Podcasts about NPCA

So much is happening so quickly to the National Park Service. There have been staff reductions, hiring freezes, spending freezes, orders from the Interior Secretary to make sure that visitors find national parks welcoming, no matter what it takes.  Every week seems to bring something new, and quite frankly dire to the National Park Service. Most recently we've heard about the loss of about 60 employees from the agency's Alaska regional office, and there are concerns the Trump administration is going to push through even greater reductions in force for the Park Service. How are those moves impacting the parks and the Park Service? Our guest today is Kristen Brengel, the Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs at the National Parks Conservation Association. 

About the Guest Kristen Brengel serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). With extensive experience in advocacy and policy, Kristen has been a pivotal voice in the conservation and protection of national parks across the United States. Her work involves lobbying on Capitol Hill, engaging with international media, and championing environmental policies that safeguard public lands and ecosystems. Kristen is a long-time advocate for the protection of public lands, bringing awareness and action to issues impacting national parks and their staff. Episode Summary In this episode, we discuss the recent layoffs affecting the National Park Service and other land management agencies. Featuring Kristen Brengel of the National Parks Conservation Association, the episode looks into the devastating effects of the recent federal workforce reductions on desert public lands and conservation efforts. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing park staff and the significant measures needed to restore these vital environmental protections. Chris and Kristen explore the impact of thousands of layoffs within the National Park Service and other federal agencies, critically affecting the management and protection of public lands in the desert and beyond. The conversation touches on the importance of seasonal and probationary workers to the National Park Service and how their abrupt terminations are undermining both visitor safety and conservation efforts. Kristen emphasizes the urgent need for public action to support park staff and shares strategies for pressuring Congress to reverse these harmful reductions. Key Takeaways Thousands of employees across federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service, have faced unjustified layoffs, severely impacting public lands protection. The layoffs include significant numbers of seasonal and probationary workers who provide essential services such as search and rescue, impacting visitor safety and park operations. Kristen Brengel emphasizes the critical role of Congress in reversing these layoffs and urges public action to pressure lawmakers to protect public land staff. Despite the bleak circumstances, there are positive discoveries in national parks, such as the finding of a new plant genus, Ovicula biradiata, in Big Bend National Park. The episode advises on the economic and cultural importance of national parks to local gateway communities, highlighting the broader impacts of workforce reductions. Notable Quotes "In just over a week, the Park Service has lost 9% of its staff. It's not like there is a plan in place to handle this decrease in staff." "Parks have a ripple effect on the economy. It's just pure math when you look at the economics of this." "It's not like the Park Service had an alternative plan. It's a dramatic and traumatic cut." "This is not the year to go on a rigorous hike. We want people to be safe, and we're worried about folks going into the summer." Resources National Parks Conservation Association https://www.npca.org/ Contact your Congressional representatives to advocate against federal layoffs in national parks: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative 90 Miles from Needles' donation page: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateBecome a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change happens…and sometimes it doesn't.   Change certainly is underway in Washington, where the incoming Trump administration is putting its players in position with promises of changing, or maybe upsetting, the status quo.    Against that, the National Park Service continues to face long-standing problems with not enough staff or funding, compounded by National Park System damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, sea level rise, wildfires, just about everything under the sun.   We're going to explore those topics today with Phil Francis from the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks and John Garder and Chad Lord from the National Parks Conservation Association.

As the calendar runs down on the current session of Congress, there are a number of pieces of legislation that would involve or possibly impact the National Park System if they find their way into an omnibus lands bill that gains passage before the session adjourns.   While we haven't seen exactly what might find their way into an omnibus lands bill, among the candidates are legislation that would turn Chiricahua National Monument into a national park, one that would create a “designated operating partner” to oversee the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and another that calls for a Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail feasibility study.   There's also pending legislation that would approve expansion of Big Bend National Park by about 6000 acres, one that would transform Apostle Islands National Lakeshore into Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve,  and one that, if passed, would forbid any official wilderness designation to be bestowed on Big Cpress National Preserve.   We're going to take a look at the Big Bend, Apostle Islands, and Big Cypress measures today with Bob Krumenaker, who, during his 40+ years with the National Park Service, was superintendent of both Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Big Bend National Park and served a stint as acting superintendent of Everglades National Park, which adjoins Big Cypress National Preserve.

Take to Google, type in “US Virgin Islands” and you'll be met with photos of turquoise waters and smiling faces sipping on drinks atop sparkling white sand. This destination is among the most popular in the Caribbean for vacationers, but it was once at the core of the transatlantic slave trade. Today we discuss what has gone down in history as the 1733 Akwamu Insurrection, an event in which thousands of enslaved Africans took fate into their own hands as they rose up against their oppressors - an event which was among the first, longest running and bloodiest rebellions in North American history. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you're listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon  or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! Acorns: Use our link or download the app to start saving and investing in your future. Lume Deodorant: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code NPAD at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod Prose: Use our link for a free in-depth hair consultation and 50% off your first subscription order. IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping. Sources NPS, Libcom, NPS History, VINOW, Caribbean Beat, Virgin Islands History, NPCA, NPS 2, The Guardian, Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade, US Department of State, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, WTJX, Virgin Islands Daily News

Recently I read “The Wolverine Way”, by Douglas Chadwick. It's a book from 2012 that really dives into the lives of wolverines, a small mammal with a cantankerous reputation that the US Fish and Wildlife Service late last year announced would be a threatened species. The book is a fascinating biography, if you will, of wolverines. Chadwick has an engaging writing style and Glacier National Park provides a fascinating backdrop for the story, two things that keep the story flowing.  One thing that he mentions that struck me is how important Glacier National Park is for the wolverines survival. He notes that the surrounding national forests offer much the same habitat that wolverines need, but points out that the national forests don't provide the same protection from hunting and trapping that national parks do.  Of course, with wolverines gaining protection under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species, the animals will have the same protections in national forests and other public lands.  Still, do we sometimes take for granted the protections that national parks provide for species that are either losing habitat elsewhere, or don't have the same protections from hunting and development that the parks provide? To continue this discussion, we're joined by Kent Redford, who runs Archipelago Consulting, through which he helps individuals and organizations improve their practice of conservation, and Bart Melton and Ryan Valdez from the National Parks Conservation Association. Bart is a senior director of NPCA's Wildlife Program, while Ryan is the Association's Senior Director for Conservation Science and Policy. 

