Springs and Things

It's our 100th episode, and we're celebrating by kicking off Arts Month live from Yobel in downtown Colorado Springs! We sit down with Angela Seals and Luke Harper Prince from COPPR (the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region), which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.Arts Month brings more than 200 events across 31 days to the entire Pikes Peak Region, not just Colorado Springs. We talk about why the Springs was founded as a cultural home, how the local arts scene bridges political divides, why this year's theme is "Made for the Moment," and how to find your way into the arts even if you don't consider yourself an "arts person."In this episode:Why Colorado Springs was once the largest U.S. city without a local arts agencyGeneral William Palmer's vision of Colorado Springs as a home, not an industry townHow the arts bring together faith communities, activists, and everyone in betweenWhat would amaze someone from 2006 about today's arts sceneThe 2026 Arts Month theme: "Made for the Moment"Why investing in the arts matters for the local economyTips for first-timers: you don't need an invitationArts Month picks mentioned:Colorado Springs Philharmonic's 100th (centennial) seasonRocky Mountain Women's Film Festival (mid-October)First Friday in Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou SpringsStronger Together exhibit: 21 artists honoring 34 arts organizationsStronger Together open house at the Cultural Office, Saturday, Oct. 4, 1–4 p.m. (yes, there's an ice cream truck)PeakRadar.com for the full Arts Month event calendarWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.Love the show? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a friend who needs to get out to Arts Month, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you next week on Springs and Things!

We sat down at the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum with museum president Manitou Mike Maio and Sam Driscoll of Theatre D'Art, the two people behind the Manitou Springs Ghost Tours. Mike tells the full Emma Crawford story (that you likely haven't heard), and Sam makes the case for Soapy Smith, the con man who sold bars of soap, and talks about playing Robert "Rattlesnake" James, the hairdresser who married and murdered five or six wives.And that's just scratching the surface of the stories they have! Also in here: the museum's own ghost, the tall, thin man who appears only in window reflections, and the gunshots that ring out on the west end of town at one in the morning. What?!Want to hear more? Don't miss the ghost tours! Tours run Friday and Saturday nights, October 2nd through 30th. Kids under 11 get in free. Tickets at manitouspringsheritagecenter.org.Timestamps02:19 Meet Manitou Mike Maio and Sam Driscoll04:43 Soapy Smith, the soap-selling con artist05:53 Why the tours use actors instead of guides08:19 The museum's own ghost10:42 The legend of Emma Crawford, told in full15:33 The arcade reflection and the 1 a.m. gunshots20:21 The homicidal hairdresser25:04 Tickets, timing and accessibilityLinksTickets: manitouspringsheritagecenter.orgFacebook: Manitou Springs Heritage MuseumPicks of the week: Poor Richard's, Armadillo Ranch, Kinfolks, TownhouseShare this with the friend you want to bring on the tour with you, and leave us a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. It helps more locals find the show!We Love Our Sponsors!Vanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.

Did a monkey bite really launch the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Did Spencer Penrose actually ride his horse into the Antlers Hotel lobby? And why is the Shrine of the Sun named after Will Rogers instead of the man who built it?In this episode of Springs and Things, host Carly Ries sits down with Sarah Woods, Vice President of Collections for El Pomar Foundation, to dig into the archives and separate Colorado Springs legend from fact. As the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary, Sarah pulls back the curtain on some of the wildest, most fascinating stories in our city's history and reveals what the primary source records actually say.This is one of our most information-packed episodes to date, covering everything from a mysterious box of 1940s newspaper-wrapped clothing to a crash car sitting in a museum exactly how it landed on Pikes Peak.In this episode, you'll learn:→ The real reason Spencer Penrose's exotic animals were moved off the Broadmoor Golf Course, and yes, the monkey bite was real→ How a 21-year-old Spencer Penrose wrote a Harvard thesis that still guides El Pomar Foundation's mission today→ The story behind the Heritage Gallery's never-before-seen photographs, hats, and personal artifacts of Spencer and Julie Penrose→ How Michèle Mouton became the only woman to earn the title King of the Mountain, and why she insists on keeping that title→ The harrowing 2012 crash on Pikes Peak and what the wreckage reveals about safety, thin air, and the psychological demands of the race→ Why Julie Penrose created the original El Pomar Carriage Museum in 1941, and how a newspaper clipping from the 1920s changed everything we thought we knew about its origins→ The connection between Spencer Penrose's cancer diagnosis and the founding of the Penrose Cancer Center at Glockner Hospital→ Why the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun bears that name, and how Spencer Penrose's promotional genius may have played a role→ What Penrose Heritage Museum has planned for families, accessibility, and community programmingResources Mentioned:- Penrose Heritage Museum- El Pomar Foundation- United States Olympic and Paralympic MuseumWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you loved this one, leave a five-star review and share it with a friend who loves Colorado Springs history and lore.

