Podcasts about aspen public radio

On today's newscast: Aspen Public Radio and NPR are suing the Trump administration, alongside two other Colorado-based public radio stations, CPR and KSUT; the Aspen Education Foundation wants to build a $10-million endowment for the Outdoor Education program at the Aspen School District; and Gov. Polis has vetoed a rideshare safety bill that was prompted by the sexual assault of a state lawmaker. Tune in for the stories and more.

On today's newscast: A late-night executive order targets NPR and PBS funding — what it means for public media and local stations like Aspen Public Radio; Snowmass Village has several new art installations around town; and Colorado River experts are providing a roadmap for solving the region's water crisis. Tune in for these stories and more.

A panel discussion with Jim Harris, Rachel Zoeller, DPT, David W. McMillan, Ph.D., and Manesh Girn, Ph.D. Recorded live at the Aspen Psychedelic Symposium In this riveting and deeply personal conversation, moderator Jim Harris is joined by three pioneers at the intersection of neuroscience, psychedelics, and disability: Dr. Rachel Zoeller (Doctor of Physical Therapy and spinal cord injury survivor), Dr. David McMillan (Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami), and Dr. Manesh Girn (neuroscientist and postdoctoral researcher with Robin Carhart-Harris at UCSF). Together, they explore how psychedelics may do far more than treat depression or catalyze mystical experiences—they may also support healing and regeneration in the nervous system. The discussion opens with an acknowledgment that our cultural understanding of psychedelics has mostly focused on their psychological and spiritual effects. But as these experts reveal, the somatic potential of psychedelics is vast and understudied. They delve into promising areas like central and peripheral neuroplasticity, the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics, and how these mechanisms might play a role in healing from spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Dr. Girn breaks down the science behind psilocybin's interaction with 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, not only in the brain but also in the spinal cord. These receptors, when activated, may increase neuronal excitability and even help restore lost signaling in damaged motor pathways. He suggests that psychedelics could reopen “critical periods” for neuroplasticity—windows of opportunity for the nervous system to rewire and heal. Rachel Zoeller shares her powerful lived experience as both a physical therapist and a spinal cord injury patient. Her story brings the science to life, particularly her observation that psychedelic experiences help her reconnect to parts of her body affected by paralysis. Psychedelics, she suggests, have allowed her to rebuild mind-body communication and foster compassion toward her own physical limitations. She also underscores the need for patients to cultivate body awareness, meditation, and breathwork as essential tools for safe and effective psychedelic use. Dr. McMillan, who leads outreach at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, provides a clinical and safety-oriented perspective. While optimistic about the potential, he urges caution—especially with individuals who have high-level spinal cord injuries and are vulnerable to serious complications like autonomic dysreflexia. He stresses that before we can bring these treatments into clinical settings, we must carefully assess physiological risk, develop precise pharmacological protocols, and prioritize patient safety. The panel also addresses cultural and spiritual interpretations of spasticity. Drawing on both shamanic and somatic perspectives, they propose that these involuntary muscle contractions could be reinterpreted not as dysfunction, but as potential portals for healing, integration, or neurological feedback. The idea that such spasms might help the brain remap muscle groups is discussed as a provocative and hopeful reframe. The conversation wraps with a call to action: to bring together indigenous wisdom, embodied knowledge, rigorous science, and community storytelling in order to chart a new frontier in psychedelic medicine—one that does not leave the disabled community behind. As McMillan puts it, "There's a lesson to psychedelia from paralysis.” It's a reminder that neuropharmacology must consider not just molecules and mechanisms, but people and possibilities. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, patient, or curious explorer, this panel is a moving and illuminating look at how psychedelics could transform not only minds—but bodies. Thanks to Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center, Healing Advocacy Fund and Aspen Psychedelic Symposium for allowing us to share this podcast. A full agenda from the symposium can be found here.

This podcast comes from the Aspen Psychedelic Symposium from last summer. It features Diane Goldstein who is the executive director of Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Sarko Gergerian a police officer from Winthrop, Mass and Rick Doblin from MAPS. This panel was introduced by Zach Leary and was a highlight of our trip to Aspen's conference last year. We discuss new ways in which police should or could consider psychedelics and drugs more generally. Thanks to Aspen Public Radio and Aspen Psychedelic Symposium for allowing us to share this podcast.

The Trump administration has promised to cut funding for many federal programs, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB funds public media like PBS, NPR, and other radio stations. KZMU is not funded through CPB, but our listeners benefit from the hard work of many partner stations that are. Today, we speak with Breeze Richardson, executive director of Aspen Public Radio and board president of the Rocky Mountain Radio Coalition, a network of regional stations that includes KZMU. We'll talk about what these cuts could mean for stations throughout the coalition, and why local radio matters.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the law that gives Congress the authority to establish wilderness areas. Some of the most beloved outdoor recreation spots in our region are wilderness areas. Decades later, land managers and advocates say it's still a valuable tool to protect landscapes and hope to expand its legacy.Aspen Public Radio's Caroline Llanes, reporting for the Mountain West News Bureau, joined Idaho Matters to talk more about the Wilderness Act and what it means 60 years later.

With a $150 million listing price, the eventual sale of the monastery property will require approval from the Vatican. In this third installment of a three-part series, Aspen Journalism's Curtis Wackerle interviews Aspen Public Radio's Kaya Williams about her reporting on the decision-making hierarchy.

This week on Regional Roundup, we explore the history of abortion in Colorado, follow a DACA recipient's journey to Mexico to reunite with family members, examine the transition from coal to renewable energy on the Navajo Nation, and look at a circus visiting Moab amid accusations of animal cruelty. Contributors to this week's show include Abby O'Brien and Halle Zander of Aspen Public Radio, Adam Burke of KSUT, and Emily Arntsen of KZMU.

On today's newscast: Former Morning Edition host Eleanor Bennett is rejoining Aspen Public Radio this week, now as the reporter on a joint Social Justice Desk in collaboration with Aspen Journalism; today marks the start of a week full of celebrations surrounding the legendary singer songwriter and beloved Aspenite John Denver; a Colorado emergency task force is helping with search and rescue following Hurricane Helene; and more.

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear a story about the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, which is considering a move from Utah to Boulder, Colorado. Two other film festivals recently took place in the Rocky Mountain West: the Aspen Film Festival and the Crested Butte Film Festival. We also meet alien and Bigfoot enthusiasts who gathered in Vernal, Utah. Additionally, a recent festival in Ignacio, Colorado, highlights the significance of heavy metal music within Tribal communities. Contributors to this week's show include Jackie Sedley from KGNU, Kaya Williams from Aspen Public Radio, Emily Arntsen from KZMU, and Clark Adomaitis from KSUT and KSJD.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear a two way interview with best-selling author and Paonia native, Paolo Bacigalupi, produced by KBUT. We also hear a feature on finding solutions to polarized politics, a recent forum at the Aspen Ideas Festival, produced by Aspen Public Radio. And we finish up with a presentation on evaluating media in the age of disinformation, produced by KSJD.

