Best Marc Blackburn Podcasts (2025)

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Marc Blackburn, NPS Historian and Interpreter, Joins Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation! 33:27

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9d ago33:27

33:27

Born and raised in California, Marc Blackburn’s love of history led him to the Pacific Northwest, where he earned a B.A. in history from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Inspired by a passion for teaching and the complexities of the American experience, he pursued graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia. There, under …

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Matt Villamaino Joins Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney Today on Reflections on Interpretation 49:44

24d ago49:44

49:44

Matt Villamaino has worked in the interpretive field for over 15 years, not counting the dinosaur museum he and a friend started in his basement at age 8. He currently works for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as the Regional Interpretive Coordinator for the Central Region. He is a Certified Interpretive Trainer, Planner…

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170: Reform and Revitalization: The Rise of the Modern Navy, Pt. I 23:49

25d ago23:49

23:49

Perhaps one of the most prominent aspects of this period is the rise of the steel navy. After several decades of decline, the navy made a bold move and built a small fleet of steel warships. There was a growing, often fractious, political consensus that the navy needed to move forward. The move toward steel ships triggered the evolution of the Amer…

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David Larsen's Legacy for Interpretive Training 1:10:02

1M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

David Larsen (1960-2011) was a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger who became the Manager of Interpretive Training with National Park Service (NPS) at The Mather Employee Development Center. After many years as a frontline interpreter at sites such as the the Vietnam Memorial and Harper's Ferry National Historic Park, David stepped up to beco…

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169 Reform and Revitalization: The Endicott and Taft Eras of Harbor Defense 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

In this episode we take a look at Harbor Defense in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One of the most consistent missions of the US Army since the founding of the republic was defending the nation's harbors. The Civil War demonstrated that the granite of bricks of yore were outclassed by modern weapons. After a period of stagnation…

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Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program 22:43

2M ago22:43

22:43

Today Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program. This innovative new training program for the fundamentals of the interpretive approach to communication began in October of 2024 and is now being used by many experienced trainers as a more affordable approach to training new hires, seasonal guides, docen…

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Toby Merriman Talks Story about Artificial Intelligence with Interpretive Trainers 1:09:08

2M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Toby Merriman is the Acting Director of Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University (SIU). He and his staff assist faculty at SIU in the uses of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Gamification in teaching university students, who so readily employ these new tools. Join Monique Thompson, Clark Hancock, Rosemary Prince, An…

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168 Reform and Revitalization: Emory Upton Part II 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

In this episode we will continue and conclude our discussion of Emory Upton. We left off with the beginning of Upton's around the world journey. Upton traveled overseas on a mission to observe the armies of Asia and Europe. It was an important time for Upton. His observations of some of the most modern and, in his mind, backwards armies of the worl…

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Trainers Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 1:15:22

3M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Interpretive Trainers are our guests this week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. Karin Hostetter, Robert Smith, Jamie Hubert, Clark Hancock, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman discuss the economic changes affecting training, the challenges of training large numbers of docents, seasonal workers and frontline s…

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NPS (former) Director Bob Stanton Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 50:06

3M ago50:06

50:06

With nearly four decades of experience with the National Park Service (NPS), Robert G. Stanton has an unmatched depth of experience about the Agency from top to bottom. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Robert Stanton’s experience growing up in an African American community and the need to deal with Race and Racism brought a special focus to his life and …

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Connie Rudd, Former NPS Interpreter and Superintendent Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 40:45

4M ago40:45

40:45

Born during a snowstorm in Ft. Riley, Kansas, Connie's adventurous spirit was kindled from the start. This early connection to winter led to a passion for sled dog racing with her purebred Samoyed team, a venture she pursued for 20 years across the United States. Raised in Athens, Ohio, Connie developed a love for reading that sparked her imaginati…

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167 Reform and Revitalization: Emory Upton Part I 27:40

4M ago27:40

27:40

We are continuing our exploration of professionalization and what kind of Army would emerge through a long period of introspection. In this episode we are going to explore these issues through the eyes of Emory Upton. A protege of William T. Sherman, Upton's experiences in the Civil War would trigger an intense interest in tactics and the shape of …

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John Steinle, Museum Curator and Living History Specialist, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 45:38