This week, Carly and Lauren welcome Kelly Bull, Executive Director of Hey Neighbor (formerly CONO, the Council of Neighbors & Organizations), for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Kelly moved to Colorado Springs five years ago and experienced total isolation, until a scary morning made her realize how unsafe it is to not know your neighbors. What she did next turned zero phone numbers into a 30-person text chain, five neighborhood planting parties, and a block that now does dinners, cornhole tournaments, and driveway hot chocolate nights.In this episode:Three very different experiences of "neighboring" in Colorado SpringsThe morning a SWAT team changed how Kelly saw community foreverThe one simple trick to overcome shyness and meet your neighbors (hold something in your hand!)Free coffee through the Neighborhood Café program with Kangaroo Coffee150 Tables Across Colorado Springs and the Nominate a Neighbor programNeighborhood University (the free 12-week civic education program)How gardening brought out the Mayor, Governor Polis, and a whole lot of neighborsKelly's Pick of the Week: morning hikes up Cheyenne Cañon & Red RocksWhether you're brand new to your street or you've lived there an "awkward amount of time," this episode will inspire you to knock on that door.Learn more & register a table: heyneighbors.orgLoving Springs and Things? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a neighbor, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. New episodes every week.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.

This week, we're recording from the couch at Treehouse Cafe, kicking off our September picks for things to do around Colorado Springs, and let's just say the calendar is packed! We're genuinely excited about every single pick.In this episode:Why we love Treehouse Cafe (and the hidden strip-mall gems nearby: Bazinga Vintage Toys & Collectibles, Brush Crazy & Uptown Cheapskate)Jasmine Dillavou's poetry pop-up at Novus Mortem Collective (Sept 5)Labor Day Vintage Baseball at Rock Ledge Ranch (Sept 7)Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival at Ivywild (Sept 11–13)New Moon Sound Bath at Cave of the Winds (Sept 11)Parade of Homes for the Zillow-at-11pm crowd (Sept 11–27)Pawtoberfest at Union Printers Home, benefiting the Humane Society (Sept 12)Unity Metaphysical & Craft Festival (Sept 12)TEDx Manitou Springs at Cave of the Winds (Sept 13)EPIC Chamber Music Series at the Ent Center (starts Sept 18)Annual Powwow at Rock Ledge Ranch (Sept 19)Bristol Brewing Oktoberfest at Ivywild (Sept 25 21+ / Sept 26 family-friendly)Forest Bathing returns at Starsmore Discovery Center with guide Serena Vogel (Sept 26)Green Box Farm & Art Market (Sept 26)Gather Mountain Blooms Harvest Hootenanny (Sept 26)Bonus: Breckenridge Film Festival + Girls in STEM at KeystonePlus Movies Under the Stars on Saturdays all September and October at Bristol, a turtleneck chase that turned into a friendship, and Carly's ongoing campaign to convert Lauren into a Savannah Bananas superfan.Loved this episode? Please leave a 5-star review; it helps other locals find the show. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, and share with a friend looking for things to do in September.

Not every kid is a team sport kid, and that's totally okay. In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly and Lauren share their favorite kids' activities in Colorado Springs that fit a wide range of interests, from artsy to athletic and everything in between.In this episode:Fencing at Rocky Mountain Fencing with a three-time Olympic gold medalist coachYouth triathlons through USA Triathlon (the Colorado Springs Kids Triathlon is September 13!)Theater programs at the Academy of Children's Theater, including a stage combat "saber wars" classMusic programs at the Colorado Springs Conservatory (with a private lesson included)First Tee golf for beginnersRock climbing at City Rock (plus a restaurant, beer, and parent yoga)Homework help, tutoring, and business resources at Pikes Peak LibraryAnd that's just the beginning! There's still time to sign your kids up!Plus: a recap of Tessa's Pasta in the Park fundraiser, and this week's Picks of the Week: Newport in the Rockies and the Commonweal Art Festival over Labor Day weekend.Loving the show? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a fellow parent, and subscribe wherever you listen.Springs and Things is your local guide to life in Colorado Springs.

