Behind the Springs

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Can a local government podcast be fun? Jennifer Schreuder and Ted Skroback from the City of Colorado Springs Communications Department say “yes!” Join Jen and Ted twice a month for our lighthearted, in-depth discussions with Colorado Springs' elected officials and employees as we learn what keeps Ol…

City of Colorado Springs


    • May 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 166 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Behind the Springs

    Episode 164: The Master Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 19:55


    Imagine your most ideal park, trail or open space! We all have ideas about how to improve or maintain our beautiful parks system in Colorado Springs. Our parks department is hoping you'll share your input as they embark on a master plan process to help guide decisions over the next decade. Join the conversation and hear how this process will build community and preserve our legacy!

    Episode 163: Police Appreciation Week

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 16:52


    This week is dedicated to remembering and honoring police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It's also a time to reflect on the important and sometimes unseen work of our police officers here in Colorado Springs. Join the conversation with two members of our police department with interesting stories and insights!

    Episode 162: City Councilmembers, International Travel and Spring Cleaning

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 17:14


    Mayor Yemi is the guest on this episode and talks about all that's been going on this past month, including new City Councilmembers and exciting news from the COS Airport! 

    Episode 161: It's Spring! What does that mean?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 20:19


    Mayor Yemi is here to celebrate the start of Spring, which means a shift from snowplow operations to paving and potholes. He's also giving some exciting updates about our parks system and a great reminder to VOTE by April 1st!

    Episode 160: Female Firefighters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 28:15


    What's it like to be a female firefighter in Colorado Springs? How do we recruit more talented women to join the department? What do they bring to the team? A panel of four accomplished firefighters help answer these questions and more during this special episode in celebration of Women's History Month. 

    Episode 159: Fire Marshal's Memories

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 15:38


    Brett Lacey has served as our city's fire marshal since 1998. He's retiring after a 32 years of remarkable service with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Tune in for a look back at how far we've come when it come to preparedness and some fun stories about Brett's service to our community. 

    memories fire marshal colorado springs fire department
    Episode 158: Ask Mayor Anything

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 26:38


    Mayor Yemi is addressing the topics you want to know about. We received questions on various social media platforms and the Mayor is talking about everything from potholes to football. Hope you'll join us for this conversation!

    Episode 157: Housing and Homelessness

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 19:45


    Meet our new Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer. She grew up in Colorado Springs and has an interesting story to share about her path to this current role. Hear what she has to say about the ways the City and our partners are taking action to tackle housing and homelessness challenges in Colorado Springs. 

    Episode 156: What is TRP?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 16:16


    The City's Therapeutic Recreation Program is such a gem, and this conversation will explain why. February is Therapeutic Recreation Month and the perfect time to focus on how it impacts our entire community. The leader of TRP has provided recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities for 25 years, along with her team of exceptional employees and volunteers.

    Episode 155: Word of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 19:07


    Mayor Yemi is talking about his word for 2025 and how it will guide decisions for our City. He also discusses cold weather response, wildfire readiness and working with the Trump administration.  

    Episode 154: Looking forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 15:55


    It's the last podcast episode of 2025 and Mayor Yemi is celebrating accomplishments and talking about priorities for 2025. He's also sharing some fun and serious thoughts about the holiday season. Thank you for listening to Behind the Springs this year!

    Episode 153: Workforce Wins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 18:28


    Meet one a new employee at the City who's focused on a developing our workforce and helping local businesses hire talented people. Listen in to find out why this is a win for our whole community!

    Episode 152: Together COS

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 15:28


    The Colorado Springs Police Department is using technology to be even more efficient when it comes to keeping our community safe. Hear about a new program that teams police up with community members to fight crime. The police department's Real Time Crime Center uses camera footage from residents and businesses, along with drones to help solve crimes. Find out how we can come Together COS! 

    Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 150: 4th quarter update from Mayor Yemi.mp3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 19:02


    Episode 150: Mayor Yemi's 4th quarter updateWhether or not you're a football fan, you likely know that the 4th quarter is crucial. It's the end of the game and often when the excitement happens. Mayor Yemi says the same is true for the 4th quarter of the year at the City. We're working hard on several priorities and finishing strong. Listen in for the updates and latest news about infrastructure, public safety, the Veterans Day parade, voting and more!

    Episode 151: Lifesaving program

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 19:11


    Chelsea was 39 weeks pregnant when she had a serious and uncommon complication that caused her to lose a large amount of blood as she went into labor. The new Whole Blood Program at the Colorado Springs Fire Department literally saved the day, and two lives. Join the conversation about how blood transfusions are improving emergency response and outcomes!

    lifesaving colorado springs fire department
    Episode 149: Stay posted about Parks

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 21:15


    Fall is right around the corner and it's a great time to explore our city's parks, trails and open spaces. Luckily, our parks director is sharing the latest and greatest when it comes to our parks, new open spaces, public input, winter traditions and so much more. Join the conversation to get some ideas about beautiful places to visit, play and enjoy!

