Podcast Episodesmissyrentz2025-05-21T08:45:34+00:00

Journey Through A Park

Start your park journey with The Parks Podcast. Buckle up for a road trip to parks around the country, exploring the unique stories about the land that was set aside for us to enjoy. Get comfortable with how to plan your own trip to a park, what activities you can do, and how time in the parks can make you happier.

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A working farm. A one-room campaign HQ that won a presidency. A garden where they're buried side by side. Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger, shares 100 years of history in Plains, Georgia.

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park – From a Farm in Georgia to the Oval Office

Greg Durso riding an adaptive mountain bike trail with

Best Day Ever: The Movie That Will Change How You See the Outdoors (Episode 78)

The 10-mile protection zone around Chaco Culture — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is about to be revoked. Maude Dinan of NPCA explains what's at stake and how to submit your comment before July 29th.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park — The Fight for the Buffer Zone (Episode 77)

Episode 76 information card with photo of goldendoodle in a hammock

National Hammock Day — The Art of Slowing Down with ENO’s Anna Rawlins (Episode 76)

Image of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with the title of the podcast written over it. 75th episode of The Parks Podcast.

Bears Ears & Grand Staircase-Escalante: What Just Happened and What You Can Do (Episode 75)

Featured image for Episode 74 of The Parks Podcast. The photo features natural arches with KeeKee, the lead character from KeeKee's Big Adventure books, dressed as a park ranger.

Summer in the Parks (Episode 74)

Episode card with an image of Jesse Tub hiking and information about the episode

What Playing Outside Teaches Us — Resilience, Mindfulness, and the Gift of Nature (Episode 73)

A 250-foot arch proposed in the heart of Washington DC threatens one of the most significant viewsheds in America. Architectural historian Priya Jain explains what's at stake. The Parks Podcast.

DC Triumphal Arch — What You Need to Know Before June 15 (Episode 72)

A 16-acre park in Atlanta's Vine City that holds 10 million gallons of floodwater — and gave a historic civil rights neighborhood the park it always deserved. The Parks Podcast.

Cook Park — Atlanta’s Neighborhood Park That Saves a Community (Episode 71)

Leave No Trace — The Seven Principles Every Outdoor Visitor Should Know (Episode 70)

Episode 69 - Appalachian Trail with Cinda Waldbuesser and Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Image of overlook from Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail — America’s Greatest Footpath (Episode 69)

LGBTQ Outdoors (Episode 68)

Black Hill Discovery Center introduces kids of all ages to nature through through school, camps, and programs.

Black Hill Discovery Center, Montgomery Parks (Episode 67)

Cuyahoga Valley National Park not your typical

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Episode 66)

Go behind the badge with the creators of Crime Off the Grid as we explore the reality of law enforcement in America’s most remote and wild places.

Crime Off the Grid Podcast (Episode 65)

The President's House delves into the history of George Washington and the 9 humans he enslaved in Philadelphia as President of the United States. Listen to the episode and learn more.

Save the Boundary Waters (Episode 64)

The President's House delves into the history of George Washington and the 9 humans he enslaved in Philadelphia as President of the United States. Listen to the episode and learn more.

Our Story: The President’s House with John Garrison (Episode 63)

Welcome to our story, a new series from The Parks Podcast. 've shared that I came to the Parks for nature, but I'm really drawn to the history and the stories that make up our parks. It may be one person whose actions led to the creation or expansion of the park, or maybe a unique or endangered animal that calls the park home. Maybe it's a pivotal event that marks our history in unique and meaningful ways. These people, places, and events make up our collective story.

Our Story: An Introduction

National Park of American Samoa is a paradise that celebrates the coral, rainforests, fruit bats, and American Samoa culture.

National Park of American Samoa (Episode 62)

Jenny McCarty, artist and owner of Sage Leaf Studio, created a sticker to help keep nature on the 2026 NPS Park Pass.

Face Value: The Battle for the 2026 NPS Park Pass

Voyageurs National Park is 40% water with vast conservation of water, animals, and land.

