Becky Talks Parks: Parks & Recreation Podcast For Passionate Professionals

Jason Elissalde has more than 20 years experience in both training and leadership roles. First in the public sector with companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, T-Mobile, and Target. 7 years ago Jason took a position at the Gold Medal Winning Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield Oregon, and fell in love with the industry as a whole. After discovering his own purpose, Jason has been asked to speak to groups across the country about the importance of "Celebrating your Why"  and developing an emotional connection to the work that we do.  Speaking of connecting, Go connect with Jason on LInkedIn. This guy clearly is going places, He's got incredible insight..and I hear he may be open to the right opportunity... https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-elissalde-cprp-323556124/ In this episode, you will learn three very important thought-provoking takeaways to consider: 1. Always put mission above task 2. Separate the "I can's" from the "I cant's" 3. Don't need to worry about being right, worry about d

Today we thought it would be fun to take you behind-the-scenes for a candid conversation with the co-hosts of the show. In this episode, you'll hear: How Marissa got involved into the show The biggest misconceptions about us and this podcast Some thoughts around what it looks like for P&R to start a movement Have a great week, stay safe, and get outdoors! If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

Does anyone else wish that they had a Budgeting 101 to prepare you for time in parks and recreation?  Don't get me wrong, I had accounting and statistics, but they were general. P&R is a little different, and it takes years of experience to finally "get it." Even after asking my supervisors multiple times to involve me in budget discussions, I admittedly still struggle with some of the budgeting terms. That's why I thought it was so important to take us back to the basics with an episode about data this week, and who better to talk to than the data guy himself, Matt Hickey. In this episode, you'll learn about: - Why parks and recreation agencies must be more accountable to themselves and to their communities - The biggest mistakes professionals make when understanding the true costs  (and pricing) of service/program - How partnerships can help offset the risks and costs of programs - How COVID-19 impacts the need to be more accountable and data-driven If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more

We've all taken personality tests, but have you seen them being used in the workplace? In this quick field report, Marissa talks about how one of her favorite, most effective teams she's ever been on was managed by a leader who used a personality test to understand her team. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

When you think about the future of parks and recreation, what do you see? Thinking past the pandemic, what outcomes can we look forward to? How can things shift for you and your agency? In case you need to hear it, you have permission to dream about the future of our field. You can choose to be optimistic and see the bright side. There are opportunities here for us to show up differently. The other piece of good news? You don't have to do it alone. You can do it with those in your community and on your team. Or heck, you can do it across the country.... and you can certainly do it today on the podcast. Two of my favorite takeaways from JJ during this episode: Our job is to create experiences for our community.. You can do this by having an entrepreneurs mindset and by building relationships with those in your community. Your ideas are great, but the strategies of the team are even greater. Think beyond yourself and put your ego aside to serve the greater good. J.J. Lillibridge is a Parks and Recreati

This week's episode is with Marissa Moravec and Greg Stopka.  Greg is the Strategy and Innovation Manager for the Park District of Oak Park in Illinois.  This conversation is about how local government is changing from merely providing services to solving real problems in communities through creative problem solving.  In this episode, you will learn: 1. How real-time data helps make real-time decisions 2. How the Park District uses innovation to engage every employee in improving their daily work 3. How to engage the community with data If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

Studies show that children retain more information and form a deeper connection to Nature when it is presented to them near their home as opposed to part of a field trip. In this episode, we sit down Attiyya Atkins of Broward Count Parks and Rec to discuss the latent potential of urban parks and how conducting environmental education programs right in children’s backyard can have a future impact on not just conservation but climate change and environmental justice. Connect with Attiyya on LinkedIn!  In this episode you’ll learn: How even the most blighted park can be a source of pride for a community through environmental initiatives and programs that allow people to take pride in where they live. The definition of Eco-Cognizant. How you can take steps to start a similar program in your community. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to fo

Now is great time to connect and collaborate with other agencies, partners, and especially your state association. State associations provide immense value to their members, and today we look at how you can utilize their resources, networks, and knowledge to navigate today's uncertain circumstances. You can read the full version of the podcast on the blog.  If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. Sponsorships: off for this episode --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

This time in history looks different for many of us. For some, it may be time to slow down, pause, and reflect on where you've been and where you want to go. For others, it may be the right time to step into a new idea, a new reality - one that matches with your dreams and career vision. For those of us who are embarking on a new phase, you may be faced with bringing up a new idea or innovation to your team or your boss. You may be afraid of hearing "We've tried that before." The truth is, during this pandemic, and amidst a great unlearning of social  nothing has been done before that doesn't deserve a second chance. You can read the full version of the podcast in this email, but if you'd prefer to listen to the audio instead, you can do that here: https://letstalkparks.com/podcast/ In this article, Anthony Iracki dives into this topic and discusses why now is the time to rethink the way it's always been done. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

