Podcasts about coloradans

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at the latest inflation numbers in Colorado and the rippled down effect on affordability in a state that’s already one of the most expensive to live in. https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/10/denver-area-inflation-increases-5-percent-2026/ https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/13/inflation-affordability-denver-colorado-gas-prices/ https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/table/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, we continue our quest to interview every Democrat in an important primary election, and this week we've got fan-favorite and three-time returning champion State Senator Jessie Danielson back on the show to talk about her run to be Colorado's next Secretary of State!Senator Danielson represents Jefferson County's District 22, home of the Get More Smarter Podcast in the Colorado State Senate. As a Democratic state legislator, Jessie has focused her work on economic security for working Coloradans, expanding voters' access to the ballot, better protections for seniors and the at-risk, environmental preservation and equality for women.Prior to serving in elected office, Jessie was the Colorado State Director for America Votes. Her leadership was instrumental in the passage of 2013's groundbreaking Voter Access & Modernized Elections Act. She served as then-Gov. Hickenlooper's appointee on both the Voter Access & Modernized Elections Commission and the Colorado Commission on Aging.Jessie was first elected to the Colorado Senate in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She currently serves as Chair of the Business, Labor & Technology Committee and Vice Chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Jessie served in the Colorado State House from 2015 - 2019, including as Speaker Pro Tem during her second House term.She also previously worked as Political Director for NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, now known as Cobalt. She also worked as a housing coordinator for Connections for Independent Living, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities lead full and independent lives.Jessie is a former board chair of Emerge Colorado; she also served on the boards of NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado and ProgressNow Colorado and is a fourth generation Coloradan.You can follow Jessie online wherever you get your digital norepinephrine boosters:Campaign Website:https://www.jessiedanielson.com/Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessiedanielsonforcoloradoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiedanielson_co/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessiedanielson.coThreads: https://www.threads.com/@jessiedanielson_coThat's it for this episode! If you loved watching and/or listening to it as much as we loved recording it, you can thank us by subscribing to the pod wherever you listen, following us over on New Old Twitter AKA Bluesky, subscribing to our shiny new channel on YouTube, smashing that subscribe button on our Substack, and sharing this episode with your friends, your enemies, and your 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado! THANK YOU so much for listening, and we'll see you next time!

A CELESTIAL EVENT IS HAPPENING AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL Saint John’s Cathedral is delighted to welcome the Denver community, Coloradans and visitors from all over the world to discover CELESTIA, an awe-inspiring, visual story in light and music for its highly anticipated world debut at downtown’s landmark cathedral. The custom installation will reimagine the revered space and Gothic Revival architecture as a living canvas, inviting the community and audiences of all ages to embark on a visually stunning and emotionally profound journey through a fusion of light, projections and original music. Showcasing local talent, a vocal ensemble will perform live along with CELESTIA’s original score during Friday and Saturday night presentations. This one-of-a-kind experience is open through summer 2026. I’m talking to Fanny Curtat about it, find out more and buy tickets by clicking here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Rinella and the MeatEater crew discuss: Georgia's Argentine tegu problem with Daniel Sollenberger of the Georgia DNR; the Centennial State's fight for constitutional hunting rights with Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management; the Trump administration's opening of wildlife refuges to hunting; giant trout in Lake Superior; and more. Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network Steve on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this new episode, Patrick Hogarty fills in for Joe and exposes a nation spinning out of control, delivering a raw, unfiltered look at a system that feels completely turned upside down. From delayed ballot counting and the eroding integrity of our elections to the weaponization of radical movements targeting local, faith-based small businesses right here in Denver, Patrick connects the dots on how global and partisan interests are systematically being prioritized over everyday citizens. With hard-hitting breakdowns on the deliberate handling of the southern border and a shocking look at policies stripping away parental rights across the country, this episode is a rallying cry for common sense, accountability, and the defense of American communities before they are fractured beyond repair.Joining the conversation is Rich Guggenheim, a native Coloradan, peer-reviewed scientist, and Republican candidate for Colorado State Senate District 25. Known to his massive online following as a fearless conservative voice, Rich brings a uniquely pragmatic perspective to the fight against institutional overreach. Having successfully sued the state legislature in federal court over free speech censorship and stepped forward as a federal whistleblower, Rich details exactly how he plans to take his personal battle against the political establishment straight to the State Capitol to restore balance to a state currently dominated by one-party control.Together, Patrick and Rich dive deep into the pressing issues facing Colorado families, from skyrocketing property taxes and the defense of the state's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) to pulling ideological experiments out of public school classrooms. They explore how to bridge political divides, protect parental rights, and advocate for balanced, scientifically sound energy policies that keep utility bills low and the grid reliable. This is not just a standard political breakdown—it is an essential, front-line conversation for anyone ready to stand up, confront the machine, and demand a return to law, order, and sanity.

This episode of The Dan Caplis Show is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest on the Colorado Democratic debate, where Dan calls out the moderators for their biased questioning. The debate was widely criticized for its lack of tough questions on key issues, Dan arguing that the moderators were protecting the candidates from themselves. The episode delves into the details of the debate, where the speaker points out the glaring omissions of certain topics, such as abortion, homelessness, and healthcare for illegal immigrants. Dan also discusses the implications of the Democratic Party's stance on these issues and how it affects the state of Colorado. Additionally, the episode touches on the topic of the Republican Party's approach to debates, with Dan weighing in on the idea of refusing to participate in debates moderated by certain individuals. Dan also shares his thoughts on the upcoming anniversary of D-Day and how it relates to the current state of the world. They also discuss the importance of standing up for what's right, even if it's unpopular, and the need to have tough conversations about difficult topics. The episode also features a discussion on the topic of Israel and the Middle East, with Dan addressing some common misconceptions and myths. If you're interested in staying informed on the latest news and opinions from Colorado, this episode is a great place to start. Dan's unique perspective and insights make for a thought-provoking listen, and the episode is full of engaging discussions and debates. Tune in to hear more on the topics that matter most to Coloradans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy Newberg meets with Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management to discuss an effort to protect hunting and fishing in Colorado through a constitutional amendment. Dan explains how years of defending against ballot initiatives, legislative challenges, and wildlife policy battles have led Colorado's conservation community to take a proactive approach by pursuing a constitutional right to hunt and fish. They talk through the importance of science-based wildlife management, the growing role of advocacy in conservation, and why hunters and anglers across the country should pay attention to what happens in Colorado. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colorado's Parks and Wildlife Commission now has zero experienced big game hunters on it. The chair is a former Humane Society attorney who spent his career suing game agencies. Six of ten commissioners voted to impose a commercial fur ban that their own agency and director recommended against — in writing — with five expert witnesses and a hundred years of combined expertise. Dan Gates was in every one of those meetings.Dan Gates runs Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management and has been on the front lines of every major Colorado hunting fight for eight years — Proposition 127, Ordinance 308, wolf reintroduction, and now Initiative 302: a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the Colorado State Constitution. We dig into what that right actually does, why 24 other states already have it, and how the Polis administration has strategically stacked the commission. We also cover two upcoming raffles — a Hill Ranch elk hunt and an Alaska salmon/halibut trip — that benefit CRWM's ground game on this fight.In this episode:What Initiative 302 actually says — and what it doesn't doWhy Colorado hunters don't currently have a constitutional right to huntHow Governor Polis stacks anti-hunting commissionersThe March commission meeting — agency scientists overruled by commissioners who said "our values differ from your science"Two commissioners forced to resign during Senate confirmation — what that meansWhy 24 other states already have this rightThe Hill Ranch elk raffle — 34 preference points required to draw, better odds in this raffle than the state drawAlaska salmon/halibut fishing raffle — Sitka, two people, Reel ChartersGuest: Dan Gates — Executive Director, Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management. savethehuntcolorado.comRaffle tickets: scicolorado.org — deadline June 12th, drawing June 15th. $50/ticket, 3 for $100.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.r.w.m/ ---FOLLOW CLIFFYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGrayInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliffPursuit With Cliff Podcasthttps://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars) https://pursuitwithcliff.com/ExperiencesMerchhttps://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/united-in-the-trinity/The local youth are spending too much time in the billiard parlor. That's going to lead to bad habits of smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and reading dime novels. It will lead to bad language like "swell" and "so's your old man." It will lead to loitering, missing school, and mocking public officials.Harold Hill starts to influence the townsfolk by singing, "Ya got trouble ... Right here in River City! With a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool!"Harold Hill starts this moral panic out of thin air. He wants to scare parents into buying band instruments from him. There's a lot of division in River City. The School Board is constantly bickering until they start singing in a Barbershop Quartet. The old ladies don't like the young, pretty librarian. The mayor doesn't like his daughter's boyfriend or the idea of a boys' band.St. Paul didn't need to create any division in the Corinthian congregation. There was plenty there. Read Paul's first letter to the Corinthian Christians to hear him tell the story. Paul begins his letter by writing, "I ask that you all express the same view and not have any divisions among you, but that you be joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). In the Corinthian church, the people were divided over their favorite pastor; some were boasting of their acceptance of sin; some were bringing lawsuits against other Christians; others were partaking of the Lord's Table on Sunday after eating at the table of demons on Saturday; some were boasting about their spiritual gifts; and others were trying to discredit Paul and his gifts. Their church was filled with disorder and division. These problems caused the church to be splintered and hostile. Paul could very easily have written in one of his letters, "Ya got trouble ... Right here in Corinth City!"Paul knew that Jesus desired for his Church to be unified. So, as Christ's called apostle, he worked to lead God's people to repent and forgive one another. Paul spoke strongly and lovingly about the work of Satan among them, begging them to leave their wicked ways and to unite around God's truths.Paul could not accomplish this unity on his own. That's why he closed his second letter to the Corinthians with this threefold blessing: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14).Disunity and division aren't limited to Corinth or River City. There's plenty of disunity and division in America. People are divided over politics of Left or Right. They're divided over issues like immigration, Iran, and data centers. Wyoming residents are divided over Colorado residents. Well, not really. It seems Wyomingites are united that Coloradans should stay in their own state.

