Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County

This interview with Susan Wheelan, the Executive Director with El Paso County Public Health, was recorded on July 29, 2024. In this episode we discuss the role of Public Health in the community and talk about a new resource for residents. One important point that didn't make it into the conversation is the fact that El Paso County Public Health is the first public health agency in Colorado to rece...

We have reached Episode 100! I wanted to start by thanking everybody who has supported the podcast in any form or fashion over the last two years. Please continue to share feedback so we can make this podcast as educational and engaging as possible. That said, this week's episode was a particularly fun one for me. This interview with Dr. Jervaise Pileggi, an Adjunct Faculty Member with the Univers...

This interview with Randi Davis, a Community Development Analyst for El Paso County, was recorded on July 16, 2024. In this episode we discuss how El Paso County approaches housing in the community and the various programs they administer. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, includin...

This interview with the 2024 El Paso County Fair Queen, Maddy Norton, was recorded on July 3, 2024. In this episode we discuss Maddy's role as Fair Queen, the importance of western heritage, and the value of the El Paso County Fair. If you are interested in more information about the El Paso County Fair, please visit https://www.elpasocountyfair.com/ . Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories abo...

This interview with Angela Seals, the Executive Director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR), was recorded on July 2, 2024. In this episode we discuss COPPR's place in the artistic community and the value creative industries bring to a local economy. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in...

This interview with Paula Linhares, the Constituent Services Specialist with El Paso County, was recorded on June 24, 2024. In this episode we talk about her experience working with constituents in multiple fields and how residents can make their voices heard. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of th...

This interview with Samantha Radomski, the Webmaster with El Paso County, was recorded on June 18, 2024. In this episode we talk about the importance of accessibility in government and the resources available for people to educate themselves. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, inclu...

This interview with Brandon Wilson, the Legislative Affairs Specialist with El Paso County, was recorded on June 10, 2024. In this episode we talk about the recent legislative session and how residents can play a big role in local government. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, inclu...

This interview with Jennifer Korb, the Executive Director of Autism Society Colorado, and Andschana Aljets, El Paso County Fair & Events Program Supervisor, was recorded on June 4, 2024. In this episode we talk about the upcoming El Paso County Fair and a unique experience coming to the event for the first time. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El P...

This interview with El Paso County's 2023 Veteran of the Year, Joe Lewis, was recorded on May 23, 2024. In this episode we discuss Angels of America's Fallen, the nonprofit organization that Joe founded, as well as what it means to him to be recognized as the Veteran of the Year. If want to learn more about Angels of America's Fallen, you can visit their website at https://aoafallen.org/ . Beyond...

This interview with Emma Bernick, the Injury & Violence Prevention Planner with El Paso County Public Health, was recorded on May 21, 2024. In this episode we cover Emma's work on an upcoming Impaired Driving campaign and how she became invested in injury and violence prevention long before her job with Public Health. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference i...

This week I had the chance to interview a couple of counterparts - the hosts of the Savvy Citizen podcast in Gaston County, North Carolina. In this episode we discuss the importance of telling local stories and the value podcasting has as a medium. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories,...

This interview with Sara Lobato, the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone Administrator, was recorded on May 7, 2024. In this episode we discuss what the Enterprise Zone is and how it can benefit small businesses and residents alike. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories, including those about or...

This interview with Mindy Schulz, the Strategic Services Manager for El Paso County's Planning and Community Development Department, was recorded on April 29, 2024. In this episode we talk about the myths surrounding Code Enforcement and some of Mindy's wildest days on the job. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are intere...

Today marks our final episode dedicated to National Child Abuse Prevention Month! This week's interview with Colorado Springs Police Department's Lieutenant Shannon Snuggs was recorded on April 23, 2024. In this episode we talk about the Special Victims Section of the department and the responsibility they have within the community. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a d...

Our focus on National Child Abuse Prevention Month continues this week! This interview with Safe Passage's Director of Development, Strategy and Partnerships, Emily Bowker, was recorded on April 11, 2024. In this episode we talk about the organization's co-located structure and how that benefits those they serve. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso...

This interview with El Paso County Deputy Director of Children, Youth and Family Services, Dr. Jason Lester, was recorded on March 28, 2024. In this episode we talk about National Child Abuse Prevention Month and how Dr. Lester's passion for his work brings value to the community. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are int...

This interview with El Paso County Commissioner, Cami Bremer, and Deputy County Administrator, Sunny Bryant, was recorded on March 29, 2024. In this episode we kick off National County Government Month and discuss the importance of local government. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you are interested in more of these stories...

This interview with Ben Bills, the Public Information Officer for El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority, was recorded on March 22, 2024. In this episode we talk about the value of the 9-1-1 Authority and the importance of Peak Alerts. If you want to learn more about Peak Alerts, or sign up for emergency notifications yourself, please visit https://www.elpasoteller911.org/246/Peak-Alerts . If you w...

The Strategy Team is back for another edition of Strategy Team Sessions! Filling the hot seats this week are Natalie Sosa, El Paso County's Deputy Director of Communications, and Marketing Communications Manager AmyJo Fields. This episode was recorded on March 18, 2024. These episodes are a joy for me because I get to speak with co-workers in a more casual environment than most other interviews. T...

This interview with the Director of the Space Foundation Discovery Center, Dr. Terry Bramschreiber, was recorded on March 11, 2024. In this episode we talk about a couple of upcoming Space Foundation events and what visitors can expect from the Discovery Center's renovation. If you want to learn more about the Discovery Center, or want to volunteer with the organization, you can visit their websit...

This interview with the Founder of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Colorado Springs, Karen Fallahi, was recorded on March 5, 2024. In this episode we talk about Karen's personal story and how that led to the creation of the Colorado Springs chapter of DBSA. If you want to learn more about DBSA, or want to volunteer with the organization, you can visit their website at https://www.db...

This interview with the Executive Director of the Youth Documentary Academy, Tom Shepard, was recorded on February 20, 2024. In this episode we talk about the importance of storytelling and the impact youth voices can have in a community. If you want to learn more about the Youth Documentary Academy, or want to volunteer with the organization, you can visit their website at https://www.youthdocume...

This interview with the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center Executive Director, Brandon Eldridge, was recorded on February 16, 2024. In this episode we talk about the SBDC's purpose and how they serve the local business community. If you want to learn more about the SBDC, or want to become a consultant, you can visit their website at https://pikespeaksbdc.org/ . If you are interested in m...

This interview with Brianna Goodwin and Shelbi Lowery from the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation was recorded on February 13, 2024. In this episode we talk about the breadth of their programs and how they're helping youth bounce back from the pandemic. If you want to learn more about the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, or want to volunteer with the organization, you can visit their website...