Today we hear from our partners at KVNF about a recent decision by a Colorado court to vacate the sentences against Sunset Mesa Funeral Home operators who were caught illegally selling body parts. We also hear from Aspen Public Radio about DACA recipients who are worried about whether they'll be able to continue living and working in the U.S. depending on the results of the upcoming election.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear a feature about students from Ignacio, Colorado, who headed to Space Camp in Alabama, produced by KSJD/KSUT. We also hear the keynote speech of the Aspen Psychedelics Summit about the intersection of psychedelics and neurodiversity, produced by Aspen Public Radio. And we finish up with an interview with a researcher on how trees have memory, produced by Science Moab for KZMU.

Today on the Regional Roundup, we hear a feature on why a landslide has resulted in the catastrophic failure of a major thoroughfare connecting Westering Wyoming and Eastern Idaho, from KHOL. We also hear a short feature on the impact on drivers of the ongoing U.S. 50 closure, from KVNF. Plus, a story from Writers on the Range commentary on what resort towns can learn from Aspen, from KVNF. We finish off with two way on the need to have Pride celebrations in rural communities from KBUT, and a feature on a self defense class in honor of Pride month from Aspen Public Radio.

Today we hear from our partners at Aspen Public Radio about replanting native species after a fire in western Colorado. We also hear from KDNK about a new program to engage kids outside with augmented reality.

Today we hear from our partners at KUER about wildfire risks despite heavy precipitation in Utah the last two years. We also hear from KSUT about a federal program to remediate coal mines on the Navajo Nation. And we finish with a story from Aspen Public Radio about cuts to the music departments at Carbondale schools.

Today on the Regional Roundup, we hear a two way with the author of Killdozer: The True Story of the Colorado Bulldozer Rampage, about the twentieth anniversary of the armored tank rampage in Granby, Colorado, and the disinformation that persists, from KFFR. We also hear a feature on increasing tree canopy in one Denver neighborhood, from KGNU. Plus, a feature on an all-female wild land fire fighter crew, from Aspen Public Radio.

The BLM opened a public comment period today for a new plan proposed by the Lisbon Valley Copper Mine in San Juan County. The company hopes to start in-situ recovery, which requires approval from the EPA to inject acidic solution into the aquifer. This kind of mining permanently contaminates the aquifer, making the water non-potable indefinitely. We also hear from our partners at KHOL about changes to wolf hunting laws in Wyoming. We hear from KUNC about the best runoff storage in a decade, and from the Utah News Connection about Black voters in Utah. We finish off with a story from Aspen Public Radio about recent drowning deaths in Garfield County. - Show Notes - • BLM Public Comment Portal https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2027164/510 • Salt Lake Tribune: Residents of this southern Utah community fear copper mining proposal's effects on water https://www.sltrib.com/news/2024/02/04/residents-this-southern-utah/ • KZMU: Residents of Lisbon Valley speak out against copper mine https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/thursday-february-24-2022?utm_source=www.kzmu.org&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fuser-452372146-352514478%252Fthursday-february-24-2022

A new state law makes it easier for unincorporated land to become a municipality. The new legislation was passed earlier this month, just days before Grand County denied developers of the controversial Kane Creek housing complex the permits they would need to construct a wastewater treatment facility on the property. The developers have already applied to become a municipality through this new program, and if approved, they would be able to bypass county laws and establish their own land use codes. Organizers with Kane Creek Development Watch have reason to believe the new law targets Grand County. Plus, we hear from Aspen Public Radio about a new initiative in Colorado to test drinking water at mobile home parks. - Show Notes - • State Bill 258 https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/SB0258.html • New law could override county's vote against wastewater facility at Kane Creek https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/new-law-could-override-countys-vote-against-wastewater-facility-at-kane-creek-development • Kane Creek improvement district helmed by developers, not county https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/kane-creek-improvement-district-helmed-by-developers-not-county/

Today, we hear from our partners at KDNK about rises in the number of cases of syphilis, especially in newborn children. We also hear from Aspen Public Radio about how local law enforcement is trying to prevent DUIs in high schoolers after prom.

Today we hear from our regional partners at KSJD about how Colorado is trying to make voting easier for Native Americans during this election season. We also hear from Aspen Public Radio about a bill that would reintroduce wolverines to Colorado. Finally, we hear from KRCL about some recent wins in the state legislature for Utah's unions.

Wildlife officials reintroduced the first five wolves on public lands in Colorado this week after voters narrowly approved a statewide ballot initiative in 2020. Aspen Public Radio's Eleanor Bennett spoke with CPR's Sam Brasch about what it was like to be on the ground when the wolves were released in Grand County on Monday, and what happens next.

Today we hear from our partners at Utah Public Radio about a new reflective paint that could prevent pavement from reaching scalding temperatures in the summer months. We also hear from the Utah News Service about a horsemanship program for first responders, from the Mountain West News Bureau about the BLM's new recreation plan, and from Aspen Public Radio about the fate of unsold food in the Roaring Fork Valley. Photo: Reflective paint could prevent certain surfaces from becoming dangerously hot, such as pavement, which reaches temperatures hot enough to cause third-degree burns in the summer in the Southwest. Photo by James Wang via Flickr.

Kaitlin Myers, Colin Topper, and Tawny Knuteson-Boyd won seats in the Moab city council during Tuesday's election. Plus, we hear from our partners at Aspen Public Radio about the blessing of the skis. And from KSJD about hydropower developments on the Navajo Nation. Show Notes: Election results: https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/grandcountyutah/elections/2023-Nov-General

Wildlife advocates filed a lawsuit against the state of Utah following changes to hunting laws that now allow for unlimited, year-round mountain lion harvest. We also hear from our partners at KSJD about a former president of the Navajo Nation who is now running for Congress in Arizona. Plus, we hear from Aspen Public Radio that Colorado will be receiving up to 10 gray wolves from Oregon for its wolf reintroduction program. Finally, we hear from KSUT about a lawsuit filed by Chinese immigrants over forced labor violations on a cannabis farm on the Navajo Nation. //Photo: Mountain lions are spotted on a trail camera in Zion National Park. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service via Flickr. //Show Notes: //KZMU: Changes to mountain lion hunting laws just went into effect. What will it mean for the state's cougar population? https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/friday-may-19-2023

Today we hear from our partners at KSJD about a new store in Cortez, Colorado, that sells seeds that are native to this region. We also hear from KSUT about an ongoing investigation opened by the New Mexico Attorney General into whether Native American students are disproportionately punished at schools compared to white classmates. Plus, we hear from Aspen Public Radio about what it's like to be a sign language interpreter for live concerts. //Photo: ASL interpreter Kirk Neuroth signs a song during Billy Idol's set at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience on Sept. 4, 2023. Photo by Kaya Williams, Aspen Public Radio.