Carly sits down with Joy Armstrong, curator of art at GOCA (the Galleries of Contemporary Art), and Matt Giles, general director at Theatreworks, both housed inside the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. Together they unpack why the Colorado Springs arts scene has shifted from safe and traditional to bold, risky, and genuinely alive.In this episode:How Colorado Springs arts and culture has transformed over the past 20 yearsGOCA's current exhibition, Simulacra, and why contemporary art doesn't have to be intimidatingThe Radiant Blue Marble collaborative film event (August 29th) bringing five organizations togetherTheatreworks' bold 51st season, opening with Sweeney Todd, plus Sweat, Private Lives, and What the Constitution Means to MeWhy every UCCS student gets a free ticket to every Theatreworks showHow the Ent Center is cultivating the next generation of arts loversWhy locals no longer need to drive to Denver for a great night outPlus, Joy and Matt share their Colorado Springs picks of the week: a downtown museum rewriting the stories it tells, and a coffee-shop crawl worth lacing up your shoes for.Whether you're an arts lover, a Springs local, or brand new to town, this one's a celebration of a creative community on a serious upswing.WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Enjoying the show? Leave a five-star review and share this episode with a friend you want to take to the Ent Center.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Colorado Springs farmers markets are in full swing, and this week we're sharing our absolute favorite vendors from markets across the city!From Old Colorado City to Acacia Park to Meanwhile Block, we've been on a mission all summer to find the best local makers, and we're spilling all our finds. Whether you're a produce person, a skincare lover, or here for the local artisans, this episode is your guide to shopping local in the Springs.A few of the vendors mentioned in this episode: Hoshi Matcha: The cutest matcha stand with tons of flavors (including cold foam)Humble Abode: Clean-ingredient fragrances and candlesHair Sparkles by Brittany: Long-lasting hair tinsel your kids will loveSoul Tides Herbal Hair Care: Plant-based hair syrup from a new local herbalistGreen Magick Apothecary: The Resplendent Rose Complexion Balm we're obsessed withFarm to Fork Colorado: The farmers market delivered to your front doorEllen's FlowersThe Gilded Whisk: Rosemary garlic sourdough, blueberry cinnamon rolls, and so much more!The Soft Life Baker: New course for launching a home bakeryPasta in the Park supporting TESSAWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.If you loved this episode, leave us a five-star review and share it with a friend you want to bring to the farmers market. See you next week on Springs and Things!

Carly and Lauren are back and this time from a table inside Provision Bakery downtown, with their can't-miss picks for August in Colorado Springs. From Sunday strolls through the Acacia Park Farmers Market to the last of Food Truck Tuesdays, they're rounding up everything worth doing before summer slips away.This month's lineup includes:Rocky Mountain Flower Fest at Venetucci Farm (Aug 8): flower crowns, line dancing & a booze barColorado's 150th (Sesquicentennial): history strolls downtown, family fun day at the Catamount InstituteSummer concerts at Hillside Gardens (and the best margarita in town)Tails, Tunes & Tastes: a 21+ full-moon night at the zooFull-moon sound baths & moonlit yoga soaks at Hotel Polaris and Sunwater SpaThunder from Down Under at the Pikes Peak CenterPasta in the Park: TESSA's annual fundraiser supporting survivors of domestic violence, where Lauren is a judgeGrab a coffee, get your calendar out, and let's make the most of August, Colorado Springs.Recorded at Provision Bakery + Cinchona, downtown Colorado Springs Email us: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @springsandthingspod Leave a 5-star review & share with a friend you want to bring along!

Colorado turns 150 on August 1st, and Colorado Springs is celebrating in a big way. In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly Ries talks with Erin Hannan of the El Pomar Foundation about the state's sesquicentennial, the region's biggest celebrations, and a film made to honor 150 years of Colorado generosity.You'll hear about:The Guinness World Record donut-dunking attempt on the summit of Pikes PeakSunrise and sunset Cog Railway trips available only on August 1stThe Colorado at 150 film (a rare collaboration between five statewide foundations)Why the film asks "Who have we been to one another?"How Coloradans showed up during the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest firesColorado Springs' overlooked history as an arts destination ("Little London")The COS at 150 exhibit: 150 artifacts, 150 stories, 150 yearsA surprise cello concert at the summit of a 14erThe digital Colorado Springs Cultural Passport (40+ destinations across the Pikes Peak region)Watch the film and submit your own story of Colorado generosity at co150film.com.Whether you're a lifelong local or a newcomer still learning the stories, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of what makes Colorado Springs special.Pick of the Week: Pizzeria Leopold and La Concha Full ChoralSong Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu11xSN005oWe Love Our Sponsors Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results. Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

