Tales & Trails

Tales & Trails

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.

Episodes

May 31, 2026 35 mins

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.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Cleveland Metroparks offers some of the best public golf in the country. Hit the links with host Brian Zimmerman, Director of Golf Dave Donner and Senior Manager of Golf Clubhouse Operations Geoff Koller and hear the insider scoop on our nine courses and what's next for golf in the Emerald Necklace.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode of Tales & Trails, Cleveland Metroparks CEO sits down with Jenn Grieser, Director of Natural Resources, to explore how her team conserves more than 25,000 acres across Northeast Ohio. From protecting forests and wetlands to pioneering innovations like floating wetlands and nature-based shoreline restoration, the Natural Resources Division works daily to ensure clean air, clea...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Join Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman for a conversation with Chief of Police Kelly Stillman on the mission, history, and future of the Metroparks Police Department. With more than 100 state-certified officers safeguarding 25,000 acres and 43 million annual visitors, Chief Stillman shares insights into the department's work, challenges, and achievements. From major investigations to ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 conserva...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Education and recreation programs across Cleveland Metroparks serve over a half million people each year. Hear from Mary Rouse, the Director of Outdoor Experiences, on how education connects people of all ages to nature as we take a deep dive into education philosophy, nature preschools, top adventures for families and more.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode of Tales & Trails presented by KeyBank, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman connects with Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, President and CEO of MetroHealth, on how the Park District and public hospital system are partnering for a healthier region.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
The Cleveland Zoological Society has been a proud nonprofit partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for nearly 70 years. Hear from Sarah Crupi, Chief Executive Officer of the Zoo Society, and Board Chair Christine Myeroff on recent improvements to the Zoo, why philanthropic and community support is so critical, and big plans ahead for the Zoo's 150th anniversary.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode of Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails podcast, Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage joins us to explore how the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent partnership with Cleveland Metroparks celebrates the city's spirit on and off the court. From City Edition jerseys that honor the Emerald Necklace to community initiatives that plant trees and foster civic pride, Nic shares how sport...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Yvette Ittu has been a regional leader for over 40 years at the intersection of finance, planning and government. On this episode of Tales & Trails, you can hear her story on the power of parks, people and public investment and how volunteerism and civic leadership is playing a major role in shaping the economic revitalization of our region.
 
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode of Tales & Trails presented by KeyBank, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with Trina Evans, Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center at KeyBank, to celebrate Key's remarkable 200-year milestone. From bringing back the beloved ZooKeys to championing STEM education, Trina reveals how KeyBank partners with the community to create a lasting impact through ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Pat Jones has been a passionate advocate for the golf industry for 30 years and a business media executive for most of his adult life. Hear from Pat on this golf-centric episode where we swing into the growing game of golf, industry trends, tips from the pros & more.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
A shopping center, a golf course and a landfill were some of the proposed or former uses for the scenic natural landscapes and waterways that make up West Creek Reservation. Hear from Derek Schafer, Executive Director of West Creek Conservancy, on how Cleveland Metroparks 16th park reservation came to be and where it's headed.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
First established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks has been a pioneer in the parks and recreation field since its inception. Hear from lead park historian Judy MacKeigan on park founder William Stinchcomb, turbulent and exuberant times for the Park District over the past century and unique finds, anecdotes and artifacts she's uncovered over the past 15 years.
...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Katie Spotz is an endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author, world-record holder and a native of Northeast Ohio. When she's not out competing in Ironman triathlons, cycling across the country or rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, she's probably training in Cleveland Metroparks. Hear how Katie is testing her limits in the Emerald Necklace and abroad to raise awa...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Emmy Award winning Fox 8 reporter Kenny Crumpton has been a staple on Cleveland television for over 25 years – and an avid outdoor enthusiast for even longer. When he's not on television, he can be found exploring Cleveland Metroparks through biking, golfing, rock climbing & more. Hear from Kenny Crumpton and CEO Brian Zimmerman on his eccentric experiences in Clevel...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
For over 15 years, brewmaster and co-founder of Fat Head's Brewery, Matt Cole, has been brewing award-winning beers that helped establish Cleveland as a craft beer city. Today Fat Head's is recognized as among the best brewers of contemporary American-style IPAs and traditional German beers. But beyond a commitment to exceptional craft beers, is a commitment to com...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
March 10, 2025 12 mins
Hear from Jackson Wolf, Cleveland Metroparks Trails Construction Manager, on trail design and construction, his favorite recent projects across the Emerald Necklace, and new trails underway in this bonus episode on the Art of the Trail.
 
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
February 28, 2025 18 mins
Cleveland Metroparks features over 125 miles of paved trails that connect communities but arguably the most scenic trails in the Emerald Necklace are the remaining 210 miles of "natural surface trails" that meander through, climb up and bridge over some of the most primitive areas of the Park District. Hear from Jim Rodstrom, Director of Construction, on the art of b...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Cleveland Metroparks is a point of pride for the region but it's also a driver of the tourism economy, attracting visitors and generating $616 million annually in direct visitor spending. Hear from CEO Brian Zimmerman and David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland, on how we work collaboratively to attract people to the region and its resources for the b...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    iHeartRadio 24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices