In this episode, I speak with journalist Gloria Liu about her recent article on National Parks in RE:PUBLIC and Outside Magazine, her career trajectory, and the significance of long-form journalism. We delve into the condition of national parks, the impact of staffing shortages, and the Trump administration’s approach to public lands. Gloria shares insights from her reporting trips, discussing the intrinsic value of preserving wild places for future generations. Highlights include her firsthand experiences in Yosemite, the role of park concessioners, and the dedication of park service employees to their mission.
00:22 Challenges of Long-Form Journalism
01:32 Popular Long-Form Pieces
04:15 Career Journey into Journalism
05:43 The Craft and Impact of Journalism
07:26 Story Development and Inspiration
09:45 National Parks Under Threat
12:12 The Reality of Park Management
20:32 Staffing Challenges in National Parks
23:31 Future Implications for National Parks
29:40 Legal Challenges Against Government Employee Reductions
30:36 Privatization and Concessioners in National Parks
32:29 Issues with Concessioners: The Case of Yosemite
36:46 The Role and Passion of Park Rangers
40:05 Economic Value vs. Intrinsic Value of Public Lands
44:14 Exploring the Wilderness of Yosemite
47:05 Legislation and Protection of National Parks
48:42 Connecting with Park Service Employees
50:35 The Dedication of Park Service Employees
52:36 The Importance of Public Lands
56:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