If you grew up in Colorado Springs, you probably came here for a free pumpkin in kindergarten. Then in 2016, PFAS contamination from the Air Force's firefighting foam made it impossible to grow food on the land, and the future of the last working farm in the community went completely dark.This week we're recording on the farm itself with Sam Clark (Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation) and Nikki McComsey (Gather Mountain Blooms) about how a beloved pumpkin patch became a two-acre flower farm hosting weddings, music festivals, and monthly bloom celebrations, while still giving away free pumpkins to every kindergartner in El Paso County.In this episode:Who Nick and Bambi Venetucci were, and why they gave the whole farm awayThe 2016 PFAS discovery and the winter Sam thought the farm was finishedWhy flowers were the perfect answer to contaminated soil and waterHow a conservation easement protects the land from development foreverNikki's path from debilitating concussion to full-time flower farmerThe kindergarten pumpkin program, and the education requirement attached to itRocky Mountain Flower Fest on August 8 with Patchwork Jack and Grass It UpMonthly flower festivals: ranunculus, sweet peas, zinnias, sunflowers, dahliasColorado Youth Outdoors' new CORE program on the propertyThe spreadsheet math behind making sure every event has enough bloomsThe barn renovation and bathroom project (and why it matters more than it sounds)Picks of the week: Anglers Covey's $10 intro to fly fishing (they hand you a $15 gift card) and Pizzeria Leopold in Old Colorado City.Loved this one? Leave us a five-star review, share it with a friend who needs a farm day, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify.

Ever watched your stress melt away next to a 300-pound fuzzy therapist? This week, Carly and Lauren visit Luxy Llama on the west side of Colorado Springs (a bucket list item two summers in the making) to chat with owner Terry McConnell about the magic of these quirky, calming animals.From llama hikes through a hidden pocket of stunning terrain to wine and cheese events where strangers become friends, Terry shares how Luxy Llama is helping people slow down, unplug, and reconnect. Plus: the truth about llama spitting, a partnership with UCCS therapists using llamas for trauma resilience work, brunch llamas at Garden of the Gods Club, and why gardeners treat llama manure like gold.In this episode:(00:00) A peaceful welcome from a secret spot on the west side(01:30) How Luxy Llama began (and Terry's love of camelids from Patagonia)(03:30) Llamas at corporate events? Yes, really(04:15) Why llamas make humans slow down and feel grounded(06:30) Debunking the llama spit myth(07:45) Meet the herd: Chloe the matriarch, Zorro the class clown, Pedro the teenager, and a baby on the way(10:00) Experiences for ages 5 to 75, plus the UCCS Institute of Human Resilience partnership(12:30) Wine & cheese with llamas + brunch at Garden of the Gods Club and Resort(13:45) Llama bean manure: a gardener's gold(15:30) Terry's most satisfying moments as a business owner(17:00) Pick of the Week: Marigold's, plus a forest bathing walk at Mueller State Park (July 19)Connect with Luxe Llamas: InstagramLoved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review, share it with a friend you'd bring on a llama hike, and subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a week of local gems.We Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

Only 6% of exercise science research is done exclusively on women, so most of the training advice you've been handed (looking at you, TikTok) was never built for your body. This week Carly sits down with Dr. Marissa Baranauskas, exercise physiologist at UCCS and lead investigator at the 6% Performance Lab, to fix that.Fair warning: this one's for the women. If you run, climb, ski, or grind the Incline year-round in Colorado Springs, this episode is packed with practical, do-it-at-home science on how your cycle, altitude, fueling, and hormones actually shape your training. (Guys, you can listen too, you'll just learn why she gets to skip the second hike.)In this episode:Why "general" training advice isn't female-specific, and what to do about itHow your menstrual cycle phase can affect recovery, energy, and performance week to weekThe study showing women's recovery lagged a full day after hard intervals, and when to back offWhy women desaturate at altitude (hello, 6,000+ ft) and how respiratory muscle training helpsLosing your period is NOT a badge of honor: amenorrhea and the warning signs to catch earlyAt-home hormone monitors (like Mira) and why drugstore ovulation sticks fail active womenLow Energy Availability, explained (and how to spot underfueling without a lab)Perimenopause & menopause: why to prioritize intensity and strength training as you ageTimestamps:00:00 – Meet Dr. Marissa Baranauskas + why this episode is a little different01:00 – The 6% problem: research isn't built for women02:42 – How your cycle phase shapes workouts, energy & recovery05:26 – The study: why women's recovery lagged after hard intervals07:49 – Training at altitude: desaturation & smaller airways11:00 – Respiratory muscle training strategies12:32 – Losing your period isn't normal: amenorrhea & RED-S warning signs17:02 – At-home hormone monitors vs. drugstore ovulation sticks19:23 – Low Energy Availability, explained (and how to check at home)25:48 – Working WITH your symptoms instead of pushing through27:43 – How everyday stress shows up in your cycle29:39 – Perimenopause & menopause: prioritize intensity + strength31:57 – Two things to start doing today34:02 – Marissa's Colorado Springs pick + where to learn moreLearn more / Connect:Lab: 6% Performance Email Dr. Baranauskas: [email protected] Pick of the Week: Aravaipa Group RunsEnjoyed the episode? Leave a 5-star review, share it with a friend, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify. See you next week on Springs and Things!This episode is for general education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your individual health.

