Discover
Let’s Talk Boulder
19 Episodes
Reverse
Join Open Space and Mountain Parks and our Junior Rangers to continue exploring our open spaces and discover different ways they are made accessible for all.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder)
Topher Downham – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Juanita Echeverri – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Other Guests
Noah – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger
Sadie – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger
This episode was hosted by Julie Causa and Cate Stanek. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Music and sounds attributed to:
National Park Service
CV20150611003-western_meadowlark.wav by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/325572/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0.
Related Resources
For more information about Boulder's open space, visit osmp.org.
Join Open Space and Mountain Parks and our Junior Rangers to explore the city's open spaces, and learn how to get outside safely and responsibly.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder)
Topher Downham – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Juanita Echeverri – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Other Guests
Noah – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger
Sadie – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger
This episode was hosted by Julie Causa and Cate Stanek. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Music and sounds attributed to:
National Park Service
CV20150611003-western_meadowlark.wav by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/325572/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0.
Related Resources
For more information about Boulder's open space, visit osmp.org.
Discover the magic of Boulder's prairie landscapes in a piece written by Sam Clusman.
Read the blog here
This episode was hosted by Julie Causa and Cate Stanek. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Music and sounds attributed to:
National Park Service
CV20150611003-western_meadowlark.wav by tim.kahn --
https://freesound.org/s/325572/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0.
Related Resources
For more information about Boulder's open space, visit osmp.org.
Explore Boulder’s vibrant arts and culture scene and hear from local leaders who are helping shape the city’s creative community.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Lauren Click – Arts and Culture Manager, City of Boulder
Other Guests:
David Dadone - Executive Director and Chief Curator for the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Leah Brenner Clack – Founder and Executive Director of Street Wise Arts
Kirsten Wilson – Founder and Executive Director of Motus Theater
This episode was hosted by Angela Urrego and Emi Smith. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
For a full transcript, visit the City of Boulder's podcast webpage.
Related Resources:
Office of Arts and Culture
Boulder Arts Blueprint
Arts & Economic Prosperity 6
Dive into the city’s guiding policy document, the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, as the city and Boulder County work on a major update of the plan to help shape the future of Boulder.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Kristofer Johnson - Comprehensive Planning Senior Manager, City of Boulder
Kathleen King - Comprehensive Planning Planner Principal, City of Boulder
Other Guests:
Hannah Hippley - Long Range Planning Division Manager, Boulder County
Community Member voices – A Boulder Future Kick-off Video
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Julie Causa. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
For a full transcript, visit the City of Boulder's podcast webpage.
Related Resources:
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update project page
Community Connectors Program
Community Connectors in Residence
Take a step back into high school civics to learn how Boulder’s government works - and discover how you can get involved and make a meaningful impact in your local community.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Carl Castillo, Chief Policy Advisor
Elesha Johnson, City Clerk
Other Guests:
Glen Krutz, Political Science Professor at University of Colorado Boulder
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Emi Smith. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
Municipal Initiative Petition Guidelines
City of Boulder Boards and Commissions
City of Boulder Ranked Choice Voting Guide
Boulder City Council Frequently Asked Questions
Clarification:
The number of employees serving the City of Boulder fluctuates based on seasonal and temporary hires. At one point in the show, a guest mentions that the city employs 1,500 people. This number varies and gets as high as 1,800.
Climb into this episode about Boulder's city trees and hear from the people who care for them.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Andrew Holt, Forester
Calvin Wing, Crew Lead
Heather Bearnes-Loza, Senior Program Manager for the Nature-based Climate Solutions Team
Kathleen Alexander, Forestry Manager
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager of Natural Resources
Other Guests:
Daniel Hanson, Community Forestry Corps Lead
Mike Reichert, Tree Trust Program Manager
Community Forestry Corps members and tree planting volunteers, Mallory, Josue and Ellory.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Jonathan Thornton. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team and edited by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
All About City Trees
City of Boulder Staff Land Acknowledgement
Inquire Boulder
Cool Boulder
PLAY Boulder Foundation Tree Trust & Tree Tender Training
Cooling Our City
City Heat Mapping
Meet your neighbors and people behind the city — attend What's Up Boulder!
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center.
What: Popsicles, lawn games, a foam party, conversations with council members, music and much more!
Get the details on our website.
Got time, talent or treasure to share? You're in the right place. This episode is all about giving back to your neighbors through acts big or small, with some tales of volunteering along the way.
Special guests in this episode (city staff and volunteers):
Aimee Kane, Equity Officer
Ali Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Brian Wegner, Volunteer Services and Partnerships Program Supervisor
Andrew Shoemaker, Volunteer
Karen Donnelly, Volunteer
Cameos from Deputy City Manager Chris Meschuk and Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for OSMP Jennelle Freeston.
