Behind the Springs

We’re talking about hiking, street racing and car theft. Why? Because the weather is warming up and certain crimes tend to happen more often. Meet two of our city’s crime prevention officers from The Colorado Springs Police Department, who offer great tips and information to help keep you and your valuables safe this summer. 

Our city’s founder, General William Jackson Palmer, had thousands of trees brought into Colorado Springs back in the 1870s. We’re celebrating his legacy and our city’s 150th anniversary with a Tree Challenge! Meet our City Forester Dennis Will, find out why trees are such a big deal and learn how you can join the fun! 

There’s some good news and some bad news when it comes to COVID-19 in our community right now. Hear from Dr. Robin Johnson, the medical director from El Paso County Public Health about the vaccine and an increase in COVID cases. This conversation will answer a lot of questions about HOW to get the vaccine, WHY to get it, and WHEN we might be able to put this pandemic behind us.

It’s National Community Development Week and you’re not alone if you don’t know exactly what that means! Listen in as we talk about affordable housing, homelessness and helping the most vulnerable in our community. By the end, you’ll understand why it’s so important to thank our many partners making a difference in Colorado Springs. 

What does it mean to “leave no trace”? And why does it matter? Hear from one of our city’s awesome park rangers about keeping our favorite parks, trails and open spaces in top shape. She’ll also reveal a famous figure behind this effort, specifically at the Manitou Incline.

Randy Royal has been working at the Colorado Springs Fire Department for more than three decades and now he’s the new leader. Hear about his background, his plans for the future and his wise words about this year’s wildfire danger!

In this episode, you’ll hear from Robert and Arthur Sapp, two brothers raised in Colorado Springs. They both joined the Colorado Springs Police Department and became the first black sergeant (Robert) and first black lieutenant (Arthur) on the department. Interesting fact: the first black police office was one of the founding members of the department in 1887. Join us for some local history, great...

We have two guests, both devoted to promoting diversity in Colorado Springs, but in different ways. Meet these city employees and hear about what they’re doing to achieve their goals on our city team and in the community. Just as importantly, find out what YOU can do to promote diversity and learn more about our local history!  

From the latest on local COVID-19 vaccinations to the new summit house on top of Pikes Peak … hear what Mayor Suthers has to say about our community’s recovery and what he’s looking forward to this year! 

This episode will help you better understand how the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in our community and why it has a lot to do with supply versus demand. Hear the latest from Dr. Johnson, including how people can get more information and be connected to local providers. We’re nearing the finish line, but there’s more work to be done … by all of us. 

It’s a fond farewell episode with Colorado Springs Fire Department Chief Ted Collas, who is retiring after 36 years of service! Hear what he has to say about the department’s future, his own career and that time he started an IV on an elephant at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!! We hope you’ll listen to this great conversation and learn about our incredible fire department in the process.

It’s time to talk about a different election, this one right here in Colorado Springs and coming up on April 6th. Meet our City Clerk and hear what she has to say about the recent focus on elections. Find out how to make your opinion count when it comes to positions and issues that impact your life every day!

150 is the magic number for this episode! 2021 is our city’s sesquicentennial year. What does that mean? It’s the 150th anniversary of our city’s founding. We’re talking to the curator at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum about a  new exhibit coming soon. 150 objects, illuminating 150 stories, commemorating 150 years. Dive into some local history and join in the celebration!

Is the vaccine safe? What’s in it? We know there’s skepticism and worry, so we’re talking with the medical director of El Paso County Public Health about the concerns, facts, timeline and hope that come with this new vaccine. As Dr. Johnson says, “We don’t have a cure, we have prevention.” Learn more in this important episode of Behind the Springs.   

It’s time to get engaged … with the City of Colorado Springs! We’re not just saying we WANT to hear from you, we NEED your input. How can you weigh in on big projects and initiatives? Find out about EngageCOS and how it’s easier than ever to make your voice heard when it comes to the projects that impact your everyday life.

The City of Colorado Springs is fortunate to have so many great partners in our community! In this episode, we highlight the relationship between the city and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). Whether or not you have ties to UCCS, you benefit from this partnership. Find out how from two leaders who know that teamwork is the key to our community’s success.

They’re called crimes of opportunity. The key is to NOT give criminals the opportunity. The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officers have great tips about puffing, porch pirates, online shopping and more. We hope this conversation helps you have a happy and safe holiday season!

LETAC is an acronym worth knowing because it will be around for years to come. The Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Commission (LETAC) is holding meetings, setting goals and getting ready to make a difference in Colorado Springs. How do they plan to do that? Hear from the Chair and Vice Chair of the commission in this episode of Behind the Springs!

Have you heard people use the term GRIT? It means courage or resolve, or strength of character. Something we could all use at any time, but especially these days! Is it realistic to think we can attain the resiliency needed right now? Listen to Jen’s conversation with the creator of a new program who says YES. It’s not only possible, but it’s simple, important and FREE.

We have two special guests on this episode who have recently been recognized with a the Mayor’s Young Leader Award! What is that, you ask? Tune in to find out about this awesome program, who it highlights and why. It’s more important than ever to celebrate those positively contributing to our community!

We love to share great news on our podcast, but this time, we need to share some bad news about our COVID-19 numbers.  Over the past two weeks, the incidence of COVID-19 cases in El Paso County has risen significantly. Increasing cases could lead to more stringent restrictions. Please wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands. We all have a part to play, and we need your help to limit the s...

You don’t have to have a head for numbers to learn about the city’s budget. It’s pretty simple and it’s so important! Listen to our Chief Financial Officer break things down to let you know how much is being spent on essential services that impact your life every day. Plus, who makes the decisions about the budget? And does the public have a say? 

It’s longer than a football field, weighs more than a million pounds and provides a major connection in downtown Colorado Springs. It’s a symbol of progress, a piece of art … and it’s no ordinary bridge! Tune in to this conversation about the new pedestrian bridge connecting America the Beautiful Park to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum and why it’s another example of how our city keeps movi...

Mental health is a big topic right now in the midst of the pandemic. But here in Colorado Springs, we’ve had a unique and effective approach to helping people in crisis for years. It’s called the Community Response Team or CRT. It’s the right care, in the right setting at the right time. Find out why it’s so important to get it right, and how this team impacts you whether or not you’re in crisis....

The experience at the summit of Pikes Peak America’s Mountain is about to get even better! Hear from two project leaders about the new summit complex and what it will offer, including the latest update on construction at 14,000 feet. Plus, don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing project. Even a small donation will receive recognition at the new visitors center on top of the world!