What’s Up, Interpreters? A Podcast from the National Association for Interpretation

Ride along with interpreters who participated in NAI's international un-conference in Morocco, from the streets of Marrakech to the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert! NAI's Paul Caputo checks in with participants over the course of six days from NAI's first event on the African continent.

In this episode, we speak with Charlotte Giraudo, Interpretation Program Manager at the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). As the steward of 57 overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials, ABMC honors the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. armed forces. Charlotte shares the profound responsibility of interpreting these global sites, how ABMC utilizes NAI's professional development programs to strengthen their interpretive work, and the significance of honoring the fallen through meaningful storytelling. She is joined by NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott.

Jim Buchholz, director of the Schmeeckle Reserve at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, joins to discuss interpretive planning, exhibit design, and his popular recurring NAI Conference session, the Wayside Olympics. He is the co-author of several publications, most notably Signs, Trails, And Wayside Exhibits: Connecting People And Places, part of the Interpreter's Handbook Series. Jim has served as a volunteer naturalist, was an outdoor educator at the Outdoor Skills and Education Center, developed the Interpretive Technology Lab at the Schmeeckle Reserve, and teaches environmental interpretation courses at Wisconsin Stevens Point. He joins NAI's Song Stott and Paul Caputo on this episode.

ZooTampa applies behavioral research to develop interpretive programs co-led by Guest Engagement Guides and Animal Care Staff. Shelly Drummond and Kerry Gray discuss with Song Stott and Paul Caputo how the process improves guest experiences.

Howard Aprill has had a storied career as a park naturalist with Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee. He shares insights gleaned from nearly 30 years in the field, not to mention a lifetime in a family of interpretation royalty, with Heather Manier and Paul Caputo.

Griffin Bray, Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, is a member of NAI's Young Professionals Council who employs dialogic interpretation in nature guiding. He joins to discuss with NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo.

Dan Jenkins is just two years into his career with Cleveland Metroparks, but he's making his mark with an ambitious webcam program, presenting a session at his first NAI Conference, and winning NAI's annual 5K fun run. Dan joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott.

Join Paul and Song with guest Jennifer Chapman, Education Manager with Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, as she discusses front-line interpreter daily warm-up exercises and general interpretation within Epcot Animal Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.

Newly elected NAI Board member Nathan Taxel, Interpretive Programs Curator with OC Parks, discusses the role interpretation plays in building community at the NAI regional level, in the profession as a whole, and in our larger communities. Nathan joins NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo to chat about his goals for his first term on the NAI Board.

Jacquie Gilson (she/her) has been involved in the interpretation profession for over 45 years as an interpreter, manager, and researcher. She has worked for municipal, provincial, national, and not-for-profit park and heritage organizations. In 2015, she completed her Doctor of Social Sciences degree after studying inspiration in interpretation for her dissertation. In 2020, Jacquie retired after 8 years as the Interpretation Coordinator for Parks Canada in Lake Louise, Banff National Park. Jacquie joins Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in interpretation.

What role does interpretation play in helping state parks achieve their goals and serve visitors? Emily Jacobs of Washington State Parks and Rob Barrett of Tennessee State Parks join NAI's Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss.

NAI staff members Madison Hyatt, Song Stott, Heather Manier, and Paul Caputo recap 2024 and look forward to what's to come in 2025.

The sold-out NAI 2024 conference brought interpreters from around the world to St. Augustine, Florida. NAI's Heather Manier and Emily McCowan spoke with participants and exhibitors during the event.

It's Thanksgiving Day and we're thankful that Margo Carlock was the executive director for NAI from 2013 to 2020. Margo returns to chat about interpretation, retired life, and her dog Lucky with NAI's Song Stott and Paul Caputo.

Jim Peters and his son John have been involved in the industry of interpretive graphics since before there were computers to help them complete projects as far away as Saudi Arabia. They join NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo to talk about their decades of work with their companies Interpretive Graphics and Envirosigns, and how the field has changed (or not) in all those years.