Voyageurs National Park (Episode 60)

This episode of The Parks Podcast explores the deep connection between our national landscapes and the stories that define us. Host Missy Rentz sits down with Beth English, Executive Director of the Organization of American Historians (OAH), to discuss why preserving

History and the Parks with Beth English (Episode 59)

Redwoods National State Park is home to the largest trees in the world as well as amazing rivers, oceans, and animals.

Redwood National & State Parks (Episode 58)

Kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes - a day to celebrate in our State Parks all around the United States.

First Day Hike 2026 (Episode 57)

Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.

Winter in the Parks – Indiana State Parks (Episode 56)

New York State Parks & Historic Sites is celebrating winter with hikes, snow and ice activities, craft & creating activities and more.

Winter in the Parks – New York State Parks (Episode 55)

Virginia is for Lovers...and park lovers! This winter, the Virginia State Parks have activities for all ages and abilities.

Winter in the Parks – Virginia State Parks (Episode 54)

Hueston Woods State Park is hosting the holidays with movies, breakfast with Santa, hikes, and more. Learn more in this episode.

Winter in the Parks – Hueston Woods State Park – Ohio (Episode 53)

Malabar Farm State Park is an historic farm, and former home to Louis Bromfield. Visit the park during the holiday season to visit the historic home all decked out in its holiday best.

Winter in the Parks – Malabar Farm State Park – Ohio (Episode 52)

Arizona State Parks & Trails has some incredible activities this winter. Learn about them and make plans to visit the parks.

Winter in the Parks – Arizona (Episode 51)

GirlTREK is an organization committed to using nature, movement, and community to save lives around the world.

GirlTREK w/Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison (Episode 50)

Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in Massachusetts? Join Massachusets DCR for

Gratitude with Gravy – Massachusetts (Episode 49)

Alan Spears, from National Parks Conservation Association, joins us to talk about the status of our National Parks and public lands after the 43 day shutdown. We also talk about what's next for our beloved places.

After the Government Shutdown — What’s Next for Our Parks (Episode 48)

Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project joins us to talk about Shopping Values and how his company is committed to giving back to parks, public lands, and our environment.
In this episode we talk to Matt Moreau from The Landmark Project. Matt has made giving back a part of their core mission from day one.

Shopping Values — How The Landmark Project Gives Back to Our Parks (Episode 47)

Sierra Club's Military Outdoors program provides our veterans the chance to get outdoors and opportunities for community, camaraderie, and healing.

Sierra Club Military Outdoors — Nature as Healing for Veterans (Episode 46)

Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic site was home to Mi'kmaq, French, Acadian, and British over its long and rich history. Skmagn, meaning

Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst — Where PEI’s History Began (Episode 45)

Tara Ross from Crime off the Grid Podcast joins me to talk about the status of our National Parks and Public Lands on day 27 of the Government Shutdown.

Government Shutdown Day 27 — An Insider Update on Our Parks (Episode 44)

We talk to Sandi Olek from Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the importance of outdoor recreation in the state. They are hosting the Maryland Outdoor Summit to bring together the industry to discuss Outdoor for All, Recreation with a Purpose, and the Business of Outdoor Recreation. In this episode we learn about how this meeting will impact outdoor recreation through out Maryland and all of the opportunities to get outside in Maryland.

Maryland’s Parks, Forests & Public Lands — A State That Gets It Right (Episode 43)

Prince Edward Island National Park stretches along the northern shore of Prince Edward Island Province. It's sandy beaches are home plant and animal conservation efforts as well as summer recreation and fun!

Prince Edward Island National Park — Canada’s Red Sand Shore (Episode 42)

The Government shutdown leads to a lot of questions about how to recreate responsibly in our parks in public lands. John Goodwin joins me to help us all understand the latest news.

Our Parks and the Government Shutdown — How to Visit Responsibly (Episode 41)

Fort McAllister State Historic Park marks an important point in the Civil War with General Sherman's

Fort McAllister State Historic Park — The Unbreakable Confederate Fort (Episode 40)

Organizations like The Conservation Alliance have been created by outdoor brands and businesses to help join forces in advocating for our public lands. In this episode we learn more about the hot topics in advocacy and how to get involved.

