Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

Clark Hancock Talks Story with Tim Merriman about Interpretive Training and More

Clark Hancock studied to work in the technical side of theater at Tulane University and he did that for several years. When he found a role at Austin Nature Center as a maintenance worker, it evolved into exhibit and visitor experience design and interpretive training. As a Certified Interpretive Trainer he has trained many at his nature center, but now, in retirement he consults as an interpretive planner with many organizations around his home community of choice in Austin, Texas. Join us for an interesting conversation. 
Next Friday join Lisa Brochu who will share her journey of many decades in interpretive planning consultancy and training. 

Wren Smith is Talking Story with Tim Merriman about CIG Training

Wren Smith is the Interpretive Programs Manager at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Kentucky. She is a Certified Interpretive Trainer with National Association for Interpretation and uses the Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training program with her staff and volunteers. She made a unique contribution to improvement of the CIG course that we discuss in this one hour of conversation. Join us on your favorite audio platform. 
Next Friday - Clark Hancock, interpretive trainer and consultant in Austin, Texas. 

Bill Gwaltney - Part 2 - Moving to France and ABMC and 12 Points of Living History

Bill and I continue talking story about his late career transition to serve as Chief of Interpretation of American Battle Monuments Commission in Paris, France. They manage 26 cemeteries and 29 Memorials around the world dedicated to the memory of American service members who lost their lives in foreign wars. Bill also shares his 12 Points of Living History, some very thoughtful guidelines about costumed interpretation and how it can be a more powerful interpretive tool. 

Bill Gwaltney Talking Story about his National Park Service career and much more

Today I am Talking Story with Bill Gwaltney, an old friend of 42 years, and a gentleman with an amazing career with National Park Service as a living history interpreter at Bent's Old Fort to being Superintendent of Booker T Washington National Monument. He was an advisor and participant in the 1989 movie, Glory and eventually served five years as Chief of Interpretation with American Battle Monuments Commission in Paris, France. This is the first of two hours of conversations. The second will be available next Friday. Join us for one or both on your favorite audio platform. 

Dr. Ted Cable, author of 15 books, talks story with Tim Merriman

Dr. Ted Cable is Professor Emeritus at Kansas State University after a 34 year career as a Professor. Also he has been author or co-author of 15 books on interpretation, conservation and birding. He has traveled more than 50 countries teaching and training and in retirement he continues to write interpretive resources and lead birding tours to international destinations. Join Ted and Tim Merriman and learn more about his interesting journey in this profession. 
Next Friday, June 30, Tim will be talking story with Bill Gwaltney, who will share stories from his long career with National Park Service and other interesting projects and positions. 

Gabby Plumasseau Talks Story with Tim Merriman about I-PAL.and more!

Gabby Plumasseau shares her interesting journey in heritage interpretation with Tim Merriman. She grew up in Merida, Mexico, now lives in Paris, France, and trains Certified Interpretive Guides in Europe and in varied venues in Central and South America, working in Spanish, French and English. In recent years she has been an active organizer with the I-PAL Network - Heritage Interpretation: Latin America and the Caribbean. She updates us while visiting her original home area in Mexico to train Certified Interpretive Guides. 
Coming up on June 23, Tim talks story with Dr. Ted Cable. 

Justin Legge of Benbow Inn Talks Story with Tim Merriman

Justin Legge is Manager at Benbow KOA and Tour Director at Benbow Historic Inn near Arcata, California. He recently took the Certified Interpretive Guide course with us and plans to become a trainer. He uses interpretive approaches to engage visitors to the tall trees (redwoods) of northern California. 

Jim Covel Talking Story with Tim Merriman

Jim Covel recently retired as Director of Training and Interpretation from Monterey Bay Aquarium. He was President of Western Interpreters Association when Tim Merriman was President of Association of Interpretive Naturalists in the 1980s. They worked together to consolidate the two groups in 1988 to create National Association for Interpretation. He shares his personal journey in the profession and they discuss their many experiences and opportunities to collaborate in improving the interpretive profession.

Valya Stergioti Talks Story about Interpret Europe

Valya Stergioti is Training Coordinator for Interpret Europe and an independent interpretive planner, writer and trainer. She shares with us her professional journey from her home in Volos, Greece. 

Shelton Johnson Talks Story about Buffalo Soldiers and More.

Shelton Johnson is well known as the National Park Service Interpreter who portrays Buffalo Soldiers and shares their amazing story in the creation of the park service. He shares more here about how he got involved in the Ken Burns documentaries about NPS and a visit by Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King.