Apex Activated

Apex Activated new drop coming in hot!   Welcome Rachel Zenzinger to the pod! She is the Jefferson County Commissioner for District 1 and is no stranger to service and community.   Rachel started serving here on the Apex PRD Foundation Board and quickly realized her calling and moved into Arvada City Council and represented the 19th district of the Colorado Senate. She is active in Kiwanis among all the other things she is doing to make Colorado better.   She is a Colorado Rockies fan and is raising her family right here in Arvada and we are so lucky to know her and call her our friend!   Check out the latest on iHeart, Apple, Spotify and Podbean.   @the_zenator

Want the latest updates on a story that truly matters? We’ve got you covered as we highlight Karen Rocznik from Good Day Colorado-a  producer and journalist whose strength goes far beyond the newsroom. In this episode, we talk about her impact in journalism, her resilience, and her fight against cancer. It’s a powerful reminder of why storytelling matters and how courage can inspire a community. This is an episode you won’t want to miss if you believe in the power of people, pushing through and finding your passion.

Want the latest updates on a story that truly matters? We’ve got you covered as we highlight Karen Rocznik from Good Day Colorado-a  producer and journalist whose strength goes far beyond the newsroom. In this episode, we talk about her impact in journalism, her resilience, and her fight against cancer. It’s a powerful reminder of why storytelling matters and how courage can inspire a community. This is an episode you won’t want to miss if you believe in the power of people, pushing through and finding your passion.

Happy Spring Pickleheads! Listen as we catch up with President of Apex Park and Recreation District Foundation, Eric Roemersberger, about their Pickleball Fundraiser that brings all the picklers around!   Start practicing your dinks and drives. Our annual Memorial Day Weekend Pickleball Tournament is coming up in less than 8 weeks, May 23-24. Sign up here: https://www.rec.us/.../apex-park-and-recreation-district... Presenting Sponsor: REP Fitness Annual Sponsors: AVOS Dental Specialists Credit Union of Colorado Major Sponsors: Babolat Custom Flag Company Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric

Jaden Knowles is in the building! 9 News Meteorologist, football star and all around coooooolest dude ever!  Meeting Jaden at HomeGoods was such a random blessing because he is literally one of the kindest, smartest and most humble people we have ever met!  Listen to his story and what he is up to, how he got to Denver, how he and Lauren Williams from Channel 7 are BFF's and also what award he is up for!  Jaden is one of our favorite people and we know you will feel the same after this pod! Catch us on iHeart, Apple, Podbean or anywhere you get your fave pods. Like, comment, share away!

ometimes we all need a reminder that trying is better than standing still, and Tracy does just that. From lifeguarding in Milwaukee to having Mickey Mouse as a boss, Tracy’s life has been anything but boring. She has traveled the globe, spoken to influential leaders, built a career in parks and recreation, and even surfs. As a certified professional coach, Tracy shares stories and lessons from her life that is full of bold moves, fun moments that caught her by surprise and some pretty unforgettable moments and adventures. Her journey will leave you inspired, speechless (she may have delivered a baby while traveling abroad), and ready to take the leap you have been waiting for. If you are feeling that mid-season slump, get ready to feel motivated.

She’s a mama, world traveler, influencer, soon-to-be nurse, and a former military police officer… what DOESN’T Riley Cyr do?   Our newest Apex Activated episode is LIVE and we’re sitting down with Riley to talk about balancing motherhood, marriage, big dreams, and lots of adventure.   From raising two little ones, to helping moms discover the best places to explore around Colorado, to stepping into the world of nursing, our friend, Riley proves you can chase your dreams while raising a family.   This conversation is real and one you don’t want to miss.   Listen now wherever you get your favorite podcasts!   Like. Follow. Share.

