Tales and Trails
With Brian Zimmerman
Tales and Trails, a podcast hosted by Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman, goes behind-the-scenes on wide-ranging topics from wildlife and animal care, scenic destinations and hidden gems, upcoming projects and more. Premiering the first Monday of each month, episodes will feature Brian accompanied by special guests across the Park District's award-winning team as well as key community partners and leaders in Northeast Ohio.
Latest Episode
Explore the extraordinary impact of nearly 7,000 annual volunteers across Cleveland Metroparks and the Zoo. From Trail and Zoo Ambassadors to watershed protection, hear inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how a culture of service continues to shape both the visitor experience and the future of Cleveland Metroparks in the latest episode of Tales & Trails.
Upcoming Episodes
- Monday, July 6
- Monday, August 3
Previous Episodes
- Episode 21: "Driving Forward: A Century of Golf in the Emerald Necklace" with host Brian Zimmerman, Director of Golf Dave Donner and Senior Manager of Golf Clubhouse Operations Geoff Koller
- Episode 20: "Nature in Balance: Conservation Across Cleveland Metroparks" with Jenn Grieser
- Episode 19: "Behind the Badge: Cleveland Metroparks Police with Chief Kelly Stillman"
- Episode 18: "Legacy of the Land: Reflections with Former Park Commissioner David Whitehead"
- Episode 17: "Growing Outside: How Cleveland Metroparks Inspires the Next Generation" with Mary Rouse(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 16: "Partnering for a Healthier Region with MetroHealth" with Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 15: "Power of Community: How Donors Make the Difference at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo" with Sarah Crupi(Opens in a new window)
2025
- Episode 14: "Rooted in Community: How Civic Leadership is Elevating Northeast Ohio" with Yvette Ittu(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 13: "Key Connections: Reflections on Legacy, Leadership & Community 200 Years in the Making" with Trina Evans(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 12: "Growing the Game: Why Public Golf Matters More Than Ever" with Pat Jones(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 11: "From Landfill to Landmark: The Story of West Creek Reservation" with Derek Schafer(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 10: "Park Secrets & Founding Stories: A Century of Cleveland Metroparks" with Judy MacKeigan (Opens in a new window)
- Episode 9: "Pushing Limits, Making Waves: Katie Spotz’s Journey for Clean Water" with Katie Spotz(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 8: "Kickin’ it with Kenny in the Parks!" with Kenny Crumpton(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 7: "Pints & Parks: Brewing Partnerships with Purpose" with Matt Cole(Opens in a new window)
- Bonus Episode: "The Art of Trail (Part 2)" with Jackson Wolf(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 6: "The Art of Trail" with Jim Rodstrom(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 5: "Parks to Prosperity: Building Northeast Ohio through Outdoor Tourism" with David Gilbert(Opens in a new window)
- Episode 4: "Activating Cleveland’s Lakefront" with Commissioner Dan Moore(Opens in a new window)