What’s Up, Interpreters? A Podcast from the National Association for Interpretation

Masanori Shintani, Community-Based Ecotourism around the World

Masa Shintani is a pioneer in the field of community-based ecotourism field. He established “NGO ECOLOGIC” with the mission “to protect the natural environment, regional cultures, and dignity of the local community through community-based ecotourism and interpretation.” He has supported CBET development activities in 18 countries around the world.
Masa is joined live from his ecotour site near Mt. Fuji in Japan by NAI Executive Director Paul Caputo.
 
 

Young Professionals Section, Jessica Doleh and Lauren Hennessey

Jessica Doleh and Lauren Hennessey, members of the leadership team for NAI's Young Professionals Section, share insights into this new community and its significance as a resource for young professionals. They discuss the unique challenges young professionals face and the exciting future plans for the section. NAI's Emily McCowan and Madison Hyatt join them in the conversation.

Theodore “Ted” Johnson, Community Engagement Specialist at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

This week, we are excited to welcome Theodore 'Ted' Johnson, the Community Engagement Specialist at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Fort Caroline National Memorial. Ted shares insights into the challenges of interpreting a site rich in both history and nature, highlighting the diverse voices that contribute their stories and the crucial role of community support. Joining him in this conversation are NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott.

Toby Bloom, National Program Manager for Travel, Tourism, and Interpretation, USDA Forest Service

This week's podcast features Toby Bloom, the National Program Manager for Travel, Tourism, and Interpretation at the USDA Forest Service. Toby shares her journey into this role, the significance of interpretation within a federal agency, and her collaborative efforts with international sites. NAI’s Paul Caputo and Song Stott join the conversation.

Katie Shea, Member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation & NAI Board

Katie Shea, Member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation & NAI Board, is steadfast in her commitment to educating about the cultural and political sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. Katie’s passion for elevating voices through connection and community quickly revealed to her that promoting cultural understanding can be impactful through the art of interpretation. She joins NAI's Heather Manier and Emily McCowan.

NAI Conference Preview: "Navigating Changing Tides" in St. Augustine

Registration is open for the NAI Conference, December 3–6, St. Augustine, Florida! Join the NAI Conference Committee for this preview of NAI 2024.
Amanda Thompson, Conference Chair
Marthalynne Allen, Program Chair
Jennifer Chapman, Community Outreach Chair
Alaina Allen, Volunteer Chair
Caroline Lochner, Local Arrangements/Field Trip Chair
Learn more at nai-us.org/NAIConference

Marc Stern and Bob Powell: The Importance of Interpretation Research

Marc Stern and Bob Powell have served as the editors of NAI's Journal of Interpretation Research for more than half a decade. In this episode, they discuss the value of research within the profession, and their own work as researchers. Marc J. Stern, PhD, is a
professor in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
at Virginia Tech. Bob Powell
is the director of the Institute for Parks and the
George B. Hartzog, Jr. Endowed Professor at
Clemson University.

Nadina Galle, Ecological Engineer, National Geographic Explorer & Author of "The Nature of Our Cities"

In this episode, we welcome Nadina Galle, Ecological Engineer, National Geographic Explorer & Author of "The Nature of Our Cities." Nadina shares her insights on urban ecology, discussing how environmental data and natural behaviors can bridge the gap between technology and nature, emphasizing the role interpretation can play in this process. She joins NAI's Heather Manier and Song Stott.

Liz Morrell, Latta Place Historic Site

Liz Morrell is the Strategic Planning & Historic, Cultural, and Community Resources Manager for the Parks and Recreation Department in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. She discusses the process of restoring Latta Place and highlights the involvement of community partners. Latta Place is reimagining its operations and interpretive experiences to ensure historically accurate and inclusive storytelling. NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott join her.

Colby Brokvist, Expedition Leader & Author

Colby Brokvist is an adventure guide, author, and trainer of interpretive guides around the world. Colby published a book on adventure guiding, The Professional Guide's Handbook, which includes a chapter summarizing thematic interpretation principles for guides. Colby joins Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss adventure guiding and interpretation.