Colorado's primary elections are just around the corner. And there's a lot riding on them — all of the statewide constitutional offices are on the ballot — and thanks to term limits, all of those races are wide open, including Colorado's top office: governor. The fields include a who's who of Colorado politics, and one newcomer who may have the potential to shake things up.CPR's Bente Birkeland talks with The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and CPR's Ben Markus about who's on the Democratic and Republican tickets and the dynamics at play as they vie for votes. The five hopefuls on the ballot are running at a time when both parties are doing a bit of soul searching, and Coloradans on both sides of the aisle seem frustrated with the status quo. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: 2026 Colorado Primary Election Voter Guide CPR News: Bottoms, Kirkmeyer make their cases to primary voters in CPR News gubernatorial candidates debate CPR News: Democratic gubernatorial candidates Bennet and Weiser make their pitches to voters in live debate The Colorado Sun: A third of Colorado voters have still never heard of Phil Weiser, poll shows CPR News: Colorado GOP governor primary pits MAGA candidates against establishment favorite The Colorado Sun: Tina Peters isn't the first Colorado convict to become a central figure in a governor's race Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

THE LEGISLATURE WANTS OUR ROADS TO SUCK That is the only conclusion I can draw from House Bill 26-1430, passed at the end of the session, whose sole purpose is to screw taxpayers who have the nerve to vote for Initiative 175. What is 175? Initiative 175 would constitutionally require a shift of transportation taxes Coloradans already pay on cars, tires, and gas to fund roads and bridges. Instead of this money disappearing into the general fund to pay for whatever shortfall the state faces each budget year, the money generated from motor vehicles would go to roads. That is what we all probably think is happening already, but no. The Democratically controlled body raids transportation funds FIRST to pay for healthcare for illegal aliens or boob jobs for dudes who think they are women. But here’s where it gets good, and by good I mean you’re not going to believe this crap. The legislature is SO MAD that we may force them to spend the taxes and fees they told us would be spent on roads ACTUALLY ON ROADS, they passed HB 26-1430. What does that do? It literally CUTS THE TAXES so there will be no money for roads, and it ONLY does so if 175 passes. These aholes sponsored this bill. Shoot them a polite email and tell them how little you appreciate their giant middle finger to voters: Andrew Boesenecker andrew.boesenecker.house@coleg.gov Emily Sirota emily.sirota.house@coleg.gov William Lindstedt william.lindstedt.senate@coleg.gov Judy Amabile judy.amabile.senate@coleg.gov Please and thank you. Find out more about Initiative 175 here and find out more about the GIANT MIDDLE FINGER TO VOTERS BILL by clicking here. I’m talking to Tony Milo, President & CEO of Colorado Contractors Association, today at 1 about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Dan Gates with Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management is with us. Make sure you catch Dan's Podcast “Thru The Gates”. Dan will be sharing some great information and updates on Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) Commission Meetings and what are important dates coming up. Also joining us is Jake Salthouse Owner of Green... READ MORE

As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on July 4th and Colorado prepares to celebrate 150 years of statehood on August 1st, today for our series Aging Matters, we feature “Portraits In Aging,” a series of conversations Chandra Thomas Whitfield had with a diverse mix of Coloradans who talk about what it's like growing older here. Aging, in their own words. And their perspectives are especially relevant and timely; those age 65 and older are the fastest growing population in our state, impacting everything here from housing to healthcare. 

The Mandy Connell Show is back with a lively discussion on a range of topics, from the controversy surrounding the Elizabeth School District's decision to remove certain books from their libraries to the latest on the data center debate in Colorado. Mandy dives into the world of politics, education, and community issues, all while sharing their personal anecdotes and humor. This episode covers a lot of ground, from the school district's decision to remove books with LGBTQ and graphic content to the implications of a potential data center boom in Colorado. Mandy discusses the challenges faced by small landlords in the state, the importance of being mindful of our spending habits, and the value of living within our means. Along the way, they share some hilarious stories and personal experiences, including Mandy's own struggles with her eyesight and her husband's love of carrots. One of the most compelling discussions in this episode is the debate over the Elizabeth School District's decision to remove certain books from their libraries. Mandy explores the complexities of this issue, including the role of community input and the importance of parental rights. They also delve into the world of data centers, discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this growing industry in Colorado. If you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest news and discussions from the Mandy Connell Show, be sure to tune in to this episode. Mandy covers a range of topics, from politics and education to personal finance and community issues. With their unique blend of humor and insight, they offer a fresh perspective on the issues that matter most to Coloradans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Rokcast, Robby hosts Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (C.R.W.M.) Dan is a frequent guest on the Rokcast because we believe he's not only fighting for the Right to Hunt & Fish in Colorado, but in all of North America.  C.R.W.M. and it's supporters were crucial in defeating Colorado Ballot Proposition 127 back in 2024. The fight continues with protecting Colorado hunters by making sure that the Constitutional Amendment for the Right to Hunt & Fish in Colorado passes.  By passing this proposed Amendment in November of 2026, hunters are shoring up the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation as the best way to scientifically manage all wildlife on the continent. It's a quick listen and Dan explains the ways hunters--both resident and non-resident--can help get the Right to Hunt & Fish codified into Colorado's constitution. This includes the chance to hunt the famed Hill Ranch for bull elk this fall.  This license takes over 30 points to draw in the Ranching for Wildlife program and is only reserved for residents.  But with this Landowner tag opportunity offered up by the Hill Ranch, even a non-resident can participate.  Find more information or purchase tickets here This opportunity is made possible by Safari Club International Colorado Chapter here https://raffles.scicolorado.org/ the Hill Ranch here https://hillhunting.com/book-a-hunt and C.R.W.M. here

In a candid conversation, State Senator Cleve Simpson shares his thoughts on the recent legislative session in Colorado, highlighting the challenges businesses face in the state. He discusses the impact of data centers, tax incentives, and the increasing regulatory burden on businesses. The senator also touches on the need for a more favorable business environment and the importance of reviewing and streamlining regulations.This episode delves into the world of politics and business, where Senator Simpson shares his insights on the current state of affairs in Colorado. He explains the complexities of data centers and the debate surrounding tax incentives, which ultimately didn't pass. The senator also emphasizes the need for a more rigorous business climate and environment, citing the state's decline in business favorability.The conversation also covers the senator's proposal to review and streamline regulations, which was met with a standing ovation at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. He expresses his desire to work with his Democratic colleagues to create a more favorable business environment and make life more affordable for Coloradans.To hear more about Senator Simpson's thoughts on the legislative session and the future of business in Colorado, tune in to this episode and hear his insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After decades of super-charged economic and population growth, Colorado is at a turning point. So, is this state growing or shrinking? And why does it matter either way? Earlier this year, host Bree Davies sat down with Colorado's State Demographer Kate Watkins to hear about how things like declining school enrollment and a slowing economy can play into our population numbers, and we're revisiting that conversation today about what the ripple effects of all these big-picture changes could mean for you. Kate even gets into a forecast of what Coloradans might expect population-wise in 2060! This episode originally ran on January 20, 2026. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about our state's demographic changes? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Sphere of Six Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 30% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado sportsmen are fighting to protect hunting traditions before activists permanently reshape wildlife management. Colorado has become ground zero in the national battle over hunting, fishing, trapping, and science-based wildlife management. In this conversation, Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management and Luke Hilgemann of the International Order of T. Roosevelt break down the growing push for a constitutional right to hunt and fish amendment in Colorado and why sportsmen across the country should be paying attention. The discussion dives deep into the aftermath of Proposition 127, mounting pressure from animal rights organizations, predator hunting politics, wolf management, and how wildlife commissions are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for public lands and hunting access. Listeners will hear how conservation groups, outfitters, ranchers, anglers, trappers, and hunting organizations are building a coalition to defend Colorado's outdoor heritage before more restrictions take hold. Dan and Luke explain what the amendment would actually do, what it would not do, and why misconceptions around hunting rights, trapping, firearms, and wildlife policy continue to dominate public debate. They also unpack how the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is supported by the American System of Conservation Funding which funds habitat work, supports healthy game populations, and protects opportunities for future generations of hunters and anglers. If you care about elk hunting, predator management, public lands, wildlife conservation, or the future of Western hunting culture, this conversation delivers critical insight into one of the most important outdoor policy fights happening today.   Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation policy conversations.   Get the FREE Sportsmen's Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: ⁠www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Deep State is no longer a theory; it's a documented war on the American people. In this explosive episode, we dive headfirst into the chilling allegations from a CIA whistleblower regarding the seizure of JFK and MK-Ultra files from Tulsi Gabbard and the illegal surveillance of investigators probing the COVID-19 cover-up. From "ghost voters" flooding registration rolls to the blatant money laundering allegations surrounding Colorado's own Attorney General Phil Weiser, we connect the dots between systemic election fraud and the rapid erosion of our national sovereignty. We break down why the "slave theater" of our current political system remains standing and identify the traitors within our federal agencies who are working overtime to bury the truth.Special guest David Willson, Republican candidate for Colorado Attorney General, joins the show to provide a roadmap for restoration. A retired U.S. Army attorney and former NSA professional who helped build the foundations of CYBERCOM, Willson brings unparalleled technical and legal expertise to the table. We discuss his frontline battle against government mandates, his defense of parental rights against DHS overreach, and his commitment to restoring election integrity following the high-profile litigation of the Tina Peters case. Willson pulls no punches on how he intends to use the AG's office to dismantle "smurfing" operations and protect Coloradans from both state-sponsored cyber threats and the lawlessness of the current administration.Finally, we pull back the curtain on the cultural Marxist agenda designed to bankrupt America's future. From college professors bragging about radicalizing students against capitalism to Alex Soros funneling $30 million into divisive globalist initiatives, the coordinated effort to destabilize our society is reaching a fever pitch. We analyze the devastating impact of Soros-backed DAs who prioritize sweetheart deals for criminals over the safety of citizens, and contrast this domestic decay with the bold, America-first posturing of Donald Trump on the world stage. This is a must-watch broadcast for anyone ready to stop being a spectator in the "slave theater" and start fighting for a free and fair Republic. The system is rotted to the core—it's time to cut it out.

