Studio 809 Community Podcast Network

Epic rides, unforgettable stories, and a look inside one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic outdoor adventure companies. Outback Jake and the Flying Scotsman from Adventures Out West talk biking adventures around the Pikes Peak region and the story behind the longtime local family business. Founded in 1973 by native Coloradans Bruce and Patty Wellens and now run by their son Greg Wellens since 2003,...

What makes you live your best life in your 80’s, 70’s, younger? We introduce listeners to life-long athletes Christel Donley and Rob Rodine. They celebrate life after 60 with insights on being active and connected. Their stories are not much different from ours, yet they validate and inspire us to keep growing, learning and championing our health. LEARN MORE: Colorado Senior Games: https://colorad...

We get a report on Colorado’s 2026 legislative session from Kathy Ebersberger & Linda Hutchinson, Co-Chairs of LWVCO’s Action & Advocacy and Andrea Wilkins, LWVCO’s Legislative Liaison. Donate Today! You can also donate a used car, insurance policy, stock or a CD!: https://www.lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=301&club_id=750758 Email treasurer@lwvppr.org for more information. LWVCO Acti...

Explore the spirit behind “Hey Neighbor,” a movement reshaping how our community connects, collaborates, and cares for one another. Learn the origins of the Hey Neighbor initiative, why it matters now more than ever, and how it is transforming neighborhoods across El Paso County into places of belonging and shared responsibility. In this inaugural episode of Spotlight El Paso County , we discuss w...

Get the scoop on a variety of area news and summer happenings, plus a report on the recent block party celebrating Richard Skorman and Patricia Seator passing the torch for Poor Richard’s to Joe Cole and Sarah Gibeau. Also, how many bikes do you think Carrie and Al each own? The role John Crandall and Old Town Bike Shop have played in the community. Are we ignoring Briargate? And what is the Meanw...

Colorado Springs is becoming one of the premier cycling destinations in the country—and this summer, the race calendar proves it. From gravel grinders and mountain bike showdowns to grassroots community races and world-class competition, we’re talking with the organizers behind the biggest cycling events hitting the Pikes Peak region this season. Host: Torie Giffin, Owner Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Res...

All the details to get involved with the Colorado Senior Games, national qualifying events in June. Rands Keasler, with the Colorado Springs Sports Corps, highlights why the Games are so important to produce, along with the how and when to sign up as an athlete. More importantly, come to cheer on athletes, from around the State and beyond, in over 16 sports. Listen to learn about the sports and th...

Civility has become a popular solution to political and civic dysfunction—but what if we’re aiming at the wrong target? In this episode of the HUB series, Brenda Morrison talks with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC about civility as an economic , civic , and leadership issue, and asks a harder question: when incivility is structurally rewarded by...

Jarron Cook, the visionary behind Father’s First , a new and vital organization in Colorado Springs discusses the critical role of fathers in the family unit and how this innovative program provides the housing, mentorship, and recovery support men need to become the pillars their families deserve. We also speak with Benjamin Herbert, the first staff member of Father’s First who is putting a new s...

Joe Reagan shares his reasons for running, and how and why he thinks he can unseat GOP incumbent Jeff Crank to represent Colorado’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House. Get to know Joe as we explore his military service, history working in the nonprofit sector, and his time in Colorado Springs. We also get a few updates from Pikes Peak Bulletin Managing Editor Heila Ershadi: 43:38 - Appoi...

Wildfire seasons are intensifying, but what if the very fuels driving these fires could become part of the solution? In this episode, firefighter and regenerative farmer Will Vogl, Douglas County Environmental Inspections Supervisor Jared Tanaka, and Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Becky Elder and Ally Richardson explore the growing role of biochar in building climate resilience. Douglas County’s new bi...

