Shows
The Parks PodcastFace Value: The Battle for the 2026 NPS Park Pass (Episode 61)Is your park pass still valid? We’re talking with artist Jenny McCarty about the sticker that shook the Department of the Interior. As the 2026 NPS pass becomes a political lightning rod, we dive into a sticker controversy, the administration's crackdown on modified passes, and the role of art in protecting the spirit of our public lands. The parks didn't ask to be part of the debate—but they’re right in the middle of it.Support the show
2026-02-0536 min
The Parks PodcastHistory and the Parks (Episode 59)This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving "unvarnished" history is essential for our future.Support the show
2026-01-1928 min
The Parks PodcastRedwoods National & State Parks (Episode 58)Step into a cathedral of giants. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz journeys to the misty shores of Northern California to explore Redwoods National and State Parks.Join us as we sit down with Patrick Taylor, the park’s Interpretation and Education Program Manager, to uncover why this park is so much more than just a collection of big trees. We dive into the "arranged marriage" between the state and federal government that keeps the park running, the counter-intuitive science of "cutting trees to save the forest," an...
2026-01-1247 min
The Parks PodcastFirst Day Hike 2026 (Episode 57)Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States. In this epsiode we'll learn about the origin of First Day Hike, and all the opportunities to play in parks around the country this January 1.Support the show
2025-12-2941 min
The Parks PodcastWinter in the Parks - Indiana State Parks (Episode 56)Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.Support the show
2025-12-1816 min
The Parks PodcastWinter in the Parks - New York State Parks w/ Chris Rickard (Episode 55)New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more.Support the show
2025-12-1113 min
The Parks PodcastWinter in the Parks - Virginia State Parks with Katie Shephard (Episode 54)Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities.Support the show
2025-12-1009 min
The Parks PodcastWinter in the Parks - Hueston Woods State Park - Ohio (Episode 53)Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode.Support the show
2025-12-0911 min
The Parks PodcastWinter in the Parks - Arizona State Parks & Trails (Episode 51)Winter is a great time to explore our parks and public lands. Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a variety of activities, including hikes, boat parades, luminary tours, and more. Listen to this episode to learn about all the great things happening in Arizona this holiday season and for First Day Hikes!Support the show
2025-12-0509 min
The Parks PodcastGirlTREK w/ Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison (Episode 50)Finding a community to join and explore our parks is a great entry into outdoor Adventures. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison started GirlTREK with the mission of increasing the life expectancy of black women by 10 years in 10 years. With more than 1 million members, GirlTREK is changing lives and building community. Support the show
2025-12-0140 min
The Parks PodcastWinter in the Parks - Gratitude After Gravy (Massachusetts) (Episode 49)Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in Massachusetts? Spend Friday, November 28 outside with "Gratitude After Gravy". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is hosting guided outdoor recreation throughout the state. Celebrate with family and friends and head to the parks!Support the show
2025-11-2608 min
The Parks PodcastOur Parks After the Government Shutdown w/ Alan Spears from National Parks Conservation Association (Episode 48)Alan Spears, from National Park Conservation Association, joins us to talk about the status of our National Parks and public lands after the 43 day shutdown. We also talk about what's next for our beloved places.Support the show
2025-11-2526 min
The Parks PodcastSkmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site - Parks Canada (Episode 45) Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic site was home to Mi'kmaq, French, Acadian, and British over its long and rich history. Skmagn, meaning "waiting place," served as a protective fort for Prince Edward Island.Support the show
2025-11-0323 min
The Parks PodcastOur Parks and the Government Shutdown - day 27, w/Tara Ross (Episode 44)Tara Ross from Crime off the Grid Podcast joins me to talk about the status of our National Parks and Public Lands on day 27 of the Government Shutdown.Support the show
2025-10-2723 min
The Parks PodcastPrince Edward Island National Park - Parks Canada (Episode 42)Discover the stunning Canadian coast of Prince Edward Island National Park! Join Missy and Manon Gallant to explore the cultural heritage, critical dune preservation efforts, and everything you need to know to plan a trip to this seaside Parks Canada location.Support the show
2025-10-2132 min
The Parks PodcastOur Parks and the Government Shutdown (Episode 41)When the US Government shut down on October 1, 2025, questions and concerns about the status of our parks immediately became breaking news and trending topics. John Goodwin, a retired NPS Ranger and Author of "Echoes of the Badge: Stories from a National Park Service Career" joins me to share how to recreate responsibly during these challenging times. Support the show
2025-10-0313 min
The Parks PodcastWhy we need the Roadless Rule w/Brian Bird from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (Episode 38)On this episode of The Parks Podcast, I spoke with Brian Bird, a chapter coordinator for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, about the importance of the Roadless Rule. They begin by defining the Roadless Rule as a measure that prohibits road construction on federal lands to protect undeveloped areas. Bird highlights several key reasons for its importance, including preserving continuous habitat for wildlife, preventing erosion, and protecting against commercial logging.He explains that the rule provides flexibility for land management, including for fire prevention, contrary to some claims. The discussion also touches on how the rule's potential rescission...
2025-09-1814 min
The Parks PodcastNew River Gorge National Park & Preserve (Episode 34) New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the country's youngest National Parks. Natural environment, industrial innovation, and the rights of workers all take center stage in this park. And one weekend a year, so does jumping off the bridge. Support the show
2025-07-2141 min
The Parks PodcastSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Episode 30)Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to two of the largest trees in the world. The parks host large-scale conservation efforts and offer incredible recreational activities.Support the show
2025-06-0244 min
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, The Parks Podcast (Bonus Episode)I'm often asked for park recommendations both inside and outside of Virginia. Like you, I'm always looking for a great weekend hike or campground, but also setting my sights on new places to visit on longer trips. One of my favorite resources for new parks to explore is The Parks Podcast, hosted by my friend and Richmond local, Missy Rentz. Missy features parks all across the US, including local, state, and national parks. I especially like the diverse mix of parks she chooses to highlight. There are well known parks such as Big Bend a...
2025-04-0841 min
Once Upon A ParkEp. 39: EPCOT Showdown: Challenging Circle of Parks’ Attraction RankingsIt’s time for an EPCOT showdown! This week, we’re taking on our friends at Circle of Parks Podcast and challenging their recent ranking of EPCOT attractions. Do we agree with their top picks? Absolutely not. Are we ready to defend our favorites? You bet we are!Join us as we break down their list, debate which rides are overly rated, properly rated, or underrated, and see if we can come to a truce, or if this turns into an all out theme park rivalry. Tune in for plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a whole lot...
2025-04-031h 21
The Parks PodcastSandra Ramos – Advocating for our Parks (Episode 25)Sandra Ramos joins me to talk about how to advocate for parks and visit parks during these turbulent times.Support the show
2025-03-1748 min
The Parks PodcastSandra Ramos – Advocating for our Parks (Episode 25)Sandra Ramos joins me to talk about how to advocate for parks and visit parks during these turbulent times.
2025-03-1748 minThe Parks PodcastSandra Ramos – Advocating for our Parks (Episode 25)Sandra Ramos joins me to talk about how to advocate for parks and visit parks during these turbulent times.
2025-03-1748 minThe Parks PodcastSandra Ramos – Advocating for our parks (Episode 25)Sandra Ramos - Advocating for our Parks Episode Guest Sandra Ramos National Parks Patch Lady Park Stats Location: Northville, Michigan Date park was established: 1975 Park size: 1,000 acres Fun Facts: In 1919 this land was home to Detroit Municipal [...]
2025-03-1741 min
Podcast Picks with Jim the Podcast SherpaSherpa Selects: Brice Bankard ("The Nocturnal Disney Podcast")!!As of this date of re-release, this is my MOST listened to episode! Thanks to all five of you! (Well, maybe not you with the hat..) Even though his podcast is no longer, Brice was a super nice guy to talk to. I've been to Disney World twice, and people kept thinking that I was a ride. ("It's a Small Sherpa"). But have a listen!__________________________________________________________Hey there, Sherpateers! Do you know what time it is? Time to talk Disney! And I was lucky enough to find Brice, who hosts both "The Nocturnal Disney Podcast" and "...
2024-09-0736 min
The Parks PodcastRecreation.gov (Episode 19)Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.Support the show
2024-06-1740 min
The Parks PodcastRECREATION.gov (Episode 19)Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.
2024-06-1735 minThe Parks PodcastRECREATION.gov (Episode 19)Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.
2024-06-1735 min
The Parks PodcastSaguaro National Park (Episode 18)Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.
2024-06-0335 minThe Parks PodcastSaguaro National Park (Episode 18)Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.
2024-06-0335 min
The Parks PodcastSaguaro National Park (Episode 18)Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.Support the show
2024-06-0335 min
The Parks PodcastStephanie Harrison & New Happy Book (Episode 16)Stephanie Harrison, creator of The New Happy, is launching her book "New Happy". She joins us to talk about the role nature and parks play in finding happiness.Support the show
2024-04-2328 min
The Parks PodcastStephanie Harrison & New Happy (Episode 16)Stephanie Harrison, creator of The New Happy, is launching her book "New Happy". She joins us to talk about the role nature and parks play in finding happiness.
2024-04-2335 minThe Parks PodcastStephanie Harrison & New Happy (Episode 16)Stephanie Harrison, creator of The New Happy, is launching her book "New Happy". She joins us to talk about the role nature and parks play in finding happiness.
2024-04-2335 min
The Parks PodcastFirst Day Hike (Episode 12)First Day Hikes is an initiative of America's State Parks, created to celebrate going outside, getting exercise, and experiencing nature.
2023-12-2637 min
The Parks PodcastFirst Day Hike (Episode 12)First Day Hikes is an initiative of America's State Parks, created to celebrate going outside, getting exercise, and experiencing nature.Support the show
2023-12-2637 min