Episodes
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By the start of 1933, thousands of banks across America had already closed their doors. 13 million Americans were unemployed and the stock market had crashed, leaving the United States in the worst economic crisis in modern history. In the twelve years that would follow, the Dust Bowl would ravage the plains and render former farmland useless, heightening the impacts of the depression as the Second World War brought the entire world to a standstill.
But Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR as many would come to know him, would take it all in stride. Born in Hyde Park, New York in 1882, he was elected to the New York Senate in 1910, would go on to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson, and finally as the Governor of New York before being elected President of the United States in 1932. Perhaps best known for his sweeping economic programs, a deep connection with the American people, and his incredible strength shown amidst personal disaster, he would guide the country through the turbulence with courage, resilience, and, above all else, optimism.
In the heart of Washington D.C., a tribute to Roosevelt sits in a secluded corner of the National Mall. Designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin in 1974, the memorial stretches across 7.5 acres, making it the largest of any National Mall Memorial. The initial plans would wait for more than 20 years before Congress could approve the appropriate funding, but it was eventually dedicated on May 2, 1997, by President Bill Clinton. Consisting of more than 30,000 granite stones from South Dakota and Minnesota and with over 100,000 gallons of water flowing through seven fountains and pools, it is a stark contrast to the monuments that surround it, telling the story of an unprecedented presidency through elements of stone, water, and earth.
This week on America’s National Parks, take a stroll through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the lasting legacy of the 32nd President of the United States.
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Written by Lizzie Tesch
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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On this episode of America's National Parks podcast, we explore the incredible Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Discover the park's unique geological features, including one of the world's most active volcanic areas, and witness the annual spectacle of brown bears gorging on salmon during Fat Bear Week. Learn about Katmai's rich biodiversity, fascinating history, and the essential role of conservation. Get ready for an unforgettable wild adventure in one of America's most remote national parks.
Written By Jennifer Molidor
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com.
00:00 Introduction to Katmai National Park
00:42 Geography and Wildlife of Katmai
02:08 The Volcanic History of Katmai
04:39 Cultural and Historical Significance
06:12 The Salmon Run and Brown Bears
13:08 Visiting Katmai National Park
15:58 Conclusion and Additional Resources
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Missing episodes?
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Join Jason Epperson for crucial updates on the ongoing recovery efforts in National Parks affected by hurricanes. Other stories include the renaming of Clingman's Dome to Kuwohi, new memorials in Washington, D.C., and the 2025 U.S. Forest Service hiring freeze. Stay informed about park closures, maintenance needs, and the latest developments in our national parks!
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This episode of America's National Parks delves into the historic significance of the Yorktown Battlefield within the Colonial National Historic Park. It explores the climactic moments of the American Revolutionary War in 1781, where British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, highlighting Washington's tactical brilliance and the dire conditions faced by both armies. The episode also examines Yorktown's role during the Civil War, focusing on General George McClellan's hesitations during the Siege of Yorktown and contrasting them with General Ulysses S. Grant’s aggressive tactics at the Battle of Shiloh.
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Written by Lizzie Tesch
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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From the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the cliffs of Capitol Reef, there is no shortage of beauty in Utah. Still, the stunning landscape of Utah goes far beyond the “Mighty Five.” A wealth of National Monuments, Historic Parks, Recreation Areas, and Historic Trails can be found within its borders, and in the southeastern corner of the state sits one unit that receives barely over 100,000 visitors per year. Natural Bridges National Monument protects a collection of canyons and a trio of natural rock bridges. Those who do make the trip to the Monument find a delicate and desolate landscape that tells an intricately woven story of the people who called it home, of time, and above all else, of water.
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Written by Lizzie Tesch
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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In this episode, we're sharing some national park trip tips for those who feel that national parks aren't all they've cracked up to be.
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784
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Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
In this episode, we cover a high-speed chase through Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon's water crisis and recovery, Yosemite's indefinite closure of the historic Wawona Hotel, Death Valley's record-breaking summer temperatures, and the adoption of electric bikes and buses at various parks. Learn about these critical updates and more to stay informed on what’s happening in America's cherished natural landscapes.
Find the America's National Parks Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1238438736287784
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This episode delves into the history of the Teton Valley, focusing on early settlers, dude ranches, and the eventual creation of Grand Teton National Park. Highlights include transforming harsh, isolated land into thriving dude ranches by pioneers like Struthers Burt and Louis Joy, the romanticized Western experience sought by Easterners, and the rise of commercial developments that threatened the region's authenticity. The ranchers that opposed federal control eventually became the new National Park's biggest champions. Hosted by Jason EppersonWritten by Lizzie Tesch Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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From rumored Bigfoot sightings to a vanishing island, there is no shortage of mystery in the waters of Crater Lake. At 1,943 feet, the lake is the seventh deepest in the world and is best known for its sapphire blue color and astonishing size. Visitors can marvel at the massive crater formed thousands of years ago in a volcanic eruption and enjoy many activities that change with the seasons, but many find themselves drawn to a stump. Referred to as "The Old Man," the log has slowly navigated the lake's waters for well over 100 years, and the mystery of its movement and ability to remain upright continues to perplex scientists and parkgoers alike. Early travelers stood atop it in the open water; others were certain it controlled the weather. Still, like the lake itself, The Old Man is an indescribable fascination that continues to inspire the minds of many.
This week America'sa’s National Parks, Crater Lake, and the Old Man.
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Written By Lizzie Tesch
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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Join us for the latest updates in National Park news. This episode covers the collapse of a popular double arch in Glen Canyon, the establishment of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument, and new features on Recreation.gov for park entry bookings. You’ll also hear about recent lightning strike incidents at Horseshoe Bend, prohibited base jumping in the Grand Canyon, vandalism at Joshua Tree, elk poaching in Redwood National Park, and the partial reopening of Lassen Volcanic National Park following fire evacuations. Stay informed and plan your next adventure with this week's National Parks news roundup.
