Mile High Magazine Podcast

Guest: Paula Schriefer CEO The immigration crackdown is having a devastating effect upon legal immigrants doing translation services for companies and government agencies. The Spring Institute provides these services while also assisting refugees with career pathways and assisting medical professionals to also become certified in America. https://springinstitute.org/

Guest: Nancy McKay Founder Nancy supports women in their healing journeys using horse‑assisted therapy. Many women feel pressure to be strong and handle everything, which becomes exhausting—especially during the holidays when perfection feels expected. Setting boundaries is healthy and helps protect your well‑being. Signs of overwhelm can show up as irritability with loved ones. The first step is recognizing you’re overloaded and can’t do it all. Even strong women need support, and asking for help is a sign of being human, not weak. https://www.womenempoweredrecovery.com/

Guest: Nadine Cornish, Family Caregiving Consultant and Certified Senior Advisor An estimated 600-870,000 persons in Colorado are presently performing an estimated 560 million hours of challenging work as unpaid caregivers. Between 2010 and 2020 Colorado’s aging 65+ population grew by over 58% on a pace to create a shortfall of caregivers by 115,000 by 2030. This program covered support for present caregivers and how to meet the caregiving shortfall.

Guest: Major Nesan Kistan, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Intermountain Division For 160 years, The Salvation Army has supported vulnerable communities across the U.S. through food pantries, shelters, financial aid, and youth programs. In Denver, its addiction recovery program helps 150 men every six months, while nationwide the organization has provided more than two million meals and 1.5 million shelter nights. On December 21, it will host a Christmas dinner from 4–6 p.m. at the Convention Center, welcoming anyone in need of holiday fellowship. Community members can also support the mission by donating to the iconic Red Kettles, where even small contributions make a big impact. Importantly, all donations remain within the donor’s local zip code, ensuring that neighbors directly benefit from the generosity of their community. https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-western-territory/intermountain/

Guest: Nadine Cornish, Family Caregiving Consultant and Certified Senior Advisor An estimated 600-870,000 persons in Colorado are presently performing an estimated 560 million hours of challenging work as unpaid caregivers. Between 2010 and 2020 Colorado’s aging 65+ population grew by over 58% on a pace to create a shortfall of caregivers by 115,000 by 2030. This program covered support for present caregivers and how to meet the caregiving shortfall.

Guest: Michael Rush Media Outreach Lead The Giving Machines have been a Denver tradition since 2017, returning for the third year to the Cherry Creek North Shopping Center. These bright red vending machines offer a unique way to give back, allowing people to purchase donation items that benefit five local nonprofits—the African Community Center, Colorado National Guard Foundation, Project Cure, The Action Center, and Weecycle—as well as two global charities. Open 24/7 from November 19, 2025, through January 4, 2026, at 2nd and Fillmore next to the Winter Wonderland holiday market, the machines feature 30 items ranging from $5 to $250, such as food and clothing for families, Wi-Fi access for Guard members, hero dolls for children, and funeral funding. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which covers all operating costs, the Giving Machines provide a tangible, inspiring way to support those in need both locally and globally. https://givingmachinedenver.org/

Guest: Eileen Doherty Executive Director The Medicare and healthcare open enrollment period ends in a couple of weeks. This year the push by companies for Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare is causing a higher level of confusion. Add to this, information on cuts to health care out of Washington, DC and what people can do to protect themselves into this level of concern. https://www.senioranswers.org/

Guest: Janine Jackson Sr. Advisor, Area Development – Rocky Mountain States Country cares for St. Jude Radiothon is the largest fundraising event for St. Jude.  When St. Jude opened childhood cancer was largely considered incurable, but since then the survival rate has increased from 20% to more than 80%.  The money raised goes to life saving research and they share the research freely with doctors and hospitals.  The children who are seen at St. Jude, their diagnosis is often so rare that they're not able to get care where they live and St. Jude provides children cutting edge treatments not covered by insurance.  Families who are at St. Jude never receive a bill for travel, treatment, housing and even food.  December 10th and 11th is the annual Country cares for St. Jude Radiothon.  KYGO has been a partner for the event for over 30 years.  By donating just $19.00 a month you become a Partner in Hope and you help to fund the research and help the kids that are in their hospital, plus you also get a This Shirt Saves Lives shirts.   stjude.org/radio/kygo

Guest: Tanya Davis, Director, Butterfly Rising Adrienne Moore, Director ENCANA cancer action network for African American women Endometrial cancer takes the lives of over 13,000 women annually with an estimated 66,200 new cases being diagnosed each year in the U.S. Akin to uterine, endometrial affects the lining of the uterus. Incidents of this form of cancer has been increasing among Hispanic/Latino and African American women.

Guest: Jonna Busack Director, Marketing & Corporate Partnerships  Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing for families who've traveled to Denver to get medical treatment for their kids and no family is ever charged to stay there.  The families can stay at the Ronald McDonald House for as long as their child is receiving treatment.  The Ronald McDonald House is similar to a hotel room but they also provide free meals and even laundry.  Coming up on December 10th is the annual Light the House Radiothon.  All the money raised that day goes directly to the Ronald McDonald House.  It starts at 6a and goes until the final total is revealed at 6p. rmch-denver.org.

Guest: Eileen Doherty Executive Director The Medicare and healthcare open enrollment period ends in a couple of weeks. This year the push by companies for Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare is causing a higher level of confusion. Add to this, information on cuts to health care out of Washington, DC and what people can do to protect themselves into this level of concern. https://www.senioranswers.org/

Guest: Joanna Wise Press Relations Manager Bonneville stations are partnering with Food Bank of the Rockies—the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region—to collect donations at the Walmart Supercenter in Highlands Ranch, supporting food distribution across 33 Colorado counties where demand has risen by 40%. The Food Bank urgently needs canned protein, peanut butter, vegetables, fruit, soup, stuffing, and baking mixes, and welcomes both monetary and food donations. Those wishing to make a greater impact can also volunteer to help distribute food directly to families in need. foodbankrockies.org

Guest: Corinna Comer Executive Director For over 12 years the Healing Warriors program has been providing non-narcotic therapy and support at no-cost to veterans, service members and families through offices in Denver, Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs. The support includes anxiety and stress, PTSD, sleep disturbance, suicide prevention and wellness. https://www.healingwarriorsprogram.org/

Guest: Corinna Comer Executive Director For over 12 years the Healing Warriors program has been providing non-narcotic therapy and support at no-cost to veterans, service members and families through offices in Denver, Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs. The support includes anxiety and stress, PTSD, sleep disturbance, suicide prevention and wellness. https://www.healingwarriorsprogram.org/

Guest: Dale Emme Executive Director and Co-Founder The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program was founded 31 years ago after the loss of the founders’ youngest son, Mike, to suicide. From this tragedy came the phrase “It’s okay to ask for help,” printed on cards with crisis resources. One such card reached Wyoming, where a young woman in distress handed it to a counselor and received immediate support. The program stresses that in moments of crisis, people need simple, direct guidance. Research highlights three key steps: stay with the person, listen with compassion, and seek professional help right away. This straightforward approach continues to make it easier for individuals to reach out when they need it most. yellowribbon.org

Guest: Peter Klades Executive Director Next year Colorado celebrates its 150th Anniversary as a state. This is being coupled with the national 250th Anniversary celebration of America as a country. A group of organizations and companies are working to support this state recognition. In addition to this, one foundation, Next 50, is also supporting new ways to make aging better for Coloradoans. https://next50foundation.org/

Guest: Marnie Kamensky Director of Development Three Birds Alliance is Aurora’s only 24/7 domestic violence shelter, supporting victims, their children, and pets. They offer emergency and extended-stay housing, counseling, and court advocacy. In 2024, they served over 1,750 survivors, provided 8,300 nights of shelter, and answered 3,500 crisis calls. Domestic violence often follows a cycle of abuse, making it difficult for survivors to leave—many attempt to escape multiple times before finding safety. Threebirdsalliance.org 303-343-1851

Guest: Dr. Xavier Glover The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that men discuss prostate cancer screening between ages 55-69.  About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65+ with the average age being 67. As too many men sneak out on anything that mentions prostate cancer, on this edition we bring the subject to them.

Guest: Dr. Xavier Glover The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that men discuss prostate cancer screening between ages 55-69.  About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65+ with the average age being 67. As too many men sneak out on anything that mentions prostate cancer, on this edition we bring the subject to them.