Spur a discussion about traveling to a national park for a vacation and odds are that it will revolve around getting out into nature, looking for wildlife, perhaps honing your photography skills, or marveling at incredible vistas. Will the discussion include destinations that portray aspects of the country's history, or cultural melting pot?  Equating national parks with nature is obvious, but making a similar connection with history and culture might not be so obvious. And maybe that lack of appreciation for America's culture and history explains why the National Park Service has been struggling with protecting and interpreting those aspects of the parks. The National Parks Conservation Association has just released a report calling for a Cultural Resource Challenge, one that asks for a hefty investment by Congress in the Park Service's cultural affairs wing. We explore that report in today's episode with Alan Spears, NPCA's senior director for cultural affairs.

Air pollution and climate change impacts can have outsized effects on the National Park System, as well as lesser noticed but just as concerning effects. But are those impacts spread across the entire park system, or clustered around a few? Back in 2019 the National Parks Conservation Association looked at how air pollution and climate change were impacting parks. They have updated that study with the latest data from the National Park Service, and the current state of affairs remains concerning. To discuss NPCA's findings, we've asked Ulla Reeves, the interim director of NPCA's Clean Air Program to join us. 

Mount Rainier National Park is the most recent unit of the National Park System to announce that you'll need a reservation to enter the most popular areas of the park during the busy summer months. At the same time, Shenandoah National Park has announced that a pilot program it's been running for two years for access to Old Rag will be permanent going forward. Reservation systems to get into national parks are controversial. Many folks argue they hinder spontaneity in travel, others like the assurance of knowing they can get into a national park such as Arches, or Rocky Mountain, or Glacier, at a specific time on a specific day.   To explore the issue of reservations systems in the parks, we're joined today by Cassidy Jones, the senior visitation manager for the National Parks Conservation Association who keeps an eye on these programs, how they're operating, and whether they make a difference. 

It's been six years since an oil company headed out across the marl prairie of Big Cypress National Park with vehicles weighing as much as 30 tons to search for oil reserves. Signs of that work continue to show on the prairie, despite stringent National Park Service requirements for restoring the landscape after the searching was completed. Located to the north of Everglades National Park, Big Cypress is a “split estate” – the Park Service owns the surface of the more than 720,000-acre landscape, while the mineral rights are privately owned – energy exploration and possible development were allowed in the preserve's enabling legislation. But how that exploration is allowed to be performed can be a matter of contention. While the National Park Service sounds mostly satisfied with the restoration work done by Burnett Oil, the National Parks Conservation Association strongly disagrees. The park advocacy group just released a 24-page report, “Speaking Up For The Swamp,” that points to remaining scars from that exploration work on the preserve. We'll be back in a minute with Melissa Abdo, NPCA's Sun Coast regional redirector, to discuss that report.

A leader brings the weather, and in this episode, President and CEO of American Rivers, Tom Kiernan, gives us a warm summer day (with a cool breeze) and a ton of enthusiasm. T. A. and Tom K. discuss how nature has the capacity to hold us in times of stress, loss, and deep personal struggles. We hear the heartbreaking and uplifting story of how Tom Kiernan has become a devoted protector of open spaces and wild places. And we reflect on the peace that nature offers us all – the reconnection and the renewal. We learn about our rivers, why we need them, the threats they are facing, and what American Rivers is doing to help.  Tom K. urges us all, “Follow your passions. Figure out what really excites you.”  T. A. asks us, “What would it look like if you combined your true passion with what the world truly needs?” Join us and get inspired to do your part to protect the natural world.  About Tom Kiernan: Tom Kiernan (he/him) became President and CEO of American Rivers in February 2021, leading the 78 staff that make American Rivers the nation's most trusted and influential river conservation organization. Throughout his career, Tom has been dedicated to protecting the nation's lands and waters, diversifying the conservation movement and advancing innovative solutions to benefit people and nature.  Before joining American Rivers, Tom led the American Wind Energy Association for over seven years, growing the organization and advancing a clean energy policy agenda to fight climate change. As President of the National Parks Conservation Association from 1998-2013, he increased the annual budget from $16 to $35 million and led a capital campaign exceeding the $125 million goal. With his team, he established the Community Partners Program at NPCA in 1999 – one of the first diversity programs of any major conservation organization.   Tom developed a love for rivers at a young age, growing up on the Potomac River in metropolitan Washington, DC. He co-founded the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center on the Arkansas River in Colorado and worked at North Carolina's Nantahala Outdoor Center guiding trips throughout the Southeast. Today, Tom is an avid rower who spends time on the Potomac River most mornings.  He received a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Stanford's Graduate School of Business.  Read more about American Rivers. Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of 32 books and counting. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson.