4M ago45:38

45:38

John Steinle, originally from Hamilton, Ohio, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dayton. After several years as a commercial artist, he switched careers to history. He obtained a master’s degree in Museum and Archival Management from Wright State University and worked as a Curator and Archivist at the Cincinnati Art Museum and …

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Michael Watson, Former NPS Chief of Interpretation, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 42:52

5M ago42:52

42:52

Michael Watson began his career as a High School Intern at a Minute Man Missile Plant, a Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Driver, 4-H Camp Naturalist, and Naturalist at Burr Oak State Park (OH). After graduating from The Ohio State University (1967), he became a Science Teacher in the Marion (OH) Public School System (1967-1971). His National Park Ser…

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166: Reform and Revitalization: Professionalization 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

We are continuing our exploration of reform and revitalization of the US Army in the decades after the end of the Civil War. This is a critical topic that deserves some coverage if you want to understand the army’s performance in the future. One of the trends that emerged in this time period was an acceleration of moving the army toward a more prof…

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Rob Pacheco, Hawaii Forest & Trail Founder, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

Rob Pacheco's journey began in California, where he spent his formative years assisting a local beekeeper and fostering a deep curiosity for the nature around him. At the University of Colorado, Rob enrolled in a multi-disciplinary environmental program while beekeeping for researchers studying honey bee genetics. He moved to the Big Island of Hawa…

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ET Collinsworth, Cowboy Poet and Storyteller, Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 43:59

6M ago43:59

43:59

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story for an engaging conversation with author, photographer, mule packer, storyteller, and cowboy poet E.T. Collinsworth. Together, they will explore E.T.'s remarkable life, adventures, and experiences on both sides of the border. E.T. Collinsworth hails from Tennessee b…

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Walt Dabney, Former NPS Superintendent, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 52:27

6M ago52:27

52:27

Immerse yourself in an enlightening conversation with Walt Dabney, a distinguished former National Park Service Superintendent, NPS Chief Ranger, and ex-Director of Texas State Parks. Walt's illustrious career spans decades, marked by his significant contributions to both our cherished National Parks and the Texas State Parks system. Early in his t…

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Susan Marie Frontczak, Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 46:48

6M ago46:48

46:48

This week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters our guest is Susan Marie Frontczak. Storysmith® Susan Marie Frontczak's deeply researched Living History programs are the center of her repertoire. In her programs as Marie Curie, Mary Shelley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Irene Castle, Erma Bombeck and Clara Barton, Susan…

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165 Reform and Revitalization: The Military and Civil Disorder II 21:15

7M ago21:15

21:15

In this episode, we will continue our story on the military's response to civil unrest. As we spoke of in the previous episode, we concentrated on how and why the National Guard and the US Army responded to civil disorders. We focused on the 1877 strike and in this episode we will talk about the Pullman strike and other actions as the nineteenth ce…

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Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of Smithsonian Institution, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney 57:19

7M ago57:19

57:19

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Interpreters and Guides was honored to recently interview Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution—and its first African American and first historian to hold the position. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1952 to educators Lonnie II and Montrose Bunch, Dr. Bunch earne…

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Juan Castaing, Chilean Interpretive Guide and Trainer Talks Story with Tim Merriman 42:38

7M ago42:38

42:38

Juan Castaing, a Chilean Interpretive Guide and Trainer, specializes in heritage interpretation, media and hospitality services. He has been combining ecotourism and communication for more than 20 years. His expertise lies in effectively communicating and managing cultural experiences, particularly those blending nature and culture. Castaing offers…

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164 Reform and Revitalization: The Military and Civil Disorder, Part I 28:28

8M ago28:28

28:28

We are back! Our series on the reform and revitalization of the American military continues with a focus on how the military responded to civil disorder. The rise of the factory system and the industrialization of the United States changed the economic landscape of the nation. Wage earners, feeling powerless at time of rampant profits as well as li…

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Kathe Hambrick, Author & Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 52:46

8M ago52:46

52:46

Kathe Hambrick is Executive Director of the Amistad Research Center in Louisiana. In this role, Hambrick sees an opportunity to mentor and shape a new generation of curators, archivists, and digitization specialists. The mission of the Amistad Research Center is to "collect, preserve, and provide access to original documents that highlight the soci…

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Eiliezer Nieves Rodriguez of Puerto Rico Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 51:48

