What is Parks Podcast?
This podcast is about the Indigenous people who, since time immemorial, have lived, hunted, and created communities on these sacred lands, living reciprocally with nature for centuries before colonizers arrived. It’s about the racism, violence, and lies that led the U.S. government to dispossess land from Natives.
These actions have grave consequences for all beings and the environment. We’re going to learn how Indigenous communities have protected their lands, language, and culture in the midst of attempted genocide. And how these peoples and communities lead America’s most important environmental victories of the past and present.
U.S. National Parks were built on the idea of wilderness preservation, “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Today, millions of people still visit places like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon every year with the idea of escaping an overwhelming digital world to commune with “pristine” nature.
As more of us flock to the outdoors for vacation, solitude or recreation, Parks asks you to think
differently about these beloved places — including their conflicted
pasts and uncertain futures.
Meet the team.
Mary Mathis
is a co-creator, reporter, & host of Parks. She grew up in traditional Sauk and Meskwaki land (Central Iowa) and now lives in Chicago on Odawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe land. She’s worked with The New York Times, NPR, Outside Magazine, and The Washington Post, and currently works as a podcast producer and fact-checker for companies like ACLU, Spotify and IHeartMedia.
Cody Nelson
is a co-creator, reporter, and producer of Parks. He grew up in Minnesota, visiting the Boundary Waters with his dad every summer. Cody’s worked with The Guardian, MPR, NPR, and The Star Tribune. Cody’s reporting focuses mostly on environmental and political issues. He now lives in Chicago on traditional Odawa, Potawatomi and Ojibwe land.
Taylor Hensel
Taylor Hensel is a story editor of Parks. Her work as a storyteller often reflects the relationships we have with all beings. Taylor is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Taylor continues to align her life and her work valuing the land, justice, and diverse perspectives through her role as an independent filmmaker and storyteller. Most importantly, her wish is to continue telling stories that inspire hope.
The design you’re seeing was created by Kenyon Ellsworth.
And the beautiful images were taken by Maria Efting.