Podcasts about Colorado State University

Today's episode is for anyone who has ever come home from a trip feeling subtly or not so subtly changed. My guest today is Dr. Michael F. Steger, Professor of Psychology and founding director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. Mike has published over 150 scholarly articles and created two of the most widely used measures of meaning in the world, and somehow makes all of it feel like a conversation you'd want to have over dinner. We unpack what meaning actually is significance, coherence, and purpose and then bring it straight into travel. Why do unfamiliar places sometimes make us feel more like ourselves? Can a trip be genuinely meaningful, or does it just slide into beautiful consumption? And what does it take to come home not just rested, but also more alive? If you've ever wondered if travel makes life more meaningful, this episode is for you.   Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Dr. Lesley Robinson, Founder & CEO of Embolden Education and Co-Founder of the ayana Foundation. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurial leadership, Dr. Robinson has spent more than two decades helping founders, educators, and students develop the confidence, skills, and community needed to thrive. She currently serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University and previously founded the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. Through her work, she has championed equitable access to entrepreneurship education, funding, and mentorship for women and underrepresented founders around the world.  In this inspiring conversation, Catherine and Lesley discuss the critical role education plays in closing the funding gap for women entrepreneurs and why entrepreneurial thinking should be introduced much earlier in life. They explore the launch of the Show Her The Money VC101 educational program on college campuses, the power of representation in helping women see themselves as founders, and the importance of building supportive communities that foster growth and opportunity. Lesley also shares insights from her work with the ayana Foundation, Colorado State University, and the Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellowship, highlighting how education, community, and access to capital can transform lives and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Websites Mentioned: https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

Sheep and goat prices look good this spring.There's a little uncertainty about corn acreage in the Texas High Plains this year.Staff for members of the Texas Legislature are learning more about agriculture.Students at Colorado State University have developed an AI tool to help grade beef.Horn flies cost cattlemen a lot of money.

Mountain climbing was an unusual pastime in the 1920s. It was particularly unusual among women. But Agnes Vaille made a name for herself as a tough, formidable climber. Soon, she found herself setting records. In 1925, she and fellow climber Walter Kiener decided to make history as the first people to climb Longs Peak's east face in the wintertime. Their friends warned them against the dangerous climb. But Walter and Agnes couldn't be dissuaded.Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from: Alexander, Ruth M. “The Agnes Vaille Tragedy of 1925: A Turning Point in the History of Longs Peak.” In People and Nature on the Mountaintop: A Resource and Impact Study of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado State University, 2010.American Alpine Institute. “Route Profile: Kiener's Route.” November 4, 2019. https://www.alpineinstitute.com/route-profile-kiener-s-route/.Fort Collins Coloradoan. “Sortland's Body Found Near Hotel.” February 26, 1925.Jessen, Kenneth. “Tragedy Haunted Longs Peak Climber Walter Kiener.” Loveland Reporter Herald, June 18, 2015. https://archive.is/Im3f1.Las Vegas Optic. “Many Visit Museum.” June 3, 1914.“Longs Peak | Colorado Encyclopedia.” https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/longs-peak.Robertson, Janet. The Magnificent Mountain Women: Adventures in the Colorado Rockies. With Arlene Blum. Bison Books, 2020.“Roger Wolcott Toll | Colorado Encyclopedia.” https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/roger-wolcott-toll.Sherman, John Dickinson. “Kiener's Lookout.” Ashland Pioneer Press, September 18, 1925.The Houston Chronicle. “Shelter Cabin 13,200 Feet Up on High Peak Is Memorial to Girl.” September 19, 1926.The Keota News. “Colorado News Notes.” July 5, 1918.The Orange County Plain Dealer. “Two Girls First to Climb High Peak.” July 31, 1922.The Record. “Society Personal.” April 22, 1913.Vaille, Howard T. “Early Years of the Telephone in Colorado.” The Colorado Magazine, August 1928.Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you'll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90's style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin's previous podcast, Let's Go To Court.

Elephants call each other by name. They grieve. They remember. They communicate across distances in frequencies we are only beginning to hear. What does it mean to truly listen to another species — one with memory, language, and a social world as intricate as our own?In this Listening Field conversation, we enter the world of elephant communication with two of its most devoted witnesses.  Dr. Mickey Pardo led the landmark discovery that elephants address one another with name-like calls — a finding that traveled around the world and cracked open new questions about animal cognition and communication. Moderated by Katie Surma of Inside Climate News, whose reporting sits at the intersection of science, rights of Nature, and environmental justice, this conversation asks not only what elephants are saying, but what it means for us to finally listen.Dr. Mickey Pardo is a behavioral ecologist and bioacoustician interested in the intersection of animal communication, cognition, conservation, and welfare. He earned his PhD in behavioral ecology from Cornell University, where he studied vocal communication and social cognition in both Asian elephants and Acorn Woodpeckers. He completed a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at Colorado State University on vocal communication in African elephants, working in collaboration with Save The Elephants in Kenya, where he led the discovery that elephants address each other with name-like calls. This work was featured by over 3,000 media outlets in more than 90 countries, including the New York Times, NPR: Morning Edition, and BBC World, and helped contribute to the recent surge of interest in using machine learning to understand animal communication. During a second postdoc in the Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Dr. Pardo expanded his skillset into applied wildlife conservation, using passive acoustic monitoring, AI, and computer simulations to assess the status of bird populations. He is currently a Senior Scientist at the non-profit research organization ElephantVoices, where he is once again studying vocal communication in African elephants. Dr. Pardo has authored over a dozen scholarly publications, including in top scientific journals such as Nature Ecology and Evolution and Current Biology. In addition to his scientific work, he is an outspoken advocate for the rights of nonhuman animals and for food system reform to end our reliance on animal agriculture and commercial fishing.To learn more about Mickey's work, visit ElephantVoices' website here:  https://elephantvoices.org/Katie Surma is a reporter at Inside Climate News covering the rights of nature movement and international environmental justice. Her work has a strong focus on the intersection of human rights and the environment. Before joining ICN, she practiced law, specializing in commercial litigation. Her journalism work has been recognized by the Overseas Press Club, the Society of Environmental Journalists, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and others. Katie has a master's degree in investigative journalism from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, an LLM in international rule of law and security from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, a J.D. from Duquesne University, and was a History of Art and Architecture major at the University of Pittsburgh. Learn more about Katie's work at https://insideclimatenews.org/Support the show

"It all has to come from within. So we each have to be in conversation with ourselves and with the work. It's really a relationship, not a project," says Ramona Ausubel, author of Unstuck: A Writer's Guide.Today we have Ramona Ausubel, author of Unstuck: A Writer's Guide. It's published by Tin House.Ramona's curriculum vitae is pretty dope. She's the author of the novels The Last Animal, Sons and Daughters of East and Plenty and No One is Here Except All of Us and the craft book Unstuck: 101 Doorways Leading from the Blank Page to the Last Page.Had a TON of fun with this one and it's a craft bomb.Ramona's work has appeared in The New Yorker, Tin House, The New York Times, Electric Literature, and The Paris Review online. She has taught with Tin House, Bread Loaf, and she's a professor at Colorado State University.This is a really fun and really crafty chat. We talk about: Why people want to be writers in the first place The people who stick around Coming up with ways through It's a relationship not a project No writing is ever wasted Nobody needs a kind-of-written book Submission clubs The offering is the action Community Shame, doubt, and envy Lifelong process of voice Inviting in other influences When querying asking 'who will you be?' PlatformYou can learn more about Ramona at ramonaausubel.com and follow her on Instagram @ramonaausubel.If you like this episode, I would definitely check out: Eps. 48 and 207 with Roy Peter Clark Ep. 49 with Dinty W. Moore Ep. 50 with Ted Conover

In this episode of the AgNext Podcast, Kim and John are joined by Dr. Cesar Velasquez to discuss his journey from Honduras to Colorado State University and his research focused on calf health and beef-on-dairy production systems. Cesar shares insights from his doctoral research on colostrum management, calf performance, and the long-term impacts of early-life care on animal health and sustainability.About AgNext at Colorado State University: AgNext is a research collaborative at Colorado State University dedicated to advancing the science of sustainable animal agriculture. Founded in 2020, AgNext works across disciplines and departments, leveraging expertise from across the university. Through strong partnerships with producers, industry leaders, and policymakers, AgNext identifies and scales science-based innovations that support animal and ecosystem health, economic viability, and resilient food systems. Learn more at agnext.colostate.edu⁠⁠. Credits: Host(s): Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and Dr. John Ritten Guest: Dr. Cesar VelasquezProducer: Erica GiesenhagenArtwork: Julia GiesenhagenMusic: “Dusting the Broom” by Tony Petersen (via Artlist)

Everyone gets stuck. And in this interview with writer and teacher Ramona Ausubel, we talk about why this is normal and practical, usable ways to meet a page when we don't think we can go on. Drawing from her newest book, Unstuck:101 Doorways leading from the Blank Page to the Last Page, Ramona shares with us why certain strategies work only at certain stages of creative projects. We talk about finding patterns, ways to develop characters and create scenes, different ways to approach different drafts, the half-draft approach, finding opposition and so much more.Ramona Ausubel is the national bestselling author of Unstuck: 101 Doorways Leading From the Blank Page to the Last Page, The Last Animal, Awayland: stories, Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty, A Guide to Being Born and No One is Here Except All of Us. She is the recipient of the National Book Foundation Science + Literature Prize, the PEN/USA Fiction Award, the Cabell First Novelist Award and has been a finalist for both the California and Colorado Book Awards and the New York Public Library Young Lions Award. Her work has been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Paris Review daily, One Story, Tin House, The Oxford American, Ploughshares and elsewhere. She is a professor at Colorado State University and lives in Boulder, Colorado with her family. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

