Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County

This interview with Theresa Metcalf, Vice President of Economic Development for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, was recorded on August 8, 2023. In this episode I spoke with Theresa about how important collaboration is to the economic growth of the region and the benefits of being part of the Chamber & EDC. If you are interested in learning more about the Colorado Springs Chamber &...

We've hit Episode 50! To celebrate, I brought back Strategy Team Sessions for Volume 2. This interview with El Paso County's Webmaster, Samantha Radomski, and Digital & Social Media Specialist, Deborah Contreras, was recorded on August 4, 2023. Each time I record an episode of Strategy Team Sessions, which will probably be once a quarter, it will have a more casual feel, as I'll be speaking to...

This interview with El Paso County's Center on Fathering was recorded on August 1, 2023. In this episode I spoke with Supervisor Rick Gonzales and Social Case Worker Gary Grambort about the Center on Fathering's mission and the services they provide. If you are interested in learning more about the Center on Fathering, please visit https://humanservices.elpasoco.com/center-on-fathering/ . If you a...

This week I did something a little bit different. I had the opportunity to give a presentation on the importance of Storytelling Through Podcasts on July 25, 2023, and it felt like something I should share with this community. It gives more context around why I started this podcast in the first place and how it could be beneficial to start your own. If you have questions about starting your own po...

This interview with El Paso County's Department of Public Works' Training Team was recorded on July 13, 2023. In this episode I spoke with Training Program Manager Scotty Hall and Resource Manager Leigh Simpson about their programs and how public outreach has been crucial to their success. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please v...

This interview with El Paso County Fair & Events Program Supervisor Andschana Aljets was recorded on July 11, 2023. In this episode we talk about the upcoming El Paso County Fair and the incredible number of events planned for the week. If you want to learn more about the El Paso County Fair, visit their website at  www.elpasocountyfair.com . If you are interested in stories about organization...

This interview with pulmonologist Dr. Silpa Krefft was recorded on June 29, 2023. In this episode I spoke with Dr. Krefft about her role in medical research for veterans and the importance of the PACT Act. If you are interested in more information about the PACT Act, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/pact-act/ . If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community...

This interview with Serenity Recovery Connection's CEO, Trudy Hodges, was recorded on June 28, 2023. In this episode we discuss SRC's impact within the community, how they help transform lives, and how ARPA funding has expanded their reach. If you want to get involved with Serenity Recovery Connection, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://srchope.org/ . If you are interested in...

This interview with Bear Creek Nature Center Supervisor Mary Jo Lewis was recorded on June 14, 2023. In this episode we talk to Mary Jo about the Center's new accessibility features and what programs residents can look forward to this Summer. If you are interested in more information about nature activities around the region, please visit https://www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com/ . If you are int...

This interview with El Paso County Executive Director of Government Affairs Ryan Parsell was recorded on June 12, 2023. In this episode we talk about Ryan's reaction to the latest legislative session and the importance of transparency in government. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit  https://www.elpasoco.com/ . If you...

This interview with the 2023 El Paso County Fair Queen, Aneka Normandie, was recorded on June 6, 2023. In this episode we discuss Aneka's role as Fair Queen and the importance of the El Paso County Fair. If you want to learn more about the El Paso County Fair, visit their website at www.elpasocountyfair.com . If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that a...

This interview with Mt Carmel's Director of Behavioral Health, Kirsten Belaire, was recorded on May 25, 2023. In this episode we discuss Mt Carmel's connection to the Veteran community, what programs they offer, and how ARPA funding has aided their efforts. If you want to get involved with Mt Carmel, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://www.veteranscenter.org/ . If you are inter...

This interview with El Paso County resident Michelle Hill and Veteran Services Officer Richard Gagne was recorded on May 18, 2023. In this episode we discuss the PACT Act, how it could impact our Veteran population, and the difference it has made in Michelle's life. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit  https://www.elpaso...

This interview with El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker was recorded on May 16, 2023. In this episode we talk about Steve's role in recent events and how his time in the Marines helped form his approach to leadership. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit  https://www.elpasoco.com/ . If you are interested in...

This interview with El Paso County's Marketing Communications Manager, Amy Jo Fields, and Open Records Manager, Mike Madsen, was recorded on May 3, 2023. In this episode, I did something a little bit different. I wanted to give listeners an idea of what we do in the Communications Department to keep residents informed, so I created this new series I dubbed "Strategy Team Sessions". Each time I do...

This interview with Food to Power's Development Director, Slade Custer, was recorded on April 12, 2023. In this episode we talk about Food to Power's connection to the community and the dynamics of working with multiple organizations to meet goals. If you want to get involved with Food to Power, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://foodtopowerco.org/ . If you are interested in m...

This week's interview featured Command Chief Randy Kwiatkowski from the US Air Force Academy (USAFA); Laurie Wilson, the Local Community Outreach Chief for the US Air Force Academy; and Crystal LaTier, El Paso County Executive Director of Economic Development. This interview was recorded on April 14, 2023. In this episode we discuss partnerships between USAFA and El Paso County and each group's ef...

This interview with El Paso County Director of Children, Youth and Family Services, Catania Jones, was recorded on April 10, 2023. In this episode we talk about Catania's passion for social justice, the value in taking time for yourself, and the importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please vi...

This interview with Heartspace Kids' Executive Director, Dina Mark, was recorded on March 20, 2023. In this episode we talk about how Heartspace Kids came to exist, the importance of focusing on youth mental health, and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding has helped Heartspace Kids grow. If you want to get involved with Heartspace Kids, you can learn more by visiting their website at...

This interview with Regional Director of the Pikes Peak Office of Emergency Management, Jim Reid, was recorded on March 2, 2023. In this episode we discuss Jim's history in emergency management, the value of a regional approach in a crisis, and why people working outside of emergency management should consider training in the field. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County i...

This interview with El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Geitner was recorded on March 20, 2023. In this episode we talk about the Commissioner's role in local government and the importance of staying informed about the issues affecting the region. If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit  https://www.elpasoco.com/ . If you are...

This interview with Atlas Preparatory School was recorded on March 7, 2023. This week's guests include Calley Mannion, Director of Development, Sara Martin, Director of Wellness, and Veronica Felix, a Social Worker at Atlas Prep. In this episode we discuss Atlas Prep's purpose in the community, the aim of their mental health wellness program, and how funding from El Paso County ARPA grants has aid...

This interview with Forge Evolution's Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Mote, was recorded on March 1, 2023. In this episode we talk about the way Forge Evolution operates, the youth programs they manage, and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding aids their efforts. If you want to get involved with Forge Evolution, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://forgeevolution.or...

This interview with Crossroads' Turning Points' Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Rob Archuleta, and Clinical Supervisor of El Paso County Services, Alice Kramer, was recorded on February 22, 2023. In this episode we discuss how Crossroads' Turning Points identifies the needs of their patrons, the various programs they offer, and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding aids their efforts. If...

This interview with Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership's Executive Director, Cass Walton, was recorded on February 27, 2023. In this episode we discuss how Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership collaborates with the community, the various programs they offer, and how American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding aids their efforts. If you want to get involved with Pikes Peak Suicide Pre...