Precast concrete facilities typically have insurance to protect against injury and damage. But what about other types of risk all businesses are open to? As in all cases, planning ahead mitigates the future potential harm. Eric Kokonas of Sophos joins NPCA to discuss levels of cybersecurity that all businesses should consider, then former Oldcastle Infrastructure Director of Risk Management Joe Malato speaks specific to precast concrete risk management.   Music Rollin At 5 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Say Less - Train your dog to be calm and stable. This allows your dog to think through what you're asking him to do. Being frantic leads to bad decision making and instability.Brian HempelmannBrian Hempelmann became a police officer in 1994 with the Westminster Police Department in Colorado. He then became a K9 handler in 1997. Brian has since worked 5 dual purpose K9's. 4 were dual purpose narcotics dogs and his current is a dual purpose explosive dog. Brian is also assigned to the SWAT team where he assists in perimeters and entry during various high risk operations. Brian is currently the Supervisor and Trainer for his department. From 2009-2010, Brian worked with government research and development of K9 applications where he created and maintained programs of instruction for K9 applications. He trained K9's in control, human scent discrimination tracking, searches, and narcotic and explosive odor training and implementation. Brian was a part of the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) and considered a subject matter expert. Brian evaluates and documents K9 related DOD projects for specified end users. He evaluates explosive programs related to the dogs ability to generalize odors. He also created an HME program for military and law enforcement. Brian has trained numerous K9's and certified them through CPCA and NPCA.Billy SawyerBilly has 15 years of Law Enforcement experience that started with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in Jacksonville Florida. Billy was assigned to a Tactical Narcotics Unit that focused on undercover operations along with service of Search Warrants, Arrest Warrants, and Vehicle Assaults. He was also a firearms instructor for the department. In 2013, Billy became an officer with the Longmont Police Department and joined the SWAT team in 2014. He deploys with and is attached to the SWAT team as the p rimary K9 handler. He has deployed on countless missions with the team. Billy was a Taser and Firearms Instructor. Billy promoted to the rank of Sergeant and currently leads a patrol shift. He is also the K9 Unit trainer and previously attended Police K9 Trainer School at Tarheel Canine. Billy has tested 100's of police dogs. He is currently a judge for the Colorado Police Canine Association (CPCA). Billy believes in continuing education and he has attended the HITS Conference (5 times times), the Hold the Line K9 Conference (2 times, the Iron Dog K9 Seminar (2 times), Franco Angelini's Bite Dr Decoy School (5 times), a SWAT/K9 Integration with Cameron Ford, a graduate of the NePoPo silver program, among others.Billy is passionate about the integration of police canines with SWAT. There seems to be a disconnect between SWAT teams and K9 handlers along with their roles as they work together.We are pleased to have Hold The Line K9 Conference htlk9.com as a sponsor of the The Working Dog Depot Podcast. Joe Lutkowski and his staff are currently securing vendors and presenters for the 2024 conference. The Hold The Line K9 Conference will be in a brand new location. The dates and location are April 9, 10, and 11 in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. There's nothing finer than to be in Carolina in the Spring time. Additional information will be forthcoming. www.htlk9.com We are taking reservations for the Pro Series. If you want Rich and Howard to come to your location we can make it happen. They have come together to provide workshops on any K9 related topic you like. Open to law enforcement and civilian attendees. Contact Howard at hjyk91@gmail.com or 704-473-9885.

When and where to expand into a new markets are questions that precast concrete manufacturers ask all the time. Getting the timing right can mean a boon to the company. Garrett Hoffman of Atlantic Precast Concrete joins NPCA to discuss business strategies and opportunities. Mark Snyder of Pavement Engineering and Research Consultants talks specifically about precast concrete paving slabs. Music Rollin At 5 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

NPCA membership means access to quality education, a best-in-class certification program, expert advice and a network of precasters across North America. Get what you paid for by accessing these benefits and bringing them to your facility. Listen to Breaking the Mold as Atlantic TNG's Patrick O'Connor and Western Precast's Leo Feuerstein join NPCA to explore this topic. Music Rollin At 5 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dominique Stumpf's journey to becoming CEO of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is characterized by seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and constantly learning and growing along the way. Stumpf joined the NPCA, now known as NPMA, in 1997, and within just two months she found herself sitting at the management table and actively involved in shaping the association's direction. This early involvement marked the beginning of her path within the organization. 25 years later, Stumpf and NPMA have continued to make a significant impact on the pest control industry, and we're excited to share her journey with you today. Additional topics include workforce development, programming & educational content offered through NPMA, the future of pest control, and MORE! NPMA, a non-profit with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected in the continuing education of industry professionals and the dissemination of information to homeowners and businesses. Visit www.npmapestworld.org for more information.

Workers at manufactured precast concrete facilities must explore every possible way to get better, improve efficiency and enjoy positive growth. Listen to Breaking the Mold as Gainey's Tim Sander and Concrete Pipe and Precast's Scott Crumpler join NPCA for an exploration of this topic. Music Rollin At 5 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Join Sean O'Brien in this thought-provoking Conservation Conversations episode as he is joined by Priya Nanjappa, Vice President for Conservation Programs at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The conversation explores the impacts of colonialism on public spaces and the movement to make people feel safe in outdoor environments once again. They also discuss the collaborative work between the NPCA and NatureServe to identify important areas for safeguarding biodiversity and providing refuge from climate change. Plus, Priya shares how she grew to love frogs and toads and become a herpetologist!  

While spring is slowly giving way to summer in many parts of the country, with visitors gaining more and more access to the National Park System, a stand-off in Washington over the country's debt ceiling very likely would greatly disrupt operations in the parks. It was just a decade ago that a federal budget sequestration, that is a forced cut across all federal agencies budgets as part of the Budget Control Act, led to closed campgrounds, Sunday closures of National Park System units, and 900 permanent positions that went unfilled. For the National Park Service, the sequestration led to a 5% budget cut that also led to a reduction in invasive plant control at the parks, a reduction in maintenance of fences and building repairs, science and research activities, and natural resource monitoring. In Washington today, House Republicans want to see some pretty stiff budget cuts in return for agreeing to raise the debt ceiling. According to the New York Times, one outcome, if the funding cap's proposal put forth by the Republicans is approved, would be a 51% reduction in the Interior Department's budget. How devastating might that be to the National Park Service and the National Park System? We're going to explore that question with Mike Murray, chair of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, and John Garder, senior director of Budget and Appropriations at the National Parks Conservation Association. 

Jodi speaks with Baktash Ahadi (RPCV Mozambique), an award-winning documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, trainer, and human rights activist. Baktash shares how his Peace Corps experience coupled with his cultural life experiences as a refugee has influenced his passion for storytelling. He speaks on how activism and awareness is his foci in his multiple documentaries.Featured Guest:Baktash Ahadi is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, speaker, facilitator, and human rights activist.He specializes in strategic communication, leadership development, narrative storytelling, conflict resolution, and cultural diversity to help leaders make a positive impact in their organization and on society.The recipient of numerous awards for public service and documentary storytelling, Baktash has worked on race relations in communities across the United States and on the peace process in Afghanistan. Baktash is particularly drawn to stories of forced migration, conflict, refugees, and vulnerable and underrepresented communities.PODCAST HOST:Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Services Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.org

