Push 2 Play Podcast Season 1 & 2

Push 2 Play Podcast Archive🎧

 

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

Before the Push 2 Play Podcast Network was born, there was Push 2 Play: a podcast by and for park and recreation professionals who believe in the power of play, storytelling, and connection.

Hosted by members of the California Park & Recreation Society, this original series explored the latest trends and news, spotlighted unique and inspiring stories, and featured the playmakers shaping communities and the profession itself.

Whether you're revisiting a favorite moment or discovering episodes for the first time, this archive is full of insight, laughter, and lessons from across our field.

Thanks for being part of our journey—there’s more to come.

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Push 2 Play Podcast

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Season 2

Season 2, Episode 6
AI in P&R... How should we respond?

Today's playmaker is CPRS District 1 President Matt Milde and does he have some thought-provoking ideas for you! Artificial Intelligence is all around us. How are we as leaders and providers of park and recreation programs and services using AI? How can or should we be? What's the impact either way? Find out Matt's thoughts and let us know what you think! By the way, here are a few resources Matt shared with us after our chat.

Meet Your Best Event Planning Resource: AI (click here)

ChatGPT (AI Chat Tool) (Click here)

Season 2, Episode 5
Passionate D12 Leader Talks Leading with Empathy!

Leading with empathy; investing in your people; investing in YOURSELF! These are all words of wisdom shared by our D12 President, Tracy Stayton in this Push 2 Play episode. Don't miss out on Tracy's passion... it will make your day!

Season 2, Episode 4
Little Moments of Perfectness!

Are you ready for a boost of energy?  Give this episode a listen and meet CPRS District 10 President Brittany Batiste.  You'll leave feeling revived!  Brittany shares her leadership journey, how CPRS is her personal 'phone a friend' link, and reminds us that it's all about those Little Moments of Perfectness we experience every day in this profession.  Push 2 Play for some great energy!

Season 2, Episode 3
CPRS Director of Membership Invites You To Engage!

Come meet the newest member of the CPRS HQ team - Director of Membership John Doyle!  

Being a life long lover of all things outdoors, John is bringing a new perspective to his role here at HQ and it's all about YOU!  Get to know him a bit better in this episode of Push 2 Play... and be sure to engage with not only John, but with all the CPRS HQ team!

Season 2, Episode 2
Parks and Park Planners - the role they play in a thriving community!

We all use our parks and green spaces in different ways - from programming for our communities to enjoying these spaces personally. When was the last time you thought about who, how or why those spaces were designed in the first place? Hear from Park Planning and Development Manager Tara Gee about how she views her role in developing park spaces for the City of Roseville. Truly a 'balancer' of wants, needs, maintenance, safety, trends, fads and all things green.

Season 2, Episode 1
Living an Epic Adventure!

We're getting personal today with our friend and former Director of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation, Bruce Wegner.  Our conversation is all about living an Epic Adventure and moving from a life of success to a life of significance.  It's the perfect way to start off a bright, shiny new year... come listen in and let us know your personal vision statement!

Season 1

 
Episode 8
Shaping (and re-shaping) parks and recreation

Jamie Sabbach of 110% talks about trends that are shaping (and re-shaping) parks and recreation.

 
Episode 7
Connecting with Henry Perezalonso

It's all about strengthening ourselves, our communities, and our profession!  Who have you connected with today?

 
Episode 5
Back To School: MPA Edition

Thinking about the next step in your public service career? Ben talks with professors from San Francisco State University's (SFSU) Masters in Public Administration (MPA) program. Although some of the information is specific to SFSU, the conversation is transferable to other universities that offer a similar program. Get all your questions answered in today's podcast!

 
Episode 6
Quiet Quitting - A New Concept?

Quiet Quitting... whether you've personally experienced this concept or are working with someone who may be in the throes of it themselves, there is hope.  Executive Coach and Principal for 110% Farrell Buller joins us today to share her thoughts around this 'not so new' concept.  You'll leave this episode with a nugget or two of wisdom and a dose of some great Farrell energy.

 
Episode 4
Debunking Myths for Speaking at CPRS Conference

When was the last time you did something for the first time? How about submitting a proposal for this year's CPRS Conference? In this episode, Ben speaks with Marina Servantez, Director of Education, for the California Park & Recreation Society to debunk some of the common myths as to why people do not submit proposals. After listening, we hope you decide this is the year you submit a proposal. 

 
Episode 3
Marie Knight and Lydie Gutfeld - Sizing Up "The Fit"

Engage in a deep dive of leadership and real talk with our guest host, Lydie Gutfeld, and parks and rec superstar Marie Knight.  Listen in as we talk about how to handle not being the "right fit" and learning how to reassess every situation where a door seems like it has closed.  Marie and Lydie will take you on a journey through their experiences as  leaders and work to tell their story in a way that connects with you!  Learn about elevating your skills, handling emotional decision making, and knowing when to walk away.  This podcast will leave you smiling and inspired.

 
Episode 2
Fuel Up With 76

On today's episode we fuel up with the 76th President of CPRS which is Frank Carson. We speak with Frank Carson, Director with the City of El Cajon, about accessibility to parks, his goal as CPRS State Board President, and talk about why YOU should get involved with CPRS.  

 
Episode 1
A CPRS Presidential Message

On today's episode we speak with Tom Hellmann, Recreation Services Manager with the City of Folsom, and YOUR CPRS State Board President. On this episode we talk about finding answers are not always in the typical places, the importance of CPRS turning 75, and Tom's experience as the President of the State Board.