Studio 809 Community Podcast Network

The odds have never been better that a Democrat will represent Colorado’s 5th District in U.S. Congress next year. Meet the woman who may just send Jeff Crank packing, Jessica Killin. Jessica is one of a field of 5 vying for the Democratic Party nomination to represent Colorado Springs and environs. Get to know Jessica as we ask her about her history in Colorado Springs, her military experience, h...

The Ring the Peak Trail is one of Colorado Springs’ boldest outdoor visions and it just got a major boost. Local non-profit the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) has secured a $2.5 million grant to help move the 63-mile continuous loop around the base of Pikes Peak closer to completion. We explore how this funding will help shape the future of Colorado Springs, and how it will enhance...

Inside CD-5: Policy, Power, and Women Candidates Jessica Killin and Zuri Horowitz are running to represent the Pikes Peak Region (CD‑5) in Congress. Why listen to them in this episode? Because this episode is not about campaign spin, talking points, or fluff. Hear their priorities and policy ideas around issues such as the cost of health care, women in the military, and other issues specifically i...

We dive deep into the vital role of childcare and the early childhood education crisis affecting both our local community and the nation at large. We explore how stable, quality care serves as the foundation for a strong workforce and healthy child development. Two prominent local leaders who are at the forefront of this issue share insights on the challenges families face and the collaborative ef...

Colorado Springs Utilities wants to delay closing its last coal-fired powerplant. CSU is currently obligated under its clean energy plan to close its Ray Nixon plant by the end of 2029 in order to meet a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. It claims the extension is necessary because it is too costly to meet the current deadline. Learn about proposed legislation that woul...

We dive into the vital work of Hope COS , a Colorado Springs-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals at their most vulnerable points. Executive Director Melissa Wallace discusses how their values-driven approach provides a lifeline for those navigating homelessness, battling addiction, or reentering society after incarceration. Key Discussion Points Providing compassionate, values-d...

Books have been written and movies made on the history of Fannie Mae Duncan with her, all people welcome, iconic Cotton Club operating in Colorado Springs from 1948-1975. Hear from JJ Frazier who, at 17, sang with the orchestra at the Club. Today, JJ continues her legacy of service in the region. Next to share is Shirley Martinez, who is also making history – bringing Martin Luther King Jr.’s gran...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Maxx Vega interview newly elected D49 School Board member Lori Thompson. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Thompson’s goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community m...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Maxx Vega interview newly elected D49 School Board member Holly Withers. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Withers’ goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community mem...

We get important perspective on the value and meaning of Black History Month from a remarkable young Black man who lives and breathes civic engagement. Chauncy Johnson has worked in the Colorado State Capitol, pitched in on important initiatives, and run for Colorado Springs City Council in 2025. He is currently seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Colorado State Representative in House Dis...

That sinking feeling at 2 AM—IRS letters piling up, unfiled returns haunting you, payroll taxes crushing your small business dream—it's not just numbers. It's shame, fear, and the dread that your empire is crumbling before it even stands. You're not alone, and you're not broken. This episode of Tax Answers Advisor meets you right there in the dark with real hope, raw stories, and a path out.​ I si...

The Colorado Senior Games are Coming. Will you sign up? Athletes over 50 are invited to show your skill in a multitude of sports this June in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Senior Games this year are qualifying games that lead competitors on to the National Senior Games. What an accomplishment! Competitors will be coming from Colorado as well as surrounding states for this important qualifying yea...

Colorado Springs City Councilor Gold was reprimanded recently, for comments “in violation of the rules and procedures of City Council,” when in fact her comments were an example of the civility and decorum council rules strive to achieve. We share what went down in the January 13, 2026 Colorado Springs City Council meeting – in which faith leaders made comments about Martin Luther King Jr. Day whi...

