Tom Medema, the Associate Director of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers for the National Park Service (NPS), has had an inspiring career journey that began in Muskegon, Michigan. After earning both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Tom embarked on a 35-year adventure with the NPS, taking on increasingly impactful roles—from interpreter to superintendent, ultimately becoming Associate Director. In this episode, Tom shares the remarkable stories from his career and his recent philanthropic efforts, including his work in providing motorcycles to rangers around the world who lack the means to acquire a motor vehicle. Tune in on your favorite audio platform to hear more about his extraordinary journey.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/page/1/

#timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #interpretivenaturalists #interpretivetraining #heritageinterpretation #NationalParkService #NPS #NatureInterpretation #CulturalInterpretation #InterpretationMatters #ConnectingPeopleToParks #TomMedema #ParkLeader #ConservationChampion #RangerStories #NPSLeadership

Today is a special edition of Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters podcast featuring more than one hour of conversation among five very experienced interpretive trainers. Clark Hancock from Austin, Texas, Donna Horton from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gabriela Plumasseau from Paris, France, Heidi McFarland from Boulder Creek, California, and Lisa Brochu, my wife and training partner, join me in discussing training options that are affordable and time-saving. This is a followup to a discussion I posted on May 24 with a group of trainers.

During this I explain how my new Put the HEART Back in Your Interpretive Communications is designed to serve those who may not be able to afford NAI’s Interpretive Guide Certificate course such as students, docents, volunteers, part-timers, and seasonals.

Join us on your favorite audio platform at https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

#timmerriman #InterpretationServices #interpreter #heritageinterpretation #interpretivenaturalist #interpretiveguide #certifiedinterpretiveguide

Today Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman talk story with Omar Eaton-Martinez, who began his career as a teacher in eastern cities and later worked with the National Park Service on youth programs, serving as staff to the National Latino American Museum Commission.

Born to Puerto Rican parents, Omar bridges gaps between White Americans, Americans of Color, African Americans, and Latinos.

Holding degrees in African American Studies and Education, he served as the Smithsonian’s Museum Liaison for pre- and post-doctoral fellows. He was also a Public Outreach Specialist for NASA and Assistant Division Chief of Historical Resources for the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.

Currently, he is the Senior Vice President for Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association of African American Museums, and a Board member for the International National Trust Organisation.

https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/

#timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #BringingHistoryToLife #AfricanAmericanHistory