Legacy in Motion: Learning, Adapting, and Growing with Phil Gaines
Tailgate Talks
In this thought-provoking episode, Donald welcomes back his good friend and frequent guest, Phil Gaines, former Director of South Carolina State Parks and a trusted voice in the world of leadership and legacy. Phil has been on the show several times before, and each time he brings fresh wisdom, humor, and practical insights. This conversation is no differentāitās a deep dive into what it means to build, live, and leave a legacy. Legacy is a big word, but itās not something we get to write for ourselves. As Phil reminds us, history decides your legacy. Itās defined by the choices you...
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Herding Thunder: Inside the Buffalo Roundup
Tailgate Talks
Herding Thunder: Inside the Buffalo Roundup Every year, tens of thousands of visitors gather to witness one of the most dramatic wildlife events in America: the Buffalo Roundup. In this episode of Tailgate Talks, we go behind the scenes to uncover what it takes to move hundreds of bison safely and efficiently across the sweeping prairies of Custer State Park. From managing the herdās health to coordinating horses, riders, and vehicles, the Buffalo Roundup is a blend of tradition, conservation, and sheer logistical muscle. Youāll hear how rangers, wranglers, and park professionals prepare...
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From Parks to Boardrooms: Leadership Lessons from Nature
Tailgate Talks
Donald Forgione ā Former Director of 175 Florida State Parks, with 40+ years in ecotourism, leadership, and public service. Now a business owner, speaker, and coach, Donald connects leadership lessons from nature to business. Mike Simmons ā Founder of Find My Catalyst, leadership coach, and sales strategist, helping people identify and act on their catalyst for change. Three Key Quotes Donald Forgione: āTrust is the key to absolutely everythingā¦ If theyāre not feeling what Iām saying, I might as well throw it out the window.ā Mike Simmons: āA revenue challenge is often a...
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Wetlands, Wildlife, and Working Together with Ducks Unlimited
Tailgate Talks
Episode Summary In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione sits down with Nick Wiley, of Ducks Unlimited (DU), to explore how one of the nationās most recognized conservation nonprofits is partnering with public agencies, private landowners, and park professionals to protect critical habitats and ensure sustainable recreation. From marshland restoration to outdoor education, Nick shares how DUās work extends far beyond waterfowl. Learn how Ducks Unlimited is building bridges between hunters, biologists, and land managers ā and how you can collaborate with them to strengthen your...
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Bulletproof Spirit
Tailgate Talks
š Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: The Bulletproof Spirit: Emotional Survival for First Responders Guest: Captain Dan Willis Episode Summary: In this powerful and timely episode, Donald Forgione welcomes Captain Dan Willis, retired police captain, author of Bulletproof Spirit, and nationally recognized expert on emotional survival for first responders. Drawing from his decades of experience in law enforcement and training, Captain Willis shares actionable strategies for maintaining wellness, building resilience, and supporting mental health in high-stress professions like...
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Firefighting And Firelighting Training
Tailgate Talks
In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald Forgione sits down with longtime friend and fire professional Zach Prusak to discuss the evolving world of online fire training. With decades of boots-on-the-ground experience and a passion for meaningful instruction, Zach shares how virtual learning can be effective, engaging, and even life-savingāwhen done right. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of delivering fire training online, especially for park rangers, prescribed burn crews, and resource managers. From best practices in adult learning to practical tips for fireline...
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Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management
Tailgate Talks
š Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione Episode Title: Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management Guest: Brian Pinson Show Notes: In this episode of Tailgate Talks, I sit down with Brian Pinson, a seasoned leader in environmental land management with nearly 30 years of frontline experience in wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Brian has led emergency response teams across the country and has built a career defined by courage, calm under pressure, and a commitment to service. When I served as Director of the Florida Park Service, Brian was the person I...
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Episode 100; The Journey So Far
Tailgate Talks
Welcome to Tailgate Talks, where we gather around the tailgate to talk about the places we love, the people who steward them, and the leadership it takes to make it all happen. I'm your host, Donald Forgioneāand today is a special day. This is Episode 100. That's rightāTailgate Talks has officially hit triple digits. When I launched this podcast, my goal was simple: to create something meaningful for park, forestry, and wildlife professionals, recreation leaders, conservationists, friend groups, concessionaires, and anyone who finds purpose in the great outdoors. I never imagined how far...
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Part Two: So You're a Park Manager Now: Tips, Truths, and Transitions
Tailgate Talks
In this follow-up conversation, Donald Forgione reconnects with Minnesota's State Park Managers, Katie Foshay (Tettegouche & George H. Crosby Manitou State Parks) and Nate Springer (Gooseberry Falls State Park), to continue the insightful dialogue on the challenges, lessons, and successes of stepping into senior park leadership. Building on their previous episode, Katie and Nate share whatās changed since we last spokeāwhat theyāve learned, grown, and handled new complexities as site managers. Listen to honest reflections and practical advice for up-and-coming park professionals....
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Facilitating Tough Community Meetings with Grace and Grit
Tailgate Talks
In this episode of Tailgate Talks, host Donald Forgione welcomes back Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, for a timely and insightful conversation on the delicate art of community engagement. Together, they explore the techniques and strategies needed to facilitate stakeholder meetingsāespecially when working with groups who have deep emotional and historical ties to a project. Topics covered include: Effective planning and preparation for community meetings The importance of room layout and setting the tone before anyone speaks The art of listeningātruly...
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Episode Title: The Bulletproof Spirit: Emotional Survival for First Responders
Guest: Captain Dan Willis
Episode Summary:
In this powerful and timely episode, Donald Forgione welcomes Captain Dan Willis, retired police captain, author of Bulletproof Spirit, and nationally recognized expert on emotional survival for first responders.
Drawing from his decades of experience in law enforcement and training, Captain Willis shares actionable strategies for maintaining wellness, building resilience, and supporting mental health in high-stress professions like park and resource protection, law enforcement, and emergency services. From the toll of trauma exposure to the power of purpose and connection, this conversation is both eye-opening and deeply affirming.
Key Topics Discussed:
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The emotional hazards of serving on the front lines of public safety
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Why trauma exposure is cumulativeāand what to do about it
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The importance of proactive wellness practices for long-term mental health
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What it really means to be "bulletproof in spirit"
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Tools and routines for building emotional resilience
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How leadership can create a culture of care and mental fitness
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Lessons for park rangers, conservation officers, and first responders alike
About the Guest:
Captain Dan Willis is a retired police captain with 30 years of service, an instructor for the FBI National Academy, and the author of Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responderās Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart. His mission is to help first responders and public safety professionals lead healthy, meaningful, and emotionally sustainable lives.
Resources & Mentions:
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š Visit bulletproofspirit.com for wellness tools and speaking engagements
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š®āāļø Learn more about Captain Willisās trainings and resources for agencies and teams
Connect with Donald:
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š Tailgate-Talks.com
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š§ Subscribe to Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione wherever you get your podcasts
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š¬ Have a question or topic idea? Email Donald at [email protected]