In this episode, Jodi speaks with Juana Bordas, RPCV Chile and recognized thought leader, award winning author, and activist  in the Latina  and multicultural communities. Juana speaks of her own cultural background and her lifetime commitment to bringing a focus to the interconnectedness between the areas of leadership, inclusion and social change. FEATURED GUEST:Juana Bordas is recongized expert in the field of leadership, inclusion, and social change. She served with one of the first groups of Peace Corps volunteers in Chile where she worked in production cooperatives (microenterprise), and is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2001 Franklin Williams Award through Peace Corps given for her lifelong commitment to communities of color. She is also a  bestselling author. Her books include “Salsa, Soul and Spirit – Leadership for a Multicultural Age” which won the International Latino Book Award &  “The Power of Latino Leadership”which received the Nautilus Prize for best multicultural book (second edition juste released).Juana is the founding President of the National Hispana Leadership Institute and a founder of Mi Casa, the largest Hispanic serving organization in Colorado. She was the first Latina faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership, and  has been honored as one of most Influential Hispanics in America by the National Diversity Council.PODCAST HOST:Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Services Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.org

How can you open up conversations with specifiers? Host Joe Frollo and Bill Bundschuh of PRETECH discuss how precasters can engage with and be a resource for specifiers. NPCA's Chris Frederick then discusses how the bidding process works with Matt McSweeny, a structural engineer with the Pennsylvania DOT.   Music Rollin At 5 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Jodi speaks with Mike Tidwell,  a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Zaire (now known as Democratic Republic of Congo) about his life changing journey into the environmental advocacy field.  Mike is  founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to fighting for bold and just solutions to climate change in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, DC, and Virginia.  FEATURED GUEST:  Mike Tidwell is founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and West Virginia.Under Tidwell's leadership, CCAN has helped pass landmark clean-energy legislation in Maryland and the District of Columbia; blocked coal and oil development plans in Virginia; and worked with groups nationwide to push for a fair and effective carbon cap policy on Capitol Hill.Tidwell is also an author and filmmaker whose books include The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Race to Save America's Coastal Cities. Tidwell's documentary film – “We Are All Smith Islanders” – vividly depicts the dangers of global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Tidwell has received numerous awards for his advocacy work, including the Audubon Naturalist Society's prestigious “Conservation Award.”A long-time resident of Maryland, he lives in Takoma Park with his wife Beth and son Sasha.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Services Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.  We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.org

Alicia talks to a well-organized group of desert denizens who are working together to stop an inappropriate development from destroying their way of life, and the desert environment they cherish.  For more information, or to tell California's San Bernardino County to insist on a full environmental review of the project, see stopwonderinn.org Extra thanks to Lucas Basulto of NPCA and Saving Slowpoke, and to the wonderful Lisa M. for reading samples from the writing of Helen Bagley. Watch this site for news of Lisa's performance in March.Support us!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/patreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding potential workers and getting them up to speed can be difficult given the current employment market. NPCA's Joe Frollo and Brandy Rinkel of Wilbert Precast discuss strategies to find workers and bring them into day-to-day operations. NPCA's Hugh Martin then joins Garden State Precast's Kirby O'Malley to focus on identifying and building the required skill sets for precast concrete engineers. Music Rollin At 5 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

When unprecedented flooding roars through a national park, shredding major roads that access that park, it rightfully could be pointed to as the top story in the National Park System. And while Yellowstone National Park was that park, not only the flooding, but the lack of human casualties, and rapid recovery rank that story as arguably the top one in the National Park System in 2022. But that wasn't the only major story that came out of the parks this year. Today we're looking back at some of the top stories across the National Park System in 2022. To help us identify them, we've asked Kristen Brengel, the National Parks Conservation Association's Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, and Mike Murray, Chairman of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks to join us.

People put a big emphasis on living - how we spend our precious time before we face the music. But unfortunately, part of living – is dying, and that takes some thought too. Confronting our own mortality is difficult and unsettling but to the living left behind, knowing your final wishes can be a welcome sigh of relief. Today we venture into Joshua Tree National Park, and discuss the wild ride that was Gram Parson's life, and untimely death. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you're listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! Apostrophe: Use our link and code NPAD to get for first visit for only $5. Hello Fresh: Use our link and code npad18 for 18 free meals plus free shipping. Microdose: Use code NPAD to get free shipping and 30% off your first order. Sources: WBR, YouTube, Wikipedia, NPS, NPCA

In this episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer interviews  Jennifer Bangoura (Mali, 2008-10), a passionate RPCV, educator, and mother, about her careers abroad in the fields of education, environment, tech, and career services. FEATURED GUEST: Jennifer Bangoura has have nurtured a global community of leaders from Iraq to Morocco and from Mali to Malawi across industries from volunteering to the environment sector, international education, and edtech. I am passionate about lifting up, celebrating, and supporting entrepreneurs and emerging leaders. As a certified career coach, she deeply cares about equitable recruiting, hiring, and helping job seekers discover ways to unlock the job search process. Previously, she worked in international workforce development with over 60 career centers at public universities throughout Iraq and Morocco and connected with higher education administration and the private sector in Tunisia, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates and throughout the GCC. She firmly believe in helping others build their network and the power of social capital to lead to meaningful employment that makes a difference in people's lives and that of their families.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

It's been quite a year in the National Park System when the subject turns to unexpected bills. There was the historic flooding that hit Yellowstone National Park in June, monsoonal flooding that struck Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve later this past summer, and even flooding at Vicksburg National Military Park that caused significant damage.  It's well known that the National Park Service doesn't have the financial resources and staffing that it needs on a daily basis to keep the National Park System not just running, but well maintained. As a result, we shouldn't be too surprised when natural disasters such as flooding, wildfires, and even droughts strike and generate repair bills in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Dollars that the National Park Service doesn't have just sitting in a bank account, ready to pay for repairs.  Today we're going to explore the unexpected costs that have descended on the National Park Service, and how to pay for them, with John Garder, the National Parks Conservation Association's senior director for budget and appropriations. 

As winter approaches, the slow season is setting in across the National Park System, which makes it a good time to take measure of some issues that are confronting both the parks and the National Park Service. We've invited Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, and Mike Murray, the chair of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks.

