. In fact, they tend to be more subtle. In parks its the seemingly small coolers, gadgets, or trends that change everything. This conversation explores how small shifts reshape recreation, why leaders must act rather than react, and how to spot the next disruption before it takes hold.

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Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

“Fear often comes from not knowing. Once you take time to learn, fear can turn into respect.”

Notable Moments

[00:02:22] Doug shares his curiosity-driven adventures in Mexico and Russia.

[00:05:00] The challenge of endless progress on a finite planet.

[00:07:18] Why wilderness is essential for grizzlies and for us.

[00:09:34] Tracking wildlife movement near highway corridors.

[00:18:55] The lasting influence of The Monkey Wrench Gang.

[00:28:02] How our treatment of bears reflects how we see ourselves.

[00:29:08] A family’s shift from fear of grizzlies to awe and respect.

[00:31:10] The need for united action to defend wilderness and parks.

Conservationist and author Doug Peacock returns to share stories from a lifetime spent in wilderness. From grizzlies in Yellowstone to tigers in Russia, Doug reflects on the threats facing wild places and the fight to protect them. He offers hard truths, hopeful lessons, and a reminder that humility is at the heart of conservation.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

More from Doug Peacock

Books by Doug Peacock

Order the book Was It Worth It? A Wilderness Warrior’s Long Trail Home

Order the book Grizzly Years

Order the book The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey, 25th anniversary edition with introduction by Doug Peacock

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

"Sometimes steady leadership, or keeping the park on course, is the most important thing we can offer."

Notable Moments

[00:01:00] Jon’s work with the Parks Institute at UC Berkeley

[00:02:20] International consulting and training park managers abroad

[00:04:15] Encouragement for park leaders during uncertain times

[00:08:30] Lessons from history and why tough times lead to renewal

[00:13:28] The balance between risk-taking and steady leadership

[00:17:40] Revisiting the idea of a standalone National Park Service

[00:21:54] Jon’s vision for the future of national parks

[00:28:53] Reforming concessions and improving visitor experience

[00:30:39] Lessons from international park systems

[00:33:27] The role of parks in healing and uniting a divided nation

Former National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis joins Jody Maberry to share insights on the challenges and future of national parks. They discuss lessons from history, the importance of steady leadership, and how partnerships, Indigenous relationships, and global perspectives shape the path ahead. Jon offers encouragement to current park leaders navigating uncertain times while painting a vision of resilience and renewal for the future.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

"Every contact we have is an opportunity to build or destroy a relationship."

Notable Moments

[00:02:00] – Why law enforcement consistently ranks among the most debated topics in parks

[00:06:20] – Chip’s background, love for the outdoors, and how nature shaped his perspective

[00:08:16] – The assumption that all rangers are law enforcement officers

[00:11:00] – How uniforms and appearance influence public perception of park rangers

[00:18:55] – The importance of branding, presence, and professionalism

[00:22:35] – Lessons from SWAT about shifting how officers show up in communities

[00:27:29] – The risks rangers face when authority is assumed but not backed by training or tools

[00:33:11] – Why connection and trust must remain the primary role of law enforcement in any setting

[00:37:54] – The reminder that passion and authenticity cannot be faked in public service

[00:43:56] – Chip’s insight: there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs

[00:45:35] – Leadership as the key to finding common ground and balancing priorities

Law enforcement in parks sparks some of the strongest debates in conservation leadership. In this episode, Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines welcome retired Kansas City Police Major Chip Huth to unpack the complexities of blending ranger identity with law enforcement responsibility. Chip shares how presence, professionalism, and human connection outweigh authority, and why leadership must embrace trade-offs rather than chase perfect solutions.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

"You take care of the people, and they will take care of the park."

Notable Moments

[00:01:26] Introduction to the four types of park managers

[00:02:04] Deep dive into People First management

[00:14:24] Park First leadership and its focus on stewardship

[00:26:56] Process Driven management: pros, cons, and structure

[00:36:14] Personality Driven management and its unpredictable nature

[00:45:14] Phil’s insight: success is found in a hybrid model

In this episode, Jody Maberry and Phil Gaines explore the four primary types of park managers: People First, Park First, Process Driven, and Personality Driven. They reflect on the advantages and cautions of each style while sharing personal stories and leadership lessons. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and the value of blending leadership approaches to best serve parks, staff, and visitors.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

"Every park has trees and trails. What makes people come back is you."

Notable Moments

[00:03:05] – Starting the keynote, the outhouse story that sparked an award

[00:07:24] – Transition from financial analyst to ranger life

[00:14:07] – Pandemic pressure and park visitation boom

[00:19:02] – Shifting from surviving to thriving post-2020

[00:26:49] – Importance of all roles: field and office

[00:30:01] – Why park staff are the defining feature of any park

[00:33:20] – Difference between “learned” and “earned” park stories

[00:38:27] – Parks’ impact on quality of life, not just economy

[00:42:41] – Michigan’s leadership in innovation and conservation

[00:47:44] – The importance of gatherings like in-service

Jody Maberry delivers his full keynote from the Michigan DNR in-service gathering, reflecting on the theme “Back to the Future of Parks.” He shares memorable stories and lessons from his time as a park ranger, during the pandemic, and how park professionals can shape the future of outdoor spaces. With humor, humility, and heartfelt appreciation, this talk highlights the power of people, the importance of public lands, and the irreplaceable value of every role in the park system.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

"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/