So imagine that it's 5am and you're standing in the cold and dark in the Blue Mountains, you're there with 1500 other people. You're carrying all the gear you'll need for the next 24 hours, a headlamp on, and what lays ahead is running 100 kilometres through the beauty that is the Blue Mountains. Up and down the cliffsides, through and across the Megalong, Jamison and Kedumba Valleys. For almost no prize money for those that finish as the first few through, little notoriety outside of this niche community, why do these people do something that appears entirely insane, if not downright dangerous to the normal person. To pursue. To seek. To explore limits, potential, to understand what it is we're truly capable of.And today's guest is a real treat, and one of the very best in the world at not only running really far, but at speeds that would put him at the front of every running group you've ever seen. Adrian MacDonald is one of the world's best ultra distance runners, and it was both a thrill and a pleasure to speak with him in the lead up to him racing in Ultra Trail Australia over the weekend, where he placed third in an astonishing time of 9 hours and 32 minutes to cover 101 kilometres to go with 4400 metres of elevation.So why would I want to speak with an ultra running distance athlete on what is ostensibly a podcast about sustainability and issues like climate change, corporate incentive structures and justice? Because to me the ultra athlete and the sustainability professional are ultimately the same archetype. Both are seeking to shift norms and seek accomplishments well outside of what the current system ill-defines as appropriate and acceptable. The ultra athlete perseveres, as does the sustainability professional. The ultra athlete needs total clarity of purpose to withstand the ups and downs of whatever a course and race will throw at them, as does the sustainability professional. The ultra athlete is a model for those of us seeking change, to do what seems implausible and to practice action with deliberacy, intention and constant attention to all the small details in pursuit of that grand dream.Adrian's story though, even for an ultra athlete, where unusual stories and maverick personalities are the regular, really is something else. A track and road marathon athlete of serious note, Covid upended his Boston Marathon ambitions in 2020, and living in Fort Collins, Colorado, nestled against the Rocky Mountains, he hit the trails. Less than 18 months later he won one of the world's most prestigious ultra marathons - the Leadville 100 - before backing up again 12 months later and also winning another big race in New Zealnd - three from three in his first three ultras. A new star was born. Since then, Adrian's life has shifted from being a regular financial controller at Colorado State University to a sponsored athlete with one of the world's leading apparel and shoe brands, and racing in Europe, across the US, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Africa. What he's achieved is the desired story of every sustainability professional - to work diligently, outside of the limelight, until one day, a largely unpredictable day, shifts how life was and will no longer be how it was again.Speaking with Adrian, being able to spend time with someone of such pedigree, has lit a fire in me. I hope it does the same for you.Support for this episode comes from:Reposit Power - $500 off your solar battery installation. Planet Protein - double the value of your first order at no extra cost.Send me a messageThanks for listening. Follow Finding Nature on Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Suzannah Alexander — counseling-education whistleblower, writer of the Substack Diogenes in Exile, and now organizer with the National Association of Scholars. Suzannah enrolled in a Tennessee counseling master's program after 25 years as a stay-at-home parent, only to discover that what was being taught wasn't psychology at all. It was demographics, identity politics, and what she eventually came to call a totalitarian philosophy dressed up as "multicultural competency."We unpack the moment that broke her trust in the program: when she described the Buddhist practice of the non-self — focusing less on your own identity so you can extend loving kindness toward an aggressive client — three separate professors told her, within 48 hours, that this was "invalidating to other identities." She was ultimately deemed unsafe for practicum because she hadn't sufficiently absorbed the program's values around whiteness, privilege, and cultural deference.From there, the conversation widens into the structural picture. Suzannah walks us through CACREP, the accrediting body that's been quietly building a near-monopoly on counseling education, the ACA Code of Ethics that's now baked into most state licensure boards, and the consortium of organizations that decided — without testing whether any of it produces better clinical outcomes — that critical social justice ideology would be the "professional identity" of American counseling.We talk about why this matters for patients, what it does to the people who would have been excellent therapists, how we might build alternative training pathways and apprenticeship models outside the current system, and why the problems of the 21st century — including AI psychosis — will demand the kind of pioneering, free-thinking practitioners this ideology is actively driving out.Suzannah Alexander is the External Affairs Coordinator for the National Association of Scholars. She came to this work after blowing the whistle on ideological indoctrination in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Since that experience, through work with FAIR, she has spearheaded OCR complaints against the counseling accreditation body CACREP and Colorado State University, where her reporting work drew attention to the Whitelash Study, documenting public humiliation of white social work students due to their race, and the disparagement of minorities as not good enough to succeed on their own. Now she is focused on policy measures to curtail accreditor and higher education overreach that are threatening free speech on campus.Substack Diogenes in Exile: https://www.diogenesinexile.comX/twitter: https://x.com/DiogenesInExileYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiogenesInExileMinding The Campus: https://mindingthecampus.org/author/suzannahalexander/National Association of Scholars: https://www.nas.org[00:00:00] Start[00:04:59] What She Found In The Program[00:14:32] Steel-Manning Critical Social Justice[00:18:39] Pushed Out Before Practicum[00:24:05] The Bitter Irony Of Buddhism Rejected[00:34:37] Realizing The Problem Is Bigger[00:41:02] Counseling Futures And The Historical Roots[00:47:09] Who Gets To Be Okay?[00:56:37] What CACREP Is And Should Do[01:00:25] Microaggressions And Borderline Thinking[01:05:47] The CACREP Monopoly Explained[01:14:38] ACA Code Of Ethics And The Need For Alternatives[01:22:52] Mia Hughes Parallel And A Field Breaking Down[01:26:43] AI Psychosis And 21st-Century Problems[01:30:22] Building New Networks Outside The SystemROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Now featuring 24/7 personalized AI support implementing the tools with RepairBot! Use code SOMETHERAPIST2026 to take 50% off your first month.PODCOURSES: use code SOMETHERAPIST at LisaMustard.com/PodCoursesPRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of the AgNext Podcast, Kim and John arejoined by Dr. Ashley Schilling-Hazlett, an AgNext graduate who completed both her master's degree and Ph.D. with our team. Ashley reflects on her graduate journey, discussing how a variety of research experiences and mentorship opportunities helped shape her career goals and passion for sustainable animal agriculture.About AgNext: About AgNext at Colorado State University: AgNext is a research collaborative at Colorado State University dedicated to advancing the science of sustainable animal agriculture. Founded in 2020, AgNext works across disciplines and departments, leveraging expertise from across the university. Through strong partnerships with producers, industry leaders, and policymakers, AgNext identifies and scales science-based innovations that support animal and ecosystem health, economic viability, and resilient food systems. Learn more at agnext.colostate.edu⁠⁠. Credits: Host(s): Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and Dr. John Ritten Guest: Dr. Ashley Schilling-HazlettProducer: Erica GiesenhagenArtwork: Julia GiesenhagenMusic: “Dusting the Broom” by Tony Petersen (via Artlist)

This Devotional address with Trent Shippen was delivered on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:30 AM MST in the BYU-Idaho I-Center. Trent Shippen played basketball for Ricks College while earning an associate's degree in arts and sciences. He later graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science, and from the University of Utah with a master's degree in sports management. Trent began his career with the Church Educational System in the Ricks College Admissions Office while coaching men's and women's basketball. Later, he coached the BYU women's basketball team for five years. He has been working in Student Activities since 2002. Trent enjoys spending time with family, playing and watching sports, faculty noon hoops, and being outdoors. He and his wife, Jean, have six children and one grandchild. Trent has served in almost every organization in the Church and currently serves with Jean as a valiant activity leader.

This week on Taking Stock, Susan is joined in studio by author, columnist and OBE Gillian Tett, who looks at how global markets are surging despite war.Susan speaks to Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager of Colorado State University about how Europe needs to forge a new and old alliance in the age of Trumpism.Plus, Christ Stokel-Walker looks at the showdown between the world's biggest tech bros.

Fort Collins' mayor Emily Francis joins Colorado State University debate club focusing on red light cameras, Canvas used by students at CSU impacted by cybersecurity attack, Fort Collins saw impacts from a late May snowstorm.

Listen in with student debt expert Dr. Tony Bartels in this next installment of our Student Debt Series covering the latest news and information on student loans. In this episode we have seven major topics we're addressing: RAP rule change alert What does this rule change mean for repayment strategies Class of 2026 new grads, STILL do not consolidate Determine your IDR profile, know your monthly interest accrual, know your starting repayment balance, & run your Simulations! RAP subsidies – what are they? Will you benefit? For how long? What's next? RAP to IBR 2014 vs. IBR 2014 only vs. RAP only vs. other? How to get help   As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.   GUEST BIO: Dr. Tony Bartels Tony Bartels, DVM, MBA graduated in 2012 from the Colorado State University combined MBA/DVM program and is a VIN Foundation Board Member and Student Debt Expert, and an employee of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). He and his wife, a small-animal internal medicine specialist practicing in Denver, have more than $400,000 in veterinary-school debt that they manage using federal income-driven repayment plans. By necessity (and now obsession), his professional activities include researching and speaking on veterinary-student debt, providing guidance to colleagues on loan-repayment strategies and contributing to VIN Foundation resources. Beyond debt, his professional interests include small- and exotic-animal practice. When he's not staring holes into his colleagues' student-loan data, Tony enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, camping and exploring Colorado with his wife, Audra, daughter, Lucy, and their two rescued canines, Addi and Maggie. LINKS AND INFORMATION: Urgent message for Class of 2026: https://vinfoundation.org/urgent-for-class-of-2026-do-not-consolidate-your-federal-student-loans/ 2026 New Grad Student Loan Playbook: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-new-grad-student-loan-repayment-playbook/ Check your current student loan servicers and other loan details -- VIN Foundation My Student Loans tool: http://www.vinfoundation.org/mystudentloans VIN Foundation WikiDebt: IDR Profiles Student Loan Repayment Simulator: https://vinfoundation.org/loansim  VIN Foundation WikiDebt: https://vinfoundation.org/wikidebt VIN Foundation Webinars: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/webinars/ VIN Foundation Get Updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/ VIN Foundation GIVE page to support this podcast: https://vinfoundation.org/give VIN Foundation Blog, Related Student Debt Blog posts:  2025 Year End Wrap & Preparing for 2026: https://vinfoundation.org/federal-student-loan-repayment-2025-year-end-wrap-and-preparing-for-2026/ 40 veterinary school simulations in 60 days: 40 in 60 Project: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/veterinary-student-debt/40-veterinary-school-loan-estimations-in-60-days/ Changes to federal student loans come into focus: https://vinfoundation.org/changes-federal-student-loans-come-into-focus/ Student Loan Repayment: Trying to leave the SAVE forbearance? Choose PAYE: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loan-repayment-trying-to-leave-the-save-forbearance-choose-paye/  Student Loans in SAVE Plan Will Start Accruing Interest August 1st: https://vinfoundation.org/student-loans-in-save-plan-will-start-accruing-interest-august-1st/  Personalized student loan Help from VIN and VIN Foundation: https://vinfoundation.org/veterinary-student-loan-debt-help/  Federal Student Aid Data, Consolidation, and Repayment Applications: https://studentaid.gov/ One-time Forgiveness Count Adjustment  https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment Federal Student Loan Servicers: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service Have a veterinary story you want to share? https://share.hsforms.com/1e6QkQvg2RI-wpDv59Byqkwcos60 Stay up to date with VIN Foundation updates: https://vinfoundation.org/updates/ Email VIN Foundation: studentdebt@vinfoundation.org Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.  You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we'd love to hear it!

Colorado State University prepares for commencement to honor students graduating, Fort Collins sees heavy snow late into the season, Despite the Colorado snowstorm drought conditions are still a concern.

Today, Debbie throws us all back into the Philosophy Ravine together to discuss medical ethics. We're going to talk about what it is and use the framework of Medical Ethics to consider two case studies - the Minnesota Starvation Experiments and Covid-19 Challenge Studies. Content Warning - this podcast does discuss WW2, and experiments where patients chose to restrict their access to food.  Remember, you can get in touch with us via clinical.research.intro@gmail.com. Please feel free to send questions, comments and compliments for Elyse to read out on the pod. It's fun to make Debbie squirm! Credit to our friend Sam Winnie for their awesome and cute music. Check out their work at https://www.samwinnie.com/ References -  https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4258#:~:text=In%20the%20current%20pandemic%2C%20over%2038%20000,a%20non%2Dprofit%20organisation%20advocating%20for%20these%20volunteers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56097088#:~:text=Getty%20Images,more%20than%2015%20million%20people.  https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/the-rise-of-the-guinea-pigs  https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2025/10/14/episode-190-starvation-more-than-hunger/  Firsthand: The Minnesota semi-starvation experiment, University Publications, Archives & Special Collections, Colorado State University https://hdl.handle.net/10217/02.0036381

ICE deportations mean criminal suspects in Colorado are not always held accountable. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry shares her investigation. Then, Denver Health serves people across the state as a "safety net" hospital, which makes it particularly vulnerable to federal cuts. Plus, how an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University is keeping us safe from "rain bombs." And “12 Tablecloths” by artist Chloé Duplessis tells stories long overlooked of labor, resilience and survival. It's now at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center through May 30.

In today's episode, WLA Communications Director Louis Wertz sits down with Aireona Raschke, who leads collaborative efforts across the West through her work with the Center for Collaborative Conservation and the Western Collaborative Conservation Network at Colorado State University. Aireona gives us a preview of this year's Confluence –a conference designed to support and connect people across the West doing the important, and often challenging, work of collaborative conservation. Whether you plan to attend or not, this is a great conversation about what it takes to bring people together and build solutions that last. More information about Confluence 2026 can be found here.

