Been There Done That Podcast

Jo Ann looks back on Season 4 conversations with a comedian/podcaster, a homeless man, a man who counsels unhoused people, two interracial couples, an LGBTQ-Plus community leader, a Native American community leader, a Black champion bull rider, a substance abuse survivor, and a retiring teacher. She also looks ahead to what's next for the podcast. See photos for each episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.  

Jo Ann is a regular guest on City Cast Denver which focuses on everything about The Mile High City from the arts to zoning issues. On a recent episode, she joined Bree Davies, Paul Karolyi and Peyton Garcia to gab about vacant office space downtown, the mayoral runoff candidates, and cultural happenings around the city. See their photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com And check out https://denver.citycast.fm  

Gun violence has become commonplace in America. People directly and indirectly affected by it are increasingly finding it tough to cope with mass shootings. Dana is a teacher who sees the effect that school shootings have on students, educators and staff. She describes the stress felt inside school buildings where active shooter drills are as important as learning English and math.  See photos for this episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

We talk about addiction and substance abuse more readily today as overdose deaths continue to rise.  Betty Jo started drinking and using drugs in middle school to deal with a mental health issue that she was unaware of for years. She's in recovery now and hopes that sharing her story will be of benefit to more addicts who are struggling. Photos for this episode are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com   

World Champion Bull Rider Charlie Sampson talks about being a kid from Watts who became the first African American to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His many championship rides paved the way to his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Charlie attributes his success to hard work, determination, and the unsung Black cowboys who blazed the trail before him. See photos of Charlie at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Also visit https://charliesampson.com    

Educator, community activist and cultural leader Rick Waters, Executive Director of the Denver Indian Center, talks about growing up in Oklahoma, Indian terminology, important moments in Native history, appropriate land acknowledgements, and more. See photos for the episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Denver Indian Center website is https://denverindiancenter.org First Americans Museum website is https://famok.org       

While Caitlyn Jenner, Elliot Page and RuPaul may be accepted, many more trans people are ridiculed, attacked and murdered over their gender expression. Activists say transphobia is being codified in some states by the growing number of anti-trans laws. Jo Ann explores gender expression and trans rights with Sable Schultz and Mia Yamamoto. This episode is dedicated to those killed and injured at Club Q and The Pulse, and everyone who has suffered because of gender identity or gender diversity. https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com  

Fred and Linda and Brian and Joanne celebrate The 1967 Landmark Supreme Court ruling, Loving v. Virginia, which struck down state laws that prohibited interracial marriage. The couples talk about their lives over the past 50 years, including raising mixed race children and dealing with closed-minded people. They also offer advice to young couples about being true to themselves. Photos of the couples and their families are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

Jo Ann talks with William, a man who lives on the streets of Denver, about what his day-to-day life is like. And she speaks with Johnny, a man who works to provide services to homeless people. Jo Ann also offers ideas for helping, without judgment, people in dire need. Episode photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.   

Marc joins Jo Ann on the premiere of Season 4 to talk about how he became a podcasting pioneer, why stand-up comedy remains his first love, where acting fits in his world, and how he's living his best life as a person and a performer. See photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

A preview of Jo Ann's conversation with comedian Marc Maron about the success of WTF and why he enjoys being a podcaster. https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com  

Encounters with police officers too often turn deadly for Black people in America. This is the story of a Denver resident who was stopped by a deputy sheriff for carrying what looked like a rifle on a suburban street in Colorado, a state where open carry is allowed by law. See photos for this episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com  

Jo Ann shares breathtaking vistas of the Rockies from the vantage point of her high-rise apartment in Denver. See the photos at: https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Bill Douglas https://billdouglas.cc Ars Nova Singers https://arsnovasingers.org

Highlights from a memorable Season 3 that features the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, a convict who turned his life around, a visionary artist, 3 remarkable journalists and a brave female firefighter. See photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com      

It used to be unusual for a little girl to grow up wanting to be a firefighter. Most folks were under the false impression that women weren't strong enough for the physically demanding job. But thankfully things changed, and in 1980, Laura and a group of brave women proved it was time to put such antiquated thinking to rest. Laura tells stories about becoming a firefighter, describes life in the firehouse and remembers gut wrenching moments from being on duty. https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com  

Jo Ann chats with Rachel Maddow about journalism, podcasting, getting started in radio news and much more. This is the last of a trio of episodes Jo Ann dubs her "farewell to journalism" conversations as she transitions to new challenges.  See photos of Rachel at work and play at: https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Also check out photos of Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! and Maria Hinojosa of Futuro Media from the previous "farewell" episodes.

Multiple Emmy, Peabody & Murrow awards winner Maria Hinojosa joins Jo Ann to talk about what newsroom leaders must do in order to practice journalism that reflects the country; calling out public media brass in particular. She offers advice to young people of color for staying sane while pursuing a journalism career and defines terms that describe the growing and diverse Latinx community. Maria is the founder, president and CEO of Futuro Media Group. https://www.futuromediagroup.org https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com         

Jo Ann begins her “farewell to journalism” trio of podcasts with veteran reporter Amy Goodman, who is celebrating 25 years of hosting Democracy Now!, the independent nightly news program on TV and radio stations across the country. Amy talks about her concern for young people suffering thru the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of people working to understand each other during this time of extreme polarization, how industrialized countries must get serious about combating climate change, and why citizen journalists should be involved in making sure the truth is reported. See photos from this episode at: https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com https://www.democracynow.org

The ups and downs of life continue as the coronavirus pandemic remained front and center for another year. No one can say for certain what will change next year and what will stay the same. In this episode, Jo Ann looks back on the vicissitudes of 2021 and looks forward to a better 2022. See photos at: https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com    

Mary is a visual artist who is full of life, creativity and thoughts about this crazy world in which we live. She and Jo Ann were friends who lost track of each other more than 30 years ago. They recently discovered that they live only a few miles apart. Listen to them catch up as if they never skipped a beat. See photos for this episode including Mary and Jo Ann's reunion at: https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Also check Mary's artwork at: https://www.marydryan.com