Guest: Michelle Sie Whitten, Co-Founder, President & Ceo, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Michelle founded the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, inspired by her daughter Sophia, who has Down syndrome. The foundation is dedicated to extending life expectancy and improving health outcomes through groundbreaking research and care. It established the Crnic Institute, supporting over 400 scientists, and the Sie Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado—the largest Down syndrome medical care center in the U.S. They also operate an adult clinic at Denver Health and lead national advocacy efforts. On October 18th, the foundation will host its 18th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show—the world’s largest fundraiser for Down syndrome. The event features celebrities, professional models, and individuals with Down syndrome walking the runway to celebrate inclusion, beauty, and achievement. It’s a powerful night that raises critical funds and awareness. https://bebeautifulbeyourself.org/

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director Key important changes are coming to Medicare and Medicaid next year especially involving Medicare Advantage plans. With the release of the latest issue of Medicare rules by the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services and the annual enrollment or changes period just a couple weeks away, accurate insight and information from the non-profit Senior Answers/Colorado Gerontological Society is highly necessary for Colorado older adults.

Catherine, aka "Bronco Babe," has been a Broncos fan since 1977. She’s part of Pro Football’s Ultimate Fan Association, combining team spirit with charity—especially for children’s causes. At every home game, she hosts a tailgate beside the Budweiser VIP area, collecting donations for three kids’ charities. She won the Charity Belt Challenge in 2022 and is competing again this year, raising funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado to support red light therapy for cancer patients. $20,000 is still needed by November 2nd. https://givechildrensco.org/broncobabe

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director Key important changes are coming to Medicare and Medicaid next year especially involving Medicare Advantage plans. With the release of the latest issue of Medicare rules by the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services and the annual enrollment or changes period just a couple weeks away, accurate insight and information from the non-profit Senior Answers/Colorado Gerontological Society is highly necessary for Colorado older adults.

Guest: Dawn Guerrero Senior Manager, Patient & Community Outreach Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, changed its name to better represent all types of blood cancers—of which there are over 100. The organization funds research, advocates for patients, and offers financial, emotional, and educational support to individuals and families affected by blood cancer. Their Dare to Dream Project focuses on improving treatment for children, recognizing that pediatric blood cancers differ from those in adults and require tailored care. bloodcancerunited.org

Guest: David Dani CDPHE Emerging Contaminants Coordinator Colorado has an increasing problem of drinking water contaminated with PFAS, Polyfluoroalkyl substances. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment with its new PFAS Action Plan is working to eliminate theses substances from our water, lakes and streams. It is also working to eliminate PFAS from products being purchased by the public. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environmental-justice

Guest: Johanna Spille Executive Director Covered Colorado offers safety, healing, and essential resources to survivors of sex trafficking. Through counseling, life skills training, and job readiness programs, survivors receive the support needed to rebuild their lives and regain independence. The organization provides dedicated housing and education centers, where survivors work closely with case managers and participate in group therapy.  On September 27, Covered Colorado will host its annual Light The Night fundraiser at Blackstone Country Club to support these vital services.   covercolorado.org

Guest: Megan Guevarra Director Office of Environmental Justice The Office of Environmental Justice works on fair access to clean air, safe water, green spaces, and eliminating undo burden of hazards in all Colorado communities while making certain communities have the right to participate in decisions that affect their environment. The state has codified these rights through the Colorado Environmental Justice Act. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environmental-justice

Guest: Morgan Seibel Executive Director Nearly half of Colorado’s 303,000 children under age four face diaper insecurity. To help, WeeCycle is launching its Diaper Packing Project: for a $500 donation, they’ll deliver diapers to your location for bundling and distribution. Each month, WeeCycle purchases up to three truckloads of diapers and partners with mobile food banks to provide free diapers at pop-up events. weecycle.org

Guest: Rachel Jervis Epidemiologis The Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center for Excellence is one of one seven created nationwide by the Food Safety Act of 2012. It provides guidance and training to local health departments on food safety and helps to resolve food problem outbreaks and issues in nine states.