Today we hear from Kaya Williams of Aspen Public Radio about artist Patrick Kikut, who is capturing scenes of drying reservoirs and changing rivers across the West with the hopes of communicating the region's dire water shortage. We also hear from Chris Clements of KSJD about one advocate's attempts to help the Indigenous victims of fraudulent sober living facilities return home. We end the show with a story from Caroline Llanes of Aspen Public Radio about the benefits of farm animals in psychiatric therapy. //Photo: A painting by artist Patrick Kikut depicts the arid environment around a dwindling reservoir. Courtesy of Kaya Williams / Aspen Public Radio

Today we hear from Aspen Public Radio about Gloria Vasquez, a 72-year-old runner who plans to finish 100 marathons before her 100th birthday. We also hear from KSUT about a free Ute language class that aims to preserve the spoken word. Finally, we hear from KHOL about kids from New York City who traveled to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks to preserve historical buildings. //Photo: Gloria Vasquez ran her 91st marathon in Aspen recently. Photo courtesy of Ashleigh N. DeLuca / Aspen Public Radio.

A natural gas leak near White Wash north of Moab left hundreds of campers stranded over the weekend while Ruby Ranch Road was closed to prevent explosion. The leak was contained early Monday morning after leaking thousands of pounds of natural gas. We also hear from our partners at Aspen Public Radio about a proposed crude oil transportation railway along the Colorado River. Plus, we have a story from KBUT about the town of Crested Butte's potential legal action against the United States Postal Service following years of delays and staff shortages at local post offices. Photo: The Grand County Sheriff's Office posted this map of the wellhead in a press release on their Facebook page over the weekend. Photo courtesy of the Grand County Sheriff's Office. Show Notes: //Fox13: Campers stranded due to natural gas leak in Grand County https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/campers-stranded-due-to-natural-gas-leak-in-grand-county //Aspen Public Radio: Federal, state, and local lawmakers oppose Uinta Basin Railway in Glenwood Canyon https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/environment/2023-04-10/federal-state-and-local-lawmakers-oppose-uinta-basin-railway-in-glenwood-canyon

A traumatic event can literally change the way our brain functions, and live on in our body in unexpected ways. The field of psychiatry has not always acknowledged or fully studied the physical impacts of trauma, and mental health practitioners are often not aware of appropriate treatments for traumatized patients. Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk has been researching trauma as a clinician for about four decades, and founded one of the first research centers in the United States dedicated to studying traumatic stress in civilians. In 2014, he published the book “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Treatment of Trauma,” which struck a chord with millions of people, and has stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for most of the time since publication. Van der Kolk has been a leader in exploring innovative treatments for trauma, such as neurofeedback and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as well as a proponent of applying simpler and more widespread techniques to trauma therapy, such as yoga and Qigong. The executive director of Aspen Public Radio, Breeze Richardson, interviews van der Kolk at an event from the Winter Words 2023 season, from Aspen Words.

In the early days of the Pack Creek Fire, Moab community members wrote ‘elegies' to the La Sal Mountains across their social media platforms, expressing their connection to the local alpine landscape and how it feels to watch it burn. Some of these words are now collected into a small ‘chapbook' put together by the staff at Back of Beyond Books. Today on the news, we speak to a wildfire social scientist on the concept of ‘solastalgia,' a term that describes the emotional distress caused from environmental change. Plus, our partners at Aspen Public Radio interview a team as they make a burned area near Glenwood Springs accessible to recreation and help keep nearby waterways from filling with ash. Show Notes: Photo: A small ‘chapbook' of elegies related to the Pack Creek Fire was put together by the staff at Back of Beyond Books. La Sal Mountain Elegies: Pack Creek Fire, June 2021 http://www.backofbeyondbooks.com/pdfs/LaSalMountainElegies61821.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3ysbA9dBExolR9o3UzvKjVQ1HZHWepWgA6v0CtP-FGw6VXoeu2-OfUDCQ La Sal Mountain Elegies Community Gathering: June 21, 2021 https://www.facebook.com/moabbooks/videos/1199078610554646 Aspen Public Radio: The West Is Still Recovering From The 2020 Wildfire Season While Preparing For The Next https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/2021-06-15/the-west-is-still-recovering-from-the-2020-wildfire-season-while-preparing-for-the-next

Zoë Rom is the Associate Editor of Trail Runner Magazine, a journalist, writer, and environmental advocate. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with degrees in English and French Literature, before heading for bigger hills on Colorado's Front Range. She fell in love with the mountains through trail running, climbing and mountaineering while pursuing a master's degree in environmental journalism at The University of Colorado in Boulder. After working as a sled-dog reporter in rural Alaska collecting sound at Aspen Public Radio as a producer and reporter, Zoë moved to Carbondale to work at Trail Runner in 2019. She writes, produces and hosts the DNF Podcast. She won a Colorado Broadcaster's award for her feature reporting on the history of Colorado rodeos, and her reporting on avalanches has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Discussed in this episode: --Upcoming environmental issue of Trail Runner Magazine --Eco-poetics --Connection between spirituality and the outdoors --Zoë's journalism on arctic exploration --"Climate Heroes and Hypocrites" --How to inspire the outdoor industry to push for systemic climate action --Environmentalism needs to be environmental justice --The role of the outdoor industry in rural communities --Zoë's Capitol Peak FKT Quotes: “I think that all environmentalism should be informed by a love of people first.” "We need to radically recreate this industry and our culture to take into account the most vulnerable communities. The outdoor industry is focused on pretending that's not our problem when it absolutely is… To me, any conversation on environmentalism that does not include justice and does not include equity and does not focus on the most vulnerable among us, is going to fall flat.” “Investing in industries that develop rural economies, rather than just extract from them, is a great way that you can engage with outdoor spaces.” Follow Zoë: Instagram Twitter Follow Social Sport: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter *This episode is sponsored by Paper Trails Greeting Co. Use code SOCIALSPORT for 15% off your order at papertrailsgreetingco.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/socialsport/support

