Colorado Soul Stories

RAW, UNEDITED, INTENSE conversation with the both rough and refined, Joe Firstman. Mama Jill is in Baja Mexico for the Baja Wondergrass music festival organized by COLORADO-based Bonfire Entertainment. She and her tribe enjoyed listening to the powerful and  eclectic band, Cordovas at opening night at Polvora, surrounded by dark skies, sparkly stars and immense cacti. The next morning Mama Jill ran into Joe Firstman, frontman of Cordovas at a serene coffee house in town.  She asked Joe if he would like to continue their conversation through the podcast. They met up later that night with Mama Jill's buddy Mark Schoenecker of KHEN, Salida, Colorado next to the beach stage during sound check for the band.  Mama Jill chose to offer up this interview within the energy of the moment while still down in Mexico where the energy and the vibe has its own way of guiding you. Thus there's pauses and a little goofiness on her part, a little starstruck! but it's the real deal, complete with a falling star...cherish it!

John King is Colorado anthropomorphized. He’s got grit. He relishes nature; from its deep blue skies to its blinding blizzards and all the various contours of its terrain. This is reflected in his spectacular kinetic sculptures that tell the story of his outdoor experiences. He arrived here fresh out of college from the Midwest, the Colorado Rockies calling loudly to his soul. In 1978, he and his outdoor-loving pals planned the first ever and never-since-duplicated trek across the Colorado Rockies on Nordic skis. This event was recently documented in the film, “Moving Line,” (https://www.movinglinefilm.com/). In it we listen to John and his friends, Alex and Peter, no strangers to long-term ski trips, describe this experience; mapping the routes with compass and map (no GPS then), executing food drops, preparing and sometimes creating their own gear. They covered almost 500 miles during their six week trek from Durango to the Medicine Bow range north of Fort Collins and returned home, forever changed by the experience. Mama Jill met John serendipitously at an art show after watching Moving Line and later met up with him and his wife, Sally on their bucolic patch of land on the St. Vrain River in Lyons, CO where she had a deeper conversation about John’s background, experiences leading up to the historic 1978 trek and how he and Sally weathered the 2013 500 year flood with amazing positivity. This is not only a conversation about a journey across the Colorado Rockies, it is a lesson in choosing a life philosophy, influenced substantially by a relationship with nature and awareness of the connectivity among living things. Listen. You will be a better person for it…

 Napoleonic treasures, Masonic symbolism, famous guests, including the prize steers from the annual National Western Stock Show and evidence of visitors from the beyond...this and more are held as dear historic and ongoing stories at this triangular and legendary structure, situated at 17th and Tremont in downtown Denver. As a kid, I thought The Brown Palace got its name from the color of the reddish-brown sandstone it was constructed with. But I was wrong. Join me as I discuss this important landmark with Debra Faulkner, the archivist at the Brown Palace Hotel.  The Brown Palace is virtual time capsule of history, and not just of Denver. Each owner put their own mark on the place with their love of European history and personal collections from travels. We particularly witness within the walls, the journey of women and how they went from being confined to "special rooms," to becoming integral parts of society.  Debra, a Colorado native, conveys the history with the care one would take with their own ancestry. During the 17 years she has held this position, she has seen many changes, just as the city of Denver has changed over those same years. She is vehement about preserving and sharing the precious past of this landmark. As the Brown Palace looks for another new owner, it is important for Coloradans to understand how deep these roots go and to place value on this landmark that we are so fortunate to have.

His voice is the authentic, trusted storyteller of Colorado. Whether it be his monthly check-ins with our governor, showcasing the best barbeque place in a town you've never heard of or locating and celebrating the lowest elevation point in our state, just to juxtapose it with the highest point, Ryan Warner interviews contain the whimsical people and places from all over Colorado and he delivers these stories from the heart and with the highest standards you could possibly ever hope for in factual, intentional and transparency journalism. Ryan has been the host of Colorado Matters on Colorado Public Radio for 20 years now. Long enough to become a beloved voice to so many Coloradans that tune in each week to hear what he's got on tap. Mama Jill was lucky enough to be able to catch him on the other side of the microphone where we get to listen in on his origin stories and the journey that led him here. This one is a gem!

 Welcome back to my conversation with Chandler Romeo and Reed Weimer. In addition to their recent project with the Wonder Tower in Genoa, Colorado, they have been longtime participants and supporters of Denver's local art scene beginning back when there kind of wasn't one yet, in the 1980s. We discuss their meet cute as students at Colorado State University and the fact that Reed's photography and Chandler's ceramics both evoke themes of place. After college, they helped to secure the location for the legendary Pirate Art Gallery by purchasing some of the old buildings on a stretch of Navajo Street in North Denver, establishing that spot as the Navajo Arts District, and for a time the center of Denver local arts scene. Back then, the exchange of real estate was a bit more affordable, as well as organic. This couple forged relationships in North Denver, which transformed into positive collaborations. Listen, as we reflect on the history of those buildings from a time when local neighborhood businesses thrived and the line between commercial and residential real estate were a bit more blurred. We talk about the how those gritty art co-ops on Navajo became a formidable influence on contemporary local art in Denver. Its presence filtered out into other parts of the city, helping the local arts scene to grow and thrive. Then the eventual and unbelievable exodus of the arts district out to Lakewood when the city of Denver chose not to support it. We reminisce a bit about a smaller Denver, but that it can often be recaