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
In this episode of Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails, CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with longtime commissioner David Whitehead, who served from 1994 to 2011—one of the longest tenures in Cleveland Metroparks history. Together, they reflect on nearly two decades of transformative growth, including landmark park expansions, groundbreaking zoo habitats, and the enduring importance of conservation leadership.
Upcoming Episodes
- Monday, April 6
- Monday, May 4
Previous Episodes
- Episode 17: "Growing Outside: How Cleveland Metroparks Inspires the Next Generation" with Mary Rouse
- Episode 16: "Partnering for a Healthier Region with MetroHealth" with Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager
- Episode 15: "Power of Community: How Donors Make the Difference at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo" with Sarah Crupi
2025
- Episode 14: "Rooted in Community: How Civic Leadership is Elevating Northeast Ohio" with Yvette Ittu
- Episode 13: "Key Connections: Reflections on Legacy, Leadership & Community 200 Years in the Making" with Trina Evans
- Episode 12: "Growing the Game: Why Public Golf Matters More Than Ever" with Pat Jones
- Episode 11: "From Landfill to Landmark: The Story of West Creek Reservation" with Derek Schafer
- Episode 10: "Park Secrets & Founding Stories: A Century of Cleveland Metroparks" with Judy MacKeigan
- Episode 9: "Pushing Limits, Making Waves: Katie Spotz’s Journey for Clean Water" with Katie Spotz
- Episode 8: "Kickin’ it with Kenny in the Parks!" with Kenny Crumpton
- Episode 7: "Pints & Parks: Brewing Partnerships with Purpose" with Matt Cole
- Bonus Episode: "The Art of Trail (Part 2)" with Jackson Wolf
- Episode 6: "The Art of Trail" with Jim Rodstrom
- Episode 5: "Parks to Prosperity: Building Northeast Ohio through Outdoor Tourism" with David Gilbert
- Episode 4: "Activating Cleveland’s Lakefront" with Commissioner Dan Moore