Today, Hunter was joined by David Seligman, a civil rights, workers' rights, consumers' rights lawyer and candidate for Attorney General in Colorado. David joined the show to discuss why he decided to run and the ambitious plans he has to use the office of the Attorney General to fight for working class Coloradans.       Guest: David Seligman, Candidate for Attorney General, Colorado   Resource: Find David's Campaign Here https://www.seligmanforag.com/     Contact Hunter Parnell:                                 Publicdefenseless@gmail.com  Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter                                                                 @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com  Subscribe to the Patreon www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast  Donate on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show! https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home **** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****

Many of Colorado's Democratic lawmakers came into this legislative session determined to push back against the Trump administration, especially on the president's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. They introduced proposals to ban state and local law enforcement from concealing their identity in most situations and to allow Coloradans to sue federal agents who violate their rights. But not all Democrats are on board with these ideas — worried they may harm legitimate law enforcement efforts and fail to keep the community safer. And the legislation raises big questions about the limits of state authority when it comes to how federal immigration agents behave within Colorado's borders.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Taylor Dolven and The Denver Post's Seth Klamann discuss the different bills, the potential legal challenges and the politics surrounding this issue, at a time when the stakes feel like they couldn't be higher. Catch up on the latest coverage: The Denver Post: Judge again blocks Gov. Jared Polis from directing state officials to comply with an ICE subpoena The Denver Post: Federal judge criticizes ICE agents at Denver hearing for not knowing about earlier order limiting arrests The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers reject bill that would have required police to intervene when ICE agents use excessive force The Denver Post: Thousands of immigrants in Colorado were arrested and deported during Trump's first year The Colorado Sun: As some Democratic governors lead on ICE pushback, Jared Polis is taking a hands-off approach The Colorado Sun: Democratic lawmakers plan package of bills to further regulate federal immigration enforcement in Colorado Denverite: What we saw from inside ICE's raid at Aurora's Edge apartments Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additionally reporting for this episode from Denverite's Kevin Beaty.

Jeff talks with three mama bears who are stepping into the political boxing ring to serve Coloradans and exemplify biblical values in office. Let's bring Christian answers to Colorado politics. If you want to hear from candidates who will make a difference for Colorado families on issues that really matter, then don't miss this edition of Crosswalk Colorado Springs! Dana Charles, CO Senate District 3 - www.danacharles4colorado.comPricella Tiegen, CO House district 15 - www.pricellatiegenhd15.comMichelle Gray, CO House district 60 - www.grayforhd60.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, April 21, Congressional candidates, Shannon Bird (CO-8), Mayor Paige Cognetti (PA-8), and Nancy Lacore (SC-1), shared relatable stories in a powerful discussion moderated by Alli Peters of Majority Democrats‬. From voters struggling with rising costs and deepening distrust in government to a growing sense that leaders have lost touch, no issue was off the table. The candidates pointed to stark examples—a senior forced to choose between groceries and medical care, and communities demanding greater transparency—to underscore a consistent message: the country is facing a dual crisis of affordability and accountability.Each candidate emphasized practical leadership rooted in service—whether balancing budgets, defending democratic institutions, or putting people over special interests. They pushed back on extremism and highlighted the need to rebuild trust through responsiveness and results.The throughline: change won't come from Washington alone. Citizens are urged to take action—engage locally, support candidates who reflect their values, stay informed, and speak up consistently.The stakes are real, and so is the opportunity—this moment demands participation, not spectatorship.Check out BigTentUSA's ACT NOW page:https://bigtentusa.org/act-now/Learn more about Shannon Bird's campaign:https://shannonbird.com/Learn more about Paige Cognetti's campaign:https://paigeforpa.com/Learn more about Nancy Lacore's campaign:https://www.nancylacore.com/Check out the Majority Dems organization:https://majoritydemocrats.com/ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Shannon Bird, raised by a hardworking single mother and grandmother, understands the struggles families face and is committed to fighting for hardworking Coloradans. After a career in law and public service, she became a strong advocate for equitable education and community empowerment. In the Colorado State House, she has fought for job creation, small businesses, reproductive rights, and climate action. Now, she is running for Congress in Colorado's Eighth District to defend democracy and ensure Colorado remains a place where everyone can achieve their dreams.Mayor Paige Cognetti has built her career on making government more accountable, transparent, and responsive. After uncovering corruption as a state auditor and serving on the Scranton School Board, she ran for mayor in 2019 as an Independent and won, becoming the city's first woman mayor. In office, she has taken on special interests, eliminated waste, restored finances to investment grade, secured over $155 million in funding, and driven economic growth. She is now running for Congress to bring that commitment to Washington.Nancy Lacore served for 35 years in the Navy, beginning as a helicopter pilot and rising to three-star admiral and Chief of Navy Reserve, leading more than 60,000 sailors. Her career took her around the world, grounded in family and a deep love of country. Following her father's footsteps, she earned an ROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross and was commissioned after graduation. She and her husband Pat, also a Navy pilot, have been married 30 years and raised six children with a strong sense of service.Alli Peters is Chief Digital Officer at Majority Democrats and a director and editor based between Los Angeles and Madison, Wisconsin. She most recently managed Adam Schiff's successful U.S. Senate campaign. Her work focuses on reshaping how people perceive the Democratic Party: restoring trust through human, optimistic storytelling that shows how politics can meaningfully improve people's lives. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

The 1965 Voting Rights Act was designed to ensure the right to vote for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and background. The Supreme Court rolled back a key provision of the landmark legislation on Wednesday. We talk through what it means, and what protections are in place in Colorado. Then, older Coloradans are especially at risk for scams -- and they can often suffer in silence. For our series Aging Matters, we talk about efforts to stay one step ahead as scammers get more sophisticated. 

2617 Support Service Providers for Deaf-Blind Coloradans (Apr. 29, 2026) Show Notes Transcript Support Service Providers (SSPs) play a vital role in helping people with dual sensory loss stay informed and independent. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with SSP Vicki Scarboro about guiding techniques, tactile communication, haptics, mentoring, and Colorado's state funded program that … Continue reading 2617 Support Service Providers for Deaf-Blind Coloradans (Apr. 29, 2026) →

A delegation of hotshot urban planning consultants was downtown last week to examine the newly city-owned Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street and propose a new vision for the site – turns out, their vision includes demolishing a lot of it. So, what's the plan? Chief economist for the Colorado Legislative Council Greg Sobetski joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to swap stories of the Pavilions and dissect a recent open letter from 230 Colorado CEOs calling on our elected officials to fix our “deteriorating” economy.  Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Join today and help local journalism thrive. Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm  Paul referenced the economic forecast Sobetski and the Colorado Legislative Council prepared for lawmakers and published in March 2026.  What do you think about the new plan for the Pavilions? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: Denver Art Museum Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Primary ballots will arrive in mailboxes in a few weeks, and now, we know which candidates will be on them. Today Purplish looks at which candidates rallied enough support at the recent state assemblies and what this method of selecting candidates means in the big picture. Then, today marks 10 years since the passing of pop icon and musical virtuoso, Prince. Chandra shares her personal reflections on what his music meant to her, and speaks with Coloradans about their memories of his visits here and the influence he had on their lives. 

Primary ballots will land in Coloradans' mailbox in a few weeks, and now, voters know which candidates will be on them. Many got there by winning over party activists at the recent Democratic and Republican state assemblies in Pueblo. These were high-stakes gatherings in a high-stakes election year, as hopefuls lined up for all of Colorado's top offices: U.S senator, governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and CPR's Caitlyn Kim break down which candidates rallied enough delegate support, what kinds of competitions it sets up for the primary in June, and what this method of selecting candidates means in the big picture.Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News/KRCC: Gubernatorial candidates Scott Bottoms, Victor Marx win slots on GOP primary ballot at state assembly CPR News: Democrats gather in Pueblo to select candidates for primary ballot CPR News: Kirkmeyer, Marx, Bennet file petitions to get on ballot for gubernatorial primaries The Colorado Sun: Colorado's unaffiliated voters say they're intentionally not joining a political party. Here's why. The Colorado Sun: Republicans who want to opt out of Colorado's primaries get major boost from federal judge's ruling The Colorado Sun: State senator defeats two Democratic rivals, securing lone spot on primary ballot for Colorado treasurer The Colorado Sun: Diana DeGette narrowly made the primary ballot. Here's why you maybe shouldn't read too much into it. Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additional reporting for this episode from KRCC's Briana Heaney.

On today's newscast: Some Aspen residents and city councilors have suggested opening some of the bus-only lanes on Highway 82 to general traffic; a proposal to crack down on Coloradans who accidentally attract bears with food or trash passed its first hearing at the State Capitol this week; and the psychedelic mushroom industry is growing in Colorado. Tune in for these stories and more.

