Weld Found Podcast

Weld Found is a podcast produced through the Weld Community Foundation about belonging in an age of social isolation and disconnection. What does it look like to recover this lost art of community? Welcome to season 6 of Weld Found! In our first episode of the season we hear from Doug Bell, professional runner and mentor to dozens of young people over many years.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.

As a long time community-minded resident of Greeley, Colorado, Dick Bond's presence has had substantial impact on both Greeley and Weld County. This brief profile details his beginnings, the experiences that shaped him, and the path that brought him to Greeley. This audio memoir, featured here on Weld Found, was commissioned by the Weld Community Foundation and created by Liminal Legacy Media.     

We continue our time with Dylan Fixmer, the composer-in-residence for the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. He serves as a guide on this episode for his new piece Seven Symphonic Portraits: A Weld County Reflection.  You can purchase tickets to the world premier of Seven Symphonic Portraits here. The event is October 14, 2023.  To hear more of Dylan's work: Dylan's YouTube Channel. This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.  

Weld Found is a podcast produced through the Weld Community Foundation about belonging in an age of social isolation and disconnection. What does it look like to recover this lost art of community? Welcome to season 5 of Weld Found! In our first episode of the season we hear how Dylan Fixmer journeys from musician to teacher to the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra's composer-in-residence.  To hear more of Dylan's work: Dylan's YouTube Channel. Purchase tickets for Dylan's premier of Seven Symphonic Portraits with the Greeley Philharmonic.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.    

In this finale episode of our series, we have one last interview with Wes Bruce in the midst of opening day of the LINC!   ***** This is the 8th episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO), alongside offering stories of how our region is growing and changing. This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.  Special thanks to the High Plains Library District and NOCO Optimist for extra help with production. 

There's an entire fictional language throughout the installation inside the Library and Innovation Center (LINC). Is it a real language? Artist Wes Bruce describes his process and provides some translation.  Find the total alphabet key here! Next time you're in Where Water Flows Uphill, the title of Wes's installation, you can use this to decipher the language!  ***** This is the 7th episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO), alongside offering stories of how our region is growing and changing. This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.  Special thanks to the High Plains Library District and NOCO Optimist for extra help with production. 

Weld County is the fourth fastest growing region in the nation. How are we going to sustain this influx of people with the finite amount of water we have? Our entire area is concerned about it. This is the story of a creative solution that could help our future.  ***** Here is the sixth episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO), alongside offering stories of how our region is growing and changing. This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.  Special thanks to the High Plains Library District and NOCO Optimist for extra help with production.     

What if the first step into a more creative life is simply a better paying attention? a true noticing of what you find in front of you?  -----------------  This is the fifth episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO). His work in the heart of the LINC is inspired by the 100 acres around the Poudre River called Signature Bluffs.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good. 

Could there be more here, lurking just beneath the surface? ...a great question to ask at the top of a new year.  -----------------  This is the fourth episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO). His work in the heart of the LINC is inspired by the 100 acres around the Poudre River called Signature Bluffs.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.     

Weld Found takes a pause from its series Where Water Flows Uphill to give you a special holiday episode- featuring an interview with WeldWerks Brewing CO, a poem from Mariah Foster, and a piece by Tim Coons about how to make any song sound Christmas-y.  Where Water Flows Uphill will return in January, 2023. For more information on the Weld Community Foundation, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org

The history of water in our region, as seen through the lens of creativity and innovation.  ------------------ This is the third episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO). His work in the heart of the LINC is inspired by the 100 acres around the Poudre River called Signature Bluffs.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.  Special thanks to the High Plains Library District and NOCO Optimist for extra help with production. 

Two thresholds: a region on the verge of drastic growth and an artist beginning his large-scale installation... On today's show we have conversations with Benjamin Snow (Department of Economic Health & Housing for Greeley, Colorado) and Wes Bruce with Lucy Coons (presenting a walk-through of the art installation at LINC) ------------------ This is the second episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO). His work in the heart of the LINC is inspired by the 100 acres around the Poudre River called Signature Bluffs.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.  Special thanks to the High Plains Library District and NOCO Optimist for extra help with production.   

