Side Trail: Happy Birthday & Podcast Anniversary to Me!
Cut yourself a piece of cake and add a scoop of ice cream because it’s my birthday and the one-year anniversary of IN the Parks! To celebrate, I’m sharing my podcast’s own origin story which is really a love letter to Indiana’s state parks. On this birth-iversary episode, I was interviewed by friends of mine who have their own travel podcast. They asked me questions about the last year of exploring, and it was fun to reminisce about all I’ve discovered in the parks!
How It Began
In May 2024, the phrase “in the parks” popped into my head one night when I was getting ready for bed. I wondered if anyone had created a podcast about Indiana’s state parks and, after some quick searches online, realized no one had. An idea was born.
A friend of mine connected me to a couple wonderful women working for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and I pitched them the podcast idea. Thankfully, they were willing to give me a shot and opened doors for me to interview the incredible state parks staff. I got started right away with interviews at Mounds State Park. From the first one, I was certain I was on to something! The historic stories were full of themes still relevant for today. I knew this was going to be an awesome adventure!
What I’ve Learned So Far
In some ways, I’m the least qualified person to create this podcast. Before I began, I’d only been to four of the 36 parks in the state. But I was eager to see more of Indiana and excited to soak in a lot of knowledge!
Over a year later, I’ve now been to 29 state parks and recreation areas. I’ve hiked 158 miles in the parks, biked 16 miles, and kayaked 16 miles. I’ve completed six of the state park challenges (which I talk about in the birth-iversay episode) and failed one. I’ve climbed four of the six fire towers in the parks. I’ve hiked with friends and family members, walked 10 miles in a day, and seen the parks through the eyes of a four-year-old.
And what I’ve learned through all the miles and steps is that Indiana is a really incredible state that will consistently surprise and delight you. I’ve learned about bats, bison, and freshwater mussels. I’ve discovered the beauty of the prairie wildflowers at Prophetstown and the water lilies at Chain O’ Lakes. And I’ve been proud to hear stories of the men and women who started the state parks and meet the people caring for them today.
Celebrating Indiana
While I’m celebrating my birthday and my podcast’s anniversary, what I’m really celebrating is how Indiana has played a huge role in helping make me the person I am today. My parents are Hoosiers, and my grandma’s family has been in the state since the 1870s. So yes, there are the cliché cornfields and red covered bridges that make all of us Hoosiers, but there are also waterfalls, fireflies, and limestone cliffs! Creating this podcast has helped me really appreciate being from Indiana. I think that’s something you are most grateful for when you spend time in the parks!
Follow and Share
Want to join my IN the Parks journey? Check out the podcast, follow along on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to share with a friend. I hope to see you IN the Parks!