Kathryn Leann Harris is the Founder & CEO of Interpreting Sports, LLC, which aims to re-center the international sports conversation around empathy, balanced humanity, and authentic connection. Kathryn Leann joins NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo.

Volunteers play a critical role at interpretive sites, but until now, NAI has never had a community dedicated to enhancing the skills and experience of interpretive volunteers. On this episode, NAI's Heather Manier and Song Stott chat with Shawna Skinner and Shaunna Costicov-McCombe, the director and deputy director of NAI's brand-new Volunteer Section.

Cyark uses 3D modeling to provide access to heritage sites around the world, creating virtual experiences for web and mobile as well as immersive experiences for a variety of virtual reality platforms. Cyark Chairman John Ristevski and Vice President of Programs and Development Elizabeth Lee join to discuss the work they do with NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo. Cyark is an NAI commercial member and the platinum sponsor for the 2024 NAI National Conference.

Masa Shintani is a pioneer in the field of community-based ecotourism field. He established “NGO ECOLOGIC” with the mission “to protect the natural environment, regional cultures, and dignity of the local community through community-based ecotourism and interpretation.” He has supported CBET development activities in 18 countries around the world. Masa is joined live from his ecotour site near Mt. Fuji in Japan by NAI Executive Director Paul Caputo.    

Jessica Doleh and Lauren Hennessey, members of the leadership team for NAI's Young Professionals Section, share insights into this new community and its significance as a resource for young professionals. They discuss the unique challenges young professionals face and the exciting future plans for the section. NAI's Emily McCowan and Madison Hyatt join them in the conversation.

This week, we are excited to welcome Theodore 'Ted' Johnson, the Community Engagement Specialist at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Fort Caroline National Memorial. Ted shares insights into the challenges of interpreting a site rich in both history and nature, highlighting the diverse voices that contribute their stories and the crucial role of community support. Joining him in this conversation are NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott.

This week's podcast features Toby Bloom, the National Program Manager for Travel, Tourism, and Interpretation at the USDA Forest Service. Toby shares her journey into this role, the significance of interpretation within a federal agency, and her collaborative efforts with international sites. NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott join the conversation.

Katie Shea, Member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation & NAI Board, is steadfast in her commitment to educating about the cultural and political sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. Katie's passion for elevating voices through connection and community quickly revealed to her that promoting cultural understanding can be impactful through the art of interpretation. She joins NAI's Heather Manier and Emily McCowan.

Registration is open for the NAI Conference, December 3–6, St. Augustine, Florida! Join the NAI Conference Committee for this preview of NAI 2024. Amanda Thompson, Conference Chair Marthalynne Allen, Program Chair Jennifer Chapman, Community Outreach Chair Alaina Allen, Volunteer Chair Caroline Lochner, Local Arrangements/Field Trip Chair Learn more at nai-us.org/NAIConference

Marc Stern and Bob Powell have served as the editors of NAI's Journal of Interpretation Research for more than half a decade. In this episode, they discuss the value of research within the profession, and their own work as researchers. Marc J. Stern, PhD, is a
professor in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
at Virginia Tech. Bob Powell
is the director of the Institute for Parks and the
George B. Hartzog, Jr. Endowed Professor at
Clemson University.

In this episode, we welcome Nadina Galle, Ecological Engineer, National Geographic Explorer & Author of "The Nature of Our Cities." Nadina shares her insights on urban ecology, discussing how environmental data and natural behaviors can bridge the gap between technology and nature, emphasizing the role interpretation can play in this process. She joins NAI's Heather Manier and Song Stott.

Liz Morrell is the Strategic Planning & Historic, Cultural, and Community Resources Manager for the Parks and Recreation Department in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. She discusses the process of restoring Latta Place and highlights the involvement of community partners. Latta Place is reimagining its operations and interpretive experiences to ensure historically accurate and inclusive storytelling. NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott join her.

Colby Brokvist is an adventure guide, author, and trainer of interpretive guides around the world. Colby published a book on adventure guiding, The Professional Guide's Handbook, which includes a chapter summarizing thematic interpretation principles for guides. Colby joins Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss adventure guiding and interpretation.

The "Interpreting Environmental Justice" online conference is back for a second year! This episode of "What's Up Interpreters?" features leaders from the two NAI sections that are putting on this event: Caroline Lochner of the NAI Sustainability Section and Richard Munoz of the NAI Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Section. Caroline and Richard join Heather Manier and Paul Caputo to discuss the critical issues of interpreting environmental justice!

James is a Conservation Interpreter at the Dallas Zoo and a Senior Guest Experience Associate at the Children's Aquarium Dallas. He has been working as an interpreter for over 7 years, yet his connection with interpretation extends far beyond that, spurred by his deep appreciation for communication and human bonds. His travels commenced in late 2020, leading him to delve into diverse cultures across the globe, ranging from residing in the heart of the Amazon in Ecuador to exploring ancient archaeological marvels throughout the Americas. His current aim is clear: to inspire hope and fortitude in every individual he encounters. He joins NAI's Heather Manier and Emily McCowan this week.

Heather Pressman and Danielle Schulz discuss their book Art of Access with NAI's Paul Caputo and Heather Manier this week. Heather Pressman has worked in museum education, development, and communications. She is a founding member of the organizing committee for the Art of Access Alliance in Denver, a consortium working to make Denver's arts and cultural attractions accessible to all. Danielle Schulz is the senior manager of lifelong learning and accessibility at the Denver Art Museum, where she works with community members to promote inclusive practices that ensure visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy and be inspired by their interaction with art.

This week on the podcast, we're celebrating baseball season! Guest Jef Lambdin created the mascot Wool E. Bull for the iconic minor league baseball team the Durham Bulls, made famous in the movie Bull Durham. On this episode, Jef joins hosts Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss the challenges and opportunities he faced communicating with audiences at scales small and large—something every interpreter can relate to—from within the mascot costume. 

Lawana Holland-Moore is the Director of Fellowships and Interpretive Strategies at the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation. In this week's episode, she discusses the importance of the sites AACHF funds, big or small, and how they preserve stories throughout history. She is joined by NAI's Heather Mannier and Song Stott.

Liz Moore is the founder of Planning School, which provides education and training in contemporary strategic planning and change leadership, including courses designed for interpretive programs. She joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott on this episode.

Mynesha Spencer worked in the National Park Service for 13 years and was a panelist on the "From Barriers to Bridges" keynote panel at the NAI National Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mynesha is the Founder, CEO and Principal Inclusion Strategist at All of Us Together Co., a human relations firm that specializes in diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and was established to improve human relations via applied training and workshop facilitation. She joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott on this episode.

Carla Gull is the coordinator of the Master of Arts of Environmental Education program and associate professor at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College in northern Indiana. Dr. Gull helps educators incorporate more nature in the everyday early childhood setting and nature preschools. During this episode, she talks about the relationship between environmental education and the field of interpretation. She also discusses how her students benefit from the NAI Conference. Dr. Gull joins NAI's Song Stott and Paul Caputo.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) strives to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community. On this episode, ASALH's Aaisha N. Haykal and Ariel Roy join NAI's Parker McMullen Bushman and Paul Caputo to talk about the work they do and their shared experience at the ASALH conference in Jacksonville last year.

As we close out 2023, "What's Up, Interpreters?" hosts Paul, Song, and Heather recap the year, share their New Years plans, and look forward to 2024. Also, there are NAI podcast T-shirts available on NAI's store!  

Christina is a longtime member of NAI"s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, is an associate editor for NAI's Legacy magazine, and will serve as the guest editor for an upcoming special issue of Legacy on "Women in Interpretation."

