Stories, perspective, and park wisdom from a lifetime in the National Parks
Ranger PamPaw Podcast is a podcast from Tezels on the Road about America’s national parks, the stories they hold, and what a lifetime of experience inside the National Park Service can teach us about the places we share.
Hosted by Mark Tezel—known to his grandkids as Ranger PamPaw—the show reflects a transition from active service to reflection, storytelling, and legacy. After nearly four decades with the National Park Service, Mark brings a personal, ranger-honest perspective shaped by years as an interpreter, supervisor, trainer, and servicewide support professional working with parks across the entire National Park System.
Each episode blends park news and context, behind-the-scenes insights, thoughtful storytelling, and practical visitor advice grounded in real experience. Instead of focusing on hype or checklists, Ranger PamPaw Podcast explores why national parks matter—as shared civic spaces shaped by history, stewardship, and people.
This podcast is for park lovers, travelers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how national parks actually work. The tone is conversational, reflective, and earned—the voice of a ranger who has stepped out of the uniform but continues to care deeply about the places it represents.
Mark Tezel is a retired National Park Service employee, lifelong traveler, and host of the Ranger PamPaw Podcast. Drawing on years of experience in parks and on the road, he shares stories of history, conservation, and adventure—always inspired by family, especially his grandkids, and a love for the journey.