Apex Activated

From CSU to radio to the sidelines of our fave sports teams, Susie is no stranger to some exciting events. Susie "Rocked the Rockies" for almost 9 years on KBPI in Denver and became one of the first full-time female sports reporters for KOA. In 2001, she joined 9NEWS as a high school sports reporter before eventually becoming the station’s weekday morning sports anchor. Today, Susie balances sever...

Welcome to the podcast, where hockey is about more than just the game. What began with the passing of a hat has grown into DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation, a community dedicated to making a difference on and off the ice. Through connection, support, and the power of the hockey family, thousands of lives have been impacted. Today, we're talking about Hockey Heals, a program that helps individuals rec...

From Florida to Denver’s event scene, April Lambatos has built a career around creating unforgettable experiences and happier workplaces. A University of Florida grad with roots in Disney hospitality, April now leads Footers Catering, MIBE, and Social Capitol Events as the self-proclaimed “Head Honcho of Happiness.” In this episode, she shares how culture, creativity, and community helped transfor...

Welcome to our amazing friend, Mark Deven who led the city of Arvada for 11 years through big growth, major development, COVID-19, and community tragedy, former City Manager, Mark Deven reflects on resilience, leadership, and what it means to call Arvada home. In this episode, Mark shares lessons from four decades in public service, the challenges of managing a changing city, and how leading moved...

Want the latest updates on a story that truly matters?   We’ve got you covered as we highlight Karen Rocznik from Good Day Colorado-a producer and journalist whose strength goes far beyond the newsroom.   In this episode, we talk about her impact in journalism, her resilience, and her fight against cancer. It’s a powerful reminder of why storytelling matters and how courage can inspire a community...

Apex Activated new drop coming in hot!   Welcome Rachel Zenzinger to the pod! She is the Jefferson County Commissioner for District 1 and is no stranger to service and community.   Rachel started serving here on the Apex PRD Foundation Board and quickly realized her calling and moved into Arvada City Council and represented the 19th district of the Colorado Senate. She is active in Kiwanis among a...

Want the latest updates on a story that truly matters? We’ve got you covered as we highlight Karen Rocznik from Good Day Colorado-a  producer and journalist whose strength goes far beyond the newsroom. In this episode, we talk about her impact in journalism, her resilience, and her fight against cancer. It’s a powerful reminder of why storytelling matters and how courage can inspire a community. T...

Happy Spring Pickleheads! Listen as we catch up with President of Apex Park and Recreation District Foundation, Eric Roemersberger, about their Pickleball Fundraiser that brings all the picklers around!   Start practicing your dinks and drives. Our annual Memorial Day Weekend Pickleball Tournament is coming up in less than 8 weeks, May 23-24. Sign up here: https://www.rec.us/.../apex-park-and-recr...

Jaden Knowles is in the building! 9 News Meteorologist, football star and all around coooooolest dude ever!  Meeting Jaden at HomeGoods was such a random blessing because he is literally one of the kindest, smartest and most humble people we have ever met!  Listen to his story and what he is up to, how he got to Denver, how he and Lauren Williams from Channel 7 are BFF's and also what award he is...

ometimes we all need a reminder that trying is better than standing still, and Tracy does just that. From lifeguarding in Milwaukee to having Mickey Mouse as a boss, Tracy’s life has been anything but boring. She has traveled the globe, spoken to influential leaders, built a career in parks and recreation, and even surfs. As a certified professional coach, Tracy shares stories and lessons from her...

She’s a mama, world traveler, influencer, soon-to-be nurse, and a former military police officer… what DOESN’T Riley Cyr do?   Our newest Apex Activated episode is LIVE and we’re sitting down with Riley to talk about balancing motherhood, marriage, big dreams, and lots of adventure.   From raising two little ones, to helping moms discover the best places to explore around Colorado, to stepping int...

Apex Activated sat down with Allison Scheck-Deputy City Manager, City of Arvada and talked all things about her journey that spans continents, communities and countless cups of tea!   From growing up across the pond to helping shape the future of Arvada, Allison’s story is anything but ordinary. Somewhere between her British roots and Rocky Mountain horizons, she found her way to Colorado and has...