Meet Wes Bruce, an artist who's been described as Willy Wonka meets Mr. Rogers. He just might be the unlikely guide this community needs right now.  ------------------ This is the first episode of "Where Water Flows Uphill", a special series that is asking, In the coming flood of change, who do we want to be?  Produced by Weld Found, we follow Wes Bruce as he is creating a large-scale, interactive art installation at the LINC (Library and Innovation Center in downtown Greeley, CO). His work in the heart of the LINC is inspired by the 100 acres around the Poudre River called Signature Bluffs.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation, who encourages us to spread the good.  Special thanks to the High Plains Library District and NOCO Optimist for extra help with production.       

Weld Found returns with a new series, “Where Water Flows Uphill”! Look for new episodes in the following weeks (made possible by the Weld Community Foundation weldcommunityfoundation.org) In today's show, host of Weld Found, Tim Coons, shares a personal story of belonging. When Tim took a job down in Denver in 2011, he didn't realize that the physical distance he traversed while commuting would start to create emotional and relational distance between himself and his community here in Weld County. His story is about bridging that gap and rediscovering belonging in a new role closer to home.   Special Thanks to Greeley Creative District and Andy Nagel (audio engineer for Do Tell)

Weld Found is a podcast produced through the Weld Community Foundation about belonging in an age of social isolation and disconnection. What does it look like to recover this lost art of community? This last episode of season 4 has two features. First, we hear a David & Goliath story: Danny, a 74-year-old man in his wheel chair versus an uncrossable intersection of highway. Then, we close things by how we started, with a segment that has spanned season 4 called a tale of two houses. This story that came about as host Tim Coons noticed something very interesting about his neighbors. This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.

Weld Found is a podcast about belonging in an age of social isolation and disconnection. What does it look like to recover the lost art of community? In our third episode of season 4, we hear four stories of the community coming to the rescue: people join Lexi's 5K, donors raise money to save KUNC, guests rise to the occasion at a dinner party, and a restaurant reopens during the pandemic.  This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.    

Weld Found is a podcast about belonging in an age of social isolation and disconnection. What does it look like to recover this lost art of community? Season 4 continues with a story about the magic of Iceland and how an environmental accident was turned into an opportunity. Then we workout at the Adeo Athletic Center and hear about a new, creative endeavor. We’ll close by meeting Bennet, the neighbor on the left who works at Red Mountain Colorado. Red Mountain uses mindfulness-based treatment designed to help teens recover from co-occurring mental health disorders. This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.

Weld Found is a podcast about belonging in an age of social isolation and disconnection. What does it look like to recover this lost art of community? Season 4 begins with a tale of two houses, as host Tim Coons noticed something very interesting about his neighbors. Then we get a haircut from Gino, a barber who earned his GED, a college degree, and a beautician’s license while incarcerated. His personal story, and his involvement with Jobs of Hope, is inspiring. We’ll close by hearing the about the birth of a funk song as Johnny Burroughs gives us a walk-though of how he wrote “Love and Unity.”    This show is made possible by the Weld Community Foundation. For more on how to spread the good for Weld County, head to weldcommunityfoundation.org.

On the show: a holiday pop-quiz for you, then two features. We talk with Rand Morgan of the Weld Community Foundation and Leroy Holm, a Santa-representative with some heart-warming stories. Special thanks to The Burroughs for letting us listen in on their newly released Christmas songs!  

Head’s Up: there is some blue comedy in this Blue Christmas episode of Weld Found. The Longest NightWe’re addressing mental health and suicide prevention for the show today.  We head into the office of Dr. Rich Mahogany (ManTherapy.org) who approaches mental health with grit and humor. We’ll also talk with North Range Behavioral Health’s Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS) program about how we can help prevent suicide through an innovative suicide prevention program called QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). We’ll then wrap the episode up with a breathing-exercise about hope. For more information about suicide prevention, QPR, and helpful resources for the season, please contactNRBH_SESS@NorthRange.org You can give to the Weld Community Foundation for Colorado Gives Day, December 8th, 2020! Give where you live and schedule your donation today.