Seven years ago when Daniel Giffin was diagnosed with brain cancer, Michael Pharis organized what became an annual event and turned support for Daniel’s family into positive impact for many, including Children’s Hospital Colorado. Daniel’s heroic struggle against the disease ended in 2025. As the final Walk Run Roll for Daniel approaches, on May 2, 2026, Torie invites Pharis, along with ride leade...

Easy and unique tips to find joy in cooking and eating solo. Solo eating for some can be a recipe for disaster. Eating alone either by choice or not is something to pay attention to as we age. Unfortunately, research shows that social isolation often leads to eating alone, poor nutrition and depression. Local chef and owner of Cultivate Health, Michele Mukatis, shares ways to rediscover what makes...

Downtown population doubled, retail sales broke a half-billion dollars, and more than 800 arts/culture/sports events took place downtown in 2025. These are just a few highlights of the highlights Downtown Partnership CEO Chelsea Gondeck shares from the State of Downtown Colorado Springs 2026 Report. Note: we discussed the “rumored” sale of Poor Richard’s in this episode, apparently just minutes be...

Everything you ever wanted to know about our home watershed. Hear about water supply and conservation, creek restoration, the regional trail, and the upcoming Great American Cleanup. This is a Sustainability in Progress presentation from Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Host: Mary Barber Guests: Alli Schuch, Executive Director, Fountain Creek Watershed District Mary Wilson, Outreach Coordin...

Organizations, the people they serve, and the people volunteering all benefit from the act of volunteering. April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. For all the volunteers out there doing good work, THANK YOU! Aging With Altitude wants to acknowledge the big impact a little volunteering has. Dali Moncada, the Volunteer Program Manager with the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, and Katie Cornelius, lo...

We’re talking about the future of cycling, and it's happening in high school classrooms across the country. A one-of a kind program called Project Bike Tech is giving students the opportunity to take Bike Mechanics as an elective. Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort is proud to support this locally based non-profit this year and help inspire new generations to be passionate about bikes. Host: Torie Giffi...

"Civility isn’t weakness—it’s a skill. And it’s one we can all learn." In an era of increasing polarization, how do we stay engaged without becoming divided? Strategist, author, and civil discourse expert Lauren Hug explores the art of "Digital Kindness" with host Beth Roalstad. Lauren draws on 30 years of experience—ranging from the courtroom to social media—to discuss how we can rebuild the civi...

Learn how the City of Colorado Springs has been studying our garbage and laying out a plan to divert a lot of that trash away from the landfill and into recycling and composting. Kurian, the City’s project manager for its new Waste Diversion Action Plan shares study and survey results, and explains next steps in the project. We also get a festival preview from Music Director Steve Harris about the...

The "Extended Family" Model: Discover how Fostering Hope uses a volunteer-based support system to act as "aunts and uncles," providing a safety net that prevents youth from reaching a point of crisis. Healing Through Connection: How developmental psychology and trauma-informed care are integrated into volunteer training. Brian Newsome oversees the Fostering Hope Foundation , a Colorado Springs-bas...

Torie Giffin shares her journey to creating Colorado Springs’ top ranked lodging, bar, biking and live music venue. Guest host, moderator and superfan of the Pedal the Springs podcast, Terry Lyons, flips the roles and interviews the podcast host and owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort. Recorded in front of a live audience, this episode features interviews with key staff members, community member...

LWVPPR Youth Council member Anna Fedoruk interviews newly elected D11 School Board member Michelle Ruehl. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Ruehl’s goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more a...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Tyler Peak interview newly elected D11 School Board member LeAnn Baca Bartlett. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Bartlett’s goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and comm...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Tyler Peak interview re-elected D11 School Board member Charles Johnson. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Mr. Johnson's goals for his tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community me...

How does a small garden club grow into a powerful driver of community resilience? Host Ally Richardson and leaders from the Manitou Springs Garden Club explore how plant sales, community grants, and hands‑on education strengthen our local ecosystems. Their work shows how simple, community‑rooted actions can create lasting impact. As Bill Mollison reminds us, “Though the problems of the world are i...