As the Southeast Utah Health Department plans to crack open the door to visitors this weekend, where are local medical providers in this discussion? Jen Sadoff, CEO of Moab Regional Hospital, reviews the factors that have put them in a better position to receive an increase of COVID-19 patients. And she reveals the key to keeping the economy open – vigilance about wearing face coverings in public, social distancing whenever possible, and continuing to take this pandemic seriously. And later in the news, our partners report on how an impending US Supreme Court decision on DACA could affect the Roaring Fork Valley. Plus, a new report strengthens the case that the Colorado River is likely to see severe declines in the future. Show Notes: Moab Regional Hospital CEO Jen Sadoff Interview (00:00 – 14:00 min) https://mrhmoab.org/coronavirus-updates/ https://coronavirus.utah.gov/mask/ Aspen Public Radio, DACA Feature (14:00 – 18:00 min) https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/post/local-dreamers-brace-us-supreme-court-decision-daca-amid-pandemic Rocky Mountain Community Radio, Massive Report Compiles Best Science on Colorado River (18:00 – 19:00 min) https://wwa.colorado.edu/publications/reports/CRBreport/ColoRiver_StateOfScience_WWA_2020_FullReport_hi-res.pdf

ELEANOR BENNETT: Eleanor is an independent podcast producer and radio journalist. She was captivated by the medium while working the 6AM shift at her college radio station. From there, she moved to New York, where she covered issues of climate justice and women’s empowerment for SiriusXM Radio. She recently finished a project, interviewing hundreds of eclectic and colorful New Yorkers for an interactive audio-visual installation at the Brooklyn Museum by the photographer and street artist, JR. The exhibition, The Chronicles of New York City, is a giant mural of over one thousand New Yorkers that is accompanied by Eleanor’s audio recordings of each person’s story. Making these kinds of personal connections with a diversity of people and creating empathic spaces for them to tell their stories fuels her work. Eleanor is delighted to be back home in the Rocky Mountains producing Gen Z Tea, a new podcast – by teens for teens – from Aspen Public Radio. Each episode, local teens talk with Instagram influencers, social justice activists, mental health app creators, and even politicians on the campaign trail to get the “hottest tea” on how their generation is using social media to change the world. Her latest endeavor is Questions I’ve Never Asked, a mother-daughter podcast about the taboo conversations we rarely have with our parents, grandparents and elders. The story begins with her mother’s unorthodox childhood growing up on a vast cattle station alongside the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal community in the remote Australian outback. As a young woman, Eleanor is determined to develop a new canon of work from the perspective of women from all walks of life. JANIE JOSELAND BENNET: With no exaggeration, Janie has lived a unique life. The daughter of an Australian film star and a rugged, pioneering cattleman, she was raised in Australia’s remote outback as the sister to three older brothers. Growing up, her primary playmates were the children of the Pitjantjatjara tribe, who lived on the vast-land with her family and whose ancient language she spoke fluently. She was destined for an unorthodox journey! Janie won an Australian equestrian championship (beating a field of men decades older), trained international polo ponies, and eventually traded in her little egg-yellow car to buy a round-the-world airline ticket. As a just-arrived 20 year-old in New York City, she landed a job with Fashion Week icon Fern Mallis. Later, in Aspen, she worked with acclaimed National Geographic photographers and launched Photographers Aspen, their international photo agency. Along the way, she was a contributing force behind the Oscar-winning film, Born Into Brothels, among other global photo projects. She has lived and raised her daughter here in Aspen alongside her husband, former Aspen mayor John Bennett. (And if you know Janie really, really well, she might give you a nip of her homemade gin or even someday take you mushrooming in the wild. ....But don't count on it!)

Jane Mayer has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1995. The magazine’s chief Washington correspondent, she covers politics, culture and national security. Previously, she worked at the Wall Street Journal, where in 1984 she became the paper’s first female White House correspondent. She is the author of four best-selling and critically acclaimed narrative nonfiction books: “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right,” “The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals,” “Strange Justice,” which she co-authored with Jill Abramson, and “Landslide: The Unmaking of the President 1984-1988,”with Doyle McManus. Her numerous honors include the George Polk Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Frances Perkins Prize for Courage. She lives in Washington, D.C. Carolyne Heldman (moderator) is a media strategist and content producer. She is the former Executive Director of NPR-member station Aspen Public Radio and has been in broadcast media for over three decades in radio and television.

A recent blockbuster article by journalist Jane Mayer examines close ties between the White House and Fox News. The piece, published in The New Yorker, spurred the Democratic National Committee to choose not to allow Fox to hold any of its presidential debates. In this broad conversation, Mayer touches on the Fox News article, another piece on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and her book Dark Money. She speaks with Carolyne Heldman, former president of Aspen Public Radio. Show Notes Register for the Aspen Ideas Festival, and learn more about it. Listen to our episode, The Underground Railroad, featuring author Colson Whitehead. Email your comments to aspenideastogo@gmail.com. The views and opinions of the speakers in the podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the Aspen Institute.

Special guest host Zoe Rom from Aspen Public Radio interviews professional ultra-runner Cat Bradley and endurance coach David Roche with a live audience at the new Runners High store in Morrison, Colorado as part of the Dirty 30 Kickoff Party. Featuring host Russ Rizzo and many #fots! Topics: Embracing the suck; CBDs; the Dirty 30 race course; the value of a coach; audience Q&A.

Interview with Rob Spillman for First Draft on Aspen Public Radio.

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the Roaring Fork Valley in the past week. A couple that lives in a penthouse in downtown Aspen now has to share the building’s entrance with their neighbors. As a result, their property value decreased $1.3 million, a judge has ruled. There’s more debate around the live debate that Aspen Public Radio broadcast with city council candidates Bert Myrin and Mick Ireland. The future of a popular trail in the Hunter Creek Valley will likely be decided in the courts. In the meantime, can mountain bikers and hikers still use it? Meanwhile, it’s still business as usual in Snowmass Village. And there is a shocking statistic about how many people are living below the poverty line in Pitkin County. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Jill Beathard, editor of the Snowmass Sun, and Andy Stone, former editor and columnist at the Aspen Times.

Good afternoon, it’s Mountain Edition. Aspen’s second lifeline to the world is up and running again, as Independence Pass reopens. A judge dismisses a case against an elderly Carbondale driver who killed a Basalt motorcyclist. Two Aspen City Council candidates carefully duke it out on the Aspen Public Radio airwaves. Turns out, you cannot buy exclusive access to your condo building, especially if you share the building with affordable housing residents. Childcare in the Roaring Fork Valley is getting harder to find. Housing is just as hard to find. Our series continues on the Midvalley housing crunch with a look at government subsidized options. Garfield County’s elected leaders say a potential endangered listing for a bird spells trouble for the local economy. They also want to avoid more diversions that move west slope water east.