FoCoMX brings in thousands of music lovers to the festival featuring over 450 artists, Coming soon to Colorado State University this summer is a Women's soccer club, President Donald Trump's face will be featured on select U.S. passports

He grew up in a small town in Colorado, stayed in state for college, was drafted 20th overall in 2007 and tripled the length of a typical NBA career by staying in the league for 12 years.   Jason Smith thought he was going to be the only “short” person in his family when he got to 5'10” in middle school and started at that same height his freshman year of high school. By the end of that school year, he was 6'6” and just kept growing. By the time he was done, he was 7 feet tall and had schools from throughout the country knocking on his door. He decided to stay in state and attend Colorado State University so his family could be close and drive to all his games (home and away).  In 2007, Jason left CSU early and entered the draft. The 76'ers took him at #20 and Jason saw action in 76 games as a rookie. From there a journeyman career began with stops at many different teams including the Hornets, Knicks, Magic, Wizards, Bucks and Pelicans. Along with all the trades came a few injuries and many hours in the training room.   Jason retired in 2019 and focused on being a father and husband as well as doing some media work with the Wizards. He's also collecting accolades in retirement: in 2026, CSU inducted Jason into their Ring of Honor and his jersey hangs in the rafters at Moby Arena in Fort Collins.   Listen to Jason's story and conversation with Susie Wargin on the Cut Traded Fired Retired Podcast. To learn more about the host Susie Wargin, visit www.SusieWargin.com

In this episode of the AgNext Podcast, hosts Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and Dr. John Ritten are joined by Dr. Tyler Cozzens, Director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC).Dr. Cozzens shares insights on current livestock market trends, drawing from LMIC's quarterly Margins and Markets report. The conversation explores supply trends, input costs, and the economic decisions facing producers along with what it all means for consumers.About AgNextAbout AgNext at Colorado State University: AgNext is a research collaborative at Colorado State University dedicated to advancing the science of sustainable animal agriculture. Founded in 2020, AgNext works across disciplines and departments, leveraging expertise from across the university.Through strong partnerships with producers, industry leaders, and policymakers, AgNext identifies and scales science-based innovations that support animal and ecosystem health, economic viability, and resilient food systems. Learn more at⁠agnext.colostate.edu⁠⁠. About the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC):LMIC is a collaborative effort among university extension specialists, USDA economists, and industry partners, providing forecasts, market analysis, and decision-support tools to support informed decision-making across the livestockindustry. Learn more at: lmic.info Credits: Host(s): Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and Dr. John Ritten Guest: Dr. Tyler Cozzens Producer: Erica Giesenhagen Artwork: Julia Giesenhagen Music: “Dusting the Broom” by Tony Petersen (via Artlist)

Relief work has grown quickly in veterinary medicine, and this episode dives into why more vets are choosing it, where burnout can show up, and how to build a sustainable path if relief is on your radar. Meredith and Joe talk with Dr. Andrew Ciccolini of Colorado State University and Serenity Vet.More veterinarians are choosing relief work than in years pastWhy vets are drawn to relief: flexibility, autonomy, variety, and higher pay potentialCommon burnout drivers: overcommitting shifts, unpredictable income, taxes/admin work, and isolationWhy a financial plan matters before going full-time reliefTips for success: boundaries, skill-building, and knowing your numbersAndrew's best advice: be okay with being okayResources:Burnout in Relief Veterinary Practice whitepaper: https://serenity.vet/burnout-study-among-relief-locum-veterinariansAndrew Ciccolini on Instagram: @okay_vet Andrew Ciccolini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ac-dvmSerenity.vet: https://serenity.vetInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show – Equine, Dr. Tanja Hess, Professor at Colorado State University, explains how feeding management shapes equine behavior, health, and welfare. She highlights how feeding frequency, forage access, and social interaction influence natural behaviors, metabolic health, and disease risk. Dr. Hess shares practical strategies to improve feeding systems and support horse well-being are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feeding management includes decisions about forage availability, feeding frequency, and delivery methods, all of which directly influence equine behavior, health outcomes, and overall welfare conditions in managed systems."Meet the guest: Dr. Tanja Hess earned her DVM from Federal Fluminense University, followed by a Master's in Equine Clinics and a PhD in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Virginia Tech. As a Professor at Colorado State University, her work focuses on equine nutrition, metabolism, and behavior, emphasizing feeding management and welfare. Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Don't miss the chance to be part of the Pet Food Inner Circle!Join now and connect with leading experts in pet nutrition: https://petfoodinnercircle.com/What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:05) Introduction(07:08) Feeding behavior(09:17) Forage intake(11:29) Stereotypic behaviors(15:43) Feeding systems(17:25) Welfare signals(27:27) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Biorigin- DietForge- Rangen Group

Experts at Colorado State University are showing how to save water as drought conditions impact Fort Collins, After a hit and run case from 2021 an arrest has been made years later, An altercation between a protester and Border Patrol agent in Durango has lead to the agent being held in court for charges

Colorado State University announced an increase in tuition prices for students, Veterans were sent to the capitol from Northern Colorado Regional Airport to tour monuments, Legal battle between a Catholic school and Colorado goes to the Supreme Court

Bestselling and award-winning author Ramona Ausubel spoke with us about the value of low-residency MFA programs, and how to jumpstart your writing process with her latest book UNSTUCK: 101 Doorways Leading from the Blank Page to the Last Page. Ramona Ausubel is the author of five books, most recently The Last Animal which was a national bestseller and received the National Book Foundation Science + Nature Prize and was a Barnes & Noble book of the month.  She was the recipient of the PEN/USA Fiction Award, the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award and has been a finalist for both the California and Colorado Book Awards, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, and has had multiple selections as a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice.  Her latest non-fiction, Unstuck: 101 Doorways Leading From the Blank Page to the Last Page is a companion for writers at all stages of the process, and described as a book “… about staying in love with your writing: feeling excited, mischievous, productive, and hopeful—the opposite of being stuck. “ A Most Anticipated Book of 2026 from LitHub, Kirkus Reviews described it as, “An upbeat guide to navigating the writing process . . . Warm-hearted and practical, Ausubel emerges as trustworthy companion for a writer who's stuck anywhere on the challenging road of creativity. Generous, empathetic, and unfailingly encouraging.” Ramona's work has been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Paris Review daily, One Story, Tin House, The Oxford American, Ploughshares and others. She is a professor at Colorado State University and has taught in the Bennington Writing Seminars, Tin House Writing Workshop, Writing by Writers, the Community of Writers, Bread Loaf Environmental, Writing Workshop Paris and elsewhere. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Ramona Ausubel, Milena and I discussed: Why getting stuck is normal and productive rather than something to fear How to fall back in love with your own work Practical exercises to help writers navigate the creative process The magic prompt that never fails Why you need to let "not knowing" to be your companion And a lot more! Show Notes: ramonaausubel.com  UNSTUCK: 101 Doorways Leading from the Blank Page to the Last Page By Ramona Ausubel – April 14, 2026 (Amazon) Ramona Ausubel Amazon Author Page Ramona Ausubel on Instagram⁠⁠ Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The  Esterley Tibbetts Highway remains closed while Fire Crews continue to battle a blaze at the George Town landfill; The Colorado State University team has announced its forecasting for the 2026 season; and new shark research begins.

In this episode, Carleigh Fedorka, PhD, assistant professor of equine reproductive physiology at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, describes some of the most common broodmare problems that can affect pregnancy, such as endometritis and placentitis. She explains how farm managers should prepare a mare for breeding, why broodmare nutrition is crucial for a successful pregnancy, and what you can do today to improve your equine breeding program.GUESTS AND LINKS - EPISODE 46:Host: Hailey Pfeffer (Kerstetter)Guest: Carleigh Fedorka, PhD, Assistant Professor of Equine Reproductive Physiology at Colorado State UniversityPlease visit our sponsors, who makes all this possible: Equithrive (Equithrive® Breeding Mare Pellets | Broodmare Supplement), Ask TheHorse Live, USRider Equestrian

This week's episode of WeatherBrains is all about Colorado weather! Tonight's show features Guest WeatherBrain and Colorado State Climatologist Dr. Russ Schumacher.  He's also a Professor at Colorado State University and is Director of the Colorado Climate Center.  He's been involved in extreme precipitation, weather prediction, and is the guru of Colorado weather.  Dr. Schumaker, welcome to the show! Second Guest WeatherBrain is the project manager of CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network).  He is the CoCoRaHS East Central Region Illinois State Coordinator and has been an active observer in Illinois for over 19 years.  He retired as the director of the MRCC and is a big fan of winter weather.  Steve Hilberg, thanks for joining us tonight! Third Guest WeatherBrain Noah Newman is a Research Associate with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University.  He's been the Education Coordinator at CoCoRaHS since 2008, and has teaching experience from astronomy to rocketry to various Earth sciences.  Noah, welcome to WeatherBrains! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Upper Midwest severe weather event (03:00) What is it like to be a State Climatologist?  (07:00) 2019 Colorado hail record (14:30) How did Noah get into meteorology?  (24:30) Deep dive into CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network) (27:00) Snowfall vs snow depth and the confusion between them (41:00) CoCoRaHS Significant Weather Reports (48:45) Moderate risk busts vs overachieving conditional systems (57:00) Dr. Schumacher's current research in Colorado (01:05:00) Process to get involved at CoCoRaHS (01:10:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:15:30) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:18:15) E-Mail Segment (01:20:00) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1056:   CoCoRaHS Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Steve Hilberg - Ag Weather Noah Newman - CoCoRaHS Data Explorer Dr. Russ Schumacher - CoCoRaHS All About Hail James Aydelott - NWS Norman Observed Sounding Jen Narramore - County Road 69 Tornado April 15th, 2011 Rick Smith - Out Troy Kimmel - Out Kim Klockow-McClain - Reed Timmer tornado video John Gordon - NWS Louisville Shareholders Report 2025 Bill Murray - Out James Spann - James Spann on X: Emmetsburg, IA tornado video The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