Happy Parks and Recreation Month! July is a time to reflect, celebrate, and share our passion for parks and recreation! This week's episode features Amanda D'Agostino, a student and young professional who has taken a non-traditional path to her current role after finding the life-changing power of recreation herself. Some of the takeaways you'll learn: how your past skills and experience can further your journey it doesn't matter when you start, it matters that you do you are in control of your path and you are your biggest advocate If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

This month is about YOU - the dedicated, selfless, essential employees that make up the parks and recreation profession. We couldn't be more excited to celebrate the work you're doing! Go do amazing things this July! If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

A lot has happened in the last few months, and I'm sure it's impacted your life and your job in ways you could have never imagined. Marissa Moravec joins us this week on the Let's Talk Parks podcast. She talks to us about how now is a critical time to be honest... first, with ourselves, then with our communities, and finally with our agencies/employees. This week's message is so important that we've published a text-version of this episode on the website. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

One thing that is certain is our need to continue growing and developing as professionals even in times of uncertainty. From building your personal brand, pushing through monotony, and finding opportunities outside our typical sphere of parks and recreation there’s never a shortage of ways to continue your development. We sat down with Brandon Ashe from Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation to get his take on these topics along with finding the confidence to grow and when to take a leap of faith. You’ll never know when opportunity knocks and you might just be surprised where you land. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

Notice anything new around here?  We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to rebrand Becky Talks Parks into Let’s Talk Parks. Now, you might be asking why the rebrand? The short answer is we wanted to make sure you knew the show was about you, the listener, and all the hard work you’re doing out there to make your community the best it can be. The long answer? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out more but we will just say that this is the beginning of a collaborative project designed to give voice to the next generation of purpose-driven Parks & Recreation professionals. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

Have you gotten the hang of remote working yet, or have you made the switch back to the office since quarantine started? This episode was recorded in late April and I meant to get this out sooner!  Hopefully you can find these tips useful as you continue to balance your life and your work, whether you're working in the office or at home. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

This week we look at what it's like to be a woman working in parks and recreation. We explore some of our natural tendencies that don't always serve us, especially when aiming for leadership positions. Join me and Marissa Moravec as we talk about our personal experiences working in the field, and the advice we would give to new professionals as women in the workforce. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and Recreation Professionals like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-parks/message

For most of us seeking to advance our career there's no shortage of information available in regards to leadership, management, and team building. While all important there is one topic that is often overlooked in the discussion and that is power. What does it mean to have power in your position and gain more as you advance? How can you effectively use it to lead your team? How do you balance power with responsibility? And how do you work alongside those who themselves hold similar amounts of power if not more? We take a deep dive into these questions and others as we are joined by Cincinnati Parks Director Kara Kish who has been lecturing on the topic at Indiana State University for years. We encourage you to spend some time with this episode as the subject is deep and nuanced. When it’s over ask yourself-If you had the power to make decisions that impacted not only your community but your entire department would you be ready? If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or w

If you've never heard of What The Rec, you've been missing out!  What The Rec was created by Katherine Dancangelis, who has a passion for Therapeutic Recreation - specifically gerontology (older adults). In this episode, we talk about what she loves about her job, why she started her website, and advice for anyone looking to get into the field. Enjoy! About Katherine: Katherine Darcangelis is the founder/creator of  What The Rec resource and development tools website. She is currently a full-time Recreation Director for an adult day care facility in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She recently finished up a Masters's degree in Nonprofit Management, to better understand how to serve those in the various populations that recreation is utilized. Along with this, she also holds a strong background in Therapeutic Recreation and Human Development; with an emphasis in gerontology. She has a passion for the geriatric field, and a strong desire to propel the recreation/activity profession(s) forward and be at the forefront

The world is changing like we've never seen before. The coronovirus is spreading, and impacting parks and recreation agencies across the country. In this conversation, we have a very raw and uncut discussion about the world as it stands today. Anthony Iracki and I talk about how its impacting parks and recreation services, remote work, mental health, and staying positive throughout it all. This week's blog post isn't super long, I want to make sure this gets out there as soon as possible.  This conversation was recorded on March 12, 2020.  Be sure to click the links and listen to the show on Anchor, Itunes, or any of your favorite podcast players. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becky-talks-parks/message

For all intents and purposes the phrase “Personal Brand” is a fancy way of saying the word “Reputation.” However dressed up as it may be, it does not mask the importance of the term nor the weight that it carries. If there's one thing professionals at every stage of their career should be keenly aware of it is their brand, their reputation. Your personal brand is what goes before you always. It’s what others talk about when referring to you. It’s what people like and sometimes disagrees with, about you. A strong personal brand can open doors for you, lead others to you, and allow for new opportunities. Today we will discuss the importance of personal branding and how to build yours if you have not already begun. If you enjoyed this episode and are looking for more information on the topic or would like to learn how you can become a contributor or guest visit us at www.letstalkparks.com. In addition please be sure to follow us on Instagram @Lets_talk_parks for more great content from purpose-driven Parks and R