Launch day was a huge success and to celebrate we grabbed out mini mics and hit the streets (and by streets we mean the hallway of Apex Center). We chatted all things launch, how people were feeling, what they thought about the time leading up to our new software launch and all things in between. Spoiler alert...one of our directors thought we said "Lunch Day" and came a runnin' for some grub.  Sh...

January is wrapping up and your resolutions, goals and all the things you vowed to do and change may be feeling heavy, but we have the cure!   We are throwing it back to one of our very favorite podcast guests who inspires us to go for our dreams. Ali from Mermaid Walking is the epitome of a girls girl, a person who will always cheer for you, lift you up and make you believe you can do it ALL! Bec...

Apex Activated dives into what’s new in green space and land management. This episode features Eric Feldbaum of New Hampshire State Parks, aka the Man of Many Names, talking NRPA advocacy, the Land & Water Conservation Fund, and meeting the needs of our greenspaces. From policy work to orchid growing and new-parent life, he does it all.   Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeart & more. Like • Fol...

We are officially back and kicking off 2026 the only way we know how...honest conversations, a lot of chaos and so many laughs. In this episode, we are looking back on 2025...remember cancer...some of the best friends and guest two girls could have and babies! We are talking about reflections, lessons learned and our words for 2026. And because it wouldn't be coffee talk without it... -more food c...

Okay...real talk. Staying hopeful, as a teen, feels like trying to vibe on 3 hours of sleep during finals week...definitely not 67! (if you know, you know) But some awesome educators are showing up bringing big heart, big leadership and big "I've got your back" energy and today we sit and talk to one of those amazing peeps! Principal Micah Porter walks the halls of Arvada West High School and his...

Ever wondered what happens when two friends take a random idea, sprinkle in some chaos, caffeine, and fun, and somehow turn it into one of the fastest-rising stars in recreation technology? Or how two former Uber teammates managed to navigate the startup world without losing their minds or their friendship and build Rec Technologies from scratch?   Birju and Rachel dive into all this and more in o...

New Episode Out Now – Apex Activated Podcast We took the mic to the floor at this year’s NRPA Conference in Florida and captured the energy firsthand. From reconnecting with past guests like the incredible Kristine Stratton, President of NRPA, to meeting new voices in the parks and recreation world, this episode is full of spontaneous moments, laughter, and real talk about the power of community a...

In this inspiring and candid episode, we sit down with U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen to talk about her journey that led her from her upbringing in Colorado to walking and serving in the halls of Congress. With honesty and a huge heart, she opens up about how her family shaped her work, the pivotal moments that led her into public service, with the help of our own Katie Groke, and the pass...

Last year our team met with Annie Frisoli about becoming intentional leaders and wow did it speak to us and change our mindset! Listen in as you hear Annie talk about her journey to where she is now, how parks and recreation helped lead her here and what becoming an intentional leader means and how to become just that. There is not a one size fits all model for being a great leader and Annie will...

Apex Activated is coming in hot with one of our fave people, Lakita Frazier.   Lakita is a Senior Consultant at Barry Dunn where she leads strategic planning and facility construction. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and was inducted into the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration in 2020.   But there's more...she is a mama, a grandma and she started Women in...

We are bringing back one of our faves for a little coffee tawk! We love anytime we get to hang with this girl who is not only wicked smart about parks and recreation, people, leading and all the things, but she is down to earth, kind, and a true girls girl! Karen joins us at Katie's kitchen table as we chat about food, dating, meditation and more.  Grab a chair, a great cuppa whatever wets your wh...

Welp, this one ended differently than any of our others!    We love chatting with our good friend, City of Boulder Director of Parks and Recreation Ali Rhodes! She inspires us with her go get 'em attitude, her amazing team she leads and how much she puts into her community! We could have talked for hours with this one, until she threw in some challenges (which we accepted...what were we thinking?)...

Join us as we talk to Marisa Kouba, the Active Adult Recreation Coordinator at the City of Thornton, about her journey to her amazing position. Between love and loss, this girl is one tough cookie! She teaches us how to handle grief and loss and how to keep going and celebrate each day.   We are so thankful that Marisa came into our lives, what she has taught us and how big her heart is!