In this episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer interviews RPCV Carla Brown (Comoro Islands, 1992–94) about her 25-year international career focused largely on international development, including specialized experience in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion arena (DEI). FEATURED GUEST: Carla Brown  is a RPCV (Comoro Islands, 1992–94) and an accomplished senior manager with over 25 years of experience leading programs that assist poor and vulnerable populations internationally. She is proficient in portfolio management, operations management, program design, fundraising, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), strategy development and representation. Additionally, she has expertise in operationalizing strategic approaches that result in systemic change.  PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

in this episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with RPCV Laura Henderson (RPCV Togo), Director of the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship offered through the Congressional Hunger Center.  Laura shares more about this paid 2-year program which combines grassroots fieldwork in food security challenged countries with policy work at the headquarters level of an assigned counterpart agency, and why RPCVs are especially competitive. She also shares how to apply for this prestigious program. FEATURED GUESTS: Laura Henderson is an RPCV from Togo, and she is a passionate global advocate for social justice for all, poverty eradication, food security and education. She has worked for 20+ years in international development and is currently the Director of the Mickey Leland Fellowship program at the Congressional Hunger Center. She began her career working for two years as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) with US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. Laura then served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, where she introduced coffee and cocoa marketing techniques to farmers, greatly increasing their capacity, profits and overall food security.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

In this episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer interviews Albert (Beto) Whitaker (Paraguay, 1979-81), a seasoned professional who has dedicated his 30-year career to advocating for the poor and marginalized, largely in the areas of healthcare equity and access for all. FEATURED GUEST: Albert (Beto) Whitaker  is an advocate for the poor and marginalized. He has worked diligently with various local and national stakeholders in addressing social determinants, utilizing data to improve health outcomes, and promoting a national culture of health. Throughout his 30-year career Beto has heralded health equity and quality health care for all. Currently, Beto serves as Community Impact Director Rhode Island and Northern New England with the American Heart Association. He is also actively engaged with projects that demonstrate both the importance and efficacy of clinical and community linkages. Beto is a voting member of the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (NECEPAC) of the Institute of Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). He serves on the Committee on Ministry of the MA Conference of the United Church of Christ. Additionally, Rev Whitaker serves as the Senior Pastor at St. Mark Congregational Church in Boston. He holds a master's degree in Urban Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and a master's in Public Health. Beto served in Paraguay from 1979 – 1981.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

This RPCV Leaders in Action episode of the Jobs with Jodi podcast features a conversation with returned volunteer Steve Driehaus about his unique career spanning years as a public servant--representing Ohio at both at the state level and then in Congress--and serving as a Country Director for Peace Corps in Morocco and Eswatini (Swaziland).  Don't miss this inspirational conversation. FEATURED GUEST: Steve Driehaus is Resident Senior Director in Iraq for the NationalDemocratic Institute (NDI). In this position, he manages a staff of sixteenIraqi and third country nationals who design and implement programmingto strengthen Iraq's democracy. The focus of NDI's work in Iraq centers onstrengthening political parties, professionalizing the offices and staff ofMembers of Parliament, empowering women and youth to engage in thepolitical process, and monitoring to ensure fair and impartial elections.Prior to joining NDI, Steve was President and Managing Partner at GoodGovernment Group, LLC. G3 is a consulting firm that focuses on the intersection of public policy, community engagement and economic development. Steve also served as the Executive Director of Cincinnati Compass, a regional initiative advocating on behalf of immigrants that celebrates the cultural and economic contributions being made by first generation Americans living in Greater Cincinnati. Previously Steve served as Country Director for the United States Peace Corps in Morocco where he led 150 Volunteers focused on the development of Morocco's youth population. His efforts included partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as expansion into Morocco's smaller, rural communities. Prior to Morocco, Steve served four and a half years as the Country Director for Peace Corps Swaziland where he led two projects concentrating on Community Health and Youth Development in an effort to combat Swaziland's HIV/AIDS pandemic. Steve is a former U.S. Representative for Ohio's 1st Congressional District, serving from 2009 until 2011. In Congress, he was a member of the Financial Services Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Prior to his election to Congress, he served eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives, and was elected Minority Whip from 2005-2008. Driehaus studied Political Science and Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs at Miami University earning a B.A. in 1988. After graduation, he joined the United States Peace Corps in Senegal serving as an Environmental Education Volunteer where he worked with village groups and local schools to promote sustainable environmental practices. He holds a Master's Degree in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) from Indiana University where he studied Public Finance and Comparative International Affairs. After his graduate studies, Driehaus worked as Associate Director of the Center for International Education and Development Assistance at Indiana University. While serving in this role, he coordinated the South African Internship Program, sponsored by the United States Information Agency, which became the largest professional exchange program between the United States and post-Apartheid South Africa.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

This Jobs with Jodi Podcast episode.....Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with  Andrew Shannon and Robbieana Leung..... FEATURED GUESTS: Andrew Shannon is a member of the Outreach team at Georgetown University for the U.S. Department of State English Language Programs. He has worked in the field of English language education for 15 years as a teacher, trainer, and coordinator. Andrew's interests include Russian language and development in post-Soviet states. He was an English Language Fellow in Kyrgyzstan in 2014-2016 before moving to Kazakhstan where he taught high-school English for 3 years. Andrew entered the field of education as an Assistant Language Teacher on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program and then taught in North Carolina public schools as an ESL teacher prior to his English Language Fellowship. He currently works closely to support the new Virtual English Language Educator Program.Robbieana Leung  flew before she could walk. At one month old, her first plane ride foretold a life that would span the globe. Growing up on three continents, she developed a love of people, cultural exchange, and service learning, which inspired her teaching career in 2010. With an MA in Conflict Studies & Human Rights and BA in International Studies & Intercultural Communication, she has taught English learners and teachers in Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Hawaii, the Philippines and Algeria. According to the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and Semester at Sea Alumna, to be an ESL teacher is to be a peacebuilder – and students learn best when having fun! In class, she engages minds and hearts by providing opportunities for students to learn from the world around them.As a Peace Corps Volunteer, she led her students in developing libraries and publishing a Bisaya-English children's book, “Moalboal Tales: Stories for Dreamers / Sugilanong Moalboalanon: Mga Istorya Alang Sa Mga Ngandoy.” She also implemented a Global English program on two voyages with Peace Boat, a Japan-based NGO that promotes the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2021, Robbieana joined the English Language Programs as a Virtual Fellow, where she taught Algerians learners and promoted cultural understanding. In September 2022, she looks forward to teaching in Thailand as an in-country Fellow! PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

