Community Channel

The Take 5 Challenge podcast series is hosted by former CPRS President, Henry Perezalonso. Originally launched in 2018, Henry's Take 5 Challenge was created to encourage members to get connected. In this series, Henry models simple, five-minute conversations that demonstrate how authentic connection builds, where iron sharpens iron.

Take 5 Challenge

Building Culture Intentionally: A Conversation with Annie Frisoli

In this episode, Henry chats with Annie, a leader in culture and leadership development, about building intentional culture, human-centered leadership, and the power of connection in the parks and recreation field.

 

Take 5 Challenge

Investing in Yourself: A Conversation with Lauren Oakley

Lauren and Henry talk about why professional development really matters and how investing in training can make a big difference in keeping employees engaged and motivated. 

Take 5 Challenge

Navigating Change & New Ideas: A Conversation with Nicole Lowery

Nicole reflects on her third year with a new agency and shares her approach to leadership, focusing on helping teams navigate and embrace change. 

Take 5 Challenge

New Year, New Me? A Conversation with Mark Freeman

Henry and Mark talk about starting 2026 reset and refocused for the new year, the importance of taking time off, and how doing so helps us be better humans. 

Take 5 Challenge

Leveraging Past Experiences for Future Success: A Conversation with Tiarra Warner

Henry and Tiarra reflect on their first few months in their new roles and the years of experiences that made them feel prepared to take on the challenges.

Take 5 Challenge

Understanding Your Staff: A Conversation with Kelli Sargent-Arakelian

Kelli and Henry chat about building strong teams of young professionals. Part of this includes using personality tests to find good matches.

Take 5 Challenge

CAMS at 25: A Conversation with the 2024/25 Aquatics Leaders

Henry and the Aquatics Section leadership chat about how CAMS has grown and evolved, from their early days attending the school to now helping organize it. They share favorite CAMS memories and reflect on the school’s 25th anniversary.

 

Take 5 Challenge

How CAMS Started: A Conversation with California Aquatic Management School OG's

Henry sits down with the OGs of CAMS. Together, they take a trip down memory lane to talk about how CAMS began, from a spark of an idea to a resounding “Yes, I’m in!” 

Take 5 Challenge

Holistic Health in Parks & Recreation: A Conversation with Dr. Rhonda Nelson

In this episode, Dr. Rhonda Nelson teaches us about recreation therapy, what it is, how it works, and the powerful impact it can have on communities. They discuss holistic approaches to wellness, the role of virtual recreation, and creative ways to combat loneliness.

Take 5 Challenge

Pushing Past Your Comfort Zone: A Conversation with Dan Fonner

With 34 years of dedicated service, Dan shares his journey from working hands-on in the field to stepping into a leadership role in the office. He talks about the challenges of pushing past his comfort zone, the importance of mentorship, and the value of giving back to the profession and those following in his footsteps.

 

Take 5 Challenge

Finding Balance: A Conversation with Nicole Acquisti

Nicole shares helpful advice with Henry as he settles into his new role, offering guidance on finding your footing after a long time in another department and the importance of creating a healthy career-life balance.

Take 5 Challenge

Pandemic Presidents: A Conversation with Tom Hellman and Tara Gee

Henry Perezalonso takes 5 with CPRS past presidents. They discuss leading through the pandemic, the economic impact of youth sports, and how agencies are using new technologies to gain insights into their communities.

Take 5 Challenge

Staying Fresh: A Conversation with Leah Martinez

Leah talks about how to keep your career feeling fresh, ways to make time for fun and play, and what she’s learned from becoming a parent while working in the recreation field.

Take 5 Challenge

Embracing Change: A Conversation with Lillian O'Keefe

Lillian discusses how she manages change in her job, particularly when colleagues she works with leave or assume new roles.

Take 5 Challenge

Telling the Story: A Conversation with Frankie Nelson

Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento, Frankie, "the storyteller", shares how a leap into social media out of necessity turned into a passion for community connection.

Take 5 Challenge

Pushing Past the Shy: A Conversation with Chad Clanton

Recorded live at the 2025 CONNECTIONS Conference in Sacramento, Chad opens up about navigating a lifelong journey from shy and introverted to purpose-driven and people-focused.

Take 5 Challenge

Meeting Seniors Where They Are: A Conversation with Ashlee Winslow

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.

Take 5 Challenge

The Power of Productive Procrastination: A Conversation with Brooke Walsh

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.”

Take 5 Challenge

Making Big Feel Small: A Conversation with Kristine Stratton

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.

 

Take 5 Challenge

Welcome to the Dark Side: A conversation with Nick Calubaquib

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.

Take 5 Challenge

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

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.