Out here on the Tailgate, we talk a lot about the future of parks. In this episode, we're getting right to the heart of it—our next generation.

I'm joined by Ivan Levin from the National Park Trust, an organization dedicated to connecting kids and families to parks, public lands, and the outdoors.

Ivan brings a national perspective on how partnerships between park agencies, nonprofits, and communities can create meaningful opportunities for young people to experience parks—many for the very first time.

We talk about what's working across the country, how programs like Kids to Parks Day are making an impact, and how park professionals at every level can plug into these efforts in a practical way.

This is a conversation about access, stewardship, and making sure the parks we care for today are valued tomorrow.

• The mission and impact of the National Park Trust
• Why early connections to parks matter more than ever
• How partnerships expand reach and resources
• Practical ways park professionals can get involved locally
• Success stories from across the country
• Building lifelong stewards through meaningful outdoor experiences

If we want strong parks in the future, we need strong connections today. Programs that introduce kids to the outdoors aren't just nice to have—they are essential to the long-term sustainability of our profession and the places we protect.

To learn more about the National Park Trust and how you can get involved, visit:
👉 https://parktrust.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your team and colleagues. Together, we can keep growing as professionals and strengthening the impact of parks across the country.

donald.forgione@gmail.com

How many visitors are too many?

It is one of the most important and most misunderstood questions in parks and public lands today. In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald sits down with Jonathan Brunjes, Deputy Administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks, to unpack the concept of carrying capacity and why it is not just about counting people. It is about protecting resources, preserving visitor experience, and making thoughtful management decisions that sustain parks for generations.

Together they explore:

• What carrying capacity really means, beyond a simple number

• The difference between physical, ecological, social, and managerial capacity

• Why "more visitation" is not always a success story

• How crowding affects both natural resources and the visitor experience

• Practical tools park leaders can use to evaluate use and impacts

• The role of communication, expectations, and education in managing demand

• Why carrying capacity is ultimately about stewardship, not restriction

This conversation brings real world perspective to an issue many agencies are grappling with as visitation grows nationwide. It is an honest look at how we balance access with preservation, while staying true to the mission of public lands.

Whether you are a park professional, planner, elected official, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how we care for the places entrusted to us.

jbrunjes@parks.nv.gov

donald.forgione@gmail.com

In this episode of Tailgate Talks, I sit down with M.J. James, author of Heal the Hustle, for an honest and timely conversation about burnout, productivity culture, and what it really means to live—and lead—well.

Many of us were taught that hustle equals success. Work harder. Push longer. Rest later. But what happens when that mindset starts to cost us our health, relationships, creativity, and joy?

M.J. challenges the traditional hustle narrative and offers a healthier, more sustainable way forward—especially for leaders, high performers, and purpose-driven professionals who care deeply about their work.

Together, we talk about:

• How hustle culture quietly leads to burnout

• The difference between ambition and exhaustion

• Why rest is not a reward—it's a requirement

• Reframing productivity to include health and humanity

• Practical ways leaders can model balance without losing effectiveness

• How healing the hustle creates stronger teams, better decisions, and longer careers

This conversation is especially relevant for public servants, park and recreation professionals, nonprofit leaders, and anyone who feels called to serve—but doesn't want to lose themselves in the process.

If you've ever felt tired, stretched thin, or wondered, "Is this pace really sustainable?"—this episode is for you.

M.J. James is the author of Heal the Hustle and a passionate advocate for redefining success in a world that glorifies burnout. Through her work, she helps individuals and organizations rethink productivity, prioritize well-being, and build lives rooted in purpose—not constant pressure.

🔗 Learn more about M.J. and her work: mjjames.com

donald.forgione@gmail.com

tailgate-talks.com