Send us Fan MailWatch here - https://youtu.be/Wyjm7SBx71EThis week on Discussion Combustion, we're joined by Jordan D. Renken, a dynamic professional whose journey spans education, leadership, and innovative business ventures. Referred to us by a trusted mutual connection, Jordan brings a unique perspective shaped by both classroom experience and real-world application.Jordan walks us through his early career as an educator in Texas, where he taught Algebra II and advanced mathematics, before expanding his impact in Kansas City teaching both physics and math. He shares firsthand insight into the challenges educators face today, including school funding limitations and systemic pressures within the education system.From there, we explore Jordan's transition beyond the classroom and into his current professional work, including his involvement with MACRO Colorado and his affiliation with Energy Outreach Colorado, an organization focused on helping Coloradans afford home energy and access vital resources. His work reflects a commitment to community impact, sustainability, and connecting people with meaningful solutions.Jordan's journey highlights adaptability, service, and the ability to pivot into new opportunities while carrying forward the discipline and structure of his educational background.This episode is a thoughtful look at growth, career evolution, and using your skillset to create real impact.Get in touch - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-d-renken

Christine Koeppen - is a native Coloradan, mother, barrel racer, hunter, and a strong advocate for protecting the Western way of life she was raised in and now passes on. She has dedicated her life, education, and career to agriculture and conservation, firmly believing that the two must flourish together. Her roots are in horses. She came up in the barrel racing world, where she developed grit, timing, and a deep understanding of partnership in the arena—lessons that carried into every aspect of her life. That foundation shaped her perspective on animals, land, and work ethic. She eventually made her way to Texas on the back of a barrel horse, where she was first introduced to hounds. In them, she recognized the same spark she had seen in a young colt learning to follow a cow or turn a barrel. Just as a good horse comes alive when asked to do what it was born to do, hounds come alive when released on a fresh track. For her, running hounds is not about the kill—it is about the challenge, conservation, and the bond between dog, handler, and rugged country. It is also where she has learned some of her most meaningful and hard-earned lessons, alongside her family. Professionally, Christine serves as a veteran Account Manager for The Fence Post and Equine Brand Manager for Cowgirl Magazine. In these roles, she partners with brands, producers, and horsemen to elevate the voices of agriculture and the equine industry. Her work is grounded in supporting the people, businesses, and traditions that sustain this way of life. She and her family are building a life their boys can carry forward—one rooted in hard work, stewardship, and respect for tradition. In 2024, she joined Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management in the effort to protect science-based wildlife management in Colorado, reflecting her belief that conservation requires active participation.This life is part of her legacy, and she stands for it without hesitation.www.TheMountainSidePodcast.comImportant Links:https://www.thefencepost.comhttps://www.cowgirlmagazine.com/https://www.cotwoutdoors.com/https://savethehuntcolorado.com/Affiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.SABObroadheads.comMountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!www.ProTekt.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all ProTekt products! Use this link to receive discount code.www.Knicpouches.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive 15% off all K-Nic products!

Lakewood voters sent a big statement to the rest of Colorado this week, with the campaign to reverse the Denver suburb's new housing density rules dominating Tuesday's special election. But what exactly does this election say about Coloradans and the housing affordability issue? RTD Board director Chris Nicholson joins producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to discuss the blowback to density we're seeing across the metro area. Plus, Nicholson shares the inside story of the negotiations that led to RTD CEO and GM Debra Johnson stepping down and some new details on the push for Front Range Passenger Rail. And finally, of course, our wins and fails of the week, featuring Blucifer's butthole and the THC-infused soda trend.  Want access to today's inaugural Neighbors-only bonus segment? Support City Cast Denver and get lots of great perks by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm Paul mentioned this painting based on his photo of Blucifer and the song “Blucifer” by Ritmo Cascabel. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Iran demands $1 per barrel of oil passing through Strait of Hormuz and demands it be paid in crypto; Bottom 95% of Coloradans to pay more under Trump tax policies; NM's faith, tribal leaders call foul on Chaco Canyon fast-track drilling; Iran war: North Dakotans urged to weigh pressing humanitarian needs.

Today - our Temperature newsletter reporters Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about a survey on how people are using legal psilocybin, and some shocking numbers showing how bad the Colorado drought really is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: The 2026 Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo was awesome and I want to thank everyone who stopped by our booth and said hello. We were able to record a lot of great interviews, so over the next couple of weeks we will bring you some of those interviews. We bring you our... READ MORE

Eric Washburn is a fifth-generation Coloradan who is a big game hunter, who is a Senior Policy Advisor for Pioneer Public Affairs. PPA works on clean energy technologies and advocacy movements to combat the climate crisis, protect natural wonders, and empower marginalized communities across America. Eric discussed many issues from affecting winter, water and wildlife in Colorado, including the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease within elk and deer herds, pushing for the reintroduction of more beavers and wolves in the state, generational knowledge and traditions within the hunting communities, and climate change. @thewolfconnectionpodColorado Politics ArticleThe Future of Winter, Water and Wildlife in Colorado@rockymtnwolf

Medicaid is driving the $1.5 billion state budget shortfall Colorado lawmakers are trying to address this year. Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Paul joined Bente Birkeland of CPR News and Seth Klamann of The Denver Post on the latest episode of Purplish to explore why and what's being done to try to rein in spending on the health care program for low income Coloradans. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/01/colorado-medicaid-spending-state-budget/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The six lawmakers tasked with writing Colorado's budget have an excruciating job this year — they must find about $1.5 billion in savings to keep the budget in balance, and understand that many of their cuts will have direct, human consequences. That's because the state's Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to low-income Coloradans, accounts for a significant part of Colorado's budget, and costs have ballooned in recent years.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and The Denver Post's Seth Klamann discuss what's driving rising Medicaid costs for the state, where lawmakers are looking for savings and what this all means for Colorado residents. Catch up on the latest coverage: The Colorado Sun: Colorado's state budget shortfall grows to more than $1.5 billion, forcing legislature to make much deeper cuts CPR News: Impact of state budget cuts gets real as lawmakers start trimming Medicaid programs The Colorado Sun: Providing health care to immigrants who are children or pregnant is costing Colorado 611% more than expected The Denver Post: As Medicaid costs rise, should Colorado charge fees on large employers that don't insure all workers? The Denver Post: Flawed analysis caused Colorado Medicaid program's costs to surge and made it ‘attractive' to fraud CPR News: Medicaid recipients, advocates furious over state mistake that's costing tens of millions of dollars The Colorado Sun: Legislature mulls ballot measure that would ask voters to raise TABOR cap by billions primarily to fund Colorado's schools Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additional reporting for this episode from CPR's John Daley and The Colorado Sun's John Ingold and Erica Breunlin. 

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, the Bread Sandwich was toast, and now he's…untoasted as Donald Trump un-undorseses him for the seat he already has in Congress. Then, what would you do with $200 billion dollars? If the answer isn't “probably start World War III,” well, then you have a better fiscal policy than the President of the United States! Speaking of our 47th favorite president ever, he went ahead and embarrassed the entire nation several more times, including making a “joke” about Pearl Harbor to the Japanese Prime Minister. Colorado Republicans remain the least serious political party in the country, and we're including Oklahoma Democrats. And finally, our favorite local television station may about to become our least favorite local television station, unless our Attorney General continues his streak of winning lawsuits against the Trump administration.But first...he's running for the opportunity to take on Rep. Jeff "Bread Sandwich" Hurd in the race for the Third Congressional District. Alex Kelloff joins us to talk about being a fourth generation Coloradan and how he can win in November.That's it for this episode! If you loved watching and/or listening to it as much as we loved recording it, you can thank us by subscribing to the pod wherever you listen, following us over on New Old Twitter AKA Bluesky, subscribing to our shiny new channel on YouTube, smashing that subscribe button on our Substack, and sharing this episode with your friends, your enemies, and your 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado! THANK YOU so much for listening, and we'll see you next time!

Coloradans will vote on two measures impacting transgender kids this fall – Ballot Initiative 109, which aims to prevent trans kids from participating in school sports, and Ballot Initiative 110, which would prohibit access to gender-affirming surgeries. Is Colorado inching backward toward its “hate state” past? Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of the live comedy show Dyketopia join host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into these measures backed by anti-LGBTQ group Protects Kids Colorado. Plus, they discuss a Title IX fight going down between JeffCo schools and the U.S. Department of Education, the Mile High City's first licensed "microdosing cafe," and share their wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about a Gallup poll on trans athletes and data from the Williams Institute on trans people living in the U.S.; she also mentioned a state bill that could give victims of conversion therapy the ability to sue mental health providers who perform it. Olivia talked about City Council postponing a vote on the city's potential new e-scooter provider. This weekend's Dyktopia show is sold out, but you can still catch Lee on some other great live shows here in Denver before they head back to NYC. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the César Chávez revelations this week? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