In this Jobs with Jodi Podcast episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with RPCV and NPCA's new board chair, John Lee Evans, who shares his own experiences as well as his vision for NPCA.  FEATURED GUEST:John Lee Evans, NPCA's newly elected Board Chair, grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended the University of Madrid in Spain as an undergraduate for one year. He served in the Peace Corps in Honduras 1975–78, where he worked with rural schoolteachers and agricultural cooperative leaders in a community development agency. Following the Peace Corps, he co-founded a language institute in San Diego that utilized accelerated learning techniques to teach Spanish to local professionals. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has been in private practice for 30 years, which has included working with immigrant communities. He is a member of the Cultural Diversity Committee of the San Diego Psychological Association. He has presented at the American Psychological Association on cultural and political involvement. In 2008, he was elected to the San Diego Unified School Board, overseeing a diverse student body of over 100,000 students with an operational budget of $1.2 billion. He was elected to the board for a period of 12 years and served as President of the Board for three years. He led the Vision 2020 initiative that focused on increased academic achievement and equity and earned numerous national awards.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Services Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers. We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: peacecorpsconnect.org

This week marks 67 years since the trial of Emmett Till's murderers, a miscarriage of justice that focused the attention of the world on the tiny town of Sumner, Mississippi, galvanized international outrage and grief, and sparked leaders of the Civil Rights Movement to act. Today, advocates want to see the courthouse where the trial took place preserved as a national park site and want to continue to use the story of the Till tragedy as a way to facilitate conversations around race and racism and further healing in the community and beyond.Host Jennifer Errick features insights from Alan Spears, NPCA Senior Director of Cultural Resources; Benjamin Saulsberry, Public Engagement and Museum Education Director for the Emmett Till Interpretive Center; and Dr. Percy Washington, educator and pastor of the Sweet Canaan Church of God in Christ, on the history of this shocking hate crime, what the culture was like in Mississippi before and after the tragedy, and how advocates now are preserving Till's story and using it to work toward truth and justice.This episode was produced by Jennifer Errick with help from Todd Christopher, Bev Stanton and Kyle Groetzinger. Additional assets by Eric Barese and Jeff Taylor.Original theme music by Chad Fischer.Learn more about the Emmett Till Interpretive Center at Emmett-Till.org.The Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation's only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org

In this Jobs with Jodi Podcast episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with  Lisa Flores (Ecuador, 1994-96), a self-proclaimed 'non profit girl at heart who has fallen into some wonderful opportunities to serve."Lisa shares pearls of wisdom she has learned from her own  career trajectory which has been imbedded in service and giving back. FEATURED GUEST: Lisa Flores is the granddaughter of migrant laborers, and she is the first in her family to graduate from college. A former Peace Corps volunteer (Ecuador 1994-96), Lisa has continued her commitment to volunteer community service by participating on numerous community boards, including recent service on the Denver Public School Board of Education.  As a DPS board member, she delivered on improving services for students with special needs. She has also volunteered on the boards of the Latina Initiative, Children's Museum of Denver, Denver Housing Authority, Denver Public Library, and Denver Urban Renewal Authority.For the past 30 years, Lisa has worked in the nonprofit, local government and philanthropic sectors. Lisa began her career at Mi Casa Resource Center for Women and the Girl Scouts Mile Hi Council. From 1998-2003, she served as executive director of Denver Inner City Parish – a multi-generational, nonprofit community center.  Working as senior staff to former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (2003-2006) and later philanthropic work at the Gates Family Foundation (2006-2015), afforded Lisa the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of community development, social service and civic projects.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

This Jobs with Jodi Podcast episode explores the commitment to service that has propelled many RPCVs to dedicate their lives and careers to making a difference and doing good in the world. Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with RPCVs Thomas Hill (Russia 2000–02) and Cara George (Guatemala 2009–11), who share their ongoing journey of working to better the world in everything they do. They offer tips and advice as well as speak to areas most in need of assistance at this time. FEATURED GUESTS: Thomas Hill is a proud RPCV and senior non-profit and NGO professional with 21 years' experience, including 14 years at the senior level, in international development and humanitarian assistance. He has worked at agencies including the American & International Red Cross, Mercy Corps, and International Rescue Committee (IRC).Cara George is an RPCV and a dedicated foreign affairs and development professional with more than 15 years of foreign policy, program operations, and management experience, including overseeing a $740M U.S. Government (USG)-funded portfolio. She has extensive overseas experience, with more than two years working in Guatemala and short-term assignments for USAID, the MCC, and the State Department across East Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.  PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.

In this episode, Jodi is joined by two special guests from the State Department: George Sibley, Diplomat-in-Residence and Jason Tolub, Deputy Director of Talent Acquisition, who will be talking about the path to Foreign Service. They outline and help make sense of the many steps involved in becoming a Foreign Service Officer and share why they feel RPCVs make the best Foreign Service Officers.....COMPLETE THISFEATURED GUESTS:George Sibley is the Diplomat-in-Residence Mid-Atlantic for the U.S. Department of State. He is a seasoned diplomat having served in multiple capacities around the world, including Director of the Economic Section in India and Deputy Chief of Mission in Burma.Jason A. Tolub has a 12+ year career with the US Department of State where he currently serves as Deputy Director for the Bureau of Talent Management Office of Talent Acquisition.  He is also an RPCV, having served with Peace Corps as a University TEFL teacher in Ukraine (2006-08). PODCAST HOST:Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide.  Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers.We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: peacecorpsconnect.org