Craig Basarich is a trumpet player who sounds "taps" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.In this busy month of November, we've experienced an election, Veteran's Day, and Thanksgiving. So it seemed like the right time to hear from Craig. He shares about his experience in the Army performing this ceremonial duty; the gravity it holds and the space it creates to be thankful for all we have. Have you made your donation for Colorado Gives Day? You can "give where you live" and support a Weld County nonprofit today. Go to weldcogives.org to schedule your gift for the big day on December 8th, 2020! 

Weld Found is on location at 477 Distilling in this episode. We hear tales of the "spirits of downtown Greeley" from magician and storyteller Paul Noffsinger, while enjoying the "spirits of downtown Greeley" crafted by Matt Estrin, owner of 477 Distilling. The episode closes with Bianca Fisher, executive director of Greeley's Downtown Development Authority. 

Welcome to season 3 of Weld Found. We begin with two features; stories of relationships that defy both convention and traditional structures of support/community. And within the connections, unlikely family was formed. Click here for more information about the Weld Community Foundation.  ***episode correctionsThe local organization is called Greeley-Weld Habitat from Humanity, not Greeley-Evans Habitat for Humanity. The program is AmeriCorps NCCC, not VISTA.

On this episode we head into the complex world of "first response" in Weld County with two interviews.  We hear from Krissy Freirose, a 911 dispatch officer, and Jaymee Clapp, a counselor in Squad 1. (Squad 1 is a creative, first-responders effort dealing with mental health & drug use/abuse.) 

What does it mean to be a great listener? And how do we really hear well, especially in the case of difficult conversations?We present two interviews on this Weld Found episode; people of color who have lived here for many years and share their stories and perspective.   To support Weld County during this time, the Weld Community Foundation has partnered with United Way of Weld County. The effort is called "Weld Recovers Fund: COVID-19 Relief." Donate at weldcommunityfoundation.org

We Are Here is a mini-series about belonging during this isolation. Weld Found is featuring stories of connection to cross the distance of "social distancing." In this episode, the words/poetry/lyrics/quotes that inspire us during this strange time.There's poetry from kids as they process the isolation, a survivor's story told from Diane Heldt of A Woman's Place, an Irish blessing and an original song. To support Weld County during this time, the Weld Community Foundation has partnered with United Way of Weld County. The effort is called "Weld Recovers Fund: COVID-19 Relief." Donate at weldcommunityfoundation.org  

The community, commonality, scarcity, and overindulgence… of food. In this episode we have: Stories gathered from the Weld Food Bank A comedy piece from Rob Walker titled “Guy Fieri Stuck in Flavortown Until Quarantine Lifted”KJ Tencza tells about putting on an old 80’s work out from Richard Simmons to do with his kids, a writing titled “You Sparkled Today”Lena from I Heart Kickboxing in Greeley, leads an at home, at your work desk workout.To support Weld County during this time, the Weld Community Foundation has partnered with United Way of Weld County. The effort is called "Weld Recovers Fund: COVID-19 Relief." Donate atweldcommunityfoundation.org

We Are Here is a mini-series about belonging during this isolation. Weld Found will be featuring stories of connection to cross the distance of "social distancing." This episode is an interview with counselor Jess Haynes, who primarily serves first responders, nurses, and those on the front lines. She speaks about choosing good paths for mental health and NOT choosing fear. The podcast ends with a guided relaxation exercise to help in dealing with the heightened anxiety accompanying COVID-19 news.To support Weld County during this time, the Weld Community Foundation has partnered with United Way of Weld County. The effort is called "Weld Recovers Fund: COVID-19 Relief." Donate atweldcommunityfoundation.org 

To support Weld County during this time, the Weld Community Foundation has partnered with United Way of Weld County. The effort is called "Weld Recovers Fund: COVID-19 Relief." Donate atweldcommunityfoundation.orgThis episode is on loneliness and presents two crazy discoveries:Discovery 1, Have you ever been excluded or left out? Did you know your brain does very distinctive things when this happens?Discovery 2, Did you know there is zero correlation between attendance in a program and whether someone feels a part of the community?! Attendance alone is NOT building relationships and belonging. We invite Dr. Josh Packard back with us again for another Weld Found interview. This time on loneliness and the things he is discovering through Springtide, his research institute that listens and attends to the lives of young people. Also featured: Sandy Magnuson and her husband, Ken Norem. Sandy is a part of a group of storytellers called “Spellbinders.” She and Ken are a part of the Briggsdale community and live in Greeley. 

