Studio 809 Community Podcast Network

Downtown population doubled, retail sales broke a half-billion dollars, and more than 800 arts/culture/sports events took place downtown in 2025. These are just a few highlights of the highlights Downtown Partnership CEO Chelsea Gondeck shares from the State of Downtown Colorado Springs 2026 Report. Note: we discussed the “rumored” sale of Poor Richard’s in this episode, apparently just minutes be...

Everything you ever wanted to know about our home watershed. Hear about water supply and conservation, creek restoration, the regional trail, and the upcoming Great American Cleanup. This is a Sustainability in Progress presentation from Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Host: Mary Barber Guests: Alli Schuch, Executive Director, Fountain Creek Watershed District Mary Wilson, Outreach Coordin...

Organizations, the people they serve, and the people volunteering all benefit from the act of volunteering. April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. For all the volunteers out there doing good work, THANK YOU! Aging With Altitude wants to acknowledge the big impact a little volunteering has. Dali Moncada, the Volunteer Program Manager with the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, and Katie Cornelius, lo...

We’re talking about the future of cycling, and it's happening in high school classrooms across the country. A one-of a kind program called Project Bike Tech is giving students the opportunity to take Bike Mechanics as an elective. Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort is proud to support this locally based non-profit this year and help inspire new generations to be passionate about bikes. Host: Torie Giffi...

"Civility isn’t weakness—it’s a skill. And it’s one we can all learn." In an era of increasing polarization, how do we stay engaged without becoming divided? Strategist, author, and civil discourse expert Lauren Hug explores the art of "Digital Kindness" with host Beth Roalstad. Lauren draws on 30 years of experience—ranging from the courtroom to social media—to discuss how we can rebuild the civi...

Learn how the City of Colorado Springs has been studying our garbage and laying out a plan to divert a lot of that trash away from the landfill and into recycling and composting. Kurian, the City’s project manager for its new Waste Diversion Action Plan shares study and survey results, and explains next steps in the project. We also get a festival preview from Music Director Steve Harris about the...

The "Extended Family" Model: Discover how Fostering Hope uses a volunteer-based support system to act as "aunts and uncles," providing a safety net that prevents youth from reaching a point of crisis. Healing Through Connection: How developmental psychology and trauma-informed care are integrated into volunteer training. Brian Newsome oversees the Fostering Hope Foundation , a Colorado Springs-bas...

Torie Giffin shares her journey to creating Colorado Springs’ top ranked lodging, bar, biking and live music venue. Guest host, moderator and superfan of the Pedal the Springs podcast, Terry Lyons, flips the roles and interviews the podcast host and owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort. Recorded in front of a live audience, this episode features interviews with key staff members, community member...

LWVPPR Youth Council member Anna Fedoruk interviews newly elected D11 School Board member Michelle Ruehl. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Ruehl’s goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more a...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Tyler Peak interview newly elected D11 School Board member LeAnn Baca Bartlett. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Bartlett’s goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and comm...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Tyler Peak interview re-elected D11 School Board member Charles Johnson. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Mr. Johnson's goals for his tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community me...

How does a small garden club grow into a powerful driver of community resilience? Host Ally Richardson and leaders from the Manitou Springs Garden Club explore how plant sales, community grants, and hands‑on education strengthen our local ecosystems. Their work shows how simple, community‑rooted actions can create lasting impact. As Bill Mollison reminds us, “Though the problems of the world are i...

The odds have never been better that a Democrat will represent Colorado’s 5th District in U.S. Congress next year. Meet the woman who may just send Jeff Crank packing, Jessica Killin. Jessica is one of a field of 5 vying for the Democratic Party nomination to represent Colorado Springs and environs. Get to know Jessica as we ask her about her history in Colorado Springs, her military experience, h...

The Ring the Peak Trail is one of Colorado Springs’ boldest outdoor visions and it just got a major boost. Local non-profit the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) has secured a $2.5 million grant to help move the 63-mile continuous loop around the base of Pikes Peak closer to completion. We explore how this funding will help shape the future of Colorado Springs, and how it will enhance...

Inside CD-5: Policy, Power, and Women Candidates Jessica Killin and Zuri Horowitz are running to represent the Pikes Peak Region (CD‑5) in Congress. Why listen to them in this episode? Because this episode is not about campaign spin, talking points, or fluff. Hear their priorities and policy ideas around issues such as the cost of health care, women in the military, and other issues specifically i...

We dive deep into the vital role of childcare and the early childhood education crisis affecting both our local community and the nation at large. We explore how stable, quality care serves as the foundation for a strong workforce and healthy child development. Two prominent local leaders who are at the forefront of this issue share insights on the challenges families face and the collaborative ef...

Colorado Springs Utilities wants to delay closing its last coal-fired powerplant. CSU is currently obligated under its clean energy plan to close its Ray Nixon plant by the end of 2029 in order to meet a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. It claims the extension is necessary because it is too costly to meet the current deadline. Learn about proposed legislation that woul...

We dive into the vital work of Hope COS , a Colorado Springs-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals at their most vulnerable points. Executive Director Melissa Wallace discusses how their values-driven approach provides a lifeline for those navigating homelessness, battling addiction, or reentering society after incarceration. Key Discussion Points Providing compassionate, values-d...

Books have been written and movies made on the history of Fannie Mae Duncan with her, all people welcome, iconic Cotton Club operating in Colorado Springs from 1948-1975. Hear from JJ Frazier who, at 17, sang with the orchestra at the Club. Today, JJ continues her legacy of service in the region. Next to share is Shirley Martinez, who is also making history – bringing Martin Luther King Jr.’s gran...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Maxx Vega interview newly elected D49 School Board member Lori Thompson. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Thompson’s goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community m...

LWVPPR Youth Council members Anna Fedoruk and Maxx Vega interview newly elected D49 School Board member Holly Withers. With discussions around school policies such as AI, student safety, student mental health, and cell phones in schools, we learn more about Ms. Withers’ goals for her tenure on the board. Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community mem...

We get important perspective on the value and meaning of Black History Month from a remarkable young Black man who lives and breathes civic engagement. Chauncy Johnson has worked in the Colorado State Capitol, pitched in on important initiatives, and run for Colorado Springs City Council in 2025. He is currently seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Colorado State Representative in House Dis...

That sinking feeling at 2 AM—IRS letters piling up, unfiled returns haunting you, payroll taxes crushing your small business dream—it's not just numbers. It's shame, fear, and the dread that your empire is crumbling before it even stands. You're not alone, and you're not broken. This episode of Tax Answers Advisor meets you right there in the dark with real hope, raw stories, and a path out.​ I si...

The Colorado Senior Games are Coming. Will you sign up? Athletes over 50 are invited to show your skill in a multitude of sports this June in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Senior Games this year are qualifying games that lead competitors on to the National Senior Games. What an accomplishment! Competitors will be coming from Colorado as well as surrounding states for this important qualifying yea...

Colorado Springs City Councilor Gold was reprimanded recently, for comments “in violation of the rules and procedures of City Council,” when in fact her comments were an example of the civility and decorum council rules strive to achieve. We share what went down in the January 13, 2026 Colorado Springs City Council meeting – in which faith leaders made comments about Martin Luther King Jr. Day whi...