In this Jobs with Jodi Podcast episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with RPCV professionals working within the Innovation sector of international development who  share their own experiences as well as offer tips and advice on how to explore career opportunities in the innovation arena. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and have your questions answered. FEATURED PANELISTS:RPCV Taylor Cruz (Eswatini 2012–14) is an innovation strategist and UX Designer based in Zambia. As an innovation consultant, she works with clients such as GIZ, JSI, and UNFPA to design and implement innovative programming and initiatives.  She previously worked at Pact, a global NGO, where she was a founding member of their innovation team and managed the incubation of early-stage innovations. With over 12 years of experience working on youth development programs in over 20 countries, she specializes in youth workforce curriculum and is a human-centered design principal facilitator. Taylor has a background in international business and has an M.A. in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from SIT Graduate Institute in Washington, D.C., and is a 2012-2014 RPCV from eSwatini.   RPCV Garrett Mason (Liberia 2010–12) is the Chief Training Officer at Corps Africa. He has spent the past 17 years in program design, project management, teaching, and adult training. He specializes in asset-based community development, human-centered design, systems practice, leadership development, and grassroots community development and has led innovation programs in 12 countries. PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers. We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.orgEdited by Catherine Gardner

This episode explores the growing field of coaching, and its impact on the Peace Corps field experience.  Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer chats with two professional coaches who share their experience working as coaches within diverse sectors including  as staff with Peace Corps--both in Headquarters and in  the field--as well as with other federal agencies and the nonprofit arena.  They offer tips and advice based on their own experience, and speak to the variety of opportunities within this growing sector.Listen to this podcast to also learn about Peace Corps' commitment in recent years to rolling out the Coach Approach system in the field to support Volunteers in their growth, development, and ability to effectively coach those who follow them.FEATURED GUESTS: RPCV Monica Suber-Duffy (El Salvador 2007–09) is a professional GCDF-certified coach and a member of the Federal Coach Network. She first became involved in the field of coaching during her tenure at Peace Corps headquarters. Since then, she has worked as an Organizational Development Consultant for GSA, where she used her coaching expertise to promote employee growth and development.RPCV Jennifer (JJ) Dibella is a Certified Prof'l. Co-Active Coach & owner of L3D Consulting, LLC. She's a seasoned professional with 21+ years of exp. w/in the Federal sector alone, inc. 18+ years of exp. working w/in the Agency of PC in multiple leadership roles, both domestic and abroad. JJ currently works as Chief of Programming and Training for the Africa region in PC where she has been instrumental in Peace Corps' design and implementation of Coach Approach and of the adoption of the Federal Coach Network.PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers. We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.org

As part of our Conversations with RPCV Leaders series, this podcast episode features a conversation with RPCV Charles Enciso, who discusses his career path — which has taken him coast to coast in the U.S. and around the world — working for diverse organizations, including the San Diego LGBTQ+ Center; the Humane Society; and multiple international leadership positions with Peace Corps. We also touch on his proven commitment to intercultural diversity & inclusion.FEATURED GUEST:RPCV Charles Enciso is an experienced Program Director with a demonstrated history of working in International Relations, Volunteer Programming, Nonprofit Organizations, Policy Analysis, Fundraising, and Capacity Building.His dedication to National Service includes roles such as Program Officer within the Corporation for National and Community Service to multiple leadership positions overseas with Peace Corps, including Director of Programming & Training in the Philippines and Nepal, and Country Director in Armenia. PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers. We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.org

In this episode, Career Services Specialist Jodi Hammer welcomes RPCV George Economides to discuss the critical role mentoring plays in personal and professional development, including how to identify and secure a mentor. As a seasoned professional and staunch advocate of both being mentored and mentoring others, George speaks candidly from his own experience and that of the many RPCVs he has mentored along the way.FEATURED GUEST:George Economides is a forward-thinking, energetic leader and advocate of National Service.  He has worked with Peace Corps in multiple capacities specifically around financial reporting, as well as with AmeriCorps where he oversaw the logistical operation of the Atlantic region. His personal and professional commitment to mentoring and networking is a key factor in his own success. PODCAST HOST: Jodi Hammer is an RPCV (Ecuador, 1994–97), Job Coach, and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Services Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers. We're National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) — a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates the lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community of nearly a quarter-million individuals — including current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former staff, community partners around the globe, family, and friends — in our efforts to create a better world. Find out more, get the latest news for the Peace Corps community, sign up for our newsletter, and join. Basic membership is free: http://peacecorpsconnect.orgEdited by Catherine Gardner

CAREERS IN MULTIMEDIA & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS PODCASTThis Jobs with Jodi podcast episode spotlights the careers of three RPCVs working in different capacities within the multimedia and digital communications field.    Hear from RPCV featured guests Ryan Fouss, Cedar Wolf, and Orrin Luc as they discuss their own distinct career paths in the digital media field, while offering sage advice to listeners who are interested in turning their passion for storytelling via photography and videography into a career.   FEATURED GUESTS:Ryan Fouss (Eswatini 2011–13) works as creative lead and TV producer at National Geographic Channel — with proven experience in developing and managing award-winning digital marketing campaigns and the production of long-form television series. He got his start in the Office of Third Goal & Returned Volunteer Services in Peace Corps Headquarters. Born in a refugee camp in the Philippines and growing up abroad as the child of a diplomat, he has a special passion about representation and diversity within media.Cedar Wolf (Namibia 2006–08) is a Multimedia Storyteller with more than 18 years of experience in video and production. While skateboarding led him to buy his first video camera, it was through his Peace Corps service in Namibia and the Philippines that Wolf developed a lifelong passion for documenting social causes, cultural experiences, and the environment. In his spare time, he volunteers as a multimedia specialist for the Peace Corps Oral History project and teaches visual storytelling workshops. He is a former Peace Corps Recruiter where he enjoyed using his photos and videos of service to bring his presentations to life. Wolf currently lives in Colorado where he loves spending time with his daughter, wife, and father. For more information, visit his website at https://www.cedarwolf.com/Orrin Luc (El Salvador 2014–16, Mexico 2017–18) joined the National Peace Corps Association team in March 2021. As the Digital Content Manager, he designs and delivers digital messaging across all platforms, managing the creation of video, website, digital magazine, and newsletter content. He enjoys producing and editing short documentaries that showcase the NPCA's Community Fund, advocacy efforts, and Global Reentry program. Orrin served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in El Salvador 2014–16 and again as Peace Corps Response in Mexico 2017–18. He currently lives in Chicago, and he is happy to report that he has met and interviewed Jeff Goldblum in person. For more information, visit his Linkedin.PODCAST HOST:Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Jodi Hammer (Ecuador 1994–97), is a job coach and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is here to help returned Volunteers with readjustment at home after service, provide resources to overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward healthy lives and successful careers.