Guest: Bill Ficke Bill moved to Colorado in 1966 and opened Big Bill’s Pizza in 1995. After 9/11, he started the Day of Giving to raise money for charity. When his wife passed from cancer in 2007, he created the JoAnne B. Ficke Cancer Foundation to keep donations local. Every September 11, customers donate when ordering pizza—last year they raised over $170,000, with a goal of $200,000 this year. https://www.jbfcf.org/

Guest: Tracey Breckenridge The Colorado Health Foundation has been champions for the overall health and wellness of all Coloradoans. They achieve their goals by investing in and advocating for policies and solutions that stimulate health equity and racial justice. https://coloradohealth.org/

Guest: Amira Watters Executive Director Spay Today was founded in 2009 with the idea to eliminate animal overpopulation, homelessness and neglect through spay and neuter.  By preventing unplanned litters from being born, they give shelter animals who are waiting for their forever homes a better chance to get adopted.  They do roughly 30 surgeries a day on dogs, cats and rabbits Tuesday through Saturday for spay and neuter surgery. They also have a vaccine clinic on Tuesday through Saturday.  They are open to the public and offer their services at low cost.  October 17th is their big fundraiser Spayghetti & No Balls, it is their largest fundraiser.  https://spay.today/

Guest: Tracey Breckenridge The Colorado Health Foundation has been champions for the overall health and wellness of all Coloradoans. They achieve their goals by investing in and advocating for policies and solutions that stimulate health equity and racial justice. https://coloradohealth.org/

Guest: Dr. Terry Dunn Owner Dr. Dunn recently returned from Africa, where she provided vital healthcare to women, including cervical cancer screenings and menopause support, while raising awareness about the challenges they face. At Foothills Urogynecology, women of all ages receive care for pelvic floor disorders, gynecological issues, and menopause. Many mistakenly believe they no longer need gynecological care as they age, but regular pelvic exams remain essential. With 21,000 annual cases, ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer and has few early symptoms—yet no screening test exists. Women are encouraged to stay proactive and advocate for their health at every stage. https://urogyns.com/

Guest: Sara Zeff Geber, Author Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers In Colorado, 15% of adults over 65 are single—31% men and 55% women. While many boomers enjoy active, independent lifestyles, aging alone poses challenges, especially for the 27% without children. Lack of family support increases risks related to long-term care, isolation, and loneliness, which can negatively impact health.

Guest: Mel Rutledge Event Coordinator Angel Eyes offers free professional grief support to families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a pregnancy, infant, or young child. They provide a safe and supportive space where families can heal, connect with others, and find strength during difficult times.To support their mission, Angel Eyes is hosting a Poker Run and Car Show on September 6th at Front Range Inn in Morrison. angeleyes.org

Guest: Dedrick Simms Founder and CEO It’s the mission of the Sims-Fayola Foundation to build the necessary partnerships, shape public policy and provide the life enrichment support required for youth of color to achieve their social, economic and social justice success. Sims-Fayola recognizes the complex challenges faced by young men of color and have been shaping and delivering the support necessary for them to thrive. https://www.sffoundation.org/

Guest: Dedrick Simms Founder and CEO It’s the mission of the Sims-Fayola Foundation to build the necessary partnerships, shape public policy and provide the life enrichment support required for youth of color to achieve their social, economic and social justice success. Sims-Fayola recognizes the complex challenges faced by young men of color and have been shaping and delivering the support necessary for them to thrive. https://www.sffoundation.org/

Guest: Nicole Vanderpoel Event Co-Director Every 15 minutes, 50 Americans are diagnosed with cancer, and 47 children receive that diagnosis every single day. Swim Across America is a nationwide movement that helps fund critical cancer research through 24 open water swims, virtual events, and other fundraising efforts. The organization has raised over $100 million, with all funds staying local to the communities where they're donated. In Denver, proceeds support pediatric cancer research at Children's Hospital Colorado. The 8th annual Denver swim takes place on August 23 at Chatfield Reservoir's main swim beach. Participants 18 and older must raise a minimum of $500, while those under 18 are required to raise $250. swimacrossamerica.org/denver

Guest: Linda Villarosa Former Colorado resident, now City Univ. New York Professor Continued review of research findings presented in the book, “Under the Skin,” racism in health services delivery. Topics covered include poverty leading to poor health outcomes, human biases entering into health technology development, and black women with higher death rates in childbirth.