We are stepping out of our usual release schedule for this special episode of Weld Found. Presented is an interview with Greeley family physician Dr. Justin Walker, speaking about Covid19 and Weld County.Then we hear how North Range counselor Jayme Clapp is put back together after a difficult week on the job: by stream-of-conscious piano playing.  

On UNC’s campus, in the new Campus Commons next to the University Center, there’s an art installation that is unlike any other. It’s called Yucca Fountain, based on a real place that has since disappeared. And the installation itself is disappearing as well. It’s only there until March 11th. We tour this gallery/ gathering space together today in an exclusive interview with the artists as they talk about community, mystery, and time.

What would it feel like to travel on a rocket ship, burst through the atmosphere, and then get a long, life-changing glimpse of Earth? In this 5 minute opening story for our season 2, we revisit the big ideas behind Weld Found by exploring the "overview effect"; a phenomenon felt by dozens of astronauts. 

What is your word or phrase for the New Year? This new tradition of choosing a guiding word seems to be a helpful reflection in lieu of resolutions. The host of Weld Found, Tim Coons, sits down for a casual conversation with his wife, Betony. And they discuss their words from last year, what they’ve learned, and reveal their words they hope guide them in 2020.

In celebration of Colorado Gives Day we feature moving stories of generosity and connection in this season 1 finale of Weld Found. Enjoy a behind the scenes tasting at Weldwerks Brewing Co, a patrol of the Greeley Police Department’s Santa Cop, surprising Black Friday workers with YFC’s Bake of Love, and more. Give to a Weld County Nonprofit at WeldCoGives.org!

How do you view prostitution and the women involved in it? In this episode we interview the founder of Free Our Girls, a nonprofit that helps women escape the sex trade. You’ll hear Megan Lundstrom’s incredible story of her own escape and then her development of research that is changing our court systems for the better. You’ll also hear from survivors who are interning at Free Our Girls. “It is a journey to freedom… It’s such an honor and privilege to see these women overcome all odds.” -Megan Lundstrom Free Our Girls is celebrating 5 years this month. You can support them by becoming a monthly supporter, donating $5, $50, or $500 a month, or volunteering 5 minutes, 50 minutes, or 500 minutes. 

How do you hope to be remembered? What would you like your legacy to be? Join our tour of Linn Grove Cemetery as we stroll through stories of history, heritage, and intrigue.

What does home look like for you? What would it look like to make a new home, in a new place, if you had to leave? In this episode we ask that question and also find that becoming a welcoming community has a drastic impact on our area’s economics, culture, and connectivity. Join us as we tour the place that does welcoming best: The Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado.

“We found joy here during the hardest time in our lives; a time when we were the most busy, most stressed. We would walk through the door on a Saturday and would breathe a sigh of relief. First, through the eyes of my daughter and then I fell in love too.” - Michelle Kempema, CEO of Colorado Model Railroad MuseumTake a tour of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum and hear a special writing from Seth Willis of Garage Sale Theater on this episode of Weld Found; all while exploring joy. 

This show highlights four incredibly courageous women: Rattlesnake Kate (local Weld County legend), Neyla Pekarek (formerly of The Lumineers), Katie Shilts (Women’s Fund Board President), and Mary Claxton (of the band Trash Cat). Did you know Monday, August 26th is Women’s Equality Day and commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment? This amendment gave women the right to vote. So it's an excellent time to release episode 2 of the Weld Found Podcast, titled “Courageous Women and the County that Loves Them”. This is a good one. Share it with someone who needs some enCOURAGEment. 

“We have the entire equation backwards.” -Dr. Josh Packard, SociologistWhat if we are approaching community all wrong? And our backwards approach could be creating more loneliness than connection? In episode 1 of Weld Found we have an inciting conversation with Dr. Packard about belonging in this age of social isolation. You’ll be surprised by what you hear and come away with new approaches to living in community. Also, you’ll hear a segment from city of Greeley Mayor, John Gates.

When I was 9, I got locked in our garage. This five minute story tells how I got out and compares this experience to where we are in today's culture: living in an age of social isolation and disconnection.How do we get out of the garage and begin to belong in community?