Apex Activated sat down with Allison Scheck-Deputy City Manager, City of Arvada and talked all things about her journey that spans continents, communities and countless cups of tea!   From growing up across the pond to helping shape the future of Arvada, Allison’s story is anything but ordinary. Somewhere between her British roots and Rocky Mountain horizons, she found her way to Colorado and has never looked back.   Now serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of Arvada, Allison is one of those behind-the-scenes powerhouses who keeps a city moving forward. Big-picture strategy? Check. Community connection? Absolutely. Navigating growth, change, and opportunity while keeping people at the center? That’s her sweet spot.   But here’s what makes this episode extra special: Allison isn’t just shaping a city with her rock star team, she’s raising kiddos, building community, and balancing public service with real life. We talk about leadership with heart, what it’s like to cross an ocean and build a new home, and how local government can truly impact families, businesses, and neighborhoods in meaningful ways.   There’s laughter. There’s insight. There might even be a British accent moment or two.   If you’re curious about leadership, community impact, or how someone goes from England to influencing one of Colorado’s most fun cities, this conversation will leave you inspired and maybe even a little more curious about how to get involved with your city!   Remember to comment, like and share!   Find us on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, Podbean or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!

Launch day was a huge success and to celebrate we grabbed out mini mics and hit the streets (and by streets we mean the hallway of Apex Center). We chatted all things launch, how people were feeling, what they thought about the time leading up to our new software launch and all things in between. Spoiler alert...one of our directors thought we said "Lunch Day" and came a runnin' for some grub.  Short and sweet and to the point, but so much fun wrapped up in just a few minutes! We love our staff and are so proud of the work they did and huge shout out to Rec Technologies for their product and support!

January is wrapping up and your resolutions, goals and all the things you vowed to do and change may be feeling heavy, but we have the cure!   We are throwing it back to one of our very favorite podcast guests who inspires us to go for our dreams. Ali from Mermaid Walking is the epitome of a girls girl, a person who will always cheer for you, lift you up and make you believe you can do it ALL! Because, well, you CAN!   Listen to this previously recorded and released pod with our girl, who reminds us to go for it all!   Follow, like, comment and go visit Ali at Mermaid Walking!

Apex Activated dives into what’s new in green space and land management. This episode features Eric Feldbaum of New Hampshire State Parks, aka the Man of Many Names, talking NRPA advocacy, the Land & Water Conservation Fund, and meeting the needs of our greenspaces. From policy work to orchid growing and new-parent life, he does it all.   Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeart & more. Like • Follow • Share Let's do this!

We are officially back and kicking off 2026 the only way we know how...honest conversations, a lot of chaos and so many laughs. In this episode, we are looking back on 2025...remember cancer...some of the best friends and guest two girls could have and babies! We are talking about reflections, lessons learned and our words for 2026. And because it wouldn't be coffee talk without it... -more food convos. -more talk about our community. -and more us being us! Coffee talk is here, baby and we cannot wait to share this with you! Show us some love...please! (do we sound like we are begging?) Follow, like, comment, share.

Okay...real talk. Staying hopeful, as a teen, feels like trying to vibe on 3 hours of sleep during finals week...definitely not 67! (if you know, you know) But some awesome educators are showing up bringing big heart, big leadership and big "I've got your back" energy and today we sit and talk to one of those amazing peeps! Principal Micah Porter walks the halls of Arvada West High School and his take on how our teens are doing these days is all positive! From hyping his students, saddling up next to his teachers, and building real connections, Micah is the real deal! Tune in to hear what teens are thinking and doing, how to build trust and a community within schools and you to lift up the young people in your world. Make sure you follow, like, comment...basically all the things so you don't miss an episode!

Ever wondered what happens when two friends take a random idea, sprinkle in some chaos, caffeine, and fun, and somehow turn it into one of the fastest-rising stars in recreation technology? Or how two former Uber teammates managed to navigate the startup world without losing their minds or their friendship and build Rec Technologies from scratch?   Birju and Rachel dive into all this and more in our newest Apex Activated Podcast episode—out today, Thursday, November 21.   Listen to this episode if you:   -Want to hear how two friends went from Uber to founding Rec Technologies?   -Want a behind-the-scenes look at building one of the most up-and-coming recreation tech platforms?   -Want to learn how innovators balance ambition, creativity, and real life while scaling a startup? (And by real life, we mean one getting married and one having a baby and one of the SURFS...could they be any cooler?)   Tune in starting today, November 21, on Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.   And don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and download!

