Peak Into COS

Tune in as Christina Haywood, Director of Operations for the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, dives into the rich history and science behind one of Colorado Springs' most famous attractions. From the humble beginnings of Garden of the Gods to the work that goes into maintaining the free city park, there's more than meets the eye!    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next epis...

After many years working as a physical therapist, Liz Blakeley and her husband Alan decided to chase their dreams and open a wine bar. Inspired by their travels to places like Europe and Africa, their wine list is carefully curated to make good wine accessible to anyone. Learn about Liz's journey opening Uva Wine Bar and being on the forefront of new business growth in North Colorado Springs. Be s...

Sallie and Welling Clark took a chance when purchasing a condemned property in Old Colorado City. With a whole lot of work and even more learning, they turned it into a flourishing BnB – Holden House 1902 B&B Inn. Listen as they speak to the importance of personal connection and hospitality in travel.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Med...

Join members of the Visit Colorado Springs team as they discuss their favorite outdoor winter activities around the Pikes Peak Region. From snowshoeing to off-roading, there's plenty to do in the winter months. If you're lucky, you might even run into a mysterious Scottish man in a suit on your adventures. 

Against his mother's wishes, Jim Wear got his first motorcycle at age 10. Enamored by bikes from such an early age, it comes as no surprise that he had the idea to open the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum back in 1992. Jim had always owned antique motorcycles but soon realized he found more joy in sharing them with others than having them sit around at home. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss...

Join members of the VCOS Communications and Marketing team as they reflect on their favorite things they did around the Pikes Peak Region in 2022. These mini-episodes will feature members of the VCOS staff as they share their favorite ways to "live like a local" around Colorado Springs and beyond. 

Nick Ragain and his family relocated to the Springs to launch the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and the new Weidner Field. But what resulted was something for the community to rally around.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com Thank you to this episode's sponsors the Pikes Peak Workforce Center and Downtown Partnership o...

Jenny Sherman and Rebecca Taraborelli initially met via their sons, who have been best friends since preschool. But over the years, their friendship has continued to grow as they both navigate the challenges of owning and operating restaurants in Colorado Springs. Listen in to hear about the behind-the-scenes of owning Odyssey Gastropub and Rasta Pasta.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our...

Although he was raised on a healthy dose of arts and culture, Andy Vick credits his wife for his career path in the field. As director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, Andy and his team work tirelessly to expand and promote artistic opportunities around Colorado Springs and beyond. Listen in for his favorite hidden gems and new opportunities to explore.    Be sure to subscribe so y...

Megan Leatham never imagined she'd be bringing horse polo and world jump rope competitions to Colorado Springs. Athletics helped define who she is today, and now Megan runs the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. Hear how she's bringing the best of sports to our community and smiles to faces through annual events. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inqu...

From discovering a family heirloom in his grandmother's basement to helping to preserve the rich history of Colorado Springs, Matt Mayberry takes his passion for the past with him everywhere. In this episode he emphasizes the importance of learning from our history and carrying it with us.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS....

Mike Girard distilled his first batch of moonshine in a pressure cooker IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while deployed in Afghanistan. From there, he was hooked. Distilling moonshine soon became an obsession of his. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com . Thank you to this episode's sponsors the Colorado Springs Airport, t...

Linda Weise traveled from New York City to Colorado Springs, bringing with her a passion for performing arts and early childhood education. More than 30 years later, Linda has founded the Colorado Springs Conservatory, a nationally viewed PBS show & now works to revitalize the historic City Auditorium in the Springs.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or i...

A native to the Pikes Peak Region, Greg Wellens was born into adventure. His father started Adventures Out West with a single hot air balloon. The business now operates tours ranging from Jeeps and Segways to cycling and zip lines so visitors can experience the area from any vantage point. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.c...

From waiting tables at a cafe to owning a multi-million dollar catering business, Michelle Talarico and her partner Kathy have spent their lives in the hospitality industry. They started Picnic Basket Catering with a promise to give back 10% of every $1 they made. That mindset has served them well as they continue to grow their business and their support for the community.  Be sure to subscribe so...

Join us as hairdresser-turned-brewer Jessica Fierro shares her journey opening her own brewery, Atrevida, with her daughter Kassy by her side. With a slogan "diversity on tap," Atrevida is dedicated to breaking glass ceilings in the brewing industry. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to  Media@VisitCOS.com . Thank you to this episode's sponsor...

Aaron Winter has been working at the Flying W Ranch since 1997. He has worked his way up through the business, and was the only full-time employee through the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012. Listen in as he discusses the rebuilding process and where the Ranch hopes to go in the future!

Join us as two-time Paralympian and veteran John Register shares his story of learning to embrace his "new normal" after becoming an amputee while training for the 1996 Olympic Games. Now an inspirational speak on how to "hurdle adversity," Register makes a positive impact on the local community and is a great support for Olympic City USA. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! S...

With a passion for wellness and people, Judy Mackey and Brenda Smith became the owners of the Garden of the Gods Resort and STRATA Wellness.  Listen as we uncover the story behind their business model and their goals for the future.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to Media@VisitCOS.com .  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Downtown Colora...

A long time lover of trains, Ted Johnston is now the General Manager of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.  Listen as we gather the story of what it really took to give one of America's oldest attractions a makeover.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to Media@VisitCOS.com. Thank you to this episode's sponsor the  Colorado Sprin...

Join us as Echo Canyon River Expeditions owner Andy Neinas tells his story of turning a college job into a successful family business.  With passions for preservation and hospitality, Neinas and his family now own one of the largest rafting outfitters in the state.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to Media@VisitCOS.com. Thank you to this epi...

Join us as local hotel owner Torie Giffin recounts her inspiring story turning a literal dream she had about a bicycle-themed hotel into a reality. In this episode, we hear from Torie on how she purchased an old lodge with no savings drawing support from the local community to fulfill her dreams. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode! Send any questions or inquiries to Media@Visi...

Join us as celebrity Chef Brother Luck shares his journey from television to opening unique restaurant concepts in Colorado Springs. In our first episode, we chat with Brother Luck about how he developed a passion for the hospitality industry, the first food he learned how to make in a professional kitchen that inspired his current business and how his TV appearances influenced his work. Be sure t...

Get a glimpse into the new Peak Into COS Podcast, hosted by Doug Price. With stories from around the Pikes Peak Region, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at some of our favorite places in Colorado Springs.