Business Champions for Our Public Lands — The Conservation Alliance (Episode 39)

Let's dive into the fight for our public lands as we explore the Roadless Rule and why it matters.

Why We Need the Roadless Rule — A Hunter and Angler’s Perspective (Episode 38)

At a time where U.S. Public Lands are under attack, we learn more about the Roadless Rule and how we can advocate to protect our Public Lands.

Understanding the Roadless Rule — What’s at Stake for Our Public Lands (Episode 37)

The journey of Lewis and Clark stopped in, what is now, Oregon for the winter. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park holds the environmental and historical conservation so that we can all continue to learn and understand their journey.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — Where the Journey Ended (Episode 36)

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument shares the story of one of the few winter battles held during the Civil War and how Kentucky's commitment to. neutrality eventually shifted to have them fighting for the Union.

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument — A Park Being Born (Episode 35)

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the country's youngest National Parks. Natural environment, industrial innovation, and the rights of workers all take center stage in this park. And one weekend a year, so does jumping off the bridge.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — America’s Newest National Park (Episode 34)

National Hammock Day is June 22nd. We met up with Anna Rawlins from ENO to talk about the history of hammocking, how to do it safely, and why so many people are incorporating hammocks into their lives.

National Hammock Day — Everything You Need to Know About Hammocking (Episode 33)

General Coffee State Park in Georgia celebrates the rich agricultural history of our country. The park showcases its late 1800s farm and diverse recreational activities.

General Coffee State Park — Georgia’s Agricultural Gem (Episode 32)

Step into the rhythmic hum of America’s first planned industrial city—Lowell, Massachusetts. In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz speaks with Park Ranger Aubrey Brown to uncover the surprising ways Lowell shaped American industry, empowered generations of women, and became a hub for activism and innovation.

From textile mills to canal boat tours, boarding houses to bobbins, this episode brings the Industrial Revolution to life with stories that are deeply human and still relevant today.

Lowell National Historical Park — Where America’s Industrial Revolution Was Born (Episode 31)

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to two of the largest trees in the world. The parks host large conservation efforts and incredible recreation activities.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks — The Biggest Trees on Earth (Episode 30)

Tim Kaine shares stories from his book

Walk, Ride, Paddle: A Life Outdoors with Senator Tim Kaine (Episode 29)

Pearl Harbor National Monument honors the lives lost, and those affected, during the attack on December 7, 1941. Planning a trip to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor starts in advance. This episode will help prepare you for your visit.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial — How to Visit America’s Most Solemn Park (Episode 28)

John Goodwin, Retired NPS Ranger and author of

Echoes of the Badge — Life as a National Park Ranger (Episode 27)

Jessica Bowser, from Virginia Outdoor Adventures, joins me to talk about planning outdoor adventures and learning new hobbies.

Virginia Outdoor Adventures — Learning to Play Outside with Jessica Bowser (Episode 26)

Sandra Ramos joins me to talk about how to advocate for parks and visit parks during these turbulent times.

Advocating for Our Parks — What You Can Do Right Now (Episode 25)

Maybury State Park, located right outside of Detroit, was a community created for patients with Tuberculosis. It is now a spectacular park for recreation and play for the community.

Maybury State Park — The Tuberculosis Sanitarium That Became a Park (Episode 24)

Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia and has great outdoor recreation, camping, and conservation programs.

Pocahontas State Park — Virginia’s Largest State Park (Episode 23)

Biscayne National Park, off the coast of Miami, is 95% water with a rich history in farming, fishing, and conservation.

Biscayne National Park — 95% Underwater and 100% Extraordinary (Episode 22)

Pompeys Pillar is located just outside of Billings, Montana. This stop will show your a geological wonder, the signature of William Clark, and stunning vista of the eastern Montana plains.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument — William Clark Was Here (Episode 21)

Recreation.gov is your go to website for planning trips to our nation's public lands. You can book campsites, reserve passes, and learn more about what's going on in the parks.