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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In this episode of America's National Parks, explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. Delve into its rich fossil record, uncovering the exceptional dinosaur discoveries unique to the area. Discover the park's crucial scientific contributions to understanding prehistoric climates, evolutionary patterns, and current biodiversity, including a significant bee study. Hosted by Jason EppersonWritten by Lauren Eisenberg Davis Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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Discover the mesmerizing natural wonders of Yosemite through the eyes of 19th-century photographer Carleton Watkins. Travel back to the time when photography was in its infancy, and learn about Watkins' grueling journey with almost a ton of photographic equipment to capture the untamed splendor of Yosemite. Witness how Watkins' stunning images influenced pivotal figures, including President Abraham Lincoln, leading to the establishment of the Yosemite Grant Act of 1864. Despite the grandeur he captured, Watkins' personal life was marked by tragic decline, culminating in an unmarked grave. Hosted By Jason EppersonWritten by Jonathan Shipley Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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In this episode of America's National Parks, host Jason Epperson interviews Nate Hegyi, host and senior producer of the acclaimed Outside/In podcast. They discuss Nate's journey from an outdoor-averse child to an enthusiastic adult exploring North America in a camper van. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in environmental journalism today, focusing on how to tell engaging and memorable stories about nature and climate change without overwhelming the audience. Nate shares insights from his diverse experiences, from covering hidden histories to addressing complex environmental issues. Nate highlights the importance of curiosity-driven storytelling and offers a preview of intriguing upcoming topics on the Outside/In podcast.
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
00:00 Introduction01:05 Sponsor Message: RVShare03:12 Nate's Outdoor Origin Story04:46 Adventures and Travels06:57 Becoming an Environmental Journalist10:57 Challenges in Covering Climate Change13:39 Engaging Storytelling in Environmental Journalism18:32 Upcoming Episodes of Outside/In20:13 Conclusion and Farewell
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In this month's National Park News Round-Up, we're sharing the story of how Yellowstone rangers stopped a plot for an independence day mass shooting, a string of heat-related and drowning deaths in parks around the country, a piece of Theodore Roosevelt history is returned after a theft in the 70's, and more.
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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On a hot Texas day, the splash of water from an irrigation gate is a welcome sound to those who rely on it this water to grow corn, peppers, squash and other foods. Water is the lifeblood of the farming communities of the San Antonio missions.
But how do you irrigate arid landscapes without modern plumbing? You build acequias. Brought by 18th-century Spanish missionaries, these gravity-based canal systems are ingenious ways to share water. Acequias helped establish the city of San Antonio and feed people along the San Antonio River for 300 years.
On this episode of America’s National Parks: the Acequias of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Use the code PARKS30 for $30 off a $500 or more RV rental booking for your next national park adventure at rvshare.com.
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Just about 40 miles outside of Chicago and nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park, combined with the neighboring state park of the same name, protects over 17,000 acres of sand dunes, ecological wonders, and diverse habitats. Amongst them sits a swell dedicated to the life and legacy of one of the earliest advocates of the park. To those of her time, she was known as the “mysterious nymph of the dunes,” but today she is better known as “Diana.”
For nearly a decade, Alice Mabel Gray lived amidst the sand. Escaping from the never-ceasing pace of Chicago during the second industrial revolution and leaving behind a life of higher education, her days were spent much like those of the modern park visitor: swimming in the lake, pacing long stretches of beautiful shoreline, and trekking through quiet woodlands. Like many others, she was in search of solitude, but as Alice came to find companionship in the dunes, her story would baffle the nation and lead to legends based on both truth and rumor.
This week on America’s National Parks, Indiana Dunes National Park and Diana of the Dunes.
Written by Lizzie Tesch
Hosted by Jason Epperson
Save $30 off a $500+ RV rental at rvshare.com
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In Buffalo, New York, a collection of paintings lay neglected in a storage area of the Museum of Science for many decades. Once coveted, these paintings were no longer deemed aligned with the museum’s vision. How had a science museum become interested in art depicting Zion National Park? And what was to become of the paintings?
Art and the national parks go hand in hand in many ways, especially for the early national parks, and Zion is no exception.
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Written By Lauren Eisenberg Davis
Use promo code PARKS30 for $30 off a rental of $500 or more at www.rvshare.com
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Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
In this episode, Yellowstone plans to keep more bison each year, Teton Pass could wreak havoc on Grand Teton and Yellowstone visitors, a rare white bison is born, a grizzly has a litter of five cubs, and a whole lot more.
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Despite its proximity to major metropolitan areas, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a serene escape that feels worlds away. With its sweeping beaches and wild horses, the island embodies the natural beauty preserved by dedicated conservationists. But the island's story is unique, shaped not only by human efforts but also by one of the most destructive hurricanes of the 20th century. Join us as we delves into the creation of Assateague Island National Seashore, exploring its dynamic landscape, the resilience of its ecosystems, and the dramatic events that led to its preservation.
Written By James Fester
Hosted By Jason Epperson
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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On May 10th 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis personally penned one of the most unusual orders in the US Army’s history to Brevet Major Henry C. Wayne. It read, in part: "Sir: [You are] assigned to special duty in connection with the appropriation for importing camels for army transportaion and for other military purposes."
The order represented a victory for Davis in a four-year struggle with Congress to establish a camel corps within the US Army. As a US Senator, he introduced the measure in Congress in 1851 and 1852, only to have it literally laughed out of committee on both occasions.
Use code PARKS30 for $30 off of a $500 or more booking at www.rvshare.com.
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