From combat missions in the F-22 Raptor to more than five months aboard the International Space Station, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers '11 has seen it all. SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. Ayers reflects on mentorship, teamwork and building the next generation of warriors and astronauts.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK     TOP 10 TAKEAWAYS 1. Leadership is fluid: sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. On Dragon and the ISS, command shifted between Anne McClain and Takuya Onishi. Everyone alternated between being commander and flight engineer, showing that strong teams normalize moving between leading and supporting roles. 2. Team care starts with self‑care. Vapor repeatedly links sleep, rest, hydration, and health to leadership performance. You can't be present for others if you're exhausted or burned out; taking care of yourself is a leadership duty, not a luxury. 3. People first, mission second (to enable mission success). Whether on deployment with 300 personnel or in space with 7, she focuses on taking care of the human—family issues, logistics, burnout, and emotions—trusting that performance and mission execution follow from that. 4. Trust is built long before the crisis. ISS emergency training with all seven crew, plus years of joint training in multiple countries, builds shared understanding and trust. When emergencies happen, the crew isn't figuring each other out for the first time. 5. Quiet, thoughtful leadership can be incredibly powerful. Takuya Onishi's style—observant, calm, speaks only when it matters, and brings thoughtful items for others—shows that you don't need to be loud to command respect. When he spoke, everyone listened. 6. Leadership means being fully present, especially on others' hard days. In both combat and space, you can't “hide” when someone's struggling. Being reachable, attentive, and emotionally available is a core leadership behavior, not a soft add‑on. 7. Normalize mistakes and share lessons learned. From F‑22 sorties to NASA operations, it's expected that you openly admit errors and pass on lessons so others don't repeat them. A culture where “experience is what you get right after you need it” only works if people share that experience. 8. Plan for “seasons” of intensity, not permanent balance. She frames life as seasons: some are sprints (deployments, intense training, big trips); others are for recovery. Wise leaders anticipate these cycles, push hard when needed, then deliberately create room to reset afterward. 9. Model the behavior you want your team to adopt. If the commander is always first in, last out, everyone else feels pressure to match that. By visibly protecting her own rest and home life, she gives permission for others to do the same and avoid burnout. 10. Lean on—and be—a support system. Her twin sister, long‑term friends, and professional peers form a lifelong support network she turns to when she fails, doubts herself, or hits something “insurmountable.” Great leaders both rely on and serve as those trusted people for others.     CHAPTERS 0:00:00 – Introduction & Vapor's Journey (Academy, F‑22, NASA) 0:00:38 – Launch Scrub, Second Attempt & What a Rocket Launch Feels Like 0:03:33 – First Moments in Space, Floating & Seeing Earth (Overview Effect) 0:06:11 – Leadership & Teamwork in Space: Roles, Trust, and Small-Crew Dynamics 0:10:19 – Multinational Crews & Leadership Lessons from Other Cultures 0:14:47 – No‑Notice F‑22 Deployment & Leading a Squadron in Combat 0:18:14 – Managing Burnout: Scheduling, Human Factors & “Crew‑10 Can Do Hard Things” 0:19:46 – Self‑Care as Team Care: Seasons of Life, Rest, and Being Present 0:26:02 – Family, Being an Aunt, and Balancing a Demanding Career 0:28:14 – Life After Space: Mentoring New Astronauts & Evolving as a Leader     ABOUT NICHOLE BIO U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers is a trailblazing pilot, leader and astronaut whose journey began at the United States Air Force Academy, where she graduated in 2011 with a degree in mathematics. An accomplished F-22 Raptor pilot, Ayers is one of the few women ever to fly the world's most advanced stealth fighter — and she's one of even fewer to command them in formation for combat training missions. Col. Ayers earned her wings through years of training and operational excellence, logging over 200 flight hours in combat and playing a critical role in advancing tactical aviation. Her exceptional performance led to her selection in 2021 by NASA as a member of Astronaut Group 23, an elite class of 10 chosen from among 12,000 applicants. As a NASA astronaut candidate, Col. Ayers completed intensive training at Johnson Space Center, which included spacewalk preparation, robotics, survival training, systems operations and Russian language. Now qualified for spaceflight, she stands on the threshold of a new chapter that led her to the International Space Station. Throughout her career, Col. Ayers has exemplified the Academy's core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. Her journey from cadet to combat aviator to astronaut is a testament to resilience, determination and a passion for pushing boundaries.   LEARN MORE ABOUT NICHOLE NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Guest: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers '11   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 Vapor, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. We are so thrilled you're here. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 0:11 Thank you. Thanks for having me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:12 Absolutely. So the cadets get to spend some time with you at NCLS. Here the Long Blue Line is going to get to hear from you. And you know, we can actually go through the list. You know, F-22 pilot, USAFA 2011 graduate, you've been in combat, you're a NASA pilot. The list is probably shorter what you haven't done. But, frankly, I'm just excited that you're here on Earth with us, because the last time we spoke, you called me from outer space. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 0:35 Yeah, that was a lot of fun. That was a lot of chat with you then too. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:38 So let's just jump right in. So if we can just kind of catapult you, and let's do it in the way that they that NASA does, into space, maybe starting with the countdown, and then the Gs you take, what is that experience like? And maybe, what are some things you were thinking about in those moments? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 0:53 Oh, yeah. So, you know, we launched on March 14. First attempt was March 12, and we actually scrubbed the first launch. So we got all the way down to T minus 42 minutes right before we armed the launch escape system. So that's kind of a big milestone on the countdown. We were having issues with some hydraulics in the clamp that actually holds on to the rocket wall and then let's go. We weren't quite sure whether it was gonna let go, so they scrubbed the launch then, and it was a fascinating — you don't feel like you've got a ton of adrenaline going, but, you know, you feel kind of like you're in a sim. We do some really phenomenal training. And so when you're sitting on top of the rocket, it feels like you're in a simulator, except it's breathing and living, and the valves are moving, and you can hear the propellant being loaded and all of that. And so there's a very real portion to launch date. But then, coming down off of that adrenaline, we got a day off, thankfully. We could just kind of rest and relax and then go again. So everything went smoother the second try. Of course, you know, everybody's nerves are a little less, and everything was — it just felt calmer the whole way out. But, yeah, when that countdown hits zero, I like to say you're being slingshotted off the Earth. That's how it felt. You know, in that moment, you're going. There's over a million pounds of thrust, and it's going. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:10 I mean, that sounds like a lot. I can't really fathom in my mind what that feels like. Can you describe it? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 2:17 You know, so I talked about in an F-22 and an afterburner takeoff, which is the most thrust that we have basically in any airplane on Earth. You know, you get set back in your seat really far. And, if you think of an airliner takeoff, you kind of get set back in your seat a little bit. Multiply that by, like, 10 or 20, and then that happened for nine minutes straight on a rocket. You're just being forcefully set back in your seat for nine minutes straight and just thrown off of the Earth, and in nine minutes, you're in orbit. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:49 So when you had your practice, did you experience that level for that long as well? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 2:54 For the simulators? So they can't that. We can't necessarily simulate the Gs in the sim. So that's like the one part that, you know, we go through the whole launch, but you're sitting at one G the whole time, and throughout the launch, you know, the Gs build, then we back off the thrust and the Gs build again, and then you have an engine cut off. And I like to explain, like, if you could visualize, like an old cartoon, and everybody's in the car driving, and Dad slams on the brakes, and everybody hits the windshield. And then he slams on the gas again, and everybody goes back to their seats. Like, that's what it felt like when the engine cut off and, you know, main engine cuts off, and then within a few seconds, the second engine lights, and you're set back in your seat again. So I like to give that visual. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 3:33 That's really helpful, actually. Wow. OK, so you're there, you're in space. And I guess my first question would be, what's something that, in that moment, you're either thinking or you're just, are you still just orienting yourself? What is that like? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 3:45 Oh, man, you know, we're still in the seats for the first few moments in space, and we have to open the nose cone. There's some other things that are happening on the spacecraft, and getting ready for a burn, for a phasing burn, to get up to and catch up with the International Space Station. But, you know, then eventually you get to unbuckle and get out of your seat and floating for the first time. I got out of my seat and I'm floating there. It felt like, you know, Captain Marvel when she's, like, hanging out. Yeah, that's, that's how I felt. And, you know, I like to give the visual, because it's like, it's just nothing you've ever experienced in your life, you know. And then you look out the window and the view is something, it's indescribable. You know, I don't think we have the right words in the English language to describe what it feels like to look back at Earth from space. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 4:35 Was there a moment when you're looking out at Earth — did you kind of play back just different things in your life? Did you think about, you know, significance of things, or, like, scope of things, or even just the vantage point? Did it kind of just change things or were you just in awe at the moment? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 4:49 No, I think, you know, we talked about the overview effect, when astronauts specifically look back at Earth, and it hits everybody kind of differently. And for me, I think the biggest thing you know, when you look at a map of the states or a map of the world, you know, every country is a different color, or every state's a different color, and there are lines that describe the borders, right? And those don't exist in in space. Those don't exist like when you can't see different colored states, right? But you can see the Grand Canyon, and you can see the mountains, and you can see the Amazon, and you can see the desert in Africa. And you get to, you know, you get to learn the world geography by colors and terrain. And it's just a really good reminder that, you know, we're all humans, and we're all on this little fragile marble, just trying to take care of each other and trying to take care of Earth. And so I think that's what hit me the most, was just there are no borders, and we're all the same. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 5:44 Gosh, well, it's a unique and probably highly impressive team that you're with. I mean, we know the road to get to becoming a NASA astronaut is certainly one that is very difficult. Starts from many, many, in the 1000s, down to 10. And so, you know, when we think about leadership, and I've heard you share this before with others, you talk about teamwork and leadership, maybe explain a little bit what that's like in space when you're all so highly effective leaders. You know, what does that look like? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 6:12 That's a great question. You know, I think for us, it is a very fluid movement, right? You lead one day; you follow the next. And you know, I'll give you an example. So Anne McClain was the commander of SpaceX Crew-10 for NASA. So she was in charge of Crew-10 is our ride up to the space station, and our ride home, right? It's the capsule, the rocket and the capsule. And then we were on Expedition 73 aboard the International Space Station, where Takuya, who it was, Takuya Onishi, who was our mission specialist on Dragon, soon as we crossed into the hatch and he took command. He is now the commander of the Space Station, and Anne and I are flight engineers, and so it's a pretty fluid movement in terms of leading and following. But ultimately, you know, it's just about being a good team and taking care of each other. And I think that being a good leader is taking care of other people. And, you know, we talk about team care — self-care, and team care are like the huge parts that we actually train and learn about at NASA as we go through our training, because you're on this really small space in the vacuum of space for five-plus months at a time, and it's — there are only seven people up there and everybody's going to have a bad day. We're all humans, and you can't, there's no hiding.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 7:30 What's a bad day like in space?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 7:32 People make mistakes, right? We're all human. You might make a mistake on something, you might mess up a procedure. You hope that it's not something that causes a safety incident, right? The main goal for me, at least, was, I know I'm going to make mistakes. As long as I'm not unsafe, I'll be happy. And I think that a lot of us have that conscious decision-making process. But I think that we're also humans and have Earth lives, and your Earth life doesn't stop when you go to space. And so bad days could be something going on at home. Bad days could be something going on in space. Could be an interaction that you had with somebody on the ground that, you know, there's a lot of communication that happens between us on the ground. There are thousands of humans on the Earth that keep the Space Station running. So that day could be anything but it's tough to hide up there. Here, you can kind of like, duck and cover and maybe you just spend the day in an office. But it doesn't happen up there. We have to continue to work and continue to function. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:32 So you mentioned that there are seven of you in this tight space. Now, when you go up there, your crew, is it the same seven?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 8:38 For the majority of the time. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:42 OK, excellent. So one of the things we think about whenever we're leading or we're working with teams is trust, and obviously you have a great amount of trust with the crew that you're going up there with. But then you mentioned you went on to the ISS and you're working with others. What does that look like when it's someone maybe you haven't worked as closely with in a really important mission? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 9:03 So for the seven expedition members, we actually do train together for a little bit of it, not nearly as closely as, you know, the four of us training for Dragon mission. But because the most dynamic parts are launch and landing, we do a lot of training together, just as the four of us, but we train all over the world. So we go to Japan and Germany and Canada, and we go to, you know, Hawthorne, California, and we go to Russia, and we train with them, and we learn about the Russian segment, and we train with our fellow cosmonauts there. And we do emergency training specifically all together, because it takes all seven of us in an emergency doing the right thing and knowing everybody's roles. And so we train that together as well. And then anytime you're in the same country or same city together, then you get to spend the time outside of the training to get to know each other. And so you actually know your crew fairly well. But obviously, everybody's from a different nation. And we had Americans, we had a Japanese astronaut, we had Russians, so you learn everybody's culture, and it's actually, you know, to your point on being in that small — and not necessarily knowing everybody. There's also a cultural aspect; we get to know each other. We get to learn about other people's cultures and figure out how to communicate and live and work, even across the whole world. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 10:19 What was something that you learned from another culture of astronaut, maybe in the leadership realm, or just something that you took away, that's really something that surprised me, or like to emulate? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 10:30 I love Taku's leadership style. So Takuya Onishi — he's one of those more quiet humans, and he's super kind, but he is the most intelligent human I've ever met, and he is super-efficient with everything he does, and he pays attention to all of the little things. And so he only speaks up when he thinks something needs to be changed, or when he thinks that, like, we need to go in a different direction, otherwise, he's pretty happy to let you go, like, let you go as far as you want to go on something. And then when he thinks you're gonna run off a cliff, he pulls you back. So when he speaks, everybody listens. And I love that. I think some of that is cultural, obviously, him being from Japan, but I think it's also just his personal leadership style, but I learned a ton from him in terms of how to interact with people, how to let people be themselves, but also how to run a ship, and everybody knew exactly who was running the ship. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 11:22 Wow. And it shows that respect lens that you're just kind of talking about when he spoke. Everybody listens. Is that something that you feel you already had that kind of leadership style or is that something that you've kind of evolved in yourself? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 11:37 I like to think that that's the way that I lead. That's kind of how I try to be a leader. But we're not perfect, right? Nobody's perfect. And watching him, you know, taking notes from how he interacted with everybody, the things that he thought of, the things that he brought with him for us on station, you know, we get a very limited amount of stuff, personal things that we get to bring with us. And he brought things for the crew that were like, huge milestones for professional careers. You know, just the attention to detail on the human beings around him was pretty phenomenal. So it's one of the things I'm working on to be better at, because I like to think I'm good at it. But I saw the master work. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 12:18 I love that. And something you said about him, he always has attention to detail, and he saw the little things. He paid attention to the little things. I remember a past conversation we had. You had a little nugget from Col. Nick Hague, also USAFA — '98 I believe. And I think he said to you, something about, you know, “Nicole, don't forget that you're squishy,” or something like that. And so have you had more of those moments in there where they're like little nuggets or little moments that actually give you a big return or big lessons in your life? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 12:46 Oh, definitely, yeah, that one's a funny one, because the space station is metal. Everything is metal, and it's hard and so we still have weight, well, mass. We still have mass. We don't have weight, right, because we're in microgravity. But if you're cooking around a corner and you run into a handrail, it's gonna hurt, you know, if you imagine going 10 or 15 mph into something metal, it's gonna hurt — you're squishy. So that was a great lesson in slowing down and making sure you're watching your surroundings. But one of the things that Anne McClain says that cracks me up, but every time it happens, like, “Yep, this is definitely—," she says, “Experience is that thing you learn right after you need it.” And so we had a lot of those moments where you learn a lesson and you're like, “Ah, I wish I knew that five minutes ago.” And so that's something that applies everywhere. Experience is that thing you always needed right before that happened. But we also like to say Crew-10 can do hard things. That's another thing that was just kind of our motto, whether it's training — some of the training can be really physically demanding. It's really mentally demanding. And it's a lot of travel. When you get assigned to a mission, it's probably a year and a half to two years of training, and then you're gone for six months. So out of that two to two and a half years, you're not home for over a year. So you're all over the world, traveling to train and work. And like I said, we're all humans. We have Earth lives, we have homes, you get situations back home. And so navigating personal lives, navigating professional lives, navigating tough training. Crew-10 can do hard things. We like to say that. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 14:22 I like that. It also talks a bit about your grit. Crew-10 grit. So, talking about hard things, I'd like to take us to the time when you've been piloting the F-22 and you've seen combat. I heard you speaking a little bit before about a no-notice deployment. Let's visit that time in your life. What were you doing? What was your role, and what was something you experienced? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 14:47 Sure. So I was actually flying the day that we got notified. And, you know, just a standard training sortie — had landed, and some of the maintainers were like, “Hey, have you heard what's happening?” And I was like, “No, what's happening?” And then we had a big squadron meeting, and that's when we got notified, like, “Hey, we're deploying.” We were on the GRF, is what it was called at the time, Global Response Force, and I think some of that structure has changed since I left that squadron, but we knew that once we were on the GRF, there was a chance that we would get activated and get moved somewhere. Didn't necessarily expect it to be quite that quick. I think it was like the next week we got this deployment. So we got notified on a Thursday, I think, and then on Monday, I was taking off.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:31 Oh, really no notice.   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 15:33 Yeah, so, four days later, we were taking off, and then seven days later, we were flying missions from — we were stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, so we're flying out of Al Udeid within a week. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:45 How many with you?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 15:47 So when we deploy, we actually deploy with our maintenance squadrons, 300 people. Twenty to 30 of them are the pilots, and then the rest are the maintainers. And so it's the entire squadron. We morph into an expeditionary squadron. And so there are 300 people that head out. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 16:03 So I imagine, you know, on top of the fact that it was such a rapid movement, there's probably things that people had to obviously work through family. This needs to happen. But what were some things that you experienced in that deployment, or even in just that transition? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 16:21 Again, I go back to taking care of people. I was a flight commander at the time. We had two flight commanders, so I'm in charge of basically half the squadron, and we had a really wonderful commander who gave us the authority and the autonomy to leave the squadron. So, you know, it's about saying, like, “How are you guys doing at home?” Half our squadron didn't even have tan flight suits. You know, we're trying, we're working with logistics. We're trying to get everything ready. Like, does everybody have a go bag? Does everybody even know what a go bag is? Do you have the things you need? So working all of that. And then do you have the childcare figured out? Do you have the — how is all your family doing? Are you ready for this? And then we had to do a bunch of last-minute training before we left. And so it's a really busy time, but it was one of the first times where I felt like I had an influence on the people that were under me, that I had supervised. And so it was a really great experience to solve those problems, figure it out and help people get off the ground in four days successfully, and leaving something, some semblance of structure at home. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:24 So you said it was the first time where you kind of really felt that you had that impact. What would you say kind of maybe crystallized within yourself in learning that? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 17:36 I think it really solidified. I think I said, “I try to lead by taking care of people,” right? I truly believe if you take care of the human, they're going to do a really great job. You don't have to ask much of people at work and in their professional life, if their personal and the human side of them is taken care of and so that's kind of what I mean when I say that solidified it for me, like, make sure that the humans are good to go, and they'll go do anything you want to do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:04 Wow. So while on that deployment, you're leading half of that squadron. What were some of the challenges maybe that you experienced, and how did you grow as a leader during that timeframe? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 18:14 Scheduling is definitely a tough one. So we flew daytime and nighttime. We basically had an F-22 airborne for almost 24 hours a day for the entire six months, six and a half months. We left and we were told it might be two- or three-month deployment, and then it turned into six months. And then we got delayed up coming home. And so then we stayed through Christmas. And those are the things that really are tough for people. But we have a limited number of jets that we took. We have a limited number of pilots; we have a limited number of maintainers and parts. And so I think for us, managing a schedule between me and the other flight commander, managing a schedule, managing quality of life for everybody, and make sure that we're not burning people out, or that they're not —we're flying eight-, nine-, 10-hour sorties, right? And that's exhausting. It's just you and that airplane with your wingman and a different airplane. And so you have to manage, again, that human factor. The human capital is probably the toughest thing to manage. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 19:15 Wow, and you talked about how the deployment kind of got extended. What were some things, because many of our listeners and our viewers are leaders, and at different levels of leadership and different times in their lives where they're doing that. When you were leading, and you had some of those subordinates, or those that were working with you that really experienced some troubles, through emotions, through some of that. How did you help navigate them through that when you were all in that as well? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 19:46 Right. You know, I think at NASA especially, we talk about self-care being a huge part of team care. And so making sure I do this in my regular life too, but, you know, making sure that you're getting enough rest, making sure that you're taking care of yourself and your personal life, so that you can truly be present for the other people that need you. And I think being present for others is one of the biggest things that you can do. You know, they may not need a ton of help, or they may not need the solution, but being there, being available and being present for people is really important. But you can't do that unless you're good to go yourself. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 20:18 Did you see that from someone? Did you learn that from someone you saw doing that? Or just, how did, I mean NASA's — you said, NASA, but did you see that at the Academy? Or where did you kind of gather that? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 20:28 You know, I think one of the things that hit me hard about showing up and being present was actually more professional. I kind of skated through the Academy on minimal sleep, and I was able to manage everything. But I wasn't flying a $143 million airplane. And so, in pilot training, we started to talk about crew rest and pilot rest. That's the first time that I had heard this concept of, “You need to go home and get rest so that you can be on your game.” Because flying airplanes, your decisions have real consequences, right? And you have to be present and available, and you have to be on your game to fly airplanes and do well in airplanes. And then the faster and the higher and the better the airplane gets, the more on your game you have to be. So I think it's something that has just kind of evolved in me. And then, as a leader, I realized, if you don't have any gas in the tank, you cannot help somebody else. And so for me, it's just kind of been, over the last decade and a half, of, wow, I need my sleep. I need to make sure I'm good to go. I need to make sure my human is good, so that way I can help other humans. And yeah, when your decisions have real consequences, it's important that you're present and you're ready to go. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 21:43 Have you seen some of the fact that you prioritize that for yourself, for you as your own human? Have you seen others kind of like see that, view that, and actually take that on as well themselves. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 21:53 Yeah, I think they do. And I think, as a leader, it's really important to set that example. The commander cannot be the first one in last one out. Like, you just can't do that, because everybody's going to stay until you leave. So setting the example, setting the example of having a good home-life balance as well. Like, home and work have to be balanced. Sleep has to be balanced. Again, self-care is the biggest part of team care, I think. And if you model that, people start to realize it's important. You know, the younger people that might burn themselves out trying to get somewhere, trying to get to the next step, or trying to impress somebody, or whatever the case may be, if they see you taking a step back and they see your success, maybe then they can start worrying about themselves too. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 22:34 I think that's a great lesson, leading by example. For sure. There are probably moments that you experience both at the Academy, while flying the F-22 or as an astronaut, where you don't have the luxury of balance. How do you navigate that and how do you help others get to that space maybe quicker? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 22:53 I think of everything as a season in life. It might just be a busy season, and you might just have to put some time in but making sure that you are planning ahead and know that you're gonna be able to take some time and reset. And that could be anything, right? That could be personal life, professional life. That could be the four-week training trip that we've got is going to be rough, and its multiple time zones, and it's a ton of training, it's a ton of information. You just have to get through it. But then, that week, when we got home, I made sure my schedule was a little lighter. Whatever the balance is, I think of things in seasons. Crew-10 can do hard things, right? And that came from — you can get through this next training session, right? But we're gonna do a mask-to-suit transition, which is like in a fire, you've got a mask on. You have to get from that mask into your spacesuit. It's a significant physical event. And there's limited oxygen; there's limited ability to breathe in the suit when in that specific environment. And so how do you slow down, take the breaths you need to get in there to not then get to a point where you're panicking, right? Or that you're too exhausted or too hot or overdid, or whatever it is, right? So I think even just that, that is a season. We're going to do two hours of this. That's my season, and then we'll get out of the simulator, we'll take a break, right? And if it happened on orbit, it would be like, “We're going to get through this. We're going to solve the problem. We're going to manage the emergency, and then once things are set, we'll have a moment to breathe.” So that's kind of how I think of it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 24:21 Did seasons come something, a term that you kind of realized maybe at the Academy, you were a volleyball athlete at the Academy, and so volleyball has a season. But my question is, like, how did you come to that realization? Like, “Oh, I can get through this, and I put it in a bucket of time.” Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 24:35 You learn a lot of time management at the Academy, and when you're in the fall, you're really busy, spring season is less busy, and so you kind of learn early how to manage. Like, “OK, I've got to run. I gotta sprint,” right? “And then I can jog later, or I can walk later.” So, I think you learn that growing up in school, and you know, if you play sports or you do extracurricular activities or other things like that, or even just seasons in life at home, life ebbs and flows. I don't even know when I started saying it, but my sister and I started saying “seasons of life” to each other a long time ago. You know, she's got three kiddos, so she's been in all sorts of seasons. But, yeah, it's just, you know, I think I started to time block things, or block things off and just, and that's the only way you're going to get through life, is if you focus on what you need to do right now, be good at it, and then move to the next thing. You can have an idea of what's coming next, but you have to be present and do what you're doing there. Yes, so, yeah, seasons, time, blocks, whatever you want to call it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 25:39 I like that. Well, you brought up your sister, and so you're an auntie of three. Let's talk about your personal life and leadership, some experiences you've had navigating your schedule. You're on the road so much. How do you prioritize? I guess the things that are important to you when you have such a heavy schedule, yeah, being on the road and the people that are important to you, right? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 26:03 Man, I think that for me, my family has been a huge support system my whole life. My twin sister — built in best friend.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:13 And who is older? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 26:14 She is. She's got me by a minute. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:18 OK. Does she hold that over you?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 26:20 Yes, of course she does. We've just always supported each other 100% and everything. She's been my biggest cheerleader through all of my life, and I've been her biggest cheerleader through all of her life. And you know, my main goal in life is to be the coolest auntie, like the best auntie, and I would die happy. And they're a huge priority to me. I see them every couple two to three months — since my oldest has was born. So for the last 14 years, just made it a priority, even if it's like, leave late on a Friday night and then get home late Sunday night, I make the effort to go see them and to interact with them. And you know, to help foster them. You know they're growing up. And I love watching kids grow up and experience the world and see what can be done. Their dad's a Marine, their mom's this really successful real estate agent, their auntie' a pilot-slash-astronaut. You know, they've got, like, all these no family that's really not doing very much. Yeah, you know, they've got all these really great role models. And my goal is to just show them that it doesn't matter who you are, like they only ever know me as auntie. Like they know I'm an astronaut, and they love that. Their friends know that I'm an astronaut. Anti vapor, no, no, yeah. But, you know, like, they're always gonna get a big hug from auntie, like, that's, that's what's important to me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:36 Well, you mentioned, going into space, being an auntie. So, would you describe your time and space is, it's probably out of this world. I mean, that's, wow, that's terrible. That's terrible I said it that way. But I think you've mentioned it is kind of the best time in your life. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 27:52 Yeah. Best five months my life. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:56 Best five months of your life, and it's passed. Now, when we think about our evolution, whether personally, professionally, as leaders, etc., we have these ideas in our mind, like, this is the pinnacle. How do you navigate what's next after you've experienced that pinnacle? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 28:14 Yeah, that's a great question, and I think it's something that a lot of us struggle with when we come home. What's next? We get six months, some time to think and kind of get reintegrated. And you don't necessarily have to go back to work right away. I was able to spend a ton of time with my sister and her kiddos. Yeah, what's next. And I think for me, like the drive out to the launch pad, I was like, “Man, I've made it.” You know, the first time I looked out the window from Dragon, “I've made it.” First time we crossed the hatch, and I went and looked out the glass like, “Wow. The hard work paid off.” And I still feel like that to this day. I would have spent four more months in space if they had asked me to, and I would have turned around and launched right back then the day that we landed, and it was because of the crewmates that I spent it with and the fulfillment that I got from the mission. But I think you can find fulfillment in a lot of ways. And you know, my job, now that I've been back, I'm going to be working with the new class of astronauts and their training for spacewalk. So in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, our big pool, like, my job is to be their mentor as they go through the spacewalk training. And you know, like, I cannot wait. I'm so excited. I cannot wait to have an impact and try to help teach this next generation of spacewalkers, this next generation of astronauts, to be better than us. I find a lot of fulfillment in making the next generation better. So I think, however the fulfillment shows up for people, I think as long as you can find something, there you'll be happy. Going to space was great, but teaching and instructing and mentoring is also really fulfilling for me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:54 And that will be 10 of them? How many will that be? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 29:55 Ten.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:56 Ten. So then you'll have 13. You'll be auntie to 13. Oh, that's wonderful. What have you learned about yourself since then? You know, you've evolved as a leader through different situations, high threat, high risk. Safety is paramount. All of those different experiences. And now you're back on Earth and you're about to, you know, mentor. How have you evolved your leadership, and where would you say you're trying to go? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 30:23 Where am I trying to go? I think, for me, leadership is also about being vulnerable and being open and honest with people about failures or hardships and so, you know, like in the flying community, if you make a mistake, you're immediately like, “Hey, I messed this up. Here's how we fix it.” And that's something that we do at NASA as well, especially on a grand scale, right? Thousands of employees and everybody like, that's the only way that we get to space is by admitting when we've made mistakes, talking to each other about how we fix it and sharing those lessons learned. And so I think that especially when you get into the higher roles of leadership, it's important to go, “Hey, I messed up,” or, “Hey, I don't know the answer.” And being transparent with the people that you're working with. And if you don't know it, but you know where to go find it, like, “I'll get that answer for you,” instead of making up an answer, trying to figure out how to look like you're in charge, right? It's really important to me to also show that we don't know everything. We're human. We make mistakes, and it's OK to make mistakes, as long as you share it, and you share the lessons learned, and you make the next person better. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 31:32 Did you experience that personally? Did you have a moment in which you had to say, “Hey, I made a mistake,” and that's helped you realize that being vulnerable is really important or is that just something you've seen done really well? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 31:40 Oh, I've admitted a lot of mistakes. You know, I made a couple pretty big mistakes in the Raptor. Everybody's gonna make a big mistake at some point in their life. And, you know, I think that that was something that was modeled really well in the flying community early on. And it's something that's not tolerated if you're not willing to share your lessons learned. It's not tolerated in that community. That's a really good thing. I learned that in pilot training, right? If your buddy in your class makes the same mistake the next day that you made, you get in trouble because you didn't tell them how to how to prepare. And so it's fostered early on, especially in the flying community. I can't speak to any other community because I grew up there, but it's fostered early on, and so it's just something that comes naturally. I think eventually, because you just, you've seen it done so many times, and if you want other people to succeed, you're going to do it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 32:29 All right. Well, we have two questions left. The first one is, what's something you do every day to be a better leader? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 32:37 That's a good one. This is gonna sound silly, but I sleep. Like, I'll go back to the self-care thing, right? Like, I put a lot of attention into being healthy, being hydrated, sleeping well. Like, if you take care of your body, your mind is going to do way more for you. And so I think you can show up as a better leader if you show up, rested, hydrated, fed, worked out whatever you need to do to be the best human you can be. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 33:09 That's what I try to do. OK. I like that a lot, and I think that's a good indication for me that six hours is probably not enough. Naviere needs a little bit more. And it's truth, because you told me, though I'm gonna do that. The second one is, if you could go back in time, maybe what's something you would have told yourself — your younger self — or maybe, as our cadets are listening, that you've learned and what they can be doing now to be a better leader down the road. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 33:34 If you run into a hardship or you fail at something, or something feels insurmountable, or you don't feel like you're ready, good enough, or whatever the case may be, doubt starts to seep in, right? I would say, rely on the support system that you have. Rely on the people around you. Talk about it. Figure out, you know, “Hey, I failed this GR, like, man, this kind of sucks.” And you know, maybe you just need to hear me say it out loud, and maybe I just need to get it off my chest, or maybe I need help trying to figure out the solution for whatever the case may be. So, you know, I had a built-in team on the volleyball team. I had a built-in friends and teammates that I could lean on. Maybe that's your squadronmates or your classmates, or whoever it is, right? And I think finding the friends that you can rely on for the rest of your life. Professionally, I've got a friend here that I met in the F-22 community. We've been friends for almost a decade now, and he's still one of the first people that I call when something happens, like, “Oh, I messed this up today. Help.” So, you know, finding a support system. My sister's the other person that I call first off. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:38 She probably knows you're gonna call when you call. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 34:39 Yeah, we talk way too much. But, you know, having that support system around you and finding people that really bolster you and get you across that line and help you find the courage to take the next step, I think that's really important. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:54 I know I said there was only two, but as I've listened to you, I just think you're just you're just remarkable, and maybe what's something that you're proud about yourself as a leader. I would really love to hear that in your, you know— Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 35:05 I think the thing that makes me the most proud as a leader is when somebody succeeds and it's something that I helped them do. I've had somebody come back and say, “Thanks for saying that.” That pushed me out the edge, you know, like, I'm really into building the next generation and make them better than us. And so if I see somebody succeeding, that's good. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:27 Well, this has been incredible. Is there anything that we didn't cover that you would love to share with the Long Blue Line in our community? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 35:33 Oh, man, the community is great. I think I would just say thank you to the community. I've gotten so much love and support from Coloradans, but also the Long Blue Line and the Air Force in general. You know, I love the community that we have. It goes right back to what I just said, right, finding a community that supports you and pushes you to do better and be better. And this is that community. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:55 Well, Vapor, I promise I'm gonna get more sleep, and I just want to thank you for being such an incredible leader and guest here on Long Blue Leadership. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 36:03 Thanks for having me back. Absolutely.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 36:05 Thanks. You know, this conversation was really incredible with Vapor. I think some of the things that really stood out to me is just how incredible as a human she is. She brings humanity into leadership. She puts people first. She thinks about the team. She works hard. Don't forget to prioritize sleep. But I think really, some of the lessons that we can all take away can hit us all personally, because if you think about people first and taking care of them, and the fact that you have to take care of yourself too, you can go really far in leadership. So I really appreciate her today on Long Blue Leadership. And I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. Until next time.   KEYWORDS Joel Neeb, Long Blue Leadership, Air Force Academy leadership, USAFA leadership, military leadership podcast, leadership development, leadership lessons, character-based leadership, leadership under pressure, leading with integrity, decision making in leadership, mentorship and leadership, values-based leadership, service before self, leadership mindset, leadership podcast interview, military leadership stories, leadership for professionals, leadership for entrepreneurs, how to be a better leader, leadership growth.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation        

