You are here

The New NPCA Podcast

Share

Published Date

September 10, 2007
NPCA Podcast

The NPCA has a new podcast which is worth subscribing to if you are interested in quality audio programming about the National Parks.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has just jumped into podcasting, a welcome addition for those of us who love to listen to an insider's perspective on parks.

Their first show is great. The host of the show, Jim Williams, travels out to Yosemite National Park and tags along for an interpretive program. We meet park interpreter Shelton Johnson as he presents living history as Sergeant Alizy Bowman, one of the park's first rangers, a member of an African-American regiment of the U.S. Army. I really enjoyed that we have a chance to hear from Shelton after his presentation. It is an opportunity for Johnson to tell us why he believes interpretation is so important to national park protection. Interpreters are a passionate bunch, and you can hear an intensity in Johnson's voice as he talks about his craft. If the old saying is true, "it's not what you say, it is how you say it," then podcasts like this can be a powerful story-telling tool.

The NPCA is planning to roll out new programs twice a month. They are calling this set of podcasts "Park Stories." The voice behind the productions is Jim Williams. He's got more than 20 years in audio production, including work for film and video. He has worked a lot with public radio, and over the last six years has been awarded with Associated Press and Broadcasters Associations awards. In an email, Jim told me, "I have been doing nature writing for a decade, and combining that with audio storytelling is a dream come true."

Podcasting, in general, is a pretty new thing. Like the world wide web, it is technology-based, but please don't be put off by that. It might be helpful to think of podcasts as radio (and TV in some cases) for the next generations. If you think that is a bold statement, consider how far the 'web' has come in just 15 years. For many, reading the printed newspaper has been replaced with the electronic web version. Even now, television and radio stations are making more and more programming available over the Internet.

Many people make an association between podcasts and the Apple iPod, which may be somewhat accurate, but in my opinion really misses the potential of this content. I tend to think of these programs as 'radio on demand.' Instead of listening to the traditional over-the-air broadcasts, when I'm at my computer I can tune-in to the world of Internet podcasts to pick and choose the radio programs I'd like to hear, and even when I'd like to listen to them. Plus, if I am interrupted by a telephone call, I can hit the pause button and pick it up again when I'm ready. And, unlike regular radio, podcasts are stored on your computer so that you can listen to them again if you choose. And with enough programs covering your topics of interest, you can build your own special listening niche. If you are interested in National Parks, I'd suggest adding these four podcasts to your listening lineup.

National Parks Traveler [podcast rss] (our podcast)
National Parks Conservation Association [podcast rss]
The WildeBeat [podcast rss] (weekly 10 minute program about getting out in the Wilderness, many park related stories)
Dirtbag Diaries [podcast iTunes] (outdoor adventure which occasionally includes National Park topics)

Most websites (including all four listed above) give you the ability to listen to the podcast via the website. But, there are other computer programs that let you download and listen from your hard drive, as well as check every day to see if a new program exists. The most popular of these computer programs is iTunes, but there are others, like Juice and the web based PodNova.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.