What’s Up, Interpreters? A Podcast from the National Association for Interpretation

• Interpretive Training with Empathy and Awe: Monique Thompson

  Monique Thompson is the founder of Raindrop Naturalist, through which she trains guides and educators across parks, museums, and cultural sites to move beyond information delivery and into meaningful dialogue. Monique, a prolific NAI trainer, is passionate about mentoring new interpreters, advancing interpretive training worldwide, and helping organizations evolve with empathy and creativity in a changing world. Monique joins Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss interpretation and to reminisce about camels in Morocco.

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• Interpretation and Tourism: Von Harden

  Von Harden is the president and founder of the International Association of Tour Directors and Guides (IATDG), as well as the vice president of college access programs with CE Tours. Von has been working in the student travel industry for more than a quarter century. Von focuses on connecting students from underserved communities with tourism opportunities.  Von joins NAI's Heather Manier and Paul Caputo to discuss the intersection of tourism and interpretation, and where opportunities for individuals from both professions may lie.

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• Perception in Interpretation: André Copeland

  André Copeland, Interpretive Programs Manager at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and an NAI Lead Trainer, has been an active NAI member since 2004. He will be a keynote speaker at NAI 2025 in Virginia Beach, addressing perspective and perception in interpretation. André has more than 30 years’ experience working in the zoological field which includes animal care, program development and management, frontline interpretation, interpretive training, interpretive planning, and community outreach programming. His passion is creating a bridge for people to connect with nature and André continues to amass experience in communication to improve that ability.

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• Interpretation at Virginia Beach Parks and Rec: Michael Kirschman

  Longtime NAI member Michael Kirschman, director of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, joins to discuss Mount Trashmore and other jewels of the city's park system. Virginia Beach Parks and Rec manages more than 290 parks, 7,000 acres, seven large recreation centers, 185 playgrounds, 200 athletic fields, 14 boat launches, a marina, and the Princess Anne Athletic Complex, and it's Virginia Beach's largest childcare provider through its Before and After School program at 56 elementary schools. It also provides maintenance for 512 city buildings, all 91 public schools and athletic fields, and 340 miles of roadway median, all while providing interpretive experiences for visitors.

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• Interpretation and Global Tourism: Sebastian Frankenberger

  Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the World Federation of Tour Guide Associations (WFTGA), joins to talk about the role of interpretation in tourism around the world, and how interpretation organizations and tourism organizations might partner in the future. NAI's Song Stott and Paul Caputo host.

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