New Episode Out Now – Apex Activated Podcast We took the mic to the floor at this year’s NRPA Conference in Florida and captured the energy firsthand. From reconnecting with past guests like the incredible Kristine Stratton, President of NRPA, to meeting new voices in the parks and recreation world, this episode is full of spontaneous moments, laughter, and real talk about the power of community and public service. It’s a fast-paced, feel-good listen that highlights the passion driving today’s leaders in parks and rec. 🎧 Streaming now on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Podbean, and wherever you get your podcasts. 👍 Don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and download—your support keeps this mic rolling. Brought to you by the National Recreation and Park Association.

In this inspiring and candid episode, we sit down with U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen to talk about her journey that led her from her upbringing in Colorado to walking and serving in the halls of Congress. With honesty and a huge heart, she opens up about how her family shaped her work, the pivotal moments that led her into public service, with the help of our own Katie Groke, and the passion behind what fuels her work in Washington today. We dive into her legislative priorities, her hopes for the future, what being a mom on Capitol Hill looks like and why she is more energized that ever to serve the people she represents. This is one powerful conversation that you do not want to miss, filled with resilience, purpose, and the kind of hope we are all looking for. Whether you are all about policy, looking for an uplifting story, or are a mama raising babies like Rep. Pettersen, this episode will leave you feeling ready to hit the ground running. Listen NOW on Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. And don’t forget to follow, like, comment and download!

Last year our team met with Annie Frisoli about becoming intentional leaders and wow did it speak to us and change our mindset! Listen in as you hear Annie talk about her journey to where she is now, how parks and recreation helped lead her here and what becoming an intentional leader means and how to become just that. There is not a one size fits all model for being a great leader and Annie will help you find your perfect approach all while inspiring you, making you laugh and being the girl you want in your corner! You do not want to miss this one!

Apex Activated is coming in hot with one of our fave people, Lakita Frazier.   Lakita is a Senior Consultant at Barry Dunn where she leads strategic planning and facility construction. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and was inducted into the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration in 2020.   But there's more...she is a mama, a grandma and she started Women in Parks and Recreation (WiPAR) and is bringing amazing women from across the globe together for yearly retreats and talks and inspiring us to get in the board rooms, get on the trails, and be movers and shakers.   Our conversation with her was inspiring, but also so gentle and you feel her kindness and love for people come through as you get to know her!   Grab your phone and find your favorite place outside and listen to this awesome chat with Lakita!

We are bringing back one of our faves for a little coffee tawk! We love anytime we get to hang with this girl who is not only wicked smart about parks and recreation, people, leading and all the things, but she is down to earth, kind, and a true girls girl! Karen joins us at Katie's kitchen table as we chat about food, dating, meditation and more.  Grab a chair, a great cuppa whatever wets your whistle and get to know the latest in meditation gadgets and a little behind the scenes action with Karen O'Donnell!  

Welp, this one ended differently than any of our others!    We love chatting with our good friend, City of Boulder Director of Parks and Recreation Ali Rhodes! She inspires us with her go get 'em attitude, her amazing team she leads and how much she puts into her community! We could have talked for hours with this one, until she threw in some challenges (which we accepted...what were we thinking?) and now we are doing the Bolder Boulder! WHAT???   We cannot wait for you to hear from our awesome friend and be ready to hit the trails!  

Join us as we talk to Marisa Kouba, the Active Adult Recreation Coordinator at the City of Thornton, about her journey to her amazing position. Between love and loss, this girl is one tough cookie! She teaches us how to handle grief and loss and how to keep going and celebrate each day.   We are so thankful that Marisa came into our lives, what she has taught us and how big her heart is!    

Break Stuff!   Yep, you got it right! We are breaking bottles and breaking through our barriers of what is holding us back in the latest episode of Apex Activated.   On location at Emotion with Owner Erica Valenzuela, who is teaching us to show ourselves and others grace as we navigate emotions and life. (Speaking of showing grace...the sound was a bit off due to breaking things, moving around room to room and all the things, so throw some grace our way as you listen.)   Listen to this excellent episode, then book a session at Emotion! You will feel lighter and be ready to head into next week with grace and some goodness.