From expensive groceries to costly housing to pricey healthcare, affordability has been top of mind for Colorado legislators – even when it comes down to the price of a hot dog at Ball Arena. Last week, a bill aimed at capping how much businesses can charge in “captive” situations – think places like airports, stadiums, and hospitals where food options are limited – died in a legislative committee. The bill's sponsor, Representative Yara Zokaie, joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the affordability debate, plus share what she's hearing from family back home in Iran and which restaurants, bars, and coffee shops near the Capitol are hotspot for the lobbyists and legislators making deals.   Check out the job listing for our creative producer position with City Cast Denver!  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the price of concessions at stadiums? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 16th episode: Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In this episode, Victor Marx, a seeing the Republican nomination for governor of Colorado, joins the show. He's working to get on the ballot through a unique hybrid approach, combining petition signatures and the assembly process. Victor shares his vision for the state, including his plans for accountability and finances, and how he'd tackle the budget deficit. He also opens up about his experience working with state officials and the importance of leadership in addressing the state's spending problem. With a focus on transparency and results, Victor's campaign is gaining momentum, and he's grateful for the support of everyday Coloradans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big changes might be coming to Denver's scooter and bike share scene – the city chose a new operator, Veo, and if city council signs off on the deal, Lime and Bird are out of the picture. Joining host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi is Andy Cushen, co-host of the Denver Urbanism podcast, to discuss what this impending shift means for everyday scooter and bike share users, plus the future of Lime's very popular equity access program. Then, a sales tax increase could land on November's ballot that would fund a Front Range Passenger Rail – but before that happens, boosters want Coloradans to pick a name for the train. Will having a cute moniker for the rail line endear voters to say yes to a sales tax increase?  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Do you like any of the names for the yet-to-be-built Front Range Passenger Rail? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 10th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In this episode of The Mandy Connell Show, Mandy dives into the urban-rural divide in Colorado, discussing the challenges faced by rural communities. She's joined by Wade Haerle, executive director of Club 20, a group advocating for Western Slope interests. They talk about the need for improved roads, energy infrastructure, and a more balanced approach to economic development. Mandy also shares her thoughts on the decline of patriotism among Democrats and the importance of understanding the perspectives of rural Coloradans. The conversation touches on the complexities of rural-urban relationships and the need for cooperation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Denver City Council has unanimously advanced a proposal to ban law enforcement from wearing masks and to require them to show identification. It was prompted by the actions of unidentifiable ICE agents who've been arresting people across the country. Then, Coloradans vacationing in Puerto Vallarta share their experiences after violence and explosions following the death of a notorious drug cartel kingpin. Also, how one woman's quest to get a birth certificate is changing guidelines in Colorado. And "Black History Live Chautauqua" honors the legacy of Paul Robeson.