8M ago51:48

51:48

While teaching as a Geography Professor at University of Puerto Rico for twenty-two years, Eliezer Nieves-Rodriguez has trained Certified Interpretive Guides, served as an interpretive planner and consultant to local communities as well as international interpretive trainer for the RESERVA Program. .He grew up in Puerto Rico and has spent his long …

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Tom Medema, Associate Director of NPS, and Tim Merriman Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters 1:01:29

9M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

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 t…

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Interpretive Trainers and Tim Merriman Talk Story on Reflections on Interpretation 1:22:32

9M ago1:22:32

1:22:32

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 Cree…

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Omar Eaton-Martinez Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 43:16

9M ago43:16

43:16

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 Col…

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Ed Gantt, Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 55:08

10M ago55:08

55:08

Edward W. Gantt, a retired Navy Captain with a unique background, talks story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney for "Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters." Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gantt graduated from Howard University and the National Defense University. He served 30 years in the military, first …

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Christy Coleman, Living History Interpreter and Manager, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 56:28

10M ago56:28

56:28

A Native of Eatonville, Florida, Christy Coleman grew up in the shadow of African American anthropologist and writer Zora Neale Hurston. As a teenager in 1982, wanting to become an actor, she accepted a summer position as a character actor for an enslaved woman named Rebecca at Colonial Williamsburg. Her growing enthusiasm for History led her to a …

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163 Reform and Revitalization: The National Guard 22:34

10M ago22:34

22:34

In this episode we kick off the Progressive Era with a brief overview of the National Guard in the late nineteenth century. The National Guard emerged from the volunteer militia's that dominated the scene from before the Civil War until the decades after. We will delve more into their activities in future episodes, namely responding to civil distur…

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Louise Moreno Talks Story about the Moreno Camps in National Parks with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney 49:55

11M ago49:55

49:55

A Co-Founder of “The Camp Moreno Project” along with her late Husband, Roberto Moreno and former National Park Ranger Bill Gwaltney, Louise Moreno has been a long-term activist promoting sharing the out of doors with Latino communities and families across the United States. Louise fell in love with the dashing Roberto Moreno and the pair were marri…

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Part 2, Lorraine Johnson Coleman, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 46:14

11M ago46:14

46:14

Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American …

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Lorraine Johnson Coleman, Storyteller/Author, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 44:13

11M ago44:13

44:13

Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American …

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Lee Coffee, Jr., Buffalo Soldier Living History Interpreter, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman 1:02:32

12M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Ten years into his 24-year US Army career, First Sergeant Lee N. Coffee Jr. assumed a carefully researched living history interpretive role as a 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier, Sgt. Emanuel Stance, a Medal of Honor recipient during the Indian Wars campaign in the 1870s. As a historian and professional speaker, Lee has won awards for over thirteen year…

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John Miller, CIT, former NAI Region 6 Director Talks Story with Tim Merriman 48:45

12M ago48:45

48:45

John Miller had a long career as manager and interpreter at a fish hatchery in Branson, Missouri, a very popular tourism destination. He has also served in a variety of leadership roles with National Association for Interpretation, including Region 6 Director and more recently Chair of the Nominations Committee. He shares a unique story of a photo …

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162 Reform and Revitalization: Introduction 15:40

1y ago15:40

15:40

We have finished western expansion and the Army's campaigns 'out west'. With this episode we move into reform and revitalization of the Army and Navy until the end of the nineteenth century. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States remained insular. Without any external threats, the Army and Navy began to professionalize and think about…

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Dr. Rex Ellis, African-American Museum Curator Talks Story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation 43:58

1y ago43:58

43:58

Dr. Rex Ellis created the engaging African-American living history interpretive program at Colonial Williamsburg and went on to become the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs at the National Museum African-American Museum History and Culture at Smithsonian Institute. Join us at Reflections on Interpretation to learn of his journey from interpr…

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Kim Sikoryak, NPS Planner and Trainer, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation 40:56

1y ago40:56

40:56

Kim Sikoryak has had a three decade career working for National Park Service as a Ranger, Planner and Trainer. Today on Reflections on Interpretation:Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters, co-hosts Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman chat with Kim about his long and varied career and the importance of excellent interpretation in national parks. htt…

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161 The West: Buffalo Soldiers 27:46