In this episode, Jodi is joined by two representatives from the Peace Corps Oral History Project — including Evelyn Ganzglass (Coordinator of the project), and Violet Esipila (fellow Interviewer.)  Also featured is RPCV Olivia Donaldson, PhD, who shares how she tapped into the Oral History project for her multimedia exhibit called Departures: Peace Corps Pandemic Stories. Guests discuss why your Peace Corps story is important and needs be recorded within the Oral History Project, how to request an interviewer who can help document your experience, and how to access the treasure trove of previously recorded Peace Corps oral histories.PODCAST GUESTS: Evelyn GanzglassEvelyn  is a seasoned Workforce Development and Postsecondary Education Professional who served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Somalia from 1966-68, first as an English language teacher in an all-girls primary school and, during the second year, as deputy director of the National Museum.After being interviewed for the RPCV Oral History Archives Project herself, she became a volunteer interviewer and now coordinates  the project.  She is a strong advocate of the project and is thrilled to play a small part in helping individual stories be preserved as a testament to the Peace Corps' enduring impact. Violet Esipila Violet is a Disaster Recovery Specialist at U.S. Small Business Administration. She's responsible for responding to variety of clients inquiries, ranging from routine to complex, and providing detailed information to the public regarding President's Federal Declared Disaster Programs. She served in Peace Corps Ukraine from 2017-2020 as a Community Development and PEPFAR Response Volunteer. She is an Outreach Volunteer Chair for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of NJ, board member of Peace Corps Oral History Project, and Communications Committee for Black Professionals in International Affairs.  She holds a BA in Sociology from WPUNJ and MPS in Human Resources and Employment Relations from PSU. Olivia Donaldson, PhDOlivia is an RPCV (Benin, 2001-03), and a cultural studies researcher/professor turned UX professional. She is skilled at using stories to translate research (interviews, observation, generative research, surveys, competitive audits, literature reviews, focus groups, etc.) into insights that inform accessible and inclusive experiences. She is also author of the multimedia exhibit called Departures: Peace Corps Pandemic Stories, for which she tapped the Peace Corps Oral History Project.  PODCAST HOST: Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Jodi Hammer (Ecuador 1994–97), is a job coach and host of the Global Reentry's Jobs with Jodi Podcast. In her role as Global Reentry Career Support Specialist with NPCA, she develops and delivers individual and group programming to foster Global Reentry's mission of providing career and transitional support to RPCVs worldwide. Need help with your next career opportunity after service? With the Global Reentry Program, National

How far would you go to save a place you love? For Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, who was incensed by a proposal to pave his beloved C&O Canal into a parkway, the answer was all the way. Host Todd Christopher explores the media sensation that was the Douglas protest hike of 1954 and speaks with Mike Darzi and Carol Ivory, co-chairs of the epic One Day Hike where a new generation of park enthusiasts now goes the distance every April.Original theme music by Chad Fischer“The Canal Song” was performed by Michael ClemThe Secret Lives of Parks is brought to you by: Todd Christopher – Producer & HostJennifer Errick – Producer & HostBev Stanton – Online ProducerThe Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation's only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org

Originally posted last month to Patreon for February's bonus episode, in honor of Black History Month, we dive (literally) into an important and heartbreaking story which has been largely lost to time. This week we bring it to the surface, have difficult conversations and discuss the efforts the NPS, independent diving groups and historians have taken to rediscover what was lost to history and to the elements in order to honor its story in the present. Videos discussed in this episode: The Guerrero Project, The Hunt for the Slave Ship Guerrero We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you're listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episode, bonus content and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook , and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.   Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!   StoryWorth: Get to know your loved ones better and preserve those memories forever. $10 off your first purchase by using our link. Prose: 15% off your first hair care order by using out link Sources Strangers Guide, Diving With a Purpose, History, ABC News, NPS, NPCA, YouTube, NPS Submerged Resources Center, TED Ed, Wikipedia

One of the most remarkable figures in American history was born into slavery on Maryland's Eastern Shore in March 1822. No one could have predicted the incredible life that this girl, Harriet Tubman, would go on to lead. On the eve of Tubman's 200th birthday, host Jennifer Errick explores what this American legend was really like and what we can learn at some of the park sites that interpret her history. Guests include Alan Spears, senior director for cultural resources at the National Parks Conservation Association; Dana Paterra, park manager at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center; Kate Clifford Larson, American historian and Tubman biographer; and Diane Miller, program manager for the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom with the National Park Service.Learn more about Harriet Tubman's early history and download audio tour information on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway website at https://harriettubmanbyway.org/; learn about Tubman's namesake park on Maryland's Eastern Shore at https://www.nps.gov/hatu/index.htm; and learn about the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1205/index.htm. Original theme music by [Chad Fischer](https://www.chadfischermusic.com/).Sound effects by Ismael Gama Jr.This episode was produced by Jennifer Errick with moral and technical support from Todd Christopher, Bev Stanton and Vanessa Pius.The Secret Lives of Parks is a production of the National Parks Conservation Association. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the nation's only independent, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting national parks. Learn more at npca.org.

Throughout history, women of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicity have made monumental impacts on National Parks here in the US and throughout the world. But why don't we learn about them? Men like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt make frequent appearances in our history books when it comes to National Park history, but as the old saying goes - behind every great man is an even greater woman. So in that spirit - ladies, let's get in formation. In honor of Women's History Month we want to share stories a sampling of stories from the great women of the past and present. Women in Parks Program: The National Park Foundation has launched a fund to support the NPS share a more comprehensive and inclusive American narrative that amplifies the voices of women. The Thin Green Line: An organization dedicated to protecting nature's protectors by providing vital support to Park Rangers and their communities who are the front-line of conservation. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you're listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episode, bonus content and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook , and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.  Sources for this episode: NPCA. NPS. Mental Floss. National Geographic. Switch Back Kids. Mongabay News. IUCN.