Summer is flying by, and July in Colorado Springs is packed. In this episode, Carly and Lauren kick off a new monthly segment, a rundown of what they're excited about, what they're checking out, and what you should put on your radar for the next four weeks.In this episode:CO 150 Film Festival — Colorado is turning 150, and to celebrate, 150 films made in Colorado, about Colorado, or by Coloradans are screening statewide all summer long. Think The Hateful Eight, Dumb and Dumber, True Grit, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and more. Many Colorado Springs screenings are at Lulu's downtown. Green Box Arts Festival — Lauren's favorite. This beloved annual festival in Green Mountain Falls kicks off July 4th and runs two weeks, featuring stunning outdoor art installations, live music, yoga, naturalist hikes, wine tastings, classes, and more. New installations are unveiled on the 5th. This year includes an immersive 30-minute audio experience called The Unexpected Literary Journey. James Turrell's Sky Space, Green Mountain Falls — A permanent, awe-inspiring light installation that's worth making the drive for. Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, Cañon City — July 17–18. SUP parades, kayak races, raft sprints, mountain bike rides, live music, and general outdoor-adventure vibes. A great day trip or quick staycation.Monsé's Pupusería — New Downtown Location! The beloved Colorado Springs spot has a second location downtown. (And a passionate plea: please bring back the edible bears on the boba.)Por Favor Tacos & Tragos — Lauren's finally going, and she's making it a July mission. More Mexican food in the Springs? Always a yes.Taste of Pikes Peak — Thursday, July 9, 6–9 PM at Hillside Gardens. Unlimited tastings from local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. First year at this venue. Go. Just go.United We Rock at Rockledge Ranch — August 1st (but on the calendar now!). Part of the Colorado 150/USA 250 celebrations. Bands, food trucks, arts and crafts, whiskey tasting, and more!Ladyfingers Letterpress — 10th Anniversary! This beloved downtown stationery shop and activist creative space is celebrating a decade. Take a risograph printing class, or stop by any Saturday morning for a free community create session.Pick Of The WeekVIsitCOS Crafts & Drafts PassportPure DistillingWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

What happens when a bird bought to guard a backyard flock becomes a full-blown local celebrity? This week, Carly sits down with Billy-Sue Mitchell and her six-foot emu, Dennis, at their charming Colorado Springs home, surrounded by ducks, two chickens, and two dogs.Billy shares how Dennis went from a duck-harness-wearing baby to a leash-walking icon spotted everywhere from Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and beyond. Along the way, we get the heart-stopping story of the time Dennis went missing for 24 hours (and the German Shepherd who tracked him down), the truth about the Great Emu War of 1932, and why male emus make such gentle, devoted companions.Most movingly, Billy opens up about how Dennis helped pull her through a deep depression after losing her brother, and how sharing his joy with strangers became its own kind of healing.In this episode:Why Billy originally got an emu (hint: foxes)How public walks and a chance reporter photo made Dennis famousThe 24-hour disappearance and dramatic rescueDennis the dog: fetch with sticks, elevators, and bathroom stallsMale vs. female emus, and why dads do all the parentingEmu FAQs, therapy-animal questions and Dennis's empathy for crying kidsHow Dennis changed Billy's life after lossCatch Dennis in person! Our picks of the week: Donkey Derby Days (Cripple Creek)Monument's Fourth of July ParadeGreen Mountain Falls' Bronc Day FestivalA sweet, surprising, genuinely moving conversation about animals, community, and the unexpected things that heal us.We Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. 