A simple but powerful leadership lesson: show up — whether in loss, transition or everyday life. SUMMARY Jessica Whitney '10 reminds us that we often know what to do — the difference is actually doing it. Small acts of showing up can mean everything.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK   JESSICA'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP LESSONS Here are 10 leadership lessons from this conversation: 1. Align your life with your values, not your plan Whitney thought she'd do 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, but family and faith became higher priorities than her original career plan. Leadership lesson: Be willing to pivot when reality and your values diverge, even if it means leaving a prestigious path. 2. Redefine success beyond titles and rank She struggled after leaving the Air Force because her identity was tied to “academy grad” and “officer.” Leadership lesson: Anchor your worth in who you are and how you impact people daily, not in your job title. 3. Use mentors to unlock “freedom to choose” A single honest conversation with her mentor gave Whitney “freedom” to imagine different possibilities. Leadership lesson: Seek out mentors who model alternative paths and will tell you the truth about tradeoffs. 4. Make decisions with the best information you have now Whitney references the Gen. George Patton quote about a good plan now vs. a perfect plan later, and emphasizes moving forward one step at a time. Leadership lesson: Don't wait for total certainty. Clarify what you know, what you don't control, then act. 5. Integrity = keeping and honoring your word From her transformational leadership class: Keep your word when you can. When you can't, honor it: Notify early, reset expectations and clean up the impact. Leadership lesson: Integrity isn't perfection; it's proactive ownership. This builds trust and reduces stress for everyone. 6. Name the stories that secretly run you (“what's undefined runs you”) Whitney recognized long-standing internal stories like “I don't belong” from moving often as a Navy brat. Leadership lesson: Identify your limiting narratives (e.g., “I can't disappoint people,” “I don't belong”) so they stop unconsciously driving your behavior. 7. Create a compelling future and work backwards She describes standing in the future you want (for yourself or an organization) and asking, “If we were already there, how did we get here?” Leadership lesson: Lead by designing the future state (culture, behaviors, outcomes), then reverse-engineer today's actions. 8. Show up for people — especially in their storms After her brother-in-law's suicide, the support from church and Air Force community showed her the power of “just showing up.” Leadership lesson: You rarely know what others are carrying. Leadership is often simply being present, unasked, when it matters. 9. Align daily actions with stated values Whitney feels the most stress when her behavior and values (family, faith, health, service) are misaligned. Leadership lesson: Use misalignment (stress, guilt, burnout) as a signal to recalibrate how you spend time, energy and money. 10. Invest in small, consistent habits (1% better) Whitney references “atomic habits” — reading regularly, moving her body, cooking healthy meals and doing “one more rep.” Leadership lesson: Long-term leadership impact comes from small, repeatable behaviors, not dramatic one-time efforts CHAPTERS 00:00:05 – Introduction & Transition Theme Whitney is welcomed to Long Blue Leadership. Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99, frames the episode around transitioning out of the military, and Whitney shares her background as part of a dual-military couple and early family life. 00:02:02 – Mentorship, Freedom & First Thoughts of Leaving Whitney describes reaching out to her mentor about transitioning to the reserves. That conversation gives her “freedom” to imagine a different life that prioritizes family and values over a 20-year active-duty career. 00:06:39 – Academy Lessons, Courage & Decision-Making Under Uncertainty Col. Walkwicz digs into Whitney's use of the word “freedom.” Whitney connects her decision-making and leap of faith to leadership lessons from the Academy — facing unknowns, focusing on what she can control, and acting without a perfect plan. 00:10:13 – Growing Up Military & Redefining Identity Beyond Rank Whitney shares her deep military heritage as a Navy brat and descendant of generations of service. She explains the identity shock of leaving active duty and having to redefine success beyond titles like “officer” and “academy grad.” 00:13:26 – Values, Overwhelm & Redefining Success in Daily Life Whitney talks about aligning actions with values: quiet time, family, health and rest. She contrasts the nonstop pace of active duty with her new season as a stay-at-home mom and reservist, and how she now defines success. 00:17:19 – Loss, Suicide, Grief & the Power of Community Whitney shares the story of losing her brother-in-law to suicide in January 2020. She reflects on hidden struggles, the “buying bananas in the grocery store” moment of invisible grief, and the profound impact of church and Air Force community support. 00:23:12 – Learning to “Show Up” for Others Col. Walkewicz asks where Whitney learned to show up so intentionally. Whitney recalls community support during her dad's deployments, meals after her first child's birth, and a commander welcoming her back from maternity leave — illustrating the difference between knowing you should show up and actually doing it. 00:26:11 – Serving Beyond the Uniform: Church, Family & Cadet Morale Whitney explains what service looks like now: leading a 120-woman Bible study and serving on the USAFA Class of 2010 Cadet Morale Endowment board, which funds morale events for top cadet squadrons. She highlights meaningful leadership without a visible rank. 00:29:20 – Transformational Leadership & Redefining Integrity Whitney shares lessons from a transformational leadership course she took (and later taught): integrity means both keeping and honoring your word. She gives practical examples (calling when you'll be late, managing deadlines early) and uses a bicycle-wheel analogy to show how broken commitments make everything bumpier. 00:32:07 – “What's Undefined Runs You”: Naming Limiting Stories Whitney introduces the idea that unexamined stories (e.g., “I don't belong,” “I can't disappoint people”) quietly drive behavior. She shares her own “I don't belong” narrative from moving often as a Navy kid and how she consciously claims, “I belong here,” to lead more authentically. 00:36:50 – Creating a Future & Leading from It Whitney explains how leaders can “stand” in a desired future for their organization — one of trust, transparency and camaraderie — and then work backward to identify the actions and changes needed today to get there. 00:38:33 – Advice to Young Jess: Vision, Risk & Trusting the Journey Asked what she'd tell her younger self, Whitney emphasizes clarifying what will matter at age 80, aligning life with that long-term view, being less risk-averse, and trusting God with unexpected pivots and new paths. 00:38:43 – Daily Habits, 1% Better & Long-Term Growth Whitney shares the small daily practices that make her “better”: reading and podcasts, surrounding herself with uplifting people, and health-oriented habits like walking and “one more rep.” She connects this to the concept of atomic habits and incremental growth. 00:40:52 – Closing: Character, Showing Up & Living Your Values Col. Walkewicz closes by summarizing Whitney's key themes: leadership as character and presence, not having all the answers; simply showing up; and honoring integrity even amid uncertainty. She thanks Whitney for her ongoing service and impact. 00:42:05 – Production Note & Recording Date Ted Robertson notes that this Long Blue Leadership conversation was recorded on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.   ABOUT JESSICA BIO Jessica Whitney '10 is a U.S. Air Force veteran, leadership coach and conflict resolution facilitator who helps executives and emerging leaders design purposeful futures and take aligned action. Drawing on more than a decade of military leadership experience navigating communication, conflict and high-stress environments, she supports individuals and teams in overcoming limiting beliefs, clarifying priorities and building systems that foster confident decision-making. Whitney specializes in one-on-one leadership coaching and workplace mediation, guiding productive conversations that transform tension into trust and strengthen organizational culture. She is also a wife, mother of four and advocate for intentional living, dedicating her work to empowering leaders to align their identities and results with their vision for the future. CONNECT WITH JESSICA LINKEDIN  |  SIMPLIFIED MOTHERHOOD 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 AT USAFA.ORG/LONGBLUELEADERSHIP AND ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS: Guest, Jessica Whitney '10  |  Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:04 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership. We're so glad you're here.   Jessica Whitney 0:08 Thanks so much for having me.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:04 You know, one of the things we love to do, and we're going to have some time really exploring a lot of the things that you've encountered in your journey, but we want to jump right into a place that is both relevant to our listeners, which is transitioning out of the military, but you did so in a way that was a little bit different, and maybe not on, like, the timeline of planning. Jessica Whitney 0:28 I'm a 2010 grad, and so is my husband, Tom, and he was a nuclear missile operator, and I was a finance officer on active duty, and we started having kids in 2013 which was just amazing. But being a dual military couple, we had kind of been through a lot of separation and time apart, which is standard for military couples. And so in 2013, I kind of — I just had my first son, and I was back at work, and I was just feeling this torn feeling, because I always thought I would stay in the Air Force the full 20 years. I loved serving. I loved being in the military, and having gone to the Academy — just all the dreams and the hopes that came with that, and being able to lead and serve my airmen. But I was feeling this yearning and desire to kind of do something else, and that's kind of where the seed was planted at that time. And I reached out to one of my mentors, who was actually the coach of the lacrosse team at the Academy when I was there my freshman year. She's actually one of your classmates, I think. She's Anne Marie Hornby. She's from Class of '99, and I just reached out on Facebook, and I was like, “I know, I haven't talked in a while, but I just wanted to check in and ask, you know, like, why did you transition to the Reserve?” Because she was always, you know, she was a teacher at the Academy. Like, she was always high performing. Like, I knew she was an amazing officer. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:02 She was high performing as a cadet too, by the way. Jessica Whitney 2:05 I'm sure she was. Just everything she did, I could tell she did it with excellence and love, and I just really respected her opinion. So I reached out and asked her just like, “Hey, can you just tell me, like, why did you decide to separate?” I'm just kind of feeling this tornness, and I'm feeling like maybe my calling might be something else than serving in the military, which, as an 18-year-old, you kind of go to the Academy thinking, “OK, I'm gonna have four years at the Academy, and then I'm gonna serve for five years, or 12 years, or whatever.” Like, you've got your whole life planned out, and then all of a sudden there's this, you know, pivot and decision that you have to make of like, “OK, wait, life is throwing some things at me that I didn't expect.” And I just wanted to know her opinion. And she just said such a sweet thing that resonated with me, that she kind of felt that same call of, “I wanted to spend more time with my kids. I wanted to be able to focus more on my husband and my family.” And while it was scary, she said, I know she knew that motherhood, or like becoming a stay-at-home mom and transitioning to the Reserve wouldn't necessarily feed all of her desires of competition and performing well and using her strengths to the utmost, maybe that she could — she also knew that it aligned with what was important to her and her family. And each family is different, and each career is different. So it really gave me freedom to say, “OK, I know successful women in the military who have families. I know successful women outside of the military who have families.” And you know, we choose to do the stay-at-home mom career, which was different for me, because my mom worked full time when I was growing up. So anyway, it gave me that freedom to kind of like pivot and think, “OK, what could the possibility be to like, create this life of being there for my family?” So fast forward, 2016 I was teaching ROTC at Colorado State University, which was a dream job, by the way, I absolutely love that job. And Tom, my husband, at that point, had already separated from the Air Force and was pursuing his career in professional golf. He was traveling to PGA Latin America in both the fall and spring of 2016, I had to go TDY to field training for seven weeks that summer. And I think we counted up being apart for over 40 weeks that year.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 4:35 Majority of the year.   Jessica Whitney 4:36 The majority of the year. Yeah, and I did not really see staying in the Air Force, it getting any better, as far as, you know, having more time with my family and my husband. And I just felt disconnected, my heart wasn't in it anymore and serving, and I still had that little, you know, seed that had been planted when I talked to Wibs about, you know, like, “Why did you go into the Reserve?” And I talked to a couple other reservists who just loved the balance of being able to still serve in uniform while also being able to maybe have a civilian career, or just be able to have some more flexibility to spend more time and focus on their families during a season of life. And so in 2016 I'm sitting there my desk, like, “I just want to go home and take a nap. I'm so tired.” I had two kids at this time. I was like, “Oh my gosh, I'm just exhausted.” But I was like, “OK, I think —" you know, my husband and I prayed about it, we were just like, “OK, I think it's time to just take this leap of faith, kind of walk away from what we've known.” So now both of us would be out of the Air Force and pivot to something else, and like, step into that faith decision that for us, that the Lord's going to provide, and that we wanted to build and focus on the things that were really important to us. So showing that if family faith are the most important things, how was I using my time? How was I using my energy? How are we using our money? Did it reflect what was actually important? And so we made that decision, and then I got out in 2017 and separated. And honestly, it was the best decision ever. Now, I struggled a ton with my identity afterwards, because I just didn't realize that I really kind of was wrapped up in this idea, like, “Oh, I'm an Air Force officer, I'm an Academy grad,” and those things are, like, very focused on what you do. And so I had to kind of redefine what success was to me as far as just impacting the people around me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 6:41 I want to just interject here for a moment, because you said a couple of things that I really want to pull on before we get too far, because I think it really does impact some of our listeners and some of the experiences that they've had. So the first one, when you talked about that transition, and there was a key word you use, and you use the word “freedom,” — “It gave me a freedom to kind of things a little differently” after having a conversation with your mentor, and then, you know, praying about it with your husband. And so I want to just explore that a little bit, because did you feel like that freedom, or just the ability to kind of navigate that did touch on some of the things you really valued that you learned at the Academy, as far as decision making, and kind of, you know, taking this leap of faith and navigating what's not always known. And, you know, I don't want to say it's safe, but maybe it's not the safest path, right? So, like, can you just touch on that a little bit more? Because I think that is something that, you know, people question that, kind of, in that decision-making place. Jessica Whitney 7:41 Yeah, I definitely think that in that decision, when I say, you know, we had this, I had this freedom to make a choice, we could, kind of, I could kind of lean back onto my time at the Academy of we were given so many challenges at the Academy and things that were unknown and things outside of our control, and you just learn to have an approach where you cannot problem-solve everything, but just like you can say, “OK, here's the variables I know that are true, here are the things that are outside of my control,” which just help you make clear decisions, and then just stepping into the fact that any decision, any action, is just taking one step at a time, and you don't have to have the whole future planned out. And in fact, in the military, you rarely do, right? I always kind of joke with my husband with, like, the quotes, but you know, like Gen. Patton, like “A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan next week,” right? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:40 Next week. Thankful I was able to contribute a little. Jessica Whitney 8:43 Good job. Good job. Yes. And so just, but the fact that, like, just make — do what's best with the information you have now, and take action and don't just sit on it. And I think, but, yeah, that gave me that freedom. Because, yeah, it was a big step and leap of faith, because a lot of people think the military is, well, of course, it is a risky job, and especially risky in the sense of our physical harm and a lot of the challenges that we face. But in many ways, it's something we knew, know, and it's something that's very reliable, and it's something that we had, my husband and I had both lived for, you know, 11 years between the Academy and now. So it was a big leap of faith, as far as, you know, transitioning to the unknown, but we were able to kind of lean on just, “Hey, it's OK that we don't know everything. We can trust the skills that we gained at the Academy and trust the skills that we gain just in life to move forward.” And even with my husband, I'm like, “If this golf thing doesn't work out —" which, by the way, he's been a professional golfer for 10-plus years now, so it's worked out. I fully believe that we are capable of learning anything and doing anything if we choose to set our minds to it, and like we're gonna be OK, like, because of what we learned at the Academy and skills that we garnered. Like, we're gonna be OK moving forward. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 10:13 I love that. And you started to talk about having to redefine yourself, and before we get into that, I think it's interesting, because you grew up as a dependent of — your dad served in the Navy, right? So we like to use the term, you know, lovingly, I was an Air Force brat. You're a Navy brat, so your identity going into the Academy was already one of a military dependent, right? So let's talk about this redefining your identity, because I'm sure that it was much more than, you know, just on the surface level, it seems really simple, right, going from this, but I'm still serving, so it's not really that different, but I'm sure it was. Jessica Whitney 10:49 Yeah, it was a big transition. So as you mentioned, I was a Navy brat. My dad served for 30 years, and I come from a proud heritage of military service. My grandfather, before that, served in the Navy, he joined straight from the Philippines, and my great-grandfather actually served in the Philippine army and was in the Bataan Death March. So I've got a lot of history in the military and a lot of pride and service to my country. And my dad was always, you know, a hero to me and someone that I looked up to, as far as he was always, not the only serving in the military, but he would be a leader of, like my brother's Boy Scout troop, right, and volunteer with this, and he'd be active in the Rotary Club. And my mom worked full time and led my Girl Scout troop, and whenever he was gone to Bahrain for 16 months, you know, she held down the fort with three kids. Like, I just looked up to my parents and how hard working they were, and just how they were always serving something bigger than themselves and balancing family and all that. I still don't know how they do it. And we have four kids now. I'm like, how did you guys do all of that? But when I transitioned out of the Reserve, I just remember sitting one time, like, I was doing my quiet time in the morning, and I was reading my Bible. And at least for me, I had to remind myself my value is not in what I do. It's not in awards I get. My value is one, in Christ, and then two, in the actions that I take each and every day. And it's impacting and positively impacting the people that are around you right now. And honestly, it's a struggle every day, even today. I've been a stay-at-home mom for eight years now, and it's something I think we all struggle with — of like, what is our purpose in life? What is the reason — why we do the things we do? And each person really has to, like, struggle with that. So I had to, I think when I was really struggling with my identity, I had to redefine, like, OK, my worth and value is not in the title that I have or the rank that I have or anything like that. It is loving on the people around me really well and serving to the best of my ability with excellence in all we do right where I am, and that's the most important thing. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 13:25 How did you get to that point of defining that? I mean, is it kind of in lockstep with your views of yourself as a leader? Or would you say it's just where you kind of settled into in your moments of quiet and through your prayer of, “This is how I define my impact and my —" you know, what that looks like? Jessica Whitney 13:48 I think a big chunk of it was just continuous practice, in a way, each and every day, reminding myself, one, is what success looks like, because I think that as people who are highly motivated and being leader, you're like, you've got your to do list, you've got your things you want to do. I've got, like, a to do list, like, this long, you know? And yeah, and I would just tell myself, like, “I've got 25 things to do. I only did six of them.” Like, there was no way I was going to do 25 things in the first place, you know. So I think that as a leader in general, you need to be realistic about what you can actually accomplish each and every day, whether you're a stay-at-home mom or you're a leader in the workplace, and actually be able to, like, you know, time block and say, like, “These are the most important things. These are my priorities.” And probably just over, it's probably just over time of like, every morning, like, "OK, the most important things, like, got my quiet time in. I'm spending time with the kids. I went for a walk, I moved my body, and we're eating healthy meals. I remember when I was working full time, I would kind of be jealous of those people who, like, had time to cook a full meal, and, like, spend an hour maybe making dinner and, you know, have quiet time. I always felt when I was on active duty working full time, it was just like, get up early in the morning, go to daycare, drop off, work all day. You know, work out during lunch. Never have a break, and then run home, make dinner really fast, and, like, get the kids in bed, and there was no break, and there was no rest. And so I remember yearning for that when I was on active duty. And so when I first became a stay-at-home mom, and when I first transitioned out of the Air Force. I really had to remind myself, like, OK, what are my values? What is most important here, and are my actions aligned with that? And if they are, then that's success right there. And so I had to remind myself that every day, like I get time to make healthy meals for my family. I have time to go to the gym five days a week if I want to. I have time to put a, you know, like, say yes to things like this. I've got time to go speak at the Veterans Day ceremony at my kids school. Like, I don't have to feel bad about missing appointments for my missing meetings at work for appointments for my kids. I don't have to choose that all the time. Now, serving in the Reserve, you know, I still miss weekends where the kids have tournaments and games and stuff, but that's OK, like it there's, there's a balance in there. I hate the word balance, because I don't think you ever really achieve that. But I think that as leaders, you know, we have to — like, when you're feeling the most stressed, or when I felt the most stressed, it's when my actions and behaviors just haven't lined up with my values and what's most important to me. “So as leaders in your organization, if you know you guys are — your stated values, are, you know, XYZ, but you're over here doing ABC, then there's going to be disconnect in the organization.” So I think at any time, you know, when there's alignment there, then you're going to feel alignment for you as a person, as a leader. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:19 I'd like to dig into those values a little bit, because we did talk about how you've experienced deep personal loss, right, in your family, and you know, how have the values, or maybe just your life experiences, helped you navigate that? Because, you know, I think people experience grief on all levels, and if you don't mind sharing your story a little bit, I think it just will allow others to understand how you were able to navigate through that and maybe continue to navigate through that today. Jessica Whitney 17:51 Yeah, thanks for the opportunity to share this part of my story. So my husband's brother, Bob, was a 2008 grad, and unfortunately, we lost him to suicide in January of 2020. It was really just a complete shock when it did happen. It seemed like it came on so quickly. Bob was just always someone that when you walk into a room, he was always smiling. He was the light in the room. He was such a great husband and father. He was super active in his church and his family. And so a couple things that I took away from all of that was just one, we just never know what people are going through, what storms they are, like, they might seem perfect on the outside, and really, they're having struggles with maybe imposter syndrome or just doubt, or they're just having all sorts of issues, right? So you just never know. I remember standing in the grocery store after he passed away, and I'm like, staring at these bananas that I'm supposed to be buying for eight kids because we were like, up with them, you know, after the funeral. And I'm just thinking, like, no one around me knows that this just happened in my life, and I'm just standing here doing this mundane thing of buying bananas. And I think it, just, as a leader makes you realize that people are walking through storms all over around you, and if you're not currently in a storm, most likely you will be. After he passed away too, we were just blown away by the community support that he received, both from his church as well as from the Air Force family, but I know that it takes time to have good community. It takes — you have to invest time. And all of us, we're just so busy, but these relationships, these are the most important things that we can work on and develop the people around us. It kind of showed up for me in my unit, we had an airman who lost a spouse. He had three young kids at home, and his wife passed away. And I was like, we just need to show up for him, like, be at his doorstep. And we're in the Reserve. We don't live close together. We're not all stationed by the base. So, you know, it's like someone needs to go to his house, bring him a card, tell him we love and care for him as our Air Force family. And you know, he even commented afterwards, he was like, “You know what, you guys—” this Air Force family that he only saw one weekend a month. He's like, “You guys are my lifeline.” But I know that, for me, I really knew that we needed to show up, and that's because I knew what it felt like when people showed up at my door, when we needed it, you know? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 20:51 Wow. I mean, I think that's really — I mean, to navigate that. And loss, I think you know, is as a journey, that it's still a life journey, right? And so, and I think the fact that you were able to lean in and you knew and expressed it in a way that you know, showing up for those and then seeing it happen actually in your unit, and being able to translate that. Have you always known, I guess, about showing up? Have you seen that in other leaders in your career or in your life, what showing up looks like? How that really defined you? Because I'm curious if you know that was all just developed in seeing that in that loss journey, or if it was something you've seen over time and then witnessed it? Jessica Whitney 21:37 I guess I would say, if I'm really looking back, especially because I'm a Navy brat, right? We did live in places all over the country, and, yeah, we did have a good support system. Like my friends, my family, had people that would show up. Like when my dad was deployed, they would show up at the house when I was in high school. You know, we had such a tight knit community there, but I am thinking, like the first time I really felt that was with our church community. After our first son was born, people would show up at our house, and I didn't even know them, and they were bringing food to us. I was like, “Oh my gosh, this is so sweet.” But just, like, that power of community, and then even with leaders that I've had in the past, like my first squadron commander that I can remember, she, like, the first day I got back again from maternity leave, she had, like, just brought, like, a little vase of flowers and put it on my desk, and just like a welcome back, but like an acknowledgement too. Of you know, it's hard to come back after, right? You know, your first child, or any child, like after you have a baby, and then you come back to work, but just, you know, welcoming and showing up. And I think that this, I don't know exactly where it stems from, but, yeah, actually taking the time to do it, because a lot of us know we should do it, but do we actually pause long enough to do it? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 23:11 That's a really great — I think that particular nugget, right? We know what we should be doing, but do we actually take the steps to do it? I think, is actually an important lesson right there. And, you know, would you say that throughout your experiences, and I'm really curious, because I think, you know, you talk about being a stay-at-home mom, but I'm sure your schedule is quite — you said you get six out of your 25 things done. Can you talk about how you're serving outside of the uniform? Because I think that that's really important as well. Service doesn't stop just because we take the uniform off. And I mean, it sounds like you're serving in your church and your community. You know, what does service look like to you now, through that leadership lens, maybe when you're not wearing a rank all the time? Jessica Whitney 23:54 I have really looked at the areas of my life that I want to be active in, like, what's important to me? And in the church, I participate in the women's Bible study, and I'm one of the leaders there and kind of help lead. We have 120 women that come every Wednesday and I'm one of the leaders that, you know, kind of facilitates the overall Bible study. And I've just loved stepping into that role and using my leadership skills to encourage people and show up. And then the other board I kind of serve on is the Class of 2010 Endowment for Cadet Morale. And so our class, with our funds that we, you know, had raised throughout the years, decided to set up a morale fund. So the top squadron for each semester actually receives a $5,000 check from our endowment, and they can use it on whatever they want. And I just remember, like those cadets, those high schoolers that are transitioning to be future leaders of the Air Force, they are amazing. I am impressed every time I interact with them. And the Academy is hard, and I just want to offer that little bit of light, you know, to encourage them. Like, “Hey, you're on a good path. Like, just, just continue on. And here's a little bonus, bonus check.” You know, literally, we love that part. But yeah, so I just love to step into service where I can. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 25:23 I'm glad that you shared that, because I do think it's easy for us to downplay our role and impact in the hats that we wear and the ways that we serve, and so I really appreciate you sharing that, because I think that's an important part of our stories you talked about with me before you know, redefining yourself. I want to go back to that because I think it has to do with being authentic and who you are. And so as you've navigated this new season in your life where you're still serving in these multiple hats and raising your family, supporting your husband, you know, where was that seed planted from, being an authentic leader, kind of, you know, being — leading with integrity, you know, maybe saying, “I can't do this, but I can do this.” Can you talk a little bit about that? Jessica Whitney 26:07 Yeah, absolutely. I took an amazing class at the Academy, a leadership class that a friend of mine, again from the lacrosse team, recommended me, and she's like, “Jess, this class — it's called transformational leadership. It's way more than that. I really think you need to take this course.” And she was so right, because there are so many things that I carry over from that, from that course into my leadership, and then just my everyday life. And it was taught by Capt. Kari Granger, who's now Kari Zeller, and she's an Academy grad as well. And when I got to my ROTC detachment in 2016, so eight years later, this gentleman came into the office, and he's like, “Hey, my daughter teaches this leadership course called being a leader and the effective exercise of leadership. I really want to teach it at Colorado State, but I'm looking for someone to partner with, maybe through the detachment. Like, do you think anybody would want to co-lead this class with me?” And his name was Karl Zeller, and I was like, “I think I took this class when I was at the Academy, and it was amazing, and I would love to lead this class with you.” And so not only did I take the class at the Academy, I also taught it two semesters while at Colorado State, we kind of made it an elective class, and we had several cadets and cadre go through the class, which was just an amazing experience. Because I think most of us know that when we have to teach other people something, we learn it even better than when we go through it ourselves. So the kind of the main takeaways I had were one kind of heard the definition of integrity. We all know the Air Force's definition of doing what you know the right thing when no one's watching, when nobody's looking, but she kind of defined it more as both keeping your word and honoring your word. So we all know that keeping your word that's easy, but what is honoring your word mean? And her framework kind of laid out, honoring your word is, as soon as you realize you're not going to keep your word, notifying the person that involves saying when you are going to keep your word and then cleaning up any mess that you made by not doing it. So a quick example would be, you know, you're running late to a doctor's appointment. You get in the car, you realize, “Oh my gosh, I'm going to be seven minutes late to the appointment.” Instead of, like, white knuckling your steering wheel to make it in time, you feel guilty when you get there. You immediately call the office. You tell them, “Hey, I'm going to be late to the appointment. I'm going to get there seven minutes late. And, you know, I realized that this has an impact on you like, you know, let me know if I need to reschedule." Whatever it is, right? Most people are so shocked by this ownership that they are so much more gracious to you in whatever the circumstances are. And on top of that, you're not stressed. You're not, you know, white knuckling. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:22 So when it really takes you nine minutes to get there? Yeah,.   Jessica Whitney 29:26 So hopefully overestimate.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:28 Seven minutes and 40… Like, round down. Jessica Whitney 29:29 My husband calls that, like, Jess math. I'm like, yeah, well, it's fine. It's fine. But, like, if you think about in the workplace, right, like, you have an assignment, you have something your boss gave you, it's due Friday. You realize Monday, OK, there's no way I'm going to do this. I can either stress about it, work super late hours and, you know, like cause all this extra stress, and then maybe still not accomplish and get the work done, and then show up to my boss on Friday and say, “OK, sorry, boss, I couldn't get it done.” Or on Monday, you bring up the conversation, you swallow your pride, and you say, “These are my challenges.” You manage expectations, and you're you guys together. Can you know, either reassign, get help or bump the deadline, whatever it is, but now you're no longer living in this like, fear of like, I'm going to be late or whatever, like you're able to perform better. And so they, in the class, they talked about how, with integrity, everything works. And they talk about the idea of like a bicycle wheel, right? There's spokes on a bicycle wheel, and if all the spokes are intact, it's going to run very smoothly, right? That's keeping your word and honoring your word, you're performing really well. Well, when you're not honoring and those folks and you're not keeping your word, or you're not honoring your word, some of those books are missing, so it's just going to be a little bit bumpier. And things are going to get done, but they're not going to get done as well as they would if you were honoring your word. So that's a big takeaway Col. Naviere Walkewicz 30:56 That's a great analogy. Wow. Yeah. Jessica Whitney 30:58 So I apply that, I feel like in everything, because I think a lot of us will get in the way of ourselves, of just like, “Oh, I don't want to tell them and be late, or I don't want to, I don't know, disappoint someone, or I know there's expectations with my husband, but I'm just going to ask forgiveness instead of, you know, for permission,” or whatever it is with whoever. So anyway, with integrity, nothing works. And so I kind of take that away of, like, OK, what's expected of me? OK, I'm going to try to meet that. And that kind of lines up too with just this idea of what's your values, right? So if I say I'm a person that values fitness, do my actions line up with that. That's part of my word. OK, so I've said, I've said, “OK, I'm a fitness person and I want to be healthy.” Well, am I going to the gym? Am I eating healthy? Am I drinking too much? Am I — whatever? Do my actions align with that? No, OK, I'm not in integrity. It's not bad or good. It's just not working as well. Not going to accomplish my goals if I'm not in alignment with the other two things. And I'll just touch on them quickly, and then we can explore more if you want. But the other one is what's undefined runs you, which is basically means — Col. Naviere Walkewicz 32:06 Wait, say that one more time. Jessica Whitney 32:09 What's undefined runs you. So it's this idea of all of us have stories most likely from our childhood that we make up about ourselves. So like, I don't belong. I can't disappoint people. I have to get things done the right time. And we can probably all look back in our past and say, “I remember I got in trouble one time when my grandpa was at the house and I was late getting in, and he said, you know, you're disappointing your mom. You're not listening to her.” And then, all of a sudden, you make this life sentence for yourself of I can't disappoint my mom. I can't disappoint so now you have this filter, this mindset that all of your decisions and actions flow through that says I can't disappoint others. Well, of course, that's going to limit what you can and can't do, because it's filtering out half of, you know, a quarter of action, anything that could any — Col. Naviere Walkewicz 33:03 Risk or grit. Jessica Whitney 33:05 Exactly. And so what the undefined run you means you're never going to be able to completely get rid of these filters and things that you have, but you can name them and define them. So you say, OK, like for me, I was a Navy brat. I moved around a lot, and so I often felt like I didn't belong where I was. Like, I always felt like people already had relationships, all that stuff. So I do, I know that I will walk into a room like a Bible study, and in my mind, think, “Man, like, people just don't really connect with them. Like, maybe they just don't like me.” I'm like, “No, I've been here for five years. I belong here. I am a part of this group.” But it's this, you know, filter that I'm running things through, of I don't belong. I need to name that, remove it, and then be like, OK, I belong here. I am part of this group. Naviere Walkewicz 33:54 So what have you named it? And have you removed it? Jessica Whitney 33:59 I think it's more about just the awareness. So it's like that, we as leaders have to be aware of the things that are getting in our own way of being an effective leader. And so I — this is a big one for me, like the I don't belong. So even recently, I walked into a new group of women and I said, “I belong here. I am a part of this community.” It's like at my son's school, and I can contribute as me. I don't have to hold back, or, you know, be a certain way. I can be myself. I can be my authentic self and lean into this. And it was very freeing, because in the past, I have gone in and just kind of like sat kind of back, and I don't want to be intimidating, or I don't want to take over the conversation, or just whatever it is, I'm not being myself, and I have to tell myself, like, “I belong here. I can be myself if they don't accept me for me, that's OK,” you know. But I can't hold back just because I'm trying to fit in and just because I'm trying to be risk averse, or, you know, conflict averse, or something like that. So, yeah, just be yourself, right? But so what's undefined runs you. So as leaders, we need to identify what's holding us back, what's running our lives, right? And just name it. They have a phrase: “Name it to tame it.” So once you can put a name on it, then that often helps you change your actions, you know? And then the last one is just, I think leaders, you are a leader. If you are impacting something around you, the organization, the people around you, they wouldn't be who they are without your influence. So in that framework, we talked about creating a future as leaders. So you've got a current organization, and maybe there's, you know, like no one likes to hang out, there's gossip, there's toxic leadership, there's bad communication, no transparency. This is a very imaginary organization, of course. But you acknowledge, like, OK, this is what's going on. Let's create a future. What does the future look like that we actually want, with all the actions and things like, OK, we have transparency. We like to hang out. There's, you know, Squadron picnics. We go to PT and we all encourage and work hard. We handle conflict in a healthy way. OK, so if we're standing in that future and looking back, how did we get here? So the course is a lot about, like the whole ends, ways, means that the Air Force talks about, but just how can you stand in the future and look back and say, “How did I get to that spot?” And then that's how, you know, what's the next action you can take in this current spot? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 36:49 Wow. Jess, it's almost like you read my mind, because there's two questions I actually want to ask you, and one of them is about looking back. So why don't we start with that one? First, you know, what is something you would tell yourself, young Jess back then that you could be doing then to help you be a better leader now? And is it actually what you just talked about, or would it be something else you would add? Jessica Whitney 37:11 No, I think it would be just that. Like, no, where do you want to be even, like, let's say, in five years, or what's going to be most important to you in 80 years? Right when you're 80, when you look back on your life like, what's going to really matter? And start aligning your life with that. Now, some of that takes time, but standing in that future of how you want it to feel, how it looks, how you want your organization to feel. Like, start — write it down, put it on a vision board, talk about it with someone. And then I would say to myself, like, and then start working towards it. I think when I was younger, I was, you know, I was comfortable with where I was at. I was afraid to take risk. I was afraid to do things different than what I always thought I would do. And you know, for me, the Lord really worked in it, in my heart of just saying, Just trust me. Just trust me with that next step you have the direction you kind of want to go, and I'm going to take you on a journey that you know you're probably never going to be able to predict, kind of like, what I talked about at the beginning, like I pivoted, like it was completely different than what I want, and just be OK with that. That's the beauty of life is, you know, pivoting with what's in front of you, but just taking that next, that next step. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 38:32 I love that. And then what is something that you do every day, just to be better and better is really you define better, but what is something you're doing every day. Jessica Whitney 38:42 I love the books, like The Power of Habit and Atomic Habits and yeah, they're so good in just this idea of your daily actions are, what are, who you are, really like, how you show up in the world, because you can only control what you're doing today. Can't control what you're doing tomorrow or what you did in the past, and so for me, one, I do love to read. So I'm always reading books, listening to podcasts and all that kind of stuff. So I think, as a leader, just, like, surround yourself with lots of different opinions, read different things and just encourage my brain. Two, I love to surround myself with people that encourage me and a community that's going to help me challenge myself to improve. And then three, like those daily actions of self-improvement, of like, OK, how can I be just like, 1% better than I was yesterday, whether that be choosing to eat a little healthier today or going on a 30-minute walk, or, you know, when you're lifting weights like, Can I do five pounds more on this? Like, one or one more rep, right? Like, one more. But I do love that analogy, and weightlifting like, OK, I didn't realize that, you know, like, I can do one more rep this week than I could last but three months ago, you know, I've made huge improvement from three months ago. But you don't realize until after the fact. So I think, you know, being a high achiever all my life, it's like, you want to see these big, like, changes and, you know, immediately, but oftentimes it's in these, like, small moments of like, “How can I just be better today?” Healthwise, community-wise. Who can I love on today? How can I, you know, for me, like being in alignment with, you know, what I think God has for my life, being in prayer and focusing on the people around me. You know, that seems like a lot of things. That's why I've got 25 things on my list, , Col. Naviere Walkewicz 40:44 But you get a few of them done And that's OK, because you just gotta do one. Jessica Whitney Exactly, you just gotta do one. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 40:51 Well, I can just share how much, you know, you really just like leaned in and shared your love and wisdom with all of us. And I think that's one of the things I really appreciated about this today: how you showed up for us and shared your authentic self, and so I just want to say thank you. You know, as we wrap up today's conversation, Jess, what's really stood out to me is that we talked about leadership is just about as much about character, but it's really also about, like, showing up and who you are. You know, you show us just that strong leaders don't just show up and need to have all the answers. They actually just need to show up, right? And just, you know, live their values, live with integrity. And I love how you said, you know, honor your integrity even when life is uncertain or changing. So, you know, I think your transition out of active duty could have been a moment of doubt and struggle, but you turned it into an opportunity to serve, and your family has continued to thrive. So thank you for all that you're doing in your community, and for all of you who need to hear this journey, for those that have also gone or going through a transition, this is a conversation you certainly don't want to miss. So again, thank you to Jess Whitney, Class of 2010. It's been a pleasure having you on Long Blue Leadership.   Jessica Whitney 42:05 Thanks again. Outro 42:05 This Long Blue Leadership conversation was recorded Wednesday, Nov., 19, 2025. KEYWORDS Leadership, authentic leadership, transformational leadership, values-based leadership, character-driven leadership, servant leadership, integrity, honoring your word, keeping your word, accountability, responsibility, vulnerability in leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, courage, leading through change, creating a future, vision casting, aligning actions with values, purpose-driven leadership, redefining success, identity as a leader, mentoring, mentorship, developing others, showing up for your people, empathy, compassion, community building, resilience, leading through grief, supporting mental health, trust, transparency, culture change, organizational alignment, handling conflict, managing expectations, setting priorities, work-life integration for leaders, modeling behavior, investing in relationships, daily leadership habits, incremental improvement, 1% better mindset, self-awareness, naming limiting beliefs, “what's undefined runs you”, authenticity, influence without rank, service beyond the uniform, leading in family and community, Long Blue Leadership. The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation  