Meet Kelly Schmidt, Director of Durango Parks and Recreation Director.    Family, being outside and leading her community is where her heart is and we are here for it!   Kelly landed in Durango after living in Bentonville, Arkansas and she loves being part of the community and seeing the bigger picture as she brings her 25 years of open space fun to this amazing city! This Texas State alumni believes in accessible parks and recreation for everyone and bringing about places of play for families. We loved talking with her about her hubby, two teenage girls and her new job! Sit down and listen as we catch up with our friend from Durango!

"You aren't a fish out of water, you are a mermaid walking." Join us as we chat with Mermaid Walking Boutique owner Ali Larsen.   This girl boss will inspire you to chase your dreams and build your people up. She is the ultimate hype girl, and we love visiting her boutique!   Sit with a cup of coffee and listen to this out-of-this-world woman and her incredible journey. @mermaidwalkingboutique Visit Arvada   Catch us anywhere you get your podcasts! Apple, iHeart, Spotify and Podbean.

Third time is a charm with our coffee talk guest this week! We love our coffee talk chats. We get to catch up, share our fave shows we are watching, and just be together. We invited our bestie in this week and had the best chitty chat! We have tried three times to get this one on, and we always get sidetracked, so buckle up and get a sneak peek into what a day in our back office is like!

Did someone say pilates?   For the first time ever, we are on location with our guest! Join us for our chat this week with Cardinal Pilates and Nutrition Owner, Kat Boome.   Kat will inspire you to follow your dreams and forge your own path. Kat has the most gentle spirit and a beautiful and calming studio, and it will make you want to stop, breathe, and take care of YOU!   Listen on Podbean, Apple, iHeart, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

We are back!   Apex Activated is back, and this episode will make you cheer!   Join us as we chat with Dale Wilsher, a Career and Life Coach who helps people find and live their authentic truths.   Dale gave us things to think about, great insights, and steps to help us find our passions and what we believe in.   Catch this episode on Podbean, Apple, iHeart, or any other podcast platform.

LeAnn! If you do not know LeAnn Williams, the City of Fort Collins's Director of Recreation, you are missing out.  She is a powerhouse—wife, mom and director—and she does it all with a smile on her face!   We had the best time chatting about what her team is up to in Fort Collins, how they are bringing new programming for their community and how she honors and celebrates her people at work.   We also snuck in some fun conversation about her hubby, her amazing kiddos who are just like their mama and taking the world by storm and what it is like raising a house full of girls.   Don't miss this episode, and then head to Fort Collins to check out their amazing recreation department!   Catch this fun chat anywhere you get your podcasts: Apple, iHeart, Spotify and more.

It's love day, and we love our friends over at NRPA!   Join us as we chat with Cara Myers, who gives us the inside scoop on marketing at NRPA, being a stepmom to the best girl ever and finding love!   Cara is the Marketing and Engagement Manager at NRPA, and she has found her home with some of the best of the best. She cohosts their podcast, gets us going with National Park and Recreation Month, and is always there to lend an ear and lend a helping hand!   She is one of our faves and we could not do our jobs without her!

Love! Root everything in love! WOW!   Join us today as we talk with Dr. Dwinita Mosby Tyler, Founder of The Equity Project, TEDx speaker, author and someone you will want to know!   Proximity matters; rooting everything in love is what matters. The words may be simple, but the work is hard, which is okay!     Dr. Dwinita left us speechless and reminded us to never believe it cannot be you! This episode is just in time for the month of love, Black History Month and the beginning of good things!   Listen anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. iHeart, Podbean, Apple, Spotify and more.

Apex Activated is dropping a great episode right now!   If you are looking for hope and some good in our community, look no further than our own Arvada West High School. These students are making waves, taking names, and are our future. Join us as we sit down with their leader, Principal Porter.   If you are looking for hope and good in our community, look no further than Arvada West High School. (Hint: he gushes over these students, his faculty, and the future of our community)   Grab your Kleenex and get ready to be hit right in the feels with this one.   The next time you see a Jeffco student, faculty member or parent in the community, give them a high five and tell them how great they are doing!   Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get your fave podcast!