Hear about the Caucus Process from Ken Davis, Chair of the El Paso County Republican Party about party process over the coming months. He chats with Shelly Roehrs, your host, on Making Democracy Work . Donate Today! League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region: https://lwvppr.org/ Candidate Forums: http://vote411.org/ El Paso County Republican Party - https://www.gopelpaso.com/ Making Democracy...

Hear from Conner Roderick, Chair of the El Paso County Democratic Party’s Permanent Organization about party happenings and process over the coming months. He chats with Shelly Roehrs, your host, on Making Democracy Work . Donate Today! League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region: https://lwvppr.org/ Candidate Forums: http://vote411.org/ El Paso County Democratic Party: https://epcodemparty.or...

17-year-old Yolanda Renee King shares her experiences, hopes and dreams with Pikes Peak Women. She sat down with us in a hotel lobby in downtown Colorado Springs on the eve of Martin Luther King Day 2026, where Yolanda was scheduled to be the keynote speaker. She is the only grandchild in the MLK legacy. Think about this. She is taking charge with her generation to lead the way on equity, climate...

What if ten weekends could change the way you see your land, your home, and your future? Host Ally Richardson interviews three recent graduates of the 2025 Permaculture Design Certification Course where they share the moments that surprised them, the skills that reshaped their thinking, and the unexpected community they found along the way. Before you hire a landscaper, hear what a PDC can unlock....

A new recovery program called Step Springs helps men in a state of desperation end their cycle of addiction, take back control of their lives , and transition to a safe and sober living environment. There, they can become productive, contributing members of their families and our community. Step Springs CEO Meghan Shay shares details with our host, Beth Roalstad, CEO of Homeward Pikes Peak. For Mo...

Our beloved Trails and Open Space Coalition is sure to be up to something you didn’t already know. Executive Director Glenn Carlson shares his vision, what TOSC has been up to since he took the reins, and exciting news about a new web tool that will help us all enjoy our trails, parks and open spaces that much more. We also get tips for trail etiquette when mud is the order of the day. Great news...

Most business owners don’t lose sleep because they hate numbers. They lose sleep because they are terrified of what those numbers might reveal if the IRS ever comes knocking. Behind the unfiled returns, unopened IRS letters, and messy books is a constant, exhausting fear: “What if I’m in trouble and I don’t even know it yet?”​ In this episode of the Tax Answers Advisor , Enrolled Agent and Certifi...

Many women care about Colorado Springs but hesitate to step into leadership roles. In this episode, Sarah Jack talks about her path into civic engagement, what motivated her to get involved in public policy, and how she learned to lead without waiting for permission or perfection. Her story speaks to anyone who has ever wondered whether their voice truly matters in local democracy. We’ve got anoth...

ERC helps cut wasted energy consumption through energy-efficient home upgrades, now available to all households in their 27-county service area, regardless of income level. Upgrades are free to income-qualifying households. ERC collectively saves $300,000 in utility bills each year by upgrading about 2,000 homes. Energy Resource Center Director of Programs Mike Mazzola fills us in on what ERC can...

Spoken word artist, idealist, and entrepreneurial cheerleader Judy Pearring shares some of her poetry and explains the vibe we love at The Next Us. The Next Us is home to Studio 809 Podcasts’ community podcast studio, as well as a family of extraordinary entrepreneurs. “We’re all the weirdos,” she tells us, and she means it with affection and respect. We also find out Carrie is a “recovering poet,...

Social connection is a key to aging well. Volunteering is one opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests while also giving back. In January, the Martin Luther King Day of Service is an excellent time to check out opportunities in your community to meet new people and volunteer. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging encourages everyone to find ways to stay connected to counter iso...

Do you wake up at 3:00 AM, paralyzed by the fear of an unopened IRS letter? You are not alone. In this powerful episode of The Tax Answers Advisor , host Marcelino Dodge (Enrolled Agent) sits down with Business Architect Valerie Cobb to discuss the heartbreaking reality of the "I Wish I Knew" syndrome—the moment business owners realize a blind spot has cost them their legacy. From the hidden dange...