Earthquakes are caused by a sudden release of stress along faults in the earth's crust, not by climate change, but some new studies suggest that melting glaciers and permafrost may influence when, where and how often seismic activity occurs. In this episode, hosts Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar chat to seismologist Dr. Verena Simon from the Swiss Seismology Service and Associate Professor of Geosciences at Colorado State University, Sean Gallen. Got a question or comment? email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com Production team: Diane Richardson, Grace Braddock Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell and Philip Bull Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown. Editor: Simon Watts. (Photo by Annabelle Chih/Getty Images)

Colorado State University and University of Colorado Boulder are teaming up to share research, Cougar Run Fire in Larimer County forced evacuations earlier this week, A ceasefire deal has been reached between Iran and the U.S. 

Still windy with a few brief showers • Tracking more dry neighborhoods this morning. • A few isolated showers will try to move in off the Atlantic today in NE Florida. • SE Georgia will be mainly dry today. • Winds will be out of the northeast at 15-20 mph. o Gusts of 30 mph are expected along the immediate coastline. • Rough ocean conditions with seas of 9-12 feet (+) • High surf at local beaches. o Surf: 8-10 ft o High rip current risk o Best advice is to stay out of the water for the rest of this week as higher surf continues. • Highs will be in the lower 70s this afternoon. • Only a brief shower is possible on Friday as onshore winds continue. • The weekend will be dry with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s. • Colorado State University 2026 Atlantic hurricane seasonal outlook released today ~10 am. TODAY: Partly to mostly cloudy. A few brief showers. Breezy. HIGH: 73 TONIGHT: Cloudy and breezy. LOW: 59 FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Brief shower. 59/77 SATURDAY: Partly sunny. 57/79 SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. 57/80 MONDAY: Partly sunny. 61/81 TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. 61/84 WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. 61/86

On America at Night with McGraw Milhaven, Captain Barry “Butch” Wilmore, retired NASA astronaut and decorated U.S. Navy test pilot. Wilmore reflected on his widely followed nine-month stay in space during the Boeing Starliner saga, explaining how his faith and spirituality helped keep him positive and grounded during the unexpected mission extension. While in orbit, Wilmore even began writing a book titled “Stuck in Space.” Next, Ed Stewart, Curator and Director of Exhibits at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, explained the long technological and historical path that led to Artemis II, the mission that will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era. Then Tyler Lindholm, Wyoming Director for Americans for Prosperity, discussed why some are calling Wyoming the frontier of America's new Gilded Age, as wealthy individuals and businesses increasingly move into the state. Finally, Robert Madden, archaeologist at Colorado State University, shared research suggesting the world's earliest gamblers may have been Ice Age women, offering a fascinating look at how ancient artifacts reveal early human behavior and risk-taking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Camille Stevens-Rumann, interim director of the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute at Colorado State University and associate professor in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship. Dr. Stevens-Rumann's research focuses broadly on disturbance ecology, including post-fire forest recovery. She examines how ecosystems respond to disturbances like wildfire, to help improve restoration and management strategies. She shares how fire regimes in the western U.S. are changing, what drives extreme wildfire events, and how the presence of a specific type of tree can help mitigate fire risk.---If you're enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser. Thanks!Follow us on Twitter @RainShinePodNever miss an episode! Sign up to get an email alert whenever a new episode publishes (http://eepurl.com/hRuJ5H)Have a suggestion for a future episode? Please tell us!DOI Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/

As Artemis II gets ready to launch, while NASA prepares for longer trips to space. We look at what traveling to space does to the human body with Scott Solomon, an evolutionary biologist and professor at Rice University, and the author of “Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds” and Susan Bailey, Professor and Radiation Cancer Biologist in the Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, at Colorado State University.

Almost everyone has experienced déjà vu—that strange, fleeting feeling that what's happening right now has somehow already happened before. It can be subtle or intensely vivid, sometimes even a little unsettling. For a moment, it feels like your brain is replaying reality. But is it just a glitch in memory… or something more? Scientists have been trying to understand déjà vu for decades, and the answers are more fascinating than you might expect. Is it a sign your brain is working correctly—or a sign something is off? Why does it tend to happen in certain situations and not others? And why can it feel so real, even when you know it isn't? Anne Cleary, professor at Colorado State University and one of the leading researchers studying this phenomenon, joins me to explain what's really going on inside your brain during a déjà vu experience. She is the author of The Déjà Vu Experience (https://amzn.to/3ErC6Fm), and in our conversation she breaks down the science behind this eerie sensation, why it happens, and what it reveals about how memory actually works. She also has a fascinating TED Talk on the subject you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFAvUkjba-Q If you've ever paused mid-moment and thought, “Wait… I've lived this before,” this is an explanation you won't want to miss. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS DUTCH: If your pet is still scratching and you've tried everything at the pet store –it's time to stop guessing and go prescription.Support us and use code SYSK for $40 off your membership at ⁠⁠⁠https://Dutch.com⁠⁠⁠ RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that's actually covered by insurance. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://Rula.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠ to get started. QUINCE: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.dom/sysk ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! SHOPIFY: See less carts go abandoned with Shopify and their Shop Pay button! Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ross dives into a packed show with news, updates, and a fascinating conversation with Julie Moreno, an Associate Professor at Colorado State University. They discuss Julie's research on dog aging and its potential to translate to human cognitive decline. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding animal models and their relevance to human health. Additionally, Ross shares updates on the Colorado Medicaid program, the resignation of its top official, and the implications for the state's budget. The episode wraps up with a trivia question and a discussion on the latest news, including the Supreme Court's ruling on conversion therapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we are joined by Lisa Michael, the 2025 AAHS Vargas International Hand Therapist Teaching Award recipient. Lisa is an occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist who traveled to St. Lucia to share her knowledge and skills in an underserved area. She shares with us what it was like evaluating and treating patients in St Lucia, how she provided education to the local staff and is able to stay connected with them from afar and how support from AAHS made this trip possible.Lisa Michael (Cyr), OTD, OTR/L, CHT graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy, then returned to school in 2012 to attain her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD). She has been a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) since 1996, and currently works in an outpatient satellite for Yale New Haven Health Services, helping to rehabilitate people who experience traumatic orthopedic related injuries to their hands, wrists, and elbows. She is adjunct faculty or SCSU.Lisa is very active in the hand therapy community and is a member of AAHS, ASHT, and AOT. She has lectured both nationally and internationally on various hand therapy topics and has volunteered in 5 missions with the Guatemala Healing Hands Foundation to help treat Guatemalan children with hand or arm injuries. She also participated in professional surgeon/ therapist conferences and assisted with community outreach and teaching local therapists various hand therapy techniques while there.In 2025, Lisa travelled with the Hand Help team to St. Lucia as the recipient of the AAHS Vargas Award. She treated post-op patients and educated and co-treated patients with the local hospital physiotherapists. She also led an orthosis fabrication and kinisiotape lab for local therapists. Lisa has published a book chapter and authored/ co-authored several peer reviewed journal articles.In her spare time, Lisa loves to hike with her dog, bike, kayak, and travel.The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.

In this powerful episode of Acta Non Verba, Marcus sits down with John Howell, Super Bowl champion and North Creek Ranch innovator. John shares his incredible journey from small-town Nebraska eight-man football to the NFL, revealing the struggles, setbacks, and mental health challenges that shaped him into the man and leader he is today. From walking onto Colorado State as an unknown to winning a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, John's story is a masterclass in perseverance, faith, and the power of doing hard things. Now, John is building something even more impactful at North Creek Ranch—a six-generation family cattle ranch transformed into a retreat destination where men can reconnect with themselves, nature, and each other through hunting, leadership training, and authentic fellowship. Episode Highlights [22:48] The Freshman Who Almost Quit - John reveals how he nearly gave up during his freshman year at Colorado State, flunking every class except aerobics and planning to quit football entirely. A Christmas break drive past his high school reminded him of his dreams and the people who believed in him, leading to a pivotal decision to return with renewed determination. [22:49] The Practice That Changed Everything - After arriving at Colorado State as a walk-on, John thought the team wasn't very good—until the fourth practice when the entire varsity squad showed up. This humbling moment taught him the difference between going 100% and understanding practice etiquette, eventually leading to mentorship from All-American Anthony Cesario. [56:17] The Anxiety Attack Before Super Bowl Season - John courageously shares his breakdown the night before training camp in his second NFL season—calling Coach Jon Gruden to say he had to leave. Instead of cutting him, Gruden responded with love and support, saying "I don't know what you have going on, but I want you to know I love you and I'm here for you." John went on to win the Super Bowl that season. [46:38] The Power of Not Quitting When It's Hardest - John's advice to young athletes and men: "Do not quit your freshman year." He explains the difference between stopping something and quitting something, emphasizing that we can live with failure, but regret from quitting when things are hardest will haunt us forever. John Howell is a Super Bowl XXXVII champion who played defensive back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under legendary coaches Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden. After an improbable journey from eight-man high school football in rural Nebraska to walking on at Colorado State University and eventually being drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, John spent five seasons in professional football. Today, John is the visionary behind North Creek Ranch, a six-generation family cattle ranch in Nebraska that he's transformed into a world-class retreat destination and hunting lodge. Through North Creek Ranch and his nonprofit Herd Bull University, John creates transformative experiences for men, teaching them to embrace challenge, build confidence, and live with purpose through hunting, outdoor skills, and leadership development. John is a man of deep faith, a devoted husband and father, and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in athletics and business leadership. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a loneliness epidemic. Yet the vast majority of people report having a friend. What gives?! We ask friendship expert Natalie Pennington, assistant professor at Colorado State University and co-founder of the American Friendship Project. Then, families of children with developmental disabilities brace for state budget cuts. Also, Western Slope artist Pavia Justinian on life as a professional artist ten years and counting. And a gift of bison with deep cultural and historical significance.

