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Tailgate Talks

Tailgate Talks

De: Donald Forgione
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 Welcome to Tailgate Talks, weekly talks with former Director of Florida State Parks Donald Forgione. Join Donald on the back of his tailgate for a conversation about conservation, recreation, business, and more.2024 Economía Exito Profesional Gestión Gestión y Liderazgo
Episodios
  • Firefighting And Firelighting Training

    Firefighting And Firelighting Training
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione sits down with longtime friend and fire professional Zach Prusak to discuss the evolving world of online fire training. With decades of boots-on-the-ground experience and a passion for meaningful instruction, Zach shares how virtual learning can be effective, engaging, and even life-saving—when done right.

    Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of delivering fire training online, especially for park rangers, prescribed burn crews, and resource managers. From best practices in adult learning to practical tips for fireline leaders and instructors, this episode is packed with insights for anyone tasked with keeping teams safe and skilled in the digital age.

    Topics Covered:

    • What makes online fire training effective—and what doesn’t

    • Balancing hands-on field experience with virtual learning

    • Designing training that’s engaging, interactive, and memorable

    • How to reach newer staff with limited fireline exposure

    • The importance of storytelling and scenario-based learning

    • Advice for trainers building or leading virtual fire programs

    About the Guest:
    Zach Prusak has decades of fire and land management experience in both the public and private sectors. He's known nationwide for his work in prescribed fire, wildland fire safety, and workforce development. Zach combines practical field knowledge with instructional expertise to mentor the next generation of fire professionals.

    zprusak@talltimbers.org

    donald@tailgate-talks.com

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    38 m
  • Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management

    Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management
    Jun 10 2025

    🎙 Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione
    Episode Title: Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management
    Guest: Brian Pinson

    Show Notes:

    In this episode of Tailgate Talks, I sit down with Brian Pinson, a seasoned leader in environmental land management with nearly 30 years of frontline experience in wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Brian has led emergency response teams across the country and has built a career defined by courage, calm under pressure, and a commitment to service.

    When I served as Director of the Florida Park Service, Brian was the person I trusted to “run in when others were running out.” His wisdom and leadership style in high-stakes situations have influenced countless professionals in the field—and today, you get to hear directly from him.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:

    • 🔥 What true leadership looks like during a crisis

    • 🌪 Lessons learned from managing hurricanes, wildfires, and multi-agency operations

    • 🧭 How to prepare your team before the emergency ever begins

    • 💬 Communicating effectively under stress

    • 💡 The importance of humility, trust, and clear-headed decision-making

    • 👥 Building teams that function when the pressure is highest

    Brian shares practical advice and personal stories that will resonate with anyone responsible for parks, public lands, emergency planning, or staff safety.

    Key Quote:
    "Leadership is forged long before the storm ever hits. It’s about building trust, setting expectations, and training for the worst so you can deliver your best." – Brian Pinson

    Resources & Mentions:
    If you’d like to reach out to Brian or learn more about emergency leadership best practices, you can contact him at: bstobee@gmail.com

    Connect with Donald Forgione:
    🌐 www.tailgate-talks.com
    📧 donald@tailgate-talks.com
    📱 Follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram

    Subscribe & Share:
    If this episode sparked new ideas or reaffirmed your commitment to leadership, share it with a fellow park professional or emergency responder. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps keep these important conversations going.
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    36 m
  • Episode 100; The Journey So Far

    Episode 100; The Journey So Far
    May 28 2025
    Welcome to Tailgate Talks, where we gather around the tailgate to talk about the places we love, the people who steward them, and the leadership it takes to make it all happen. I'm your host, Donald Forgione—and today is a special day. This is Episode 100. That's right—Tailgate Talks has officially hit triple digits. When I launched this podcast, my goal was simple: to create something meaningful for park, forestry, and wildlife professionals, recreation leaders, conservationists, friend groups, concessionaires, and anyone who finds purpose in the great outdoors. I never imagined how far we'd come or how many of you would tune in from all 50 states and other countries. Over the past 100 episodes, we've shared stories from the field, explored leadership lessons, learned from the successes and challenges of others, and sparked meaningful conversations about stewardship, innovation, and community. We've laughed, we've listened, and we've leaned into what makes our work so special. I've spoken with rangers, directors, volunteers, authors, professors, and trailblazers—each with a story that has helped shape our field and inspire our listeners. And through it all, the message has been clear: this work matters. Your work matters. Nature matters. People matter. And leadership—humble, consistent, values-driven leadership—matters. And personally? It's changed me. Every episode has taught me something new, and I am deeply grateful for the growth, connection, and purpose this podcast has brought into my life. Alongside Tailgate Talks, I've had the joy of cowriting The Ecotourism Providers Handbook. That book was a labor of love—an effort to capture best management practices, hard lessons, and the tools that help responsible providers share our wild spaces in meaningful, respectful ways. Many of you have told me it's helped you start something new or strengthen what you're already doing. Thank you for that feedback—it means the world to me. And more recently, I've taken a new leap—into the world of children's literature. I'm thrilled to announce my upcoming book series: The Ranger's Wild Adventure Trio. It features Briar Bear, Silas Squirrel, and Ollie Otter—three friends who hike, learn, and grow through wilderness adventures and the wisdom of their guide, Ranger Riley. The first title, Briar Bear's Journey to the Bear Tree, will be available for sale in your gift shop this Fall and in bookstores next spring. This series is for the next generation of nature lovers—kids who, I hope, will one day be our rangers, our scientists, our educators, and our advocates. It's whimsical and fun but grounded in real environmental education and park experiences. Just like this podcast, it's about connection—to nature, to history, and one another. But we're not done yet. We're just getting started. As we look to the future of Tailgate Talks, I would like to invite you to be part of what's next. I'm exploring the idea of creating a membership group—a place where listeners can connect beyond the podcast. A community where we can continue the conversation after each episode, share ideas, and grow together as professionals and as people. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm also considering hosting an annual event—a Ranger Retreat gathering where park, forestry, and wildlife professionals, conservationists, and outdoor leaders from all levels and agencies can come together. No matter your role or where you work, this would be a place to meet like-minded folks, swap stories, build connections, and leave inspired. Think of it as a live version of the tailgate—full of learning, networking, and camaraderie. Would you come? Let me know! And what about video? Would you like to see and hear the conversations? It's something I'm exploring, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. And remember, Tailgate Talks isn't just a podcast. It's part of the larger work I do through Donald Forgione, LLC, offering leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and training to recreation and conservation agencies and professionals. Whether you're developing your team, launching a project, or trying to elevate your agency—I'd be honored to help. This podcast has brought me immense joy, and it wouldn't be possible without you—my listeners, my friends, and my colleagues in the field. If this podcast has ever made you smile, taught you something new, or helped you feel connected to the mission we all share, please send me a note. If you email me at donald@tailgate-talks.com, I'll send you a Tailgate Talks sticker as a token of appreciation for being part of this milestone. And hey—maybe you have a story to share. Want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out! I'm always looking for real stories from real people doing the real work of recreation, conservation, and leadership. To my family, past guests, and so many others—thank you for your support. To every park ranger who's cleared a trail, welcomed a visitor,...
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    7 m
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