RecLess Podcast

??? New Episode Alert! RecLess Podcast Season 3, Episode 9 ??? We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest episode featuring Nate Williams, CPRP, AFO, Director of Parks and Recreation for Excelsior Springs, MO! During an insightful conversation, Nate shares his journey from reflecting on how he looked back at being managed to becoming a manager himself while diving into: ? The self-onboarding experience when stepping into a new role. ? Bringing innovation and out-of-the-box thinking to parks and recreation. ? Running a thriving e-sports program and its impact on the community. ? Insights into leveraging the Working Genius Assessment framework. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways, inspiring stories, and a glimpse into the creative mind of a parks and rec leader. ?? Tune in now to hear from Nate and fuel your professional growth! ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/efNs9iYu #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #Leadership #Innovation #Esports #WorkingGenius

??? New Episode Alert: Recorded Live at NRPA! ??? First, Happy Veteran's Day! We extend our deepest gratitude to all service members for your dedication, sacrifice, and courage in serving our nation. We’re honored and excited to release Episode 8 of Season 3 featuring Linda Kotowski, CPRP—Past President of NRPA and distinguished Member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration! Recorded at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Atlanta, this episode highlights Linda’s remarkable work, including her leadership of the Academy Externship Program and wisdom on fostering positive change in our field sharing the insightful concept of "for those against change, know what they are for."?? Linda also shares invaluable advice on navigating career setbacks (when you don’t land the job). She’s been a source of mentorship and inspiration for our team and countless professionals in Parks and Rec. ?? Celebrate the day with a dose of inspiration from one of the field’s most dedicated advocates. ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/ev9tSdes You can also find the episode and subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming service from our website: www.reclesspod.com ?? #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #NRPA2024 #WhereYouBelong #Mentorship #CareerGrowth

?? New Episode Release: Recorded LIVE at NRPA! ?? Episode 7 of Season 3 is here, and it’s a special one—recorded in person at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Atlanta! ??? We were thrilled to welcome Errin Koon, Recreation Manager - Programs, Parker Fieldhouse in Parker, CO. Before delivering an educational session that week, Errin shares her expertise on the dynamic and much-needed “P” word in Parks and Rec—Policy—and why it’s essential to navigate with intention. We also dive into the unique landscape of parks and recreation in the great state of Colorado and explore the current climate of Youth Sports (host Soapbox alert! ??). Errin brings valuable insights, passion, and some powerful experiences for anyone looking to make a positive impact in community programming. Tune in for a fresh perspective straight from the NRPA floor! ??? ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/eyz-g8UG You can also find the episode and subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming service from our website: www.reclesspod.com ?? #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #NRPA2024 #WhereYouBelong #YouthSports

?? Monday Fun Day Episode Drop! ?? In Episode 6, Season 3 of the RecLess Podcast, we’re joined by Tony M. Lopez, DBA, ICMA-CM, CPRE, Deputy Town Manager of Miami Lakes, FL, who brings powerful insights into leadership, innovation, and career growth in Parks and Recreation. ?? From recruiting new professionals into this dynamic field to building an entire parks and rec system from scratch, Tony’s experience is a testament to the impact of strong relationships, collaboration, and vision. We also explore his transition to city management, where he embraces the challenges that come with local government, accepting that politics is "par for the course.” Tony shares his dedication to serving the field through roles with COAPRT, NRPA’s Supervisors Management School, and as a newly inducted American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration member ??—a huge congratulations to him! And, for a "magical" treat, tune in as Tony and episode host Tom dive into their shared love for Disney Parks and Culture, discussing its powerful influence on parks and recreation and the value of creating unforgettable experiences. ? ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/et6rYyGU You can also find the episode and subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming service from our website: www.reclesspod.com ?? #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #Leadership #CityManagement #DisneyCulture

