The Exchange | Podcast

What goes into bringing Broadway's biggest productions to Denver? In this episode of  The Exchange , Ruby Jones sits down with John Ekeberg, Executive Director of Broadway at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, to discuss the 2026–2027 Broadway season. From selecting this year's lineup to the benefits of Broadway subscriptions and the importance of community support, John shares how...

Dr. Fernando Branch, executive director of the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative, discusses leadership, mentorship, mental health and the importance of creating spaces where men and boys of color can find community, support and belonging.

"Next to Normal" is a 3x Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that explores themes of mental health, grief and family dynamics. Actress Aléna Watters brings the leading character to life and shares a behind-the-scenes look at the production. Tickets to "Next to Normal" are available at https://denvercenter.org.

Roz White plays a teacher and mentor in the award-winning show "Hell's Kitchen." Inspired by the life of Alicia Keys, the musical is headed to Denver from April 14-26 on its first national tour. Check out this exclusive interview, and get tickets at https://denvercenter.org.

Welcome to Front Range Exchange — a radio show aired on KGNU Community Radio's Metro show that blends the in-depth reporting of Front Range Focus with the thought-provoking perspectives of The Exchange. Hosted by award-winning journalist and publisher, Ruby Jones.

The Phantom of the Opera is celebrating 40 years of musical theatre with a North American tour. Jordan Lee Gilbert takes audiences on an emotional journey as Christine Daaé, and in the latest episode of "The Exchange" she shares what it's like to bring the character to life each night. The Phantom of the Opera will play in Denver from March 18 to April 5; tickets are available at denve...

Jason Marsalis joins The Exchange ahead of his Dazzle Denver appearances on March 11-12. The percussionist discusses the Marsalis family legacy, and his love for creative expression within traditional and contemporary jazz. Tickets are available at DazzleDenver.com

Vanisha Gould will perform with the Jason Marsalis Quartet on March 11-12 at Dazzle Denver. Our conversation explores her artistic experiences and the inspiration behind her latest projects. Tickets are available at DazzleDenver.com

A Shaving Grace Hairport Owner, Vida "Blue" Humphries joins The Exchange with an exclusive, special access look at his brand new barbershop at Denver International Airport.

Welcome to Front Range Exchange — a radio show aired on KGNU Community Radio's Metro show that blends the in-depth reporting of Front Range Focus with the thought-provoking perspectives of The Exchange. Hosted by award-winning journalist, Ruby Jones.

Manny Rutinel is running for congress! If elected, he will represent Colorado's 8th Congressional District. In this episode of "The Exchange," the passionate civil servant discusses his experience as a State Representative for Colorado's 32nd District; his upbringing and personal background; and the motivation behind his decision to run for congress. To learn more, visit https://ma...

Go behind the curtain of "The Music Man" with Paul Urriola as he shares what it’s like making his national tour debut as Marcellus Washburn, bringing humor, heart and classic Broadway energy to Denver audiences.

Step into the world of "Water for Elephants" with Helen Krushinski as she discusses her national tour debut, the artistry behind playing Marlena and the themes that bring this powerful production to life on stage in Denver.

Ahead of his Denver stop, Blaque Dynamite joins The Exchange for a conversation about the road, creative evolution and what fuels his live performances. Tickets are available at dazzledenver.com

In this episode, playwright and television writer Terence Anthony shares a behind-the-scenes look at  Godspeed, a powerful new production premiering in Denver from Jan. 30 to Feb. 22 . Set in Texas in 1865, the play reimagines the Western through a story of justice, survival and reckoning. Terence shares the origins of the work, his creative process and the themes audiences will confront long afte...

Adapted from McConigley’s award-winning collection of short stories and inspired by her personal storytelling, "Cowboys and East Indians" reimagines the American West through the lens of immigration, identity and belonging. This conversation explores adaptation from page to stage, challenging cultural myths, and what the artists hope audiences take away from this timely production. "Co...

Welcome to Front Range Exchange — a radio show aired on KGNU Community Radio's Metro show that blends the in-depth reporting of Front Range Focus with the thought-provoking perspectives of The Exchange. Hosted by award-winning journalist, Ruby Jones.

Artist, educator, and Cherry Creek School Board Director John-Claude "J.C." Futrell (a.k.a. Panama Soweto) joins Ruby Jones to share how creativity, leadership and arts education can transform the next generation and make a difference right now.

A special-edition conversation with Phillip Bailey, legendary lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire and founder of the Music Is Unity Foundation. We discuss the mission behind Music Is Unity and its work to support young people aging out of foster care, especially ahead of Giving Tuesday on December 2. Learn more about Music Is Unity at https://musicisunity.org .

A powerful interview with DREION, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and standout from season 26 of  The Voice . He shares his artistic journey, his connection to the Music Is Unity Foundation and why he advocates for youth aging out of foster care. Learn more about Music Is Unity at https://musicisunity.org .

Welcome to Front Range Exchange — a radio show aired on KGNU Community Radio's Metro show that blends the in-depth reporting of Front Range Focus with the thought-provoking perspectives of The Exchange. Hosted by award-winning journalist, Ruby Jones.

In this episode, Grammy-winning flutist Néstor Torres shares his early beginnings in Puerto Rico, the influence of his father, how he developed his signature sound and why performing remains his greatest joy. He also discusses his recent show at Denver’s premier jazz club, Dazzle, on November 19. Tune in for a warm, insightful conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in Latin jazz.

In this episode of The Exchange, host Ruby Jones sits down with the extraordinary Charu Suri – a GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer who made history as the first Indian-born jazz artist to perform at Carnegie Hall. From her roots in South India to the global jazz stage, Charu shares how she’s redefining the sound of modern jazz by blending the improvisational flow of jazz with the rhythmic comp...

In this episode, host Ruby Jones sits down with Gilbert Domally, who stars as Simba in  Disney’s The Lion King , playing at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from Oct. 23 through Nov. 16. Gilbert shares his journey from understudying on Broadway to leading the North American tour of the world’s #1 musical – a production that has won more than 70 international awards, including six Tonys an...

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb shares an intimate oral history, reflecting on his love for Wilma Webb, his impact on the City of Denver and his vision for its continued growth through the Vibrant Denver Bond.