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The Parks Podcast will take listeners on a journey to regional, state and national parks around the United States. We will learn why the parks were created and explore planning your own visit to parks.
70 Episodes
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What started as a simple Instagram account to document outdoor adventures quickly evolved into a nationwide movement. In this episode of The Parks Podcasat, host Missy Rentz sits down with Justin Yoder, the founder and executive director of LGBTQ Outdoors. Justin shares the "happy accident" that led to the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that now spans over 23 states with dozens of ambassadors. They dive deep into the unique barriers minority communities face in nature—from the need for vis...
"I want them to look back and say, 'This was my school'—not just a park I visit." What if a child’s first classroom wasn’t surrounded by four walls, but by 2,500 acres of wild Maryland landscape? In this episode, host Missy Rentz sits down with Katrina Fauss, Principal Park Naturalist at Black Hill Discovery Center, to explore the transformative power of nature-based education. Hidden just miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Black Hill Regional Park is more than just a scenic backdrop ...
Cuyahoga Valley proves that a park doesn't have to be "untouched" to be transformative. Whether you’re there for a high-intensity hike or a quiet glass of wine at a park-hosted vineyard, there is truly something for everyone. Support the show
In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz sits down with Tara Ross and Nancy Martinz, former National Park Service law enforcement rangers and the creators of the hit podcast Crime Off the Grid. Forget the salacious horror stories; Tara and Nancy bring decades of real-world experience to the table to discuss the reality of law enforcement in the wild. From the unpredictability of "Ranger Tales" to the complexities of federal jurisdiction, they pull back the curtain on what it’s r...
In this urgent episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz sits down with Sam Chadwick, Associate Director of Save The Boundary Waters, to discuss a critical and unprecedented threat to one of Minnesota’s most iconic landscapes. Despite a 20-year mining ban enacted in 2023 to protect these pristine headwaters, a new joint resolution in Congress seeks to roll back these protections and pave the way for copper mining. Sam breaks down why this specific type of mining is so dangerous for a wat...
"How is it we hear the loudest yelps for liberty from the drivers of Negroes?" (Samuel Johnson) In the shadow of Independence Hall, where the words "We the People" were first penned, stood the executive mansion of George Washington. But while the first President was establishing the traditions of American democracy, he was also orchestrating a secret scheme to circumvent Pennsylvania’s abolition laws and maintain his hold on nine enslaved human beings. In this series premiere of the "Our Stor...
Welcome to our story, a new series from The Parks Podcast. I'm your host, Missy Rentz. I've shared that I came to the Parks for nature, but I'm really drawn to the history and the stories that make up our parks. It may be one person whose actions led to the creation or expansion of the park, or maybe a unique or endangered animal that calls the park home. Maybe it's a pivotal event that marks our history in unique and meaningful ways. These people, places, and events make up our collect...
Journey south of the Equator to explore one of the most remote and culturally rich gems in the National Park System. In this episode, host Missy Rentz sits down with PT Lathrop, the Superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, to dive into what makes this park a true bucket-list destination. Spanning three islands—Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta'ū—this park preserves the only paleo-tropical rainforest in the United States and some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world. From "Big Mama" (...
Is your park pass still valid? We’re talking with artist Jenny McCarty about the sticker that shook the Department of the Interior. As the 2026 NPS pass becomes a political lightning rod, we dive into a sticker controversy, the administration's crackdown on modified passes, and the role of art in protecting the spirit of our public lands. The parks didn't ask to be part of the debate—but they’re right in the middle of it. Support the show
Guest: Kate Severson, Program Manager for Interpretation, Outreach, and Partnership Grab your life jacket and your sense of adventure! In this episode, we head to Northern Minnesota to explore Voyageurs National Park, a landscape defined by its interconnected waterways, ancient geology, and the spirit of the French-Canadian fur traders who gave the park its name. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Kate Severson to discuss the park’s unique 50-year history and why this "difficult to get to" desti...
This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future. Support the show
Step into a cathedral of giants. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz journeys to the misty shores of Northern California to explore Redwoods National and State Parks. Join us as we sit down with Patrick Taylor, the park’s Interpretation and Education Program Manager, to uncover why this park is so much more than just a collection of big trees. We dive into the "arranged marriage" between the state and federal government that keeps the park running, the counter-intuitive sci...
Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States. In this epsiode we'll learn about the origin of First Day Hike, and all the opportunities to play in parks around the country this January 1. Support the show
Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more. Support the show
New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more. Support the show
Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities. Support the show
Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode. Support the show
Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best. Support the show
Winter is a great time to explore our parks and public lands. Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a variety of activities, including hikes, boat parades, luminary tours, and more. Listen to this episode to learn about all the great things happening in Arizona this holiday season and for First Day Hikes! Support the show
Finding a community to join and explore our parks is a great entry into outdoor Adventures. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison started GirlTREK with the mission of increasing the life expectancy of black women by 10 years in 10 years. With more than 1 million members, GirlTREK is changing lives and building community. Support the show
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