Is Colorado Springs a bike town or a car town? Carly sits down with three people who are quietly reshaping how the Springs gets around: Tara McCarthy, Executive Director of PikeRide; Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort; and Kerry Childress, a city transportation planner who turns out to be one of the unsung heroes building the bike network behind the scenes.From midnight rides through Garden of the Gods to the e-bike boom changing who can ride, this conversation covers what it really takes to move a sprawling, car-centric city toward two wheels, and why it matters whether or not you ever clip in.In this episode:The single rides that made each guest fall in love with cycling in the Pikes Peak regionWhether the Springs' "outdoor town" reputation actually holds upWhy your tax dollars on a bike lane matter even if you never use onePlanning a bike network for a city built on hills and sprawl, not a flat grid like BoulderThe bike tourism money the Springs may be leaving on the table (think Fruita and Bentonville)Transportation equity and what it means to be "time privileged" with a set of car keysPike Ride's expansion into Southeast Colorado Springs and the $35-a-month e-bike program changing livesThe truth about what's actually being sold as an "e-bike"How to make cycling culture welcoming to anyone, no spandex or Strava requiredEverything you need to know about Bike to Work Day on June 24th (yes, there's bacon)Mentioned in this episode: Pedal the Springs podcast • Colorado Springs Cycling Club • Trails and Open Space Coalition • Kids on Bikes • Visit Colorado Springs • PikeRide Episode of Springs and ThingsWe Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Grab your bike, take a ride, then come back and join us, because by the end, that "e-bike smile" might just make an addict out of you, too.

This summer, we're trading coffee dates for library dates! In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the Pikes Peak Library District's Summer Adventure program, recorded live from Library 21C on kickoff day.First, we sit down with Melody Alvarez, Director of Programming, to break down everything families need to know about Summer Adventure: this year's "Unearth a Story" theme, how simple it is to sign up, what the program entails, and the prizes that had us giddy (hello, Cloud Camp). Then we head into the library's own podcast studio for round two with Christa Funke, Senior Librarian in Programming and 16-year PPLD veteran, who reveals just how much a modern library can be.In this episode:What Summer Adventure is and how to sign up (it's free, and you can start anytime in June or July!)This year's "Unearth a Story" theme Why over 18,000 people participated last year (with a goal of 20,000 this summer)The free PPLD summer concert series in Manitou Springs, Palmer Lake, and beyondNon-traditional library finds: seed libraries, makerspaces, gross-motor toys, cameras, and equipmentFree lunches for kids ages 0–18 at the East Library this summerThe Colorado 150 / US 250 passport program (visit every library and earn prizes)A heartfelt patron story that captures what Summer Adventure is really aboutPick of the week: Theatreworks' The Garbologists at the Ent Center for the ArtsHow to register for Summer Adventure with PPLD: Visit any PPLD location, sign up online, or use the BeanStack app.Whether you're a lifelong library lover or haven't walked through those doors in years, this one's for you, because as Christa says, everyone belongs at the library.Loved this episode? Please leave a 5-star review, and share it with a friend you want to join you for Summer Adventure this year!We Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Legacy films and brand films that capture the stories that matter most. 

After a year and a half of spotlighting the best people and places in Colorado Springs, we're flipping the script. This week, we answer the questions listeners ask most, from what we do outside the podcast to our favorite local restaurants, most emotional interviews, and the food spots we're still grieving.In this episode:What you might not know about your two hostsThe local events every Colorado Springs resident should experience at least onceFavorite restaurants for out-of-town guestsThe episodes that stuck with us long after recordingWhat people from out of state consistently get wrong about Colorado SpringsPlus so much moreMentioned in this episode:Green Box Arts Garden of the Gods Market and CafeIvywildSushi RowRistorante del LagoStratton Open Space & Mount Cutler TrailPenrose Heritage MuseumSara Van Hecke The Peaks2Plains Weather AppWe Love Our SponsorsPikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Connect with us: Leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share with a fellow Colorado Springs local who needs to know what's going on in this city.