From the Bobby Mason website: During the mid-sixties Bobby Mason was a well-established musician in Southern California, playing major venues throughout the area. In 1969 Bobby Mason came to Aspen from Hollywood to play a two-week engagement at the Aspen Inn. Within a week and a half Bobby decided Aspen was going to be his home because of the mountains and the people, who over the years have become his family. Since 1969 Bobby has played with John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Eagles, The New Grass Revival, Jimmy Buffett, Bo Diddley, JJ Cale, Dan Fogelberg, Kenny Loggins and countless others at nearly every club in Aspen. The late Aspen Times entertainment editor Stewart Oksenhorn dubbed him “Aspen's truest music icon” More at http://www.bobbymason.com/ For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. The smells of legalization permeate up and down the valley, and the odor of marijuana has some people plugging their noses and complaining to city officials. An investigation is brewing around a nonprofit in Glenwood and whether funds were misappropriated. Meanwhile, there’s more debate on oil and gas drilling in the valley. Carbondale is trying to get out in front of how development is handled by going to the citizens before making laws. In Aspen, the citizens are trying to circumvent laws. And there’s a big dust up in the Aspen High School after the vice principal changed a student’s grade without telling the teacher. This year’s USA pro challenge bike race is coming back to Aspen, with two chances to watch the cyclists battle up and down Independence Pass. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Jill Beathard, editor of the Snowmass Sun and Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. We saw the end of the 2014-15 ski season when Aspen Mountain closed last weekend but why was it a ghost town at the base? The City of Aspen just bought more wind power so it can operate on 100 percent renewable energy. Meanwhile, the switch for the largest solar array in the valley was flipped this week. The town of Snowmass is investigating why high levels of fecal matter are testing positive in a stream near a high-profile hotel. It doesn’t appear there is any frontrunner yet in the city council or mayoral races in Aspen yet. But what about the ballot question? And, officials are pondering whether to ban smoking at the hospital and a county building where heavy smokers congregate … for good reason. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Jill Beathard, editor of the Snowmass Sun and Andy Stone, former editor and columnist at the Aspen Times. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. Glenwood Springs officials are looking for ways to get people out of their cars in advance of the Grand Avenue Bridge being closed two years from now. And, two new city council members were sworn into office Thursday night. After a long and protracted criminal prosecution, the owner of Krabloonik dog sledding kennel was sentenced on his animal cruelty charge. Meanwhile, politics are heating up as the Aspen election gets underway. Will any of it affect the outcome of who’s elected to office? And, there’s a new kid on the block. A new player has emerged in the downtown Aspen commercial real estate scene. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Jill Beathard, editor of the Snowmass Sun and Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Good afternoon, you’re listening to Spotlight Health on Aspen Public Radio. This is the final episode in our series on critical health issues. Today we’ll hear about something called Doctor in a Box. “It’s telemedicine that you can have in the privacy of your own home, or you can actually take the kit with you while you’re traveling and have consistent access to health care.” The idea comes from a firm who also came up with a bike you probably saw on facebook or twitter last year. Yes, we’ll hear where the Denny Bike is now. “There is something special about riding a bike. There’s an experience that I think we all develop as young kids. A love of two wheeled vehicles at your own speed, at your own will.” Later in the hour, we’ll hear from another design firm that focuses on the buildings we work or live in especially where we see doctors and nurses. “The way we think about architecture-- at least the way I had [been] taught an architect-- was totally different if we think about it both from the perspective of the user as well as the builder.” That’s coming up here on Spotlight Health. Learn more: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/spotlight-health

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week Glenwood Springs has two new council members. It looks like the Thompson Divide will be safe from oil and gas drilling. But, what about other areas and how do residents there feel about that sort of activity in their backyards? There’s movement and millions of dollars in play in getting a base village built at the base of Snowmass ski area. Meanwhile, a new executive director has been hired at the Wheeler Opera House. And, an Aspen City Council candidate is being scrutinized for something he did 10 years ago. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Jill Bethard, editor of the Snowmass Sun, Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Post Independent and Michael Miracle, editor of Aspen Sojourner magazine. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

From John Doe’s website: John Doe was born in 1977 when he arrived in Los Angeles. His previous life in Tennessee, Wisconsin & Baltimore was a great & fertile time but new music and social changes led him to events that created a life in art. He graduated from Antioch College in Baltimore in 1975, worked as a roofer, aluminum siding mechanic, and ran a poetry reading series. Ms. Meyers was his landlord in the rural black community of Simpsonville , MD. John met Exene Cervenka at the Venice poetry workshop Nov 1976 and he started working with Billy Zoom around the same time. When DJ Bonebrake joined X in mid-1977 the line up was complete. They released six studio records, five or six singles and one live record from 1978-1993. Five of X’s records have been re-issued along with two compilations. The Unheard Music documents their lives and progress as a band from 1980-83. In 2009 the film was included in the Sundance UCLA Archive of greatest films of all time. They appeared several times on American Bandstand, Solid Gold and David Letterman. As one of the last original punk rock bands standing, they continue to tour. The day that X played a free noontime concert in Fullerton, CA, they caused Orange County’s greatest high school truancy rate to date. In 1988 John started a family and lived in the Tehachapi Mountains, near the “Grapevine” of Highway 5, which separates southern and central California. He has recorded 8 solo records w/ numerous renowned singers and players, more recently including Patty Griffin, Dan Auerbach, Aimee Mann, Don Was, Kathleen Edwards and Greg Liesz. He has appeared in over 50 films and television productions, with some of his most notable roles in Road House, Georgia, Roadside Prophets, Great Balls of Fire, Pure Country and Roswell. He continues to act these days but more sporadically as his touring schedule has become more demanding. Other musical side projects include work with the Knitters, Jill Sobule and The Sadies. He continues to write poetry and has even taught workshops from time to time. He currently lives north of San Francisco, California. More at http://www.theejohndoe.com/ More at http://xtheband.com/ For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Good afternoon, you’re listening to Spotlight Health on Aspen Public Radio. This is the fifth episode in our series on critical health issues. Today we sit down with a recently retired FDA commissioner. As part of her tenure, Dr. Margaret Hamburg focused on how the U.S. can make sure food and medicine coming from other countries is safe. Later in the program we’ll hear the argument in favor of hospital mergers and some of the results from one in New York City. That’s coming up here on Spotlight Health. Learn more: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/spotlight-health

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. It looks like CDOT has set a date for the new bridge in Glenwood Springs. Construction season has already begun in Aspen and it isn’t going to let up anytime soon. And neither will the endless effort to preserve our water in the valley and around the state. Meanwhile, property values are on the rise in the mid-valley. What should be done about the marijuana odor emanating from a grow operation in the Holland Hills area? And the former owner of a dog sledding operation in Snowmass Village has pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Brent Gardner Smith, executive director of Aspen Journalism, Andy Stone, columnist and former editor of the Aspen Times and Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Good afternoon you’re listening to Spotlight Health on Aspen Public Radio. This is the fourth episode in our series on critical health issues. Today we’ll hear from a health expert who noticed patients spend a lot of time in hospitals without much to do and how that changes when there is art and music in the building. “I witnessed moments where patients would listen to the concert, and that could be the last beautiful thing they’ve heard.” We’ll talk with a long time food and politics writer about health trends at restaurants and what the science says about a popular morning ritual. “Everything is sort of remarkably good about coffee. And that might be there’s a bias among researchers-- they can’t bear the thought of giving up coffee, so they’re only looking for good news.” That’s coming up here on Spotlight Health. Learn more: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/spotlight-health

