The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

Aurora is home to The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center , which transforms every holiday season into a showplace like no other. From larger-than-life sculptures of ICE! Featuring A Christmas Story, Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, and so much more. The splendor of the holiday season can be found in your own backyard. Don't miss what has become a Colorado holiday tradition. 

Lieutenant Kathleen Hancock, the highest-ranking black female firefighter in the history of Aurora Fire Rescue , shares her journey, gives us insight into life as a first responder, and the importance of mentoring a future generation of women leaders.

Founded by former Denver Broncos Quarterback Brian Griese and his wife, Brooke, Judi's House in Aurora provides research-based care to grieving children and their families at no cost. CEO Jessica Maitland-Mayo discusses her journey through grief & how Judi's house is providing invaluable support to our community.

The City of Aurora's Global Fest is a multicultural experience bringing the sights, sounds, and flavors of nations worldwide to celebrate the diverse people and communities that call Aurora home. Aurora’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Minsoo Song, & the Chair of the Colorado Ethiopian Community Organization , Samuel Gebremichael, give us insight into the tenth edition of this marquee Aurora...

As the only beachfront celebration within 1500 miles, Aurora Pride is among the most unique events in the country. More than just a party, Aurora Pride provides safe spaces, educational resources, medical resources, & more to the Front Range's LGBTQIA community. Zander Oklar serves as Aurora Pride's  Executive Director and is a vocal community advocate. 

Can you imagine looking forward to going to the dentist? The Dental Bar is doing just that by taking a modern, chic, comfortable approach to dentistry.  Dr. Kha Nguyen & Dr. Lynn Doan are merging their dental expertise with an innovative and fun concept that will redefine the oral health experience in Aurora and beyond. 

A legacy spanning three generations, Sam's Meat and Deli has served Aurora for more than 40 years. Through sourcing high-quality meats & maintaining a sense of community with her customers, Debbie Sam has carried on her father's dream while leading a new generation to helm this important institution.  

Nestled inside Aurora’s Elevation Christian Church, you’ll find Milly’s Community Café , a cozy and creative space specializing in locally sourced coffee beverages and freshly baked and crafted menu items. Through attention to detail and fostering an environment of community, owner Stacey Miller has created one of the most highly-rated eateries and cafés in the city. 

By offering an array of services from a talented & diverse team, The Hair Fetish Experience has become one of the highest-rated salons in the greater metro area, owned by third-generation entrepreneur and cosmetologist Precious Czeczok, who carries the legacy of her family & a spirit of service in everything that she does.

In the heart of the Aurora Cultural Arts District, you’ll find La Victoria Healing Kitchen , created by the vision of Architect Katie Goldman. This community space was created as a small business incubator, supporting chefs, bakers, and makers who craft products that promote health & wellness while seeking to uplift community well-being.

Social entrepreneur Betsy Lay is a co-founder of Lady Justice Brewing . This women-owned, minority-owned, & LGBTQ+ owned business in the Colfax arts district of Aurora also serves as an important community gathering space. Almost all of their profit benefits organizations that serve women and girls in Colorado. 

More than 18,000 fast-pitch softball players representing over 1100 teams across the country descend on the Aurora area for the Colorado 4th of July tournament . This marquee event is run by Triple Crown Sports tournament director and accomplished former pitcher Stephanie Klaviter.

Aurora resident for nearly 30 years, Poonam More is the co-star of "Rico To The Rescue" on HGTV. She also owns Poonam's By Design , an interior design firm that offers beautiful home remodeling and home design services based in the Southlands Lifestyle Center .

Veteran Master Sergeant James Grevious created Rebels in The Garden to teach the children in his family how to cultivate food in their own backyard. That ambition evolved into Rebel Marketplace, a bi-monthly farmer's market at Aurora's Del Mar Park that provides a vital community space for local growers & vendors and teaches valuable business skills to future generations. 

Kim Stuart has served as the Communications & Marketing Director for the city of Aurora for more than 30 years. Her department's initiatives include Access Aurora, AuroraTV , & The Aurora Eats Guide , which features nearly 300 authentic, specialty restaurants representing countries on almost every continent.

A burgeoning community arts scene is emerging on historic Colfax avenue in Aurora. The People's Building offers a space where artists of all disciplines can explore, educate, & perform. Similarly, The Colfax Canvas Mural Festival adds world-class art to the heart of Aurora's Arts District, giving voice to the artists of our diverse community. At the helm of these institutions is Aaron Vega, a tale...

One of the gems of Aurora is The Plains Conservation Center , a nature preserve & educational space that showcases pioneer and indigenous life from the late 1800s. It encompasses over 1100 acres of short grass prairie with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Biologist & Natural Resource Specialist, Fendi Despres, explains why this ecosystem is so vital.

At over one million square feet of retail & entertainment space, Town Center at Aurora is a cornerstone in the heart of Aurora. This fully enclosed regional shopping destination, home to over 130 stores and eateries, is leaving behind the notion of the traditional mall & transforming into a vital community space. 

Air Force Veteran & 30-year local radio fixture Rick Crandall is the founder of The Colorado Freedom Memorial , the first memorial of its kind in the US. Through perseverance & a strong connection to the community, Rick has created a Memorial that honors the fallen from Colorado while enriching future generations with a forthcoming education center. 

Along with heading Aurora's cultural services department, Midori Clark is the first Asian-American woman to lead a major public library, overseeing seven branches, 272,000 cardholders, and 1.1 million checkouts a year. Aurora Public Library is the city’s premier public learning institution, innovating the way Libraries serve the community. 

With an unprecedented opportunity for thoughtful growth, The Aurora Economic Development Council , a private, non-profit corporation comprised of the leading 100 companies in the Aurora/Denver metro area, the city of Aurora, and Adams and Arapahoe Counties, is tasked with helping shape the future of the city.

Aurora native & resident Ahja Fox is currently serving as Aurora's third poet laureate. This University of Colorado Denver graduate has been published in dozens of online and print journals & has served as an editor & mentor in the poetry community at large. By merging her love of the literary arts with an innate understanding of human psychology, Ahja is creating poignant works that resonate in A...

A decommissioned air traffic control tower next door to Aurora has transformed into a 20,000 sq foot brewery, restaurant, & entertainment space. FlyteCo Brewing co-founders Eric, Morgan, & Jason, have merged their love of hand-crafted award-winning brews & elevated bar fare with important Colorado aviation history to create a unique & delicious experience at FlyteCO Tower . 

Growing up a first-generation Latina in the suburbs of Manhattan was an amazing and at times, lonely experience for Project Eñye co-founder Denise Soler Cox. This award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, and keynote speaker is transforming how we think about culture, identity, and what it means to belong. 

A former aviation factory, The Stanley Marketplace is home to more than 50 independent Colorado businesses. More than a retail center, it has become a cultural hub & community gathering space. General Manager Ally Fredeen gives insight into how the marketplace has managed to balance and preserve its rich history while also playing a critical role in Northeast Aurora's development.