This episode was hosted by Cassy Bohnet and Leah Kelleher. It was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
Volunteer Opportunities with the City of Boulder
Count Me In volunteer web portal
Volunteer with Parks and Recreation
Volunteer with OSMP
Volunteer with EXPAND
Meet the people behind the city: attend What's Up Boulder!
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center.
What: Popsicles, lawn games, conversations with council members, music and more!
Learn more on our website.
Music in this episode (adapted):
Ring Ouzel, The Crumbling, Dream Caper and County Courtship by Blue Dot Sessions. All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License on Free Music Archive.
We're talking child-friendly cities this episode, communities where all kids feel safe and cared for, while being able to express their opinions and influence decisions that affect them. Becoming a child-friendly Boulder is an ongoing journey, but we've got a plan for how to get there. Ready, set, tune in!
Explore more visions for a child-friendly Boulder.
Special guests in this episode:
Sarah Huntley, Director of the City of Boulder Communications and Engagement Department
Mara Mintzer, Co-Founder and Director of Growing Up Boulder
Avery Stuhlbarg, YOAB member
Elias Weatherley, YOAB member
Jeff Kagan of Jeff & Paige
Paige Doughty of Jeff & Paige
This episode was produced and hosted by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
All about the City of Boulder's Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).
Learn more about Growing Up Boulder. Explore their CFCI webpage.
Boulder's digital Child Friendly City Map.
Check out the city's Be Heard Boulder online engagement platform. Stay tuned for future opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas.
Learn about UNICEF CFCI around the world.
UNICEF CFCI in the United States.
Jeff and Paige's website and music.
Fostering a Better Community for Children and Youth, plus Family Services.
Dig into the city's Youth Opportunities Program.
Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) and how to apply.
More opportunities for youth in Boulder.
Stay in the loop: follow City of Boulder Instagram #CFCIBoulder, and subscribe to city updates and Growing Up Boulder's newsletter.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
Teen Townhall: A Conversation about Policing and Safety.
Boulder Police Department Youth Open House.
Learn more about both events.
Music in this episode (adapted):
"A Civic Area" by Jeff and Paige.
A close look at our years-long recovery from the 2013 flood. We're digging into flood mitigation and preparedness, and lessons learned that have made our response and recovery stronger.
Special guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities
Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager
Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Brandon Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
Chad Brotherton, Visitor Infrastructure Senior Manager for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Mike Chard, Director of the Office of Disaster Management for the City of Boulder and Boulder County.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Leah Kelleher. It was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
Flood Mitigation Project Roundup
Boulder's Web Guide to Flooding
How to Be Flood Ready
City of Boulder Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan
2013 Flood Interactive Website
September 2013 Flood Information and Storytelling
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
Feb. 22 – Joint City Council and Open Space Board of Trustees public hearing on open space disposal for South Boulder Creek. A decision on disposal will be made in March. Find more opportunities and office hours with city staff on our website.
Music in this episode (adapted):
The Silver Hatch, Grand Fell, This Passage, Uncertainty and Leadin by Blue Dot Sessions.
Brother Richard by Dave Nelson.
Confidence Trick by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear.
All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License, Attribution-NonCommercial License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
We're going back ten years to remember the 2013 Flood, how it impacted our community, and the courage and care of neighbors who stepped up to help each other.
Special guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities
Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager
Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Brandon Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
Chad Brotherton, Visitor Infrastructure Senior Manager for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Mike Chard, Director of the Office of Disaster Management for the City of Boulder and Boulder County.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Leah Kelleher. It was also produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for full music attributions.
Related Resources:
2013 Flood Story Map
Call for 2013 Flood Art and Reflections
Carnegie Library Oral Histories
September 2013 Flood Information and Storytelling
Boulder's Web Guide to Flooding
How to Be Flood Ready
City of Boulder Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan
Music in this episode (adapted):
By the Pond (Instrumental), Risers, Dim, Ink and Afternoons (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear. All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Follow us on our journey to prevent waste, give new life to old objects, and build an economic system that regenerates our planet instead of exploiting it.
Special guests in this episode:
Jamie Harkins, Sustainability Senior Manager for Circular Economies
Emily Freeman, Sustainability Policy Advisor
Michele Crane, Facilities Architectural Senior Manager
This episode was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for full music attributions.
Call-in opportunity! Tell us how the climate crisis makes you feel. Where do you find hope and courage? Call 303-818-4678 and leave a voicemail sharing your thoughts, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!
Related Resources:
Our Circular Boulder Guide
How to Live a More Circular Lifestyle
Trash the Runway
Jeff and Paige's Website
Waste Sorting 101 Web Guide
Music in this episode (adapted):
Freesia, Pilgrim's Progress, Cirrostratus and Skip Street by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear. All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
We have a bunch of community events planned throughout August and September with our partners at PLAY Boulder Foundation and Cool Boulder. Tune in to get the scoop!