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. The Obama administration is requiring oil and gas companies to disclose what’s in their fracking fluid. How is that going to shake out in Garfield County? Did a town hall meeting hosted by this station on the controversial and confusing charter amendment known as “Keep Aspen Aspen” shed light on the issue enough that voters are convinced one way or the other? Meanwhile, down in Carbondale a woman who used to co-own a NBA basketball team is suing the IRS for $21 million. What’s better for a riverside property in downtown Basalt – a hotel or a restaurant or two? The city of Aspen is keeping tabs on a certain restaurant’s menu prices to make sure they are affordable. And the Aspen police officer who was heavily scrutinized for aggressively arresting a teenager last month is leaving the department, but for a different reason. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Brent Gardner Smith, executive director of Aspen Journalism, Andy Stone, columnist and former editor of the Aspen Times and Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Good afternoon, you’re listening to Spotlight Health on Aspen Public Radio. This is the third episode in our series on critical health issues. Today we hear from the doctor who keeps an eye on infectious diseases for the National Institutes of Health. With the measles outbreak in December, he’s tackling the vaccine controversy head on by getting the word out to parents who have not already vaccinated their kids. “I would try and convince them by, first of all, not attacking them.” Then, we’ll get the details on private health care centers where the focus is on primary care. The goal is to bring down how much everyone’s spending now on health care. “95% of what we spend is pick up care. That’s a really dumb investment philosophy, but that’s how we’ve been spending our money.” That’s coming up, here on Spotlight Health. Learn more: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/spotlight-health

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. The Aspen City Council this week chose a brewery/business incubator/TV station to be the new tenant at the old art museum. The long dormant Buffalo Valley property outside of Glenwood Springs looks like it will become an apartment complex. A new aerial fire center is coming to the Rifle airport. And the citizens of that town may just get a dose of fluoride in their water. Aspen’s elected officials made development a bit stricter in the land use code but a citizen referendum may make it null and void. Should there be dams over 100 feet tall built at the headwaters of Castle and Maroon creeks in order to preserve our water resources? Meanwhile, plans are in the works to expand the Wheeler Opera House with a theater next door. And the top local guy in charge of the company developing Snowmass Village has been replaced by the parent firm in New York. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, editor of the Aspen Daily News, Andy Stone, columnist and former editor of the Aspen Times and Randy Essex, editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Good afternoon, you’re listening to Spotlight Health, on Aspen Public Radio. This is the second episode in our series on critical health issues. Today, we’ll find out what living longer can mean both emotionally and logistically. “I ask people on a regular basis, if you have an extra 30 years, where would you put them. And no one has ever said, ‘I’d want to make old age longer.’ ” We’ll also hear about one way of becoming younger by using blood. That’s right, blood. “If you connect with an old animal to a young animal, such that they have a single, shared circulatory system, the tissues of the older animal began to heal better.” Sounds a little creepy, doesn’t it? That’s this hour, on Spotlight Health. Learn more: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/spotlight-health

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. The City of Aspen just got the results of an audit of a multi-year parking scam. Elected officials wonder if they should look at other departments as closely. After three months of analyzing and negotiating, the Roaring Fork School District finally inked contracts with its superintendent and assistant superintendent. The sheriff in Garfield County supports his counterparts in the state and neighboring jurisdictions on their lawsuit against Gov. Hickenlooper over legal marijuana. Has the valley’s economy bounced back to pre-recession levels like the rest of the country when it comes to jobs? Meanwhile, municipal elections loom in Glenwood Springs and Aspen this spring. Contenders in the upvalley race include old faces and new ones. Will former mayor Mick Ireland be successful in landing a council seat? And are misdemeanor charges enough for a local woman who killed another driver in an accident outside of Carbondale? Joining me this week are Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent and Andy Stone, columnist and former editor of the Aspen Times. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Today on CrossCurrents - Annie Denver and Karmen Dopslaff on John Denver's Aspenglow Fund, which has been quietly supporting environmental and educational causes in the Roaring Fork Valley and around the world. http://www.rmi.org/winter_2014_esj_rmi_in_brief_john_denver_aspenglow Also, Aspen Public Radio is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from The John Denver Aspenglow Fund at the Aspen Community Foundation to support news coverage, outreach, and education on the environment. To learn more about CrossCurrents: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/crosscurrents

This is Spotlight Health on Aspen Public Radio. This is the first episode in our series on critical health issues. Today we’ll check in with the world of prosthetics and light therapy, and how medical technology is changing. We’ll also examine why healthcare is so expensive in the United States, even though the quality of care isn’t always that great. That’s this hour on Spotlight Health. Learn more: http://aspenpublicradio.org/programs/spotlight-health