What an amazing first year it’s been for Apex Activated!   From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank every listener, guest, and storyteller who’s been a part of our journey. You've made us laugh, brought tears to our eyes, and challenged us to think about the tough things in life. Every conversation has been a learning experience, with fun facts, exciting tidbits, and things we never knew before.   We couldn’t have done it without you-our incredible listeners and the guests who shared their stories with us.   Everyone has a story, and we are here to help you tell it!   Here’s to many more years of inspiration, laughter, and connection.   Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable year!  

Apex Activated is so thankful for our next guest and her heart for Arvada!   Listen as we talk to Kami Welch, President and CEO of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. For 11 years, Kami has been at the helm of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and leading the charge for healthy businesses and a thriving community.   She is moving mountains and bringing professional development, family-friendly workplaces and business engagement to a whole new level.   Kami is also passionate about Diabetes Awareness Month. Hear her story and why this is close to her heart. Listen beginning Friday, November 29, on Podbean, Apple, iHeart, and Spotify. Arvada Chamber of Commerce Breakthrough T1D

Apex Activated is bringing you a special episode this week to share one of the best programs our community offers, PorchLight: A Family Justice Center, and to kick off Colorado Gives Day! Candace and Brandon join us to chat about all things PorchLight, bringing light to domestic abuse, elder abuse and more and how to get help if you or a loved one needs it. You will feel inspired, but more importantly, we want to raise awareness and give a safe place in our community. Listen to this inspiring episode, get involved with PorchLight by reaching out, and give to Colorado Gives Day to support a great cause. Listen today on Podbean, Apple, iHeart, and more.

Apex Activated is full of fun chatter today, featuring one of our favorite mamas and business owners, Lisa Glenn!   She is not just the wife of our ahhhhmazing Jeff Glenn; she is also a woman raising a family with grandbabies, running a thriving business and helping in the fight against the childcare shortage.   Find out what makes her tick, what being the owner and director of The Cottage School in Boulder entails, what fun plans she has coming up and what being an empty nester means.   Coffee talk with this lady gets better and better each time!

Apex Activated has a fun chat today that will make you walk away feeling empowered!   From getting to the core, being authentic and talking about women in leadership, Lisa, the Business Development and Strategy Lead for BerryDunn’s Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Practice, shows us what drives her, what leadership means, and how she is a true heart leader!   The key to everything she does is relationship-building and empowering people, and boy, oh boy, did we feel that after talking with her!   What an honor to hear her perspective and get her insight on the parks and rec industry and leading a team.

You will want to get up and do all the things after meeting our next guest, Sandy Martin! Executive Director of Community Table Sandy Martin joins us to discuss feeding our community, fundraising, writing grants, and starting Jeffco Head Start. I mean, how hard is it?   Sandy's favorite part of serving is feeding the people in her community. Food feeds the stomach and soul, and no better person can lead the charge! Community Table's campaign 25 for 25 exceeded expectations and hit 50 for 25, which raised over 50,000 pounds of food in 25 days! You will feel inspired to take on the world, make changes, and join forces for good after listening to our amazing friend, Sandy!

Apex Activated on Ice!   Meet the man who has a passion for the youth in our community and all things hockey!   You can call him Kibby, and he is all about getting our kiddos on the ice, doing physical activity, and parks and recreation. Check out this fun episode where we learned a few things about ice, ice baby!   Also, check out Arvada Hockey Association and the amazing programs they run!

Listen in! GIVEAWAY ALERT!   Hear from the big man himself! We finally sat him down and chatted about everything from shrimp and grits to not being the new kid on the block anymore and our exciting program coming up, "Million Coaches Challenge."   Listen in to the podcast that has sass, laughter, and some serious talk about coaching our youth and how we can help coaches with resources.   Comment and tell us what show started the contest that brought about our "little project that could." and win a gift basket!