Did a monkey bite really launch the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Did Spencer Penrose actually ride his horse into the Antlers Hotel lobby? And why is the Shrine of the Sun named after Will Rogers instead of the man who built it?In this episode of Springs and Things, host Carly Ries sits down with Sarah Woods, Vice President of Collections for El Pomar Foundation, to dig into the archives and separate Colorado Springs legend from fact. As the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary, Sarah pulls back the curtain on some of the wildest, most fascinating stories in our city's history and reveals what the primary source records actually say.This is one of our most information-packed episodes to date, covering everything from a mysterious box of 1940s newspaper-wrapped clothing to a crash car sitting in a museum exactly how it landed on Pikes Peak.In this episode, you'll learn:→ The real reason Spencer Penrose's exotic animals were moved off the Broadmoor Golf Course, and yes, the monkey bite was real→ How a 21-year-old Spencer Penrose wrote a Harvard thesis that still guides El Pomar Foundation's mission today→ The story behind the Heritage Gallery's never-before-seen photographs, hats, and personal artifacts of Spencer and Julie Penrose→ How Michèle Mouton became the only woman to earn the title King of the Mountain, and why she insists on keeping that title→ The harrowing 2012 crash on Pikes Peak and what the wreckage reveals about safety, thin air, and the psychological demands of the race→ Why Julie Penrose created the original El Pomar Carriage Museum in 1941, and how a newspaper clipping from the 1920s changed everything we thought we knew about its origins→ The connection between Spencer Penrose's cancer diagnosis and the founding of the Penrose Cancer Center at Glockner Hospital→ Why the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun bears that name, and how Spencer Penrose's promotional genius may have played a role→ What Penrose Heritage Museum has planned for families, accessibility, and community programmingResources Mentioned: - Penrose Heritage Museum - El Pomar Foundation - United States Olympic and Paralympic MuseumSubscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you loved this one, leave a five-star review and share it with a friend who loves Colorado Springs history and lore.

Summer is almost here in Colorado Springs, and we are HERE for it. This week, Carly and Lauren share their ultimate summer must-do lists, from flower farms and llama happy hours to hidden gem restaurants and must-see theater. Whether you're a longtime local or new to the Springs, this episode is packed with ideas to make this your best Colorado summer yet.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSGather Mountain Blooms Fridays feature flower picking, and Tuesdays (June–July) bring Music and Blooms (live fiddle music, food trucks, kids dancing, and beautiful Colorado scenery). Hillside Gardens A full lineup of summer concerts, events, and a charming coffee shop you need to check out.Bike the Santa Fe Trail to Hotel Polaris A dream day trip: If the trail reopens, ride the Santa Fe Trail to Hotel Polaris for happy hour (or yappy hour if you bring your pup!).Yoga in the Garden Yes, we love Garden of the Gods! Yoga classes right among the red rocks - check their website for class times.Cave of the Winds & Manitou Cliff Dwellings Classic Colorado Springs attractions that still belong on your must-do list.A Full Manitou Day The ultimate itinerary: hike the Incline → bagels at The Loft → browse Manitou storefronts → soak at Sunwater Spa → dinner at Crystal Park Cantina → catch a show at Iron Spring Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theater.Luxy Llama Running May through September: happy hour with wine, cheese, and llamas. Full episode with Lexi Llama coming soon!Wines of Colorado A gorgeous creekside spot near the Cliff Dwellings area, perfect for a sunny Colorado afternoon.Juniper Valley Ranch A hidden gem family-owned restaurant on Highway 115 south of Colorado Springs. Fixed menu, home-cooked meals (fried chicken, ham, cherry juice!), open just a few days a week. Pure nostalgia.Tales, Tunes & Tastes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo An adults-only evening at the zoo with wine and live music. Plus: the new zoo exhibit opening this summer!The Little Dipper Pool Total Sandlot vibes. A Colorado Springs summer staple.PICK OF THE WEEKJagged Little Pill at the Fine Arts Center The must-see show of the season. One night had a seven-minute standing ovation mid-show. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORSVanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Legacy films and brand films that capture the stories that matter most. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify. Leave a 5-star review. Share this episode with a friend who needs summer plans!