Guest: Mike Yankovich President & CEO The Children's Museum of Denver, founded in 1973 by dedicated parents and educators, was born out of a desire to create an engaging cultural and educational space for young children. With a focus on “kid-powered learning,” the museum offers imaginative, hands-on exhibits for ages newborn through eight. One of its newest attractions, Catawampus, invites families into a whimsical, lantern-lit world filled with curious creatures and surprising habitats. While designed for children, the museum ensures grown-ups have just as much fun exploring and playing alongside them. www.mychildsmuseum.org

Guest: Sharon Knight CEO Hope Communities is an organization providing support services to residents of its affordable housing communities and to the neighborhoods that surround them. Services include affordable housing, adult education in multiple languages, youth education enrichment and achieving economic mobility. https://hopecommunities.org/

Guest: Monique McCoy Vice President of External Affairs Brent’s Place provides free, long-term housing for families dealing with serious medical conditions like cancer, organ transplants, or immune-compromised illnesses, offering a uniquely clean and supportive environment complete with meals, enrichment programs, and celebrations of life milestones. Families typically stay for around 120 days, though many remain much longer. To spread hope and joy, Brent’s Place is hosting a new event called Wild Wonders on Saturday, July 26th—an after-hours adventure at the Denver Children's Museum filled with exploration and fun across 9 exciting acres for all ages. brentsplace.org

Guest: Sharon Knight CEO Hope Communities is an organization providing support services to residents of its affordable housing communities and to the neighborhoods that surround them. Services include affordable housing, adult education in multiple languages, youth education enrichment and achieving economic mobility. https://hopecommunities.org/

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director Annual review of actions by Colorado legislature affecting older adults. Program reviewed changes again to homestead exemption, seniors not taking advantage of tax rebate which ends next year and no progress on legislation focusing on affordable housing. Also looked ahead to August Salute to Seniors resources support event.

Guest: Lacey Wicksall Executive Director Wish Upon A Wedding is a national nonprofit that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illnesses or severe health challenges. Since 2010, it has fulfilled over 320 wishes with the help of a dedicated planner and volunteer vendors. Events are held on weekdays, limited to 50 guests, with $2,000 provided by the organization and the rest donated.  One recent wish was a vow renewal for a couple with stage 4 cancer and three teenage children. Their daughter walked down the aisle in her mother’s original wedding dress, danced with her father, and the mother was able to share a beautiful dance with her sons. wishuponawedding.org

Guest: Darren Smith, VP Finance and Admin Denver Pridefest is produced and managed as a fundraiser for The Center on Colfax which offers support, services and information year round to Colorado’s LGBTQ community. Although cuts in funding support for Pridefest will be a challenge for The Center operations this year, the Pridefest celebration goes on as it did prior to corporate support.

Guest: Cheryl Talley Director of PR/Communications Donor Alliance and Scott Pinkney, a liver recipient who is participating in the Donor Dash Donor Alliance, Colorado’s organ and tissue procurement organization, also manages the Donate Life Colorado Registry. Currently, over 1,300 Coloradans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Remarkably, one donor can save up to 8 lives and help more than 75 others through tissue donation. Scott, a liver transplant recipient, has shared his powerful journey—an experience that not only transformed his health but gave him a renewed perspective on life. In celebration of that gift, he’ll be joining others at this year’s Donor Dash on July 20 at Washington Park—an uplifting event that brings together donor families, recipients, and supporters from across the community. donoralliance.org/donordash

Guest: Julie Klein, Director Program Strategy LifeTime Arts Visual arts, theater, writing and music are among the expressive ways older adults are now engaging themselves. Studies are showing involvement in arts can reduce fall risk, taking less medication, fewer Dr. visits, along with improved mood and less stress. Engaging in arts as a therapeutic health benefit for older adults is the subject of this edition.

Guest: Lindsay Zaback Development Director WeeCycle supports Colorado families by providing essential baby items—such as cribs, car seats, formula, and diapers—for children aged 0–4. The organization collects gently used gear, inspects and cleans it, and works with community partners to distribute supplies to families in need. Through mobile events in underserved neighborhoods, WeeCycle also provides diapers, wipes, and baby food directly to families. Last year, they served over 146,000 children across the state. weecycle.org

Guest: Amber Crist Atkins & Atty Tracey Groniger, Justice in Aging. 56% of America’s 38.1 million persons living in poverty are women. This edition in a series, reviews what can be done to better support those in this “poverty zone” and updates on strategies to minimize the risk of other women joining them. Interview at the American Society on Aging national conference.