Legacy in Motion: Learning, Adapting, and Growing with Phil Gaines
Release Date: 09/09/2025
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 different—it’s a deep dive into what it means to build, live, and leave a legacy. Legacy is a big word, but it’s not something we get to write for ourselves. As Phil reminds us, history decides your legacy. It’s 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 herd’s health to coordinating horses, riders, and vehicles, the Buffalo Roundup is a blend of tradition, conservation, and sheer logistical muscle. You’ll hear how rangers, wranglers, and park professionals prepare...
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From Parks to Boardrooms: Leadership Lessons from Nature
Tailgate Talks
Donald Forgione — 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 — 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: “Trust is the key to absolutely everything… If they’re not feeling what I’m saying, I might as well throw it out the window.” Mike Simmons: “A 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 nation’s 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 DU’s work extends far beyond waterfowl. Learn how Ducks Unlimited is building bridges between hunters, biologists, and land managers — and how you can collaborate with them to strengthen your...
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Bulletproof Spirit
Tailgate Talks
🎙 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-saving—when done right. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of delivering fire training online, especially for park rangers, prescribed burn crews, and resource managers. From best practices in adult learning to practical tips for fireline...
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Running In When Others Run Out: Leadership in Emergency Management
Tailgate Talks
🎙 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 Forgione—and today is a special day. This is Episode 100. That's right—Tailgate Talks has officially hit triple digits. When I launched this podcast, my goal was simple: to create something meaningful for park, forestry, and wildlife professionals, recreation leaders, conservationists, friend groups, concessionaires, and anyone who finds purpose in the great outdoors. I never imagined how far...
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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 what’s changed since we last spoke—what they’ve 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 meetings—especially 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 listening—truly...
info_outlineIn 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 different—it’s a deep dive into what it means to build, live, and leave a legacy.
Legacy is a big word, but it’s not something we get to write for ourselves. As Phil reminds us, history decides your legacy. It’s defined by the choices you make, the people you impact, and the influence you carry into the lives of others. More than a title or an accomplishment, legacy is your story in action—it’s the way others remember how you made them feel and the lessons you passed along.
Donald and Phil explore the idea that just like nature, our lives and careers are constantly changing. Change isn’t something to fear—it’s a natural and necessary part of growth. They challenge listeners to become lifelong learners who are willing to adapt, pivot, and even reinvent themselves when needed. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to a podcast, or learning from a colleague, every new lesson is an opportunity to “upgrade” who we are and how we lead.
The conversation also touches on flexibility and resilience—two qualities that great leaders share. Just as ecosystems thrive by adapting to shifting conditions, so do leaders who remain open, curious, and humble. By consistently tweaking and refining our approach, we not only grow ourselves but also leave a stronger impact on those around us.
Phil and Donald’s back-and-forth is both inspiring and practical, filled with personal stories and take-home reminders. They remind us that legacy isn’t about perfection or permanence—it’s about progress, influence, and the willingness to keep learning and improving.
Key Themes Discussed
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Defining Legacy: Why it’s less about what you claim and more about how others experience your leadership.
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The Power of Lifelong Learning: How curiosity fuels personal and professional growth.
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Reinvention & Adaptability: Practical insights on pivoting, upgrading, and remaining relevant in changing times.
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Influence Over Achievement: Why the lives you touch will always speak louder than the awards you win.
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Nature as a Teacher: Lessons from the natural world that mirror our own need for change and resilience.
Why This Conversation Matters
Whether you’re leading a team, serving your community, or simply navigating your own journey, this episode will encourage you to look at your legacy not as a final destination but as an ongoing process. Legacy is written every day—in how you show up, how you learn, how you adapt, and how you lift others along the way.
Phil and Donald leave listeners with this challenge: Keep learning, keep growing, and keep shaping a legacy that others will be proud to remember.