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

Kathryn Leann Harris: Interpreting Sports

Kathryn Leann Harris is the Founder & CEO of Interpreting Sports, LLC, which aims to re-center the international sports conversation around empathy, balanced humanity, and authentic connection. Kathryn Leann joins NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo.

NAI's New Volunteer Section

Volunteers play a critical role at interpretive sites, but until now, NAI has never had a community dedicated to enhancing the skills and experience of interpretive volunteers. On this episode, NAI's Heather Manier and Song Stott chat with Shawna Skinner and Shaunna Costicov-McCombe, the director and deputy director of NAI's brand-new Volunteer Section.

Using Technology for Interpretation with CyArk

Cyark uses 3D modeling to provide access to heritage sites around the world, creating virtual experiences for web and mobile as well as immersive experiences for a variety of virtual reality platforms. Cyark Chairman John Ristevski and Vice President of Programs and Development Elizabeth Lee join to discuss the work they do with NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo.
Cyark is an NAI commercial member and the platinum sponsor for the 2024 NAI National Conference.

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.