Lyle Lovett has worn many hats in his 30 plus year career - singer, songwriter, and actor, just to name a few. Since starting his performance career in 1980, Lyle has recorded thirteen albums, won four Grammy Awards, and been featured as an actor in several films & television shows. The last studio album, Release Me, was released in February 2012. Lyle and his band played the Belly Up Aspen on February 28th. I had a chance to sit down with him after the show to talk about his current work, “buying” a car from Hunter S. Thompson, some of the great songwriters he’s worked with over the years and even his latest venture into western wear clothing design. More about Lyle Lovett: http://www.lylelovett.com/ For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. RFTA bus drivers voted to unionize this week. It looks like better wages are on the horizon. What can be done, if anything, about the valley’s dwindling workforce, low wages and high cost of living? Meanwhile, over-use of the national forest is once again at the forefront of conversation. Expect to see more rangers patroling the Hanging Lake trail in Glenwood Canyon. President Obama has recommended that police officers around the country wear body cameras. Is that necessary here? And elected officials on the lower end of the valley are wondering whether they should continue to protect the Rio Grande trail for a future rail line. Joining this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent and Brent Gardner-Smith, executive director of Aspen Journalism and Michael Miracle, editor of Aspen Sojourner magazine. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Rock torchbearers Gov’t Mule are celebrating their 20th anniversary with an extensive tour and a series of dynamic live archival releases that highlight the group’s versatility and epic, fearless live performances. No two Gov’t Mule shows are alike, as the band draws on the more than 300 songs in their repertoire (and often a host of special guests) to create a unique experience each and every time. Their steadily expanding fan base knows that the Mule always has something special waiting for them. Expect the unexpected. On January 2015, fans will finally be able to get their hands and ears on a very special release – the long-awaited SCO-MULE album. In late September of 1999, John Scofield teamed with Gov’t Mule, then featuring original bass player the late Allen Woody, along with keyboardist Dr. Dan Matrazzo, in Georgia for two legendary shows of mind-bending live prowess. Both shows were recorded and included the Mule’s first-ever all-instrumental sets. The band had begun preparing the music for eventual release while working on their third studio album Life Before Insanity. However, less than a year later, their beloved bassist Allen Woody passed away, setting the Mule on a different path. The idea of releasing SCO-MULE came up over the years, but the timing was never as right as it is now – helping to mark Gov’t Mule’s 20th Anniversary. While Scofield and the Mule did reunite briefly for a set at Warren Haynes’ 25th Annual Christmas Jam in December 2013, fans have been clamoring for the return of the project ever since those lauded 1999 shows, and for more than a decade the Mule have been eager to share the music from these shows through an LP. Now for the first time, fans can experience the SCO-MULE magic first-hand in album form, newly mixed and mastered. The 3-hour all-instrumental album is a jazz romp laced with rock riffs and will be available as a 2-CD set as well as a double vinyl. Warren Haynes’ unparalleled ability to bring together different musicians into a cohesive whole or to pull off epic musical happenings is one of the many reasons why Haynes stands apart from the many great front men and guitarists who have graced the musical landscape. Combined with his guitar and vocal mastery, these skills have made him an in-demand presence and indispensible musical ally for many. This was shown most recently on Mule’s most collaborative album to date, Shout!, their most recent (and 15th) studio album. The one-of-a-kind project is a double CD featuring two versions of every song – one with Haynes singing and the other featuring a host of guest vocalists, including Dave Matthews, Ben Harper and Elvis Costello. Indeed, it would have been hard for those listening to Gov’t Mule’s self-titled debut, filled with thunderous power trio rumblings of Haynes, bassist Allen Woody and drummer Matt Abts, to envision them remaining true to this original vision, while also expanding to include reggae and horn-driven, backup singer-sweetened, classic rock covers by Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones, but that’s the tricky feat the band has pulled off, as illustrated by their upcoming live albums. Gov’t Mule was formed in 1994 when Haynes and bassist Allen Woody were playing in the Allman Brothers Band and talking about their shared passion for old school power trios. For more on Warren Haynes: http://www.warrenhaynes.net/ For more on Gov't Mule: http://mule.net/ For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. Aspen lost another longtime local in avalanche. And this week marks the first anniversary of the murder of Aspen native Nancy Pfister. Municipal elections are coming up in Glenwood Springs and Aspen. This year, it’s all mail-in. But in Aspen, you can still vote in a traditional way at two polling places. Meanwhile, Aspen City Council is countering a citizen ballot measure on development limitations. Will it just confuse voters more? Do the citizens of Glenwood Springs deserve to vote on a new bridge? Some believe that the state’s oil and gas task force was just a political maneuver and completely ineffective. Downtown Basalt may get a new boutique hotel and condos in an effort to revitalize downtown. And do we need more lighting in Rio Grande Park? Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent and Brent Gardner-Smith, executive director of Aspen Journalism. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Justice Snow’s and The Woody Creek Community Center proudly announce the return of the Americana Music Series to Justice Snow’s Restaurant and Bar in downtown Aspen this February, extending into early March. The band, Hot Eagle, will once again anchor the series. A talented mix of touring artists and local ace musicians, Hot Eagle will perform a different genre of American music every Sunday in February beginning at 9pm (except for one session on Saturday, February 21st). Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Old Time, Doo-Wop, Motown, Pop and more will be covered. Touring blues band, Toney Rocks, will perform at 9pm on Sunday Feb 22nd. Hot Eagle features the following musicians: Jackson Emmer (mandolin, guitars, banjos, harmonica, vocals) Mike Facey (upright bass, guitar) Ross Kribbs (violin, vocals) Alison May (percussion, guitar, vocals) Sam Moss (fiddle, guitar, banjo, vocals) Chris Rose (trumpet, keyboards, vocals) Trevor Wilson (guitar, keyboards, bass, vocals) Americana Music Series Composer in Residence Trevor Wilson lives in Red Hook in Brooklyn, New York and enjoys collaborating with the “unusually vibrant community of folk/rock/experimental musicians” residing there. It’s the type of “collaboration that can only come in cauldron of expression and existential angst that is life in Brooklyn (for now).” Wilson will spend four weeks in Aspen composing and recording pieces based on his experiences as a music pioneer exploring the Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado for the first time. The recordings will all be available as free downloads and the performances (both live and recorded) “promise to astound the listener,” according to Emmer. More info on Trevor is at (http://www.t-a-w.net). The Songwriters in the Parlor events allow members of Hot Eagle to perform original works on select early evenings in the Parlor at Justice Snow’s. This series gives the audience the opportunity to hear new and original works by the artists including Sam Moss, Alison May, Trevor Wilson and Jackson Emmer in a beautiful, intimate, small-scale venue. If that weren’t already enough, these talented musicians will perform different styles of live music for brunch most Sundays at noon and Saturdays, Feb. 14th and Feb. 21st. Post brunch workshops will cover topics including Jazz theory, Jazz history, and New Classical approaches to composition. Guests and students are encouraged to visit justicesnows.com/events for further details. Calendar of events: Feb 25. Alison May, Live in the Parlor. 5pm Feb 26. Jackson Emmer & Sam Moss, lunch music. 12pm – 2 March 1. String Band Brunch. 12pm – 2 March 1. String Band Workshop 3pm – 4:30 March 1. Americana Music Series Final Night. 9pm – Anything goes March 4. Songwriters in the Parlor. 5pm March 8. Composer in Residence: Trevor Wilson’s final performance in the Parlor. 5pm For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. Business is booming this winter season. Occupancy is up in local hotels and so is the average room rate - surpassing $500 a night. Carbondale saw its first murder in 12 years and the murderer confessed to killing his wife while being airlifted to a hospital in Grand Junction. The Aspen community continues to debate constitutional rights and excessive force after a teenager was taken to the ground and arrested for suspected marijuana possession. Meanwhile, a study shows that pot and alcohol use in Aspen High School are higher than the national average. The idea of light rail has re-emerged, and so has how to handle the entrance to Aspen. And can the Skiing Company pull off world ski championship finals in 2017 without a new chairlift on Aspen Mountain? What kind of effect would President Obama’s immigration order have on the local workforce? In Garfield County, fracking pits might need to be watched more closely. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent, Brent Gardner Smith, executive director of Aspen Journalism and Andy Stone, former editor and columnist of the Aspen Times. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. Controversy continues to swirl around the forceful arrest of an Aspen High School teenager suspected of possessing pot. Meanwhile, a Silt man's dreams of becoming a businessman selling marijuana edibles at a New Castle high school were stymied after one of his teenaged customers got sick. In downtown Aspen, a few changes happened in the commercial real estate world. The Hotel Jerome made history when it sold for over $70 million. And city council approved an affordable lodge on the other side of town. How confused are tourists with the city of Aspen's parking rules? Spring is around the corner and so will be the presence of bears. Should a spring bear hunt be brought back? And local bus drivers are looking to unionize. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent, Michael Miracle, the editor of Sojourner magazine and Andy Stone, former editor and columnist of the Aspen Times. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Today on CrossCurrents – Sallie Bernard, founder of Extreme Sports Camp, an athletic camp for kids with autism, on Light it Up Blue Aspen, a fundraiser at the Hotel Jerome on Sunday February 15th. And classical music contributor Chris Mohr with world renowned pianist Conrad Tao who is playing a house music concert for Aspen Public Radio on Wednesday, February 11th. lightitupblueaspen.org/ www.extremesportscamp.org/ aspenpublicradio.org/aspen-public-r…fit-conrad-tao To learn more about CrossCurrents: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/crosscurrents