    Episode 148: Back to School

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 24:26


    Whether you are a student, have a student, or just care about students – this episode is for you! Mayor Yemi and Lt. Miyakusu talk about ways the city team works to make our schools safe, inside and outside. Hear personal stories, statistics and important reminders. Here's to a great school year!

    Episode 147: Pikes Peak Rising

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 15:48


    Your mental health matters. Join this conversation to learn about a movement called Pikes Peak Rising that includes a website to help you navigate toward better mental health for you and your loved ones. First lady Abbey Mobolade and several partners are shining a spotlight on the great resources in our region. Tune in to find out how this can benefit you, and our entire community!

    Episode 146: The museum is back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 19:40


    Celebrate the grand reopening of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum after a major building restoration project. During this conversation, we'll hear how the project means major benefits for visitors. Hear about the latest exhibits, new spaces and an improved home for our treasured artifacts. 

    Episode 145: Olympic City USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 17:13


    We are at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center to talk about the Paris Games, and all that's happening in our city to celebrate! Mayor Yemi also shares his thoughts about public safety and his strategic plan for our community. Don't miss this episode! 

    Episode 144: Pikes Peak Highway

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 19:18


    Hundreds of thousands of people hit the road each year to reach the top of America's Mountain via the Pikes Peak Highway. Hear about the shuttle service, special events, and why the marmots are the key to kicking off summer during this latest episode of Behind of the Springs!

    Episode 143: Checking in with Mayor Yemi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 20:45


    We're catching up with Mayor Yemi just as Colorado Springs was ranked most desirable city in the country and third in the “Best Places to Live” category by U.S. News & World Report! Hear the Mayor's thoughts on these rankings, along with important news about our police and fire departments. He also shares his personal reasons for caring so deeply about public safety.

    Episode 142: This is a wild one

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 22:13


    What will this summer be like when it come to our wildfire risk? We're checking in with the Colorado Springs Fire Marshal for predictions and great reminders about how to be prepared. Whether you've experienced Colorado wildfires or you're brand new to this topic, tune in for tips that benefit our entire community! 

    Episode141: Safe Passage

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 17:07


    It's not easy to talk about child abuse, but April is the month dedicated to raising awareness. We are fortunate to have a unique and effective approach to helping children who have been sexually abused, housed in a place called Safe Passage. Find out more about the quiet heroes in our community and how the city is involved in helping children heal. 

    Episode 140: Paving the Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 19:20


    How about that recent snowstorm? Mayor Yemi is here to talk about the city's great response, along with the not so great result: potholes! The long term solution to potholes and other roadway maintenance is 2C and the Mayor explains why you need to know about it and vote to extend it!

    Behind the Springs Episode 139: Tapping into restaurant experience.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 32:50


    We're giving you a taste of a new podcast with some familiar faces! Mayor Yemi and City Councilmember Michelle Talarico talk about their experience in the restaurant industry and how it's helped them in their current leadership roles. Join us for this special episode!

    Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 138: Springs in Bloom

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 19:01


    Spring is coming soon and so are more than 100 flowerbeds, designed to brighten our neighborhoods. The Springs in Bloom program allows people to adopt a flowerbed and help beautify our city. We're talking to the City's Horticulturalist in this episode about the 20th year of this program, and so much more that he and his team do for Colorado Springs!

    Episode 137: Good Housing News

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 24:27


    We're excited to spread the news about a major grant to one of our partners. It means more than just housing for young adults. Learn about the city's role and the important work local organizations are doing to benefit our entire community. 

    Episode 136: Preventing Car Theft Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 19:01


    The numbers are not good. Nearly 4,400 vehicles were stolen in Colorado Springs in 2022, which is about 12 per day. Police estimate that the number went up 33% in 2023. Find out what our officers are doing and what YOU can do to fight back. 

    Episode 135: Community Centers and Events

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 17:15


    We're focusing on the importance of building community, which includes an exciting event happening in February at Hillside Community Center to celebrate Black History Month. Mayor Yemi talks about why community activation is one of his priorities and shares his love for the month of February. 

    Episode 134: Looking back and moving forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 33:38


    Mayor Yemi reflects on our city team's major accomplishments in 2023 and looks toward 2024 with specific action items in mind. He also talks about his gratitude for public input and some special ways he rings in the new year!

    Episode 133: Hope COS

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 21:57


    When the bitter cold hits Colorado Springs, there's a program providing hope to those in need of shelter. Learn about Hope COS and the personal stories of two people working to save lives in our community.  

    Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 132: Downtown holiday traditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 12:04


    It's looking and feeling festive in downtown Colorado Springs. Mayor Yemi talks about his favorite part of the holidays, the importance of supporting local businesses, and his priorities through the end of this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Episode 131: Thank You Veterans

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 22:14


    Mayor Yemi hosts this episode and introduces two city employees who also served in the military. Get to know these public servants and hear what makes Colorado Springs such a special home for veterans. Happy Veterans Day!

    Episode 130: It's time to VOTE and get an update from Mayor Yemi

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 24:14


    Mayor Yemi shares his passion for our right to vote and the importance of the upcoming election. He also talks about the recent loss of one our city's firefighters, great economic development news, and some recognition for our city employees!

    Episode 129: Elevate COS

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 16:18


    The Colorado Springs Airport is taking things to the next level with a major remodel of the concourse. This means a better, more modern and more accessible experience when you fly in and out of Colorado's small airport. This project comes at a time when the airport is growing. Tune in for this conversation to learn more and find out why it's so easy to Fly COS!

    Episode 128: October is Arts Month!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 22:06


    Economic vitality, mental health, leadership development and quality of life. What do all of these things have in common? The arts! Hear from Mayor Yemi and Angela Seals who leads the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. They talk about the benefits of our local arts scene and how you can join in this month, and all year long. Plus, Mayor Yemi share his thoughts on Israel, the city budget and much more. 

    EPisode 127 Get Ready!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 16:09


    Are you ready Colorado Springs? It's National Preparedness Month and we're talking about how local emergency responders prepare for emergencies. Mayor Yemi is joined by the director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, who emphasizes the need for YOUR help in being ready for local emergencies. 

    Episide 126 - Creek Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 16:13


    The 10th annual Creek Week is coming up in just a few days, and it's a great way for volunteers to give back to our community. Find out what's involved, why it's important and how you can join the effort to make our city even more beautiful!

    Episode 125: Countdown to 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 18:52


    Mayor Yemi is approaching his 100th day in office and will deliver his first State of the City address on Thursday. He gives us a preview of that speech, along with his thoughts about remembering 9/11 and the upcoming Fallen Firefighters Memorial. He also provides an update on an underground fire in downtown Colorado Springs impacting residents and local businesses. Please join us for this conversation!

    Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 124 - Mayor Yemi update, 08-30-2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 23:52


    Episode 123: The Chief and the Mayor talk training

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 20:31


    The need for a new Colorado Springs Police Department training academy is the main topic of this episode. The Chief provides background on the current academy and how it could improve. The Mayor shares his plans to do just that! He also talks about what he's hearing from residents, the progress on the goals he set for his first 100 days, and the fact that his youngest son wants to be a dinosaur when he grows up.  

    Episode 122: Mayor Yemi talks space command, the economy, parks and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 14:17


    Mayor Yemi is here to check in about the latest news and events, including the decision to make Colorado Springs the permanent home of U.S. Space Command. He shares what the city is doing in preparation for a slowing economy, he explains why he's traveling around the city to listen to residents, he talks about one of his favorite parks, and he needs your help recognizing young leaders in our community!

    Episode 121: Stormy Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 22:59


    Summer kicked off with record breaking rainfall in Colorado Springs, which was good and bad. One positive is that the city was able to see how well our stormwater system held up. Find out how it did and why it impacts everyone in our community. 

    Episode 120: Halfway to 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 16:46


    Mayor Yemi has been in office for nearly 50 days. He's working to accomplish 42 items during his first 100 days, so he shares his progress and how you can track the city's work on these priorities. He also hopes to hear from residents in order to shape the vision for the next four years. Find out more during this episode of Behind of the Springs!

    Episode 119: The museum is closed but also open

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 18:59


    The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is beautiful inside and out! But the historic building that houses our museum needs some work. Find out why the museum is closing, and how it's also staying open at the same time! 

    Episode 118: The importance of listening

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 15:23


    Meet the city's new Community Affairs Advisor and find out why he thinks the city needs to listen to residents and organizations across the city. He's part of a new office that aims to bring in more voices and make your local government transparent, approachable and proactive. 

    Episode 117: The good and bad of July

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 20:56


    Mayor Yemi loves the month of July for two reasons, which he shares with during this episode. But this month is already presenting some challenges that impact potholes. Tune in for the latest conversation with the Mayor as he marks one month in office.

    Episode 116: Mayor Yemi's office door is open

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 19:27


    The Mayor's office door is open, both literally and figuratively. He's excited about the number 42 for a few reasons. Plus, he wants to be called Mayor Yemi. Join the conversation to hear more about these topics, along with some changes he's putting in place and what they mean for residents.  

    Episode 115: Work COS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 20:23


    People often ask what the city is doing to address homelessness 

    Episode 114: Mayor Yemi checks in

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 9:49


    The city's new mayor has said one of his priorities is to be transparent and provide frequent updates. He's back to talk about his first few days in office, his focus and his plan to keep residents informed.

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