1y ago27:46

27:46

In our last episode on the frontier army, it seems appropriate to highlight the African-Americans who served in the west - the Buffalo soldiers. Two infantry and cavalry regiments were set aside for African-American soldiers. They flocked to the colors to serve. Taking part in many of the campaigns in the west, they cemented their reputation. The o…

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Certfied Interpretive Trainers Talk Story with Tim Merriman about Changes with NAI Certifications 1:13:34

1y ago1:13:34

1:13:34

The Certified Interpretive Guide and Host Courses are no longer certifications through National Association for Interpretation and NAI Certified Trainers have some opinions about those changes. Tim Merriman has Rita Nethersole, Clark Hancock, Mary McCormac, Dr. Phillip Smart and Lisa Brochu as guests in this special edition of Reflection on Interpr…

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Tim Merriman Talks Story with Guest Host Bill Gwaltney about Tim's 50 Plus Years in Heritage Interpretation 1:08:48

1y ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Tim Merriman has had a 50 plus year career in the interpretive profession including Executive Director of National Association for Interpretation for 17 years. He has been a Nature Center Director, Manager of Research and Innovations at a National Recreation Area and a Park Ranger/Interpreter at a State Park. He was President of Association of Inte…

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Mark Jordahl, CIG, Manager of Communications with GRACE Center, Talks Story with Tim Merriman 58:40

1y ago58:40

58:40

Mark Jordahl, CIG, joins Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation after several decades as an adventure guide, tourism entrepreneur and guest communications specialist with Natural Habitat Adventures. He is now the Communications Manager with Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in Democratic Republic of Congo, work…

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160 The West: Combat 20:37

1y ago20:37

20:37

This episode follows up with the previous. After focusing on what it was like to serve in the west after the Civil War, we close the circle with this episode where we focus on the campagin trail and combat. Rather than fighting standing armies as had occured in the Civil War, the 'wars' more often than not, these brushes with violence could be call…

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James Mazigo, Guide with Regal African Safaris in Tanzania, Talks Story with Tim Merriman 59:38

1y ago59:38

59:38

James Mazigo is a very experience safari guide working more than two decades in Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya, now guides with Regal African Safaris, our guide company of choice in Tanzania. He tells of his unique journey to being a safari guide and explains how guides are organizing professionally in his nation. In two weeks Tim talks Story with Mark…

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Tom Cowper, former Snohomish County Ranger/Interpreter, Talks Story with Tim Merriman 52:02

1y ago52:02

52:02

Tom Cowper of Snohomish County in Washington state is Timʻs guest today on Reflections on Interpretation. Heʻs been a park ranger, off-road vehicle coordinator, nature center superintendent and park interpreter after a stint in the U.S. Army. In two weeks on April 18 I welcome James Mazigo is Timʻs guest, a guide with Regal African Safaris in Tanza…

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159 The West: A Soldier's Life 28:02

1y ago28:02

28:02

In this episode, we take a closer look at the life of officers and enlisted men on the frontier. We explore the motivations for joining and the challenges of serving. The post Civil War Army served in over 200 posts spread through the west. They had to endure tedium, hardships, and occassionally the terror of serving in a battle. This episode will …

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Michael Kirschman, Director of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, Talks Story with Tim Merriman 53:58

1+ y ago53:58

53:58

Michael Kirschman, City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Director is talking story with Tim Merriman today on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. They will be sharing his unique journey from being a conservation educator to consultant with the EPA in American Samoa and Deputy Director of Nature Preserves…

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Ilan Shamir, Entrepreneur with Your True Nature, Talks Story with Tim Merriman 55:01

1+ y ago55:01

55:01

Tim Merriman will talk story with Ilan Shamir, interpretive entrepreneur who created Your True Nature and an amazing series of interpretive products sold all over the US in parks, zoos, museums, nature centers and historic sites. They will also discuss his diverse experience as a keynote speaker and program innovator. His unique products and servic…

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158 The West: Geronimo 20:55

1+ y ago20:55

20:55

As we draw down the arc of episodes related to post-Civil War Indian Wars, in this episode we will concentrate on subduing Geronimo. Geronimo bedeviled the US Army as he left the reservation three separate times. For the last two campaigns, General George Crook successfully cornered the proud warrior and compelled him to return to the reservation. …