Join seasoned experts in interpretive planning, Halley Fehner and Scott Vierick, as they unravel the intricacies and importance of this process. Halley and Scott highlight the essence of interpretive planning, discussing its role in reevaluating program goals, themes, and future strategies, often spanning several years. They also delve into the challenges of navigating sensitive historical contexts. Tune in for this dynamic conversation hosted by Heather Manier and Song Stott.

The 2023 NAI National Conference, "Building Bridges," took place in Little Rock, Arkansas, took place last week, November 7-11. This episode features a series of visits with conference participants who share their conference experience!

Ian Beard brings history to life at the Historic Arkansas Museum, where his passion for trades like smithing, printing, cooking, and brewing merge with his skills as an interpreter. If you're heading to Little Rock, Arkansas, for the NAI National Conference this month, you can meet Ian and hear his stories in person at the opening reception—or you can head to the museum, just blocks from the conference hotel!  He joins hosts Paul Caputo and Song Stott on the podcast this week.

Budd Wentz is a former creative consultant for the Mr. Wizard television show and a world traveler. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and law, and his childhood passion for building things led him to create the microscope company Wentzcope, a longtime NAI commercial member responsible for optical devices that have appeared in thousands of museums. He joins NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo to discuss his involvement in interpretation—and the story of Willie the cat, who has appeared in Wentzscope ads since 1988.   Wentzscope is online at wentzscope.com.    

It's Oktoberfest on "What's Up, Interpreters"! NAI Board Member Ira Bletz, recently retired from East Bay Regional Park District, has made a name for himself as "Beer Guy" at NAI conferences for more than a decade. His special event, which tells the story of human civilization through the context of beer, is always a hit at the annual event. Ira joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott for this episode.

Spirit Tawfiq is the closing keynote speaker at NAI 2023 in Little Rock. Spirit has an interpretive background and uses her skillset in now hosting anti-racism workshops in k-12 classrooms, colleges and organizations who are invested in learning, unlearning, and enacting antiracism policies and practices within their respective communities. She joins hosts Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss her work on this episode.

There will be two solar eclipses visible from the contiguous United States and beyond in the next few years. Cris White's job is to help interpreters prepare to interpret these unique astonomical events. She joins NAI's Heather Manier and Amanda Berlinski to discuss her work.

Sam H. Ham is a professor emeritus of communication psychology and conservation social sciences at the University of Idaho. He became a household name for interpreters with his book Environmental Interpretation: A Practical Guide for People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets, which was published in four languages, and more recently, Interpretation: Making a Difference on Purpose. Sam talks with Paul Caputo and Song Stott about the science of communication, his TORE model, and a little bit of baseball.

Ronny Alexander Muñoz Blanco is a professional tour guide in Costa Rica, and served in that role for one particularly daunting audience: NAI's recent International Un-Conference. Ronny joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott to discuss that event, the challenges of interpreting in multiple settings for international visitors, and the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Ahmad Toure has worked for the National Park Service for more than a decade, striving to share important, and most importantly complete stories. On this episode, he discusses that work and his Tilden Award-nominated project with hosts Paul Caputo and Song Stott.

Larry Beck's scholarship has had an immense effect on the field of interpretation. He is the author or co-author of such notable titles as Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources, Interpretive Perspectives, and Gifts of Interpretation: Fifteen Guiding Principles for Interpreting Nature and Culture, as well as a now 26-part series in Legacy magazine, called "Justice for All." Recently retired after a 43-year career as a professor at San Diego State University, Larry joins hosts Paul Caputo and Song Stott to talk about the past, present, and future of interpretation.

NAI's Young Professionals Council (YPC) was established to help represent the perspective of new interpreters. Katie Hemann and Grace Teofilo talk about the challenges and opportunities facing interpreters just getting started. This episode is hosted by NAI's Heather Manier and Emily McCowan.