??? New RecLess Episode Alert! ??? Episode 5 of Season 3 just dropped, and this one’s packed with incredible insights from our guest, Javier Martinez, CPRP, CPO, Manager of Fitness & Aquatics at Waukegan Park District, IL! ?? In this episode, we dive into Javi’s impressive career journey, including his recent recognition as a National Recreation and Park Association 30 Under 30 honoree and the recipient of the Robert Crawford Young Professional Award. We chat about the value of serving your own community, finding confidence early in your career, successfully managing across generations through relationship-building, and even handling undesirable behaviors in the workplace. Plus, we get a glimpse into Javi’s unique start as a zookeeper at a Wildlife Discovery Center and the valuable lessons he took from that experience! ?? Tune in now for a conversation full of inspiration and actionable advice for any parks and recreation professional. ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/eUiiJr6T You can also find the episode and subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming service from our website: www.reclesspod.com ?? #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #Leadership #CareerGrowth

Wow, what an incredible week at the NRPA Conference in Atlanta! ????? For the first time, the RecLess Podcast team came together in person and hosted a Meet-Up on Tuesday evening at Stats Brewpub. The turnout was beyond our expectations—packed with past guests, listeners, and supporters. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it a night to remember! ?? A special shoutout to our t-shirt partner and friend Neelay Bhatt of Next Practice Partners. It was amazing to see people rocking their shirts throughout the conference and even on their way home! (Thanks Debbie!)?? We also recorded two in-person episodes, and to top it all off, each of our three hosts had the honor of being part of a group of five individuals recognized for their contributions to the field at the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Annual Banquet. It was a truly special moment for all of us. ?? Thank you to all our guests and everyone who supported us along the way. Stay tuned—our next episode drops this Friday! ?? #RecLessPodcast #NRPA2024 #ParksAndRec #ParksAndRecreation #WhereWeBelong #PodcastLife

It’s finally here!!! Our first ever RecLess Podcast Meet-Up is tonight during the National Recreation and Park Association at Stats Brewpul. Check out the details below and come visit us and our many amazing guests starting at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing some of you then!

??? RecLess pod drop! Just in time as we arrive in Atlanta for the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, where we’re excited to host live episodes and see everyone at the RecLess Meet-Up on Tuesday! And for those getting shirts— we’ve got them! ???? In Episode 4 of Season 3, we’re thrilled to feature Jason Mangum, Assistant City Manager of Missouri City, TX. ?? Jason dives into his experiences working in disaster recovery in hurricane zones, transitioning from Parks and Rec to City Management, and his leadership philosophy: “We are in the people business.” He also shares insights on the importance of passion, innovation, and challenging the status quo in parks and recreation, all while touching on CAPRA and excellence in the profession. This episode is full of knowledge, great quotes, and nuggets you won’t want to miss! ?? ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/ePM8mzdT You can also find the episode and subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming service from our website: www.reclesspod.com ?? #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #NRPA2024 #Leadership

??? Get a little RecLess with us this week as Episode 3 of Season 3 just dropped, and we’re thrilled to feature Kayode Lewis, Associate Director University of New Hampshire (UNH) Campus Recreation! ?? In this episode, Kayode shares his insights on transitioning from municipal rec to campus rec, serving both students and community members (which is somewhat unique to UNH), navigating the dynamics of club sports, and working through the complexities of university politics. He also offers valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in campus recreation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with practical takeaways and unique perspectives! ?? ?? Find the episode on Spotify at: https://lnkd.in/exgswz9M You can also find the episode and subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming service from our website: www.reclesspod.com ?? #RecLessPodcast #ParksandRec #ParksandRecreation #CampusRec

?? We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever RecLess Podcast Meetup at the 2024 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Atlanta! ?? Listenrs and guests, join us at Stats Brewpub (300 Marietta St NW Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30313) on Tuesday, 10/8 at 6 p.m. for a casual, come-and-go gathering. You’ll have the chance to meet former guests of the show, chat with our hosts Shane Mize, Jay Tryon, and Thomas Venniro, CPRP. You can also snag your pre-ordered limited edition RecLess t-shirt, in partnership with Next Practice Partners and former guest/friend, Neelay Bhatt. We hope to see you there! #NRPAConference2024