Push 2 Play Network

 

A new home for park and recreation professionals to connect, grow, and lead.

Welcome to our brand-new podcast network! Push 2 Play is evolving into a collection of channels, each rooted in one of the core pillars of our strategic framework: Community, Advancement, Resources, and Development. Whether you’re here for a quick spark of inspiration or a deep dive into professional growth, there’s something for everyone.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑Take 5 Challenge with Henry Perezalonso

New episodes every other Thursday

At 2018 CPRS Conference & Expo, then-CPRS President Henry Perezalonso challenged professionals across the state to intentionally take five minutes each month to connect with a colleague—and the Take 5 Challenge was born.

Now, Henry brings that challenge to life through weekly podcast episodes where he connects with park and recreation professionals to talk projects, goals, and lessons learned—all in about five minutes. Whether you're just starting out, mid-career, or a seasoned leader, these quick, meaningful conversations will help build your network and sharpen your skills.

Let’s grow stronger together—five minutes at a time.
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Season 1, Episode 1

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? A Conversation with Priscilla Zepeda

In our very first episode of the Take 5 Challenge podcast, host Henry Perezalonso catches up with Priscilla Zepeda, Vice President of the CPRS Recreation Section and Recreation Manager for the City of Irwindale. Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento.

Henry and Priscilla dive into the big question we’ve all asked ourselves—“What do you want to be when you grow up?” —and shares that, by being authentic to herself and lifting others along the way, she’s already living her answer. Together, she and Henry explore what it means to support your team, create a career roadmap, and build a network that helps everyone grow.

Priscilla is also the go-to person for the Take 5 Challenge—reach out to her if you're ready to connect, share, and grow alongside a fellow parks and recreation professional.

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Season 1, Episode 2

Welcome to the Dark Side. A conversation with Nick Calubaquib, Deputy City Manager, City of Watsonville

In the second episode of the Take 5 Challenge podcast, host Henry Perezalonso catches up with Nice Calubaquib, Deputy City Manager, City of Watsonville. 

Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento, Henry and Nick discuss what it’s like to move to the “dark side” of city administration—while staying true to their parks and recreation roots. Nick shares how he balances his time between the Parks Department and the City Manager’s Office, and how he brings the spirit of parks and rec into every part of his role.

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Season 1, Episode 3

Making Big Feel Small. A conversation with Kristine Stratton

Henry sits down with Kristine Stratton, President and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento, Henry and Kristine dive into the power of adaptability, the importance of meeting people where they are, and how meaningful personal connections can make even the largest organizations feel small. Kristine also shares the value of having a trusted “kitchen cabinet” of people—and how that support system has shaped her leadership journey.

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Season 1, Episode 4

The Power of Productive Procrastination. A conversation with Brooke Walsh

In this episode of the Take 5 Challenge podcast, host Henry Perezalonso sits down with Brooke Walsh from the City of La Mesa. Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento, Brooke shares her approach to finding and sharing resources, staying organized in a way that works for her, and the surprising benefits of “productive procrastination.” She also talks about the importance of building solid foundations so you're ready when opportunity knocks—and why sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is say no.

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Season 1, Episode 5

Meeting Seniors Where They Are: A Conversation with Ashlee Winslow

In this episode of the Take 5 Challenge podcast, host Henry Perezalonso takes 5 with Ashlee Winslow from the City of Tulare Parks & Recreation, CPRS Aquatics Section President. Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento, Ashlee shares how she’s putting nutrition first to support local seniors, preparing for the next generation of older adults, and creating spaces that make it easier to ask for—and accept—help.

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✉️ We're Expanding—Want to Host Your Own Show?

We're building out the Push 2 Play Podcast Network and are looking for more passionate voices to host their own channels. Each show will align with one of CPRS's strategic pillars:

  • Community – Stories and strategies that build connection

  • Advancement – Career journeys, leadership, and skill-building

  • Resources – Tools, tips, and best practices

  • Development – Innovation, equity, and emerging trends

If you're interested in hosting a show or have an idea to pitch, please contact Stephanie Stephens.

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📚 Push 2 Play Podcast Archive

Before the network, there was the original Push 2 Play podcast—where CPRS members explored trends, shared stories, and spotlighted professionals across the field.

Revisit the conversations that started it all.

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