Today on Joe Oltmann Untamed, Patrick is taking the mic to expose the woke mind virus that's infected every corner of our lives on social media, failing schools, courts, politicians, and beyond. This isn't just cultural rot; it's the front line of a slow-rolling Communist Revolution in America that's been building for decades through indoctrination, organized chaos, and weaponized equity agendas that leave our kids unprepared for reality while pushing them into sexual confusion and obedience. We're watching the system demand compliant citizens hooked on universal basic income and government control exactly what the Communists want.Joe sits down with Chaz Evanson, the unaffiliated firebrand running for Governor who's refusing to play by the establishment's rules. Chaz isn't just another politician; he's a retired Marine veteran with a PhD-level grasp of the issues, zero tolerance for corruption, and a bold vision to reclaim Colorado from one-party rule, woke indoctrination, and government overreach. From restoring parental rights and safe schools to slashing wasteful spending, securing the border, and putting everyday Coloradans first, this interview dives deep into the future of our state and why the status quo is crumbling.We dissect the effects of Communism. Pramila Jayapal's “Trans Bill of Rights” pushing radical gender ideology, New Jersey forcing second-graders into gender identity and sexual health lessons, and anti-American chants from people who admit they're only here for the money. Add skyrocketing remittances to Mexico (64.7 billion USD in 2024, 3.5% of their GDP), Islamic calls to prayer blasting through New York at 5 a.m. under a new mayor, NYC streets buried in feces, Washington Democrats raiding firefighter pensions, and Polis pretending he didn't know Palantir fled Colorado for Florida. The evidence is undeniable that the Commies grip is suffocating us, and it's time to call it what it is: a deliberate takeover.

Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang puts the latest inflation numbers in perspective and what Coloradans are cutting back on as they adjust their spending. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/14/denver-consumer-prices-cpi-inflation-tariffs/ https://cossa.co/conference https://coloradosun.com/outsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full show - FrYiday | Scar search | News or Nope - Coloradans in the Olympics, Nick Jonas, and Pizza Hut | Feel Good Friday | Drunk or Kid | Erin should be meaner | Slacker's solo Super Bowl | It's time to turn in your Cards for Kids! | Stupid stories www.instagram.com/theslackershow www.instagram.com/ericasheaaa www.instagram.com/thackiswack www.instagram.com/radioerin

In today's high-octane episode of Joe Oltmann Untamed, we dive into the dramatic aftermath of yesterday's January 14, 2026, Tina Peters Colorado Court of Appeals hearing, where a three-judge panel (Ted Tow, Craig Welling, and Lino Lipinsky de Orlov) relentlessly grilled prosecutors on major flaws: a blatant indictment error swapping "might" for "must" that wrongly escalated a potential misdemeanor to felony, the questionable punishment of her protected First Amendment speech by branding her a "charlatan" at sentencing, and the exclusion of key evidence showing no personal gain signaling serious cracks in the Attorney General's case and potential paths to resentencing or reversal.We also unpack escalating chaos in Minnesota, where President Trump blasts corrupt politicians on Truth Social for failing to stop professional agitators looting federal vehicles, stealing rifles, and vandalizing ICE operations while Kyle Seraphin raises sharp questions about leftist gun hypocrisy, and "Tampon Tim" Walz's rhetoric fans the flames. Joe fires back with a strong post affirming most Coloradans stand with ICE, POTUS, law, order, and common sense, exposing the radical minority's grip through fraud and bots.We welcome Delta Force veteran and Green Beret Dale Comstock, author of American Badass, for a no-holds-barred tactical breakdown of a potential Maduro extraction drawing from his legendary 1989 explosive breach of Modelo Prison in Panama, weighing modern challenges with Russian/Chinese influence, urban threats, foreign actor backlash (Iran, Hezbollah), oil infrastructure risks, narco-state fallout, and post-removal protection lessons amid hybrid warfare. Later, attorney Jonathan Moseley (22-year veteran, George Mason Law grad, Jan. 6 defender for Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, American Thinker contributor) returns for an in-depth follow-up on the oral arguments, dissecting the judges' tough questioning and what it means for Tina's fight. This is an unfiltered truth on domestic injustice, global ops, and the battle for America catch us live now!