How to Use Recreation.gov — Your Guide to Booking Public Lands (Episode 19)

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was home to President Hoover in his youth. He reconstructed the space as a way to show American's that anyone can be successful. His home, prairie, blacksmith shop, and more will allow you to walk through history.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site — From Humble Beginnings to the White House (Episode 20)

Saguaro National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem where you can experience saguaros in one area and pine trees in another. The rich cultural history is worth celebrating in this episode of The Parks Podcast.

Saguaro National Park — America’s Sonoran Desert Redwood (Episode 18)

Statue of Liberty National Monument is home to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Learn about the history - starting with the gift from France through the immigration process for so many coming to the United States.

Statue of Liberty National Monument — The Story Behind the Icon (Episode 17)

Stephanie Harrison, creator of The New Happy, is launching her book

The Science of Happiness and the Outdoors — New Happy with Stephanie Harrison (Episode 16)

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park brings to life the story of Harriet and the hundreds of slaves she helped to find freedom.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad — The Full Story (Episode 15)

Sky Meadows State Park is outside of the Nation's Capital and provides a great escape from the city with Dark Skies, sensory trails, rich history, and an entrance to the Appalachian Trail.

Sky Meadows State Park — Dark Skies, the Appalachian Trail, and a Farm That Saved Itself (Episode 14)

Bryce Canyon is the 17th National Park and home to hoodoos, a stone formation that creates a beautiful experience in this western park.

Bryce Canyon National Park — Hoodoos, Dark Skies, and the Top of the Grand Staircase (Episode 13)

First Day Hikes is an initiative of America's State Parks, created to celebrate going outside, getting exercise, and experiencing nature.

First Day Hikes — The Best Way to Start Your New Year (Episode 12)

Lake Elmo, located in Billings, Montana, is home to great recreation, bird watching, and gathering with family and friends.

Lake Elmo State Park — The Urban Park With a Jazz Club Past (Episode 11)

Belle Grove Plantation, part of Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, is decking the halls and getting ready to kick off their holiday programs.

Belle Grove Plantation (Episode 10)

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park was the front line of major battles in the Civil War. Learn the story of the region from Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (Episode 9)

The hottest place on Earth, the lowest point in the US, and some of the most stunning scenery you've never imagined. Ranger Abby Wines on Death Valley's history, safety, and how to visit. The Parks Podcast.

Death Valley National Park — The Hottest Place on Earth Has a Lot to Teach You (Episode 8)

Craters of the Moon National Monument was created from lava flow over the past 15,000 years. Learn how you can experience the unique activities in the park throughout the year.

Craters of the Moon National Monument — Earth’s Most Otherworldly Landscape (Episode 7)

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is located between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. Learn about four major battles of the civil war and explore the battlefields and historic homes.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park — Four Battles, One Story (Episode 6)

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is known as the

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument — America’s Green Desert (Episode 5)

Shannon Jones, CEO & Founder of KeeKee's Big Adventure, will guide us on planning a trip with your family to the parks.

Family Travel to Parks — Planning Tips with KeeKee’s Big Adventures (Episode 4)

516 miles of trails, Skyline Drive's fall foliage, and a creation story most visitors never hear. Ranger Carl Rand on Shenandoah's past, present, and how to make the most of your visit. The Parks Podcast.

Shenandoah National Park — The Park That Came Home (Episode 3)

The darkest skies in the lower 48, 450 bird species, and 10,000 years of human history. Tom Vandenberg on why Big Bend is unlike any other national park. The Parks Podcast.

Big Bend National Park — The Park at the Edge of Everything (Episode 2)

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is our first stop for The Parks Podcast. Explore the history and impact of nine children to help spark desegregation, and social change movements.

Little Rock Central High School — Where Nine Students Changed the World (Episode 1)

355 days. A packed car. A burnout she couldn't ignore. Missy Rentz introduces The Parks Podcast — and the year that changed everything. Start here.

Welcome to The Parks Podcast — Missy’s Story and Why This All Exists (Episode 0)