In this episode of An Examined Education, we hear from alumna Anna O'Neill, Class of 2025, now a freshman at Colorado State University, as she reflects on her 13 years at The Cambridge School. Anna shares how the house system and three years of student leadership shaped her growth, strengthened lasting friendships, and cultivated a deep sense of community. She highlights two enduring gifts of her education: learning to engage in thoughtful, charitable dialogue and developing a confident, well-grounded understanding of the Christian faith through years of biblical study, logic, rhetoric, and apologetics. Through a candid story about an unexpected conversation while upgrading her phone, Anna describes how her Cambridge formation prepared her to articulate and defend her faith with clarity, composure, and grace. Her experience illustrates how a classical Christian education equips students not only for college, but for meaningful, everyday conversations about truth. This episode is a reflection on formation, friendship, and the lasting impact of an education ordered toward wisdom and virtue. Think well. Love rightly. Live wisely.

Dr. Naomi Hoyer, service head and associate professor of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery at Colorado State University, is our guest on this week's episode. She shares her veterinary journey from mixed animal practice to becoming a board-certified veterinary dentist and associate professor. Tune in to hear her perspective on the challenges of transitioning from new graduate to confident practitioner, how she found her passion for dentistry, and why she seeks volunteer opportunities in organized veterinary medicine.Thank you to our podcast partner Hill's Pet Nutrition! You can find more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition at Hill's Pet Nutrition - Dog & Cat Food Transforming Lives and Hill's Vet - Veterinary Health Research, Practice Management Resources.Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at MVLpodcast@avma.org.Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Tanvi is an evolutionary biologist who studies how pathogens and microbial communities evolve in response to human ecological, environmental, and cultural changes. Employing a One Health framework, her work integrates genomic/metagenomic datasets derived from animals, contemporary human populations living diverse lifestyles, and ancient individuals recovered using innovative paleogenomics techniques. She have a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, with a minor in Industrial Microbiology, and a Master's degree in Virology from the University of Pune, India. Her research career began in 2011 with her Masters' research project, where she conducted a case-control association study of genetic polymorphisms in human immune response genes and the outcomes of Dengue virus infection in Indian populations. From 2012 to 2017, she worked on her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology under the supervision of Dr. Anne Stone and Dr. Michael Rosenberg at Arizona State University, Tempe, U.S. Her dissertation research involved using cutting-edge degraded DNA and next-generation sequencing methods to elucidate the evolutionary histories of the pathogens causing two major human diseases - leprosy and tuberculosis. From 2017 to 2024, she worked as a Research Assistant Professor with Dr. Cecil M. Lewis Jr., in the Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research (LMAMR) at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, U.S. In this role, she co-led numerous projects investigating the evolution of the human microbiome in response to migration, lifeways, and behavior, which included a National Science Foundation-funded project on the oral microbiome. In 2025, she started a new position as a Bioinformatics Scientist working with Dr. Charlotte Avanzi at Colorado State University, where she is studying the transmission dynamics of leprosy in human and animal hosts. ------------------------------ Find the paper discussed in this episode: Honap, T. P., Monroe, C. R., Johnson, S. J., Jacobson, D. K., Abin, C. A., Austin, R. M., Sandberg, P., Levine, M., Sankaranarayanan, K., & Lewis, C. M. Jr. (2023). Oral metagenomes from Native American Ancestors reveal distinct microbial lineages in the pre-contact era. American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 182(4), 542–556. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24735 ------------------------------ Contact Dr. Honap: tanvi.honap@uzh.ch https://www.tanvihonap.com/ ------------------------------ Contact the Sausage of Science Podcast and Human Biology Association: Facebook: facebook.com/groups/humanbiologyassociation/, Website: humbio.org, Twitter: @HumBioAssoc Chris Lynn, Co-Host Website: cdlynn.people.ua.edu/, E-mail: cdlynn@ua.edu, Twitter:@Chris_Ly Cara Ocobock, Co-Host, Website: sites.nd.edu/cara-ocobock/, Email:cocobock@nd.edu, Twitter:@CaraOcobock Anahi Ruderman, SoS Co-Producer, HBA Junior Fellow / E-mail: ruderman@cenpat-conicet.gob.ar

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is a researcher, author, and speaker who specializes in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology.He wrote "The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose." His forthcoming book, "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance," will be released by Harvard Business Review Press in 2025.Zach works with hundreds of organizations worldwide to forge purposeful leaders who enable mattering, motivation, well-being, and performance. Some of his clients include the U.S. Army, USA Wrestling, J.P. Morgan Chase, Delta Airlines, Marriott International, The Government of Canada, and The National Park Service.He also serves as one of author Simon Sinek's “Optimist Instructors.”Zach earned his Ph.D. in organizational development from Colorado State University where he serves as a Research and Teaching Fellow in the Department of Psychology's Center for Meaning and Purpose and as an Instructor in the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program.His research on meaningful work has been awarded by The Association for Talent Development, The Academy of Management, and The Academy of Human Resource Development.Zach lives in Fort Collins, CO with his wife, two sons, and two adopted dogs.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Ryan Estes sits down with Don Lucoff, founder of DL Media and Artistic Director of the Denver Jazz Fest. Don has spent nearly four decades in jazz as a publicist, producer, and festival programmer, working with legendary artists and labels like Impulse and Blue Note. Now he is helping build a national caliber jazz festival right here in Denver. The State of Jazz Don reflects on how dramatically jazz media coverage has changed. There was a time when major outlets regularly reviewed jazz records and featured artists on national television. Today, most of that coverage has vanished. Yet jazz itself has not disappeared. It continues to shape modern music. Artists like Kendrick Lamar have collaborated with jazz musicians such as Kamasi Washington and Robert Glasper. The influence is everywhere. As Don puts it, jazz can sell everything but itself. It is deeply embedded in popular culture, even if it is no longer center stage in mainstream media. Why Denver Is a Jazz City Denver has a stronger jazz pedigree than many people realize. The Front Range is home to major jazz education programs at the University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Colorado State University. These institutions consistently produce world class players. Historically, Five Points was known as the Harlem of the West, a vital stop for touring jazz musicians crossing the country. Add the Beat Generation passing through town and you have a city that has long been part of America's cultural and musical story. Inside Denver Jazz Fest The Denver Jazz Fest spans 15 venues across Denver and includes performances in Boulder County. It blends national headliners with respected local artists, creating a citywide celebration. This year's lineup includes Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, Bob James, and John Beasley. The festival also honors the centenary of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with special tribute performances, including a presentation of A Love Supreme by Denver saxophonist Keith Oxman. The goal is inclusivity and accessibility. Whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or just jazz curious, there is a show for you. Where to Start Listening For new listeners, Don recommends classics from the Blue Note catalog such as Lee Morgan's Search for the New Land, Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil, and Grant Green's Idle Moments. From Impulse, he points to John Coltrane's Crescent and A Love Supreme, Alice Coltrane's Journey in Satchidananda, and Pharoah Sanders' Thembi. These records are not homework. They are entry points into a vast and vibrant tradition. Final Takeaway Don's career proves one thing. You may not get rich in jazz, but you can build a life around passion, community, and great music. Denver Jazz Fest is more than a series of concerts. It is a statement that this city values artistry, education, and cultural history. Learn more and get tickets at denverjazz.org. See you there.

Honoring a soil building heroIn this rebroadcast of Episode 185, Greg honors the late Dr. Elaine Ingham, a global leader in soil biology and founder of Soil Food Web Inc. Dr. Ingham shares her journey from childhood microbiology lessons to groundbreaking research on the soil food web. The episode explores composting, soil biology, succession, and how restoring microbial life can regenerate ecosystems and dramatically increase yields.Our Guest: Dr. Elaine Ingham is the Founder, President and Director of Research for Soil Foodweb Inc., a business that grew out of her Oregon State University research program. Behind her user-friendly approach to soil lies a wealth of knowledge gained from years of research into the organisms which make up the soil food web. Her goal is to translate this knowledge into actions that ensure a healthy food web that promotes plant growth and reduces reliance on inorganic chemicals. Elaine also offers a pioneering vision for sustainable farming, improving our current soils to a healthier state, without damaging any other ecosystem. In her spare time, Elaine publishes scientific papers, writes book chapters and gives talks at symposia around the world.Key TopicsElaine InghamSoil Food Web IncOregon State UniversityEnvironmental Protection AgencyUniversity of GeorgiaColorado State UniversityUnited NationsMonsantoSoil food web (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, microarthropods)Genetically engineered Klebsiella planticolaBiosafety protocol debateEcological succession and weedsComposting (thermal, vermicomposting, static)Soil microbiome and human health connectionKey Questions AnsweredHow did Dr. Elaine Ingham begin her journey into soil microbiology?Introduced to microscopes at age six by her veterinarian father, she developed early scientific curiosity. After deciding against medical school, she pursued microbiology, earning graduate degrees at Colorado State University and building foundational methodologies for quantifying soil organisms.What is the soil food web, and why does it matter?The soil food web is the complex community of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods that cycle nutrients, protect plants, and build soil structure. Without this biology, plants cannot thrive, and chemical dependency increases.What happened in the EPA experiment involving genetically engineered bacteria?Dr. Ingham and her graduate student tested a genetically engineered strain of Klebsiella planticola designed to produce alcohol from crop residues. In controlled soil experiments, the engineered bacteria killed all terrestrial plants by producing toxic alcohol concentrations at...

While parts of the eastern and southern US have had unusually high snowfall this year, the West is in a snow drought. The abysmal winter sports season is just the tip of the melting iceberg: Snowpack is key to providing water throughout the year for the drought-stricken region. Joining Host Flora Lichtman to talk about this unusual winter are reporter David Condos and climate scientist Brad Udall.Guests:David Condos is the Southern Utah Reporter at KUER based in St. George.Brad Udall is a senior water and climate research scientist at Colorado State University's Colorado Water Center.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Dr. Kristen Lani Rasmussen is Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. Research in Kristen's lab focuses on studying extreme events, particularly weather events such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail storms, and other events that have a big impact on humans and society. She is interested in examining these extreme event systems in the context of our current climate and how they may change in the future. In addition to spending quality time with her fantastic family, Kristen enjoys playing jazz trumpet. She has played jazz and bluegrass music with various bands in Colorado. Kristen received her bachelor's degree in meteorology and mathematics as well as music from the University of Miami. She then attended the University of Washington where she was awarded her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Atmospheric Sciences. Afterwards, Kristen conducted postdoctoral research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research before joining the faculty at Colorado State University. She has received a number of awards and honors in her career, including the Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Science from the Desert Research Institute, the College of the Environment Outstanding Community Impact Award from the University of Washington, and the Very Early Career Award from the American Meteorological Society's Mesoscale Processes Conference. In addition, she was recently awarded the Graduate Mentoring and Advising Award from Colorado State University as well as the George T. Abell Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award from the College of Engineering at Colorado State University. In our interview, Kristen tells us more about her life and science.