It's sass meets class in this exciting podcast featuring Public Information Officer for Arvada Police Department, Dave Snelling. Who is the sass, and who is the class? You tell us!   He took a gamble and joined us on the podcast, and boy, oh boy, was it full of sass!   From smack talk about a big fire versus police softball match-up on October 13 to why Dave does what he does, this chat was everything we hoped it would be and more.   Listen on Apple, iTunes, Spotify, Podbean and more.

You've asked, and we listened! It's like the Chicago PD and Chicago Fire crossover podcast version! We joined forces with the boyzzz from RecLess Podcast.  We have been waiting for this day and could have chatted for hours with these three! Parks and Recreation, families and more! Listen as we laugh and learn who the people person is in the group and who is ready for empty nesting!  

You asked, and we listened!   Everything you wanted to know about park and recreation, skin care, Olympics, Mercury in retrograde and everything in between. We give you the scoop or at least our take on the scoop and why we do what we do!   Grab your coffee and sit and chat with your two new besties!

From growing up in Arvada to being the first class of women at Regis University to beating cancer, this woman is a force to be reckoned with!   Join us as we sit down with Lieutenant Governor of Colorado Dianne Primavera.   This inspiring, hard-working woman knows how to get things done and is here to spill how she does it all!  

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and we sat down with someone who helps make our parks, businesses, and other places better every day.   Join us for a fun conversation with born and raised Arvada native, President/CEO of Arvada Rent-Alls, Andrew Heesacker!   From growing a family to growing Arvada Rent-Alls, culture and heart drive him, and our chat shows that! You will learn about this cool industry and this even cooler guy! Arvada is where he belongs!   #WhereYouBelong #ParkandRecMonth2024  

Drumroll, please!   Join us as we kick off National Park and Recreation Month with the one and only Kristine Stratton.   Kristine is the President and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association.   She believes parks and recreation are for everyone and has made it her mission to give communities throughout the United States access to recreation's health, social, and environmental benefits.   She is a recreation girl through and through, and we could not be more excited to have her lead off National Park and Recreation Month!   Let's get this party started!

Time flew as we chatted with Jefferson County Commissioner Tracy Kraft-Tharp about all things Jefferson County, her road to politics, traveling, her bucket list, and a few fun facts.    From her great work for the schools, the county, and our community, this conversation made us laugh and want to chat with our friend, Tracy, for hours.   Listen on iHeart, Spotify, Apple, and Podbean.

Sit with us as we talk about Park and Recreation in High Point, North Carolina, with their Director, Lee Tillery!   We talk about all things parks and recreation, trains, water parks, and therapeutic recreation!   Great conversation with a few tears sprinkled in when we got to the heart of the "why" with Jack's Scholarship and Miracle League.   You will be moved and learn why parks and recreation is a place for everyone.

Meet Mayor Lauren Simpson. Sit with us as we talk all things about her journey from Texas to D.C. to Colorado, her unexpected transition into politics, and the day she found out she was about to become Mayor. Mayor Simpson shared her passion for community service, the importance of empathy in leadership, and even some fun anecdotes about her love for Bette Midler and her small-town roots.   If you're looking for inspiration on making a local impact while staying true to yourself, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in now!

We are Amongst Royalty!   Meet Kim Christiansen.   From baton twirler to Miss Colorado to 9NEWS (KUSA) Anchor, this beloved Colorado girl loves Arvada and is proud to be part of our thriving community.   Daughter, sister, wife, and mom, Kim shares what led her to 9 News, the hard work that prepared her for hard-hitting storylines, and shares pieces of her heart with us.   Listen to one of the most amazing ladies who will make you feel like an old friend!   Listen today on Podbean, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Join us for part one of a great talk with our friend and partner, Matt Robbins. From Community Connections Director with Jefferson County Parks and Conservation, he brings great knowledge of the land, trails, volunteers, and how it all began! Those are his nows, but we did not know that this amazing guy has a past, and he slid it into our talk, and boy, were we surprised, or shall we say speechless! We also talk about the lottery and how the lotto helps parks! Check it out now! Listen on Apple, IHeart, and Spotify. https://apexprd.org/about/apex-activated-podcast/