Welcome to Valley Roundup. A review of the week's news with local writers and editors. It's the end of an era, Aspen lost an icon in Mary Eshbaugh Hayes. A group of citizens is one step closer to stripping power from the Aspen City Council. Meanwhile, city council goes on the defense. Does Aspen really need more affordable lodge rooms? How much is too much? More development in the midvalley has attracted the attention of many. The X Games are over... and so is the hangover. And the Aspen Institute looks to clear up its conflicts. Joining us this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Michael Miracle, Editor of Aspen Sojourner magazine and Andy Stone, former editor of and now columnist for the Aspen Times. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

From David Ritz’s website: As a professional writer for the past 40 years, my main focus has been the collaborative autobiography. I've written thirty-six such books and am currently working with Willie Nelson on his life story. I've written three independent biographies of which Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin is the most recent. As a novelist, my books include Search for Happiness, Sanctified Blues, The Man Who Brought the Dodgers Back to Brooklyn and Blue Notes Under a Green Felt Hat. As a lyricist, my songs include "Sexual Healing," co-written with Marvin Gaye. In addition, I've collaborated on songs with Janet Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Narada Michael Walden. My articles have appeared in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Essence, People, US, Art Connoisseur and TV Guide. As an essayist, I've written some seventy sets of liner notes for albums and discs, ranging from Sammy Davis, Jr. to Donny Hathaway to Michael Jackson. I've been honored with a Grammy (Best Liner Notes) and, on four occasions, the Ralph Gleason Music Book Award (for collaborations with BB King, Etta James, the Neville Brothers and producer Jerry Wexler). I received the 2013 ASCAP Timothy White Award for outstanding musical biography for When I Left Home, the story of Buddy Guy. I live in Los Angeles with Roberta, my wife of 47 years. More about David Ritz: http://www.ritzwrites.com/home.html For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. This week Aspen Public Radio News Director Carolyn Sackariason hosts the show. There’s a dust up down valley between the bus service and local officials over the Rio Grande Trail. An elementary school in Carbondale is looking for a new principal after she put in her resignation half-way through the year. Should Aspen votes be asked to approve every piece of development in the city? Meanwhile, Mark Hunt goes directly to Aspen citizens about his development plans. Right now, there’s a locked off run on Aspen Mountain that’s only for clients of a certain business. Is that fair? And the X Games is in town… but, watch the skies. Joining Carolyn this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Michael Miracle, Editor of Aspen Sojourner magazine and Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Stoney LaRue combines a rootsy sound with rock and country and a taste of the blues. When he was a teenager, he moved to Oklahoma and would become part of the Stillwater "Red Dirt" musical community along with likeminded acts such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland, and Mike McClure. On the road over 200 dates a year, LaRue has also released several studio and live albums. His latest is “Aviator”. More about Stoney LaRue: http://www.stoneylarue.com/ For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. The lodging review continues in Aspen and for the city council, this week, it was a mixed bag. Meanwhile, the city employees reviewing those plans are looking for a new home of their own. A proposed pot growing operation faces the NIMBY wrath in Silt. Do we love the Maroon Bells too much and is that a problem? Should Garfield County voters have the chance to vote for commissioners by district instead of at large? Aspen and Glenwood Springs are going all mail balloting this spring And what’s the lowdown on uphilling? That’s a conference coming on that topic. Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News and Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

From the artist’s website: Since her debut in 2004, Nicole Henry has established herself as one of the jazz world's most acclaimed vocalists. Ms. Henry possesses a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance. Her repertoire includes the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz titles, contemporary' standards, blues, and originals; while her accompaniment ranges from a simple jazz trio to a full big band. Growing up in a musical family in Bucks County, PA, Ms. Henry immersed herself in the arts early on, singing in school and church, and studying cello and ballet. After graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in Communications and Theatre, she launched a successful acting career, appearing in commercial roles as well as a series of voiceover assignments. However, she directed her strongest passion toward the development of her full-time singing career which was quickly rewarded in her present hometown, when the Miami New Times named Nicole “Best Solo Musician 2002.” http://www.nicolehenry.com/ http://www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/ For more about "Check 1, 2" on Aspen Public Radio: aspenpublicradio.org/programs/check-1-2

Following the plane crash at the Aspen Airport that killed one person, the Aspen Public Radio news team followed up with analysis. This is the newscast that aired the morning after the crash.

Welcome to Valley Roundup, a review of the top news stories in the valley in the past week. This week it was announced that Aspen’s book store could have a new owner – a collection of non-profit social advocates. To add more rentals or not to add more rentals, that is the question when it comes to affordable housing the in the area. “Citizens to Save Grand Avenue” are challenging the bridge project. But, could it end up in the lawsuit? Although the Parking Scam bilked Aspen out of thousands and thousands of dollars, the city says it’s still in the big green in that department. Meanwhile, another type of big green, the smokable kind, might not be able to be grown in Silt. The Roaring Fork School District finds itself enmeshed in a legal case related to a disabled, injured student. And, is Ski Co right to say the Lift A-1 is not in need of replacing? Joining me this week are Curtis Wackerle, Managing Editor of the Aspen Daily News, Brent Gardner-Smith of Aspen Journalism and Randy Essex, Editor of the Glenwood Post Independent. Learn more about Valley Roundup and Aspen Public Radio: www.aspenpublicradio.org/programs/valley-roundup

Lukas Nelson goes for a three-block ride in RedRide, Jamie's convertible, and joins Sonic Byways at Aspen Public Radio, after-hours.Talk leads to Empire Strikes Back, Nelson Family Reunions,and why Yoda kicks ass, while music leads to an in-studio performance that kind of makes Jamie swoon. 

A group of sheriffs aiming to overturn new gun laws are happy with language they say clears up confusion. Yesterday, attorneys for the two sides came to an agreement on the measure that limits magazine rounds to fifteen. Aspen Public Radio’s Marci Krivonen reports.