Did you know nearly 150,000 acres around Colorado Springs are permanently protected, and one organization has been leading that effort since 1977? In this episode, Carly sits down with Astrid Monar from the Palmer Land Conservancy to uncover the incredible scope of work happening right in our backyard. From saving the backdrop behind Garden of the Gods to building the Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor, Palmer Land Conservancy has quietly shaped the landscape we all love. Plus: they discuss a local food guide, a brand-new open space coming to Woodland Park, and upcoming events where you can get involved.In This EpisodeHow a small group of volunteers in 1977 launched what would become Palmer Land Conservancy, and why the name has changed twice since thenThe story behind the Garden of the Gods backdrop protection and what that view might look like today without itPalmer's ambitious five-year plan to protect 60,000 additional acres (that's four Manhattans!) and 25 miles of waterwaysWhy conservation easements are permanent, and what that means for landowners and communitiesThe local food guide connecting Colorado Springs residents to farms and ranches south of the cityThe Pikes Peak Conservation Corridor: a legacy project protecting sweeping views along Highway 24Avenger Open Space in Woodland Park: a new trail-connected open space in the worksHow you can support local conservation through events, donations, and community advocacyKey TakeawaysConservation is invisible by design. When it's done right, the mountains, meadows, and open spaces just look like they've always been there. They haven't, it takes communities of people to keep them that way.Palmer's impact is massive. Nearly 150,000 acres protected. 20 public parks and open spaces. Projects spanning from Garden of the Gods to the Paint Mines.Local food is a conservation priority. Palmer created a local food guide highlighting farms and ranches in the Pueblo and Rocky Ford area, Colorado's "bread basket." Grab a copy at their office or find it online.You're never far from a trailhead. One of the best things about Colorado Springs is that no matter where you are, you're roughly 10 to 15 minutes from a trail.Upcoming Palmer Land Conservancy EventsPints with Palmer — Wednesday, June 25 at Goat Patch Brewing. A casual night to learn about Palmer's work and connect with fellow land lovers. Perfect if this is your first time hearing about them.Donor Guided Hike of Avenger Open Space — May 19. A private hike for donors on the soon-to-be-conserved property in Woodland Park. Interested? Reach out to Palmer Land Conservancy to learn more.Pick of the WeekLolley's Ice Cream — A local favorite that's entirely gluten-free, including their waffle cones. They recently opened a new downtown location and are supporters of Palmer Land Conservancy.Connect with Palmer Land ConservancyVisit their website for the local food guide and event infoAttend a hike, happy hour, or community event this summerMake a donation, because people power this workWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Personalized skincare treatments. Link in show notes.Core Collective — Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Link in show notes.Why Wait Stories — Legacy films and brand films that capture the stories that matter most. Visit whywaitstories.com.If you enjoyed this episode, leave a five-star review, share it with a friend, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you next week on Springs & Things!

Everything you've ever wanted to know about skincare in Colorado Springs but didn't know who to ask. Lisa Boness from Vanguard Aesthetics joins us to break down what the high altitude and intense UV are really doing to your skin, and what to do about it. We cover the treatments that actually work (and the ones that are just hype), at-home gadgets worth your money, the right way to handle a breakout, and a hidden-gem treatment called the Collagenizer NEO that most locals have never heard of. Plus, we talk about Clara's incredible mission to donate 100% of retail profits to local and global charities, including organizations right here in El Paso County. Whether you're a skincare newbie or a full-on product junkie, you'll love this chat.In this episode, we cover: Lisa's approach to no-pressure consultations and why that mattersWhy people who move here feel like they age overnight IPL and chemical peels, and when to get themBotox (the stigma and the truth)The Collagenizer NEO and predictive permeationSeasonal skincare and why some treatments stop in MayRed light therapy devices and what to look forThe right way to pop a pimple (if you're going to do it anyway)Clara's charitable giving missionMentioned in this episode: Vanguard Skin SpecialistsVanguard AestheticsClara SkincareGood Gracious Coffee Frankly Coffee The General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor CenterFountain Valley SchoolWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.

A month away, a world schooling adventure in Peru, and roughly one thousand bowls of ceviche later, Lauren is finally back. And honestly? We have a lot to catch up on. In this episode, we're hitting the reset button with a full reintroduction: who we are, why we started this show, and what makes Colorado Springs the city we just can't quit.We're diving into rapid-fire Colorado Springs opinions: is Garden of the Gods a tourist trap or legitimately magical every time? Where do we take out-of-towners first? What's the best dish in town? Plus, we're sharing our perfect days in the Springs from morning coffee to late-night bites, the local hidden gems we can't stop talking about, and a few fun facts about this city that might just blow your mind.Whether you're a Colorado Springs native, a transplant who never left, or someone who's been here long enough to feel like one, this episode is for you.We Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs medical aesthetics focused on natural-looking results. Book a consultation!Modern Interior Company — Full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in Colorado Springs. Core Collective — Reformer Pilates for all levels and body types. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Why Wait Stories — Colorado Springs video storytelling for legacy films, brand films, and life well lived films.