Here's some more details and links to the big events:
The Great Boulder Duck Race on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Adopt a rubber duck and join the fun!
Little Creatures art show and workshops throughout August and September.
What's Up Boulder on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Dig into emotions many of us experience as we live through climate change, along with coping strategies to build hope and personal resilience.
Special guests in this episode:
Eva Jahn (she/her), Licensed Psychotherapist
Lodi Siefer (they/them), Psychotherapist and Hive Co-Director
Louise Chawla (she/her), Professor Emerita at University of Colorado Boulder
Heather Bearnes-Loza (she/her), Sustainability Senior Program Manager
Sandy Briggs (she/her), Sustainability Program Manager
Jonathan Koehn (he/him), Director of Climate Initiatives
Emily Freeman (she/her), Sustainability Policy Advisor
Daniel Hanson (he/him), Cool Boulder Intern
Emily Sandoval (she/her), Community Engagement Senior Program Manager
Marya Washburn (she/her), Public Information Officer for the Fire Department
Jamie Carpenter (he/him), Wildland Operations Specialist
Kerry Webster (she/her), Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
New Vista High School students Lahja, Lucy, Chauncey and Beck.
This episode was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for full music attributions.
Call-in opportunity! Tell us how the climate crisis makes you feel. Where do you find hope and courage? Call 303-818-4678 and leave a voicemail sharing your thoughts, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Community mental health resources
Cool Boulder's website and calendar
The Hive's Boulder.Earth website and calendar
New Vista Climate Justice Photo Exhibit
More on Louise Chawla and her research
City poll showing community concern about the crisis
Music in this episode (adapted):
Etude 8 Dimitri and Etude 1 Cherub by Blue Dot Sessions
Waves of Indigo by Daniel Birch
The Bridge (Instrumental) and The Sheltering Firs (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch
All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Wildfire preparedness tips and some honest conversations about the importance of supporting your neighbors.
Special guests in this episode:
Isabel Sanchez, Community Member
Jamie Carpenter, Wildland Operations Specialist
Kerry Webster, Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
Brett KenCairn, Climate Senior Policy Advisor
This episode was hosted by Marya Washburn, Emily Sandoval and Leah Kelleher. It was produced and edited by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for music attributions.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
The City’s Wildfire Preparedness Guide
Music in this episode (adapted):
The Island (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch
Hot Pink by Chad Crouch
The Family (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch
Drifting by Chad Crouch
City Lights by Chad Crouch
All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dive into tools and strategies that help create a more resilient, healthy community where people and other local life can thrive.
Special guests in this episode:
Kerry Webster, Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
Brett KenCairn, Climate Senior Policy Advisor
Chris Wanner, Vegetation Stewardship Senior Manager
Zach Hedstrom, Mushroom Grower and Owner of Boulder Mushroom
This episode was hosted by Marya Washburn and Leah Kelleher. It was produced and edited by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Using Trees and Vegetation to Cool Areas
Nature-based Climate Solutions
Wildfire Management on Open Space and Mountain Parks
The City’s Wildfire Preparedness Guide
Boulder Heat Maps
Zach Hedstrom's work with the Boulder Watershed Collective and Grama Grass & Livestock is funded by the Boulder County Climate Innovation Fund, which is funded in part by the City of Boulder.
Music in this episode (adapted):
Song Sparrow Serenade (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch
Smooth Stone by Blue Dot Sessions
Stillness by Blue Dot Sessions
Paper Napkin by Blue Dot Sessions
City Lights by Chad Crouch
Platformer by Chad Crouch
A Little Powder by Blue Dot Sessions
Bon Journée by Chad Crouch
All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Explore the connection between wildfire and the climate crisis.
Special guests in this episode:
Jamie Carpenter, Wildland Operations Specialist
Kerry Webster, Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
Brett KenCairn, Climate Senior Policy Advisor
Chris Wanner, Vegetation Stewardship Senior Manager
This episode was hosted by Leah Kelleher and Marya Washburn. It was produced and edited by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Check out resources mentioned in the episode:
Marshall Fire Story Map
Wildfire Preparedness Guide
National Academy of Sciences Study: Climate Stabilization Targets (2011).
Music in this episode (adapted):
Ivory Pillow by Blue Dot Sessions
Seafoam by Chad Crouch
Stingray - Dangerous Thought by Blue Dot Sessions
A Little Powder by Blue Dot Sessions
Headlights/Mountain Road by Blue Dot Sessions
Small Hours by Chad Crouch
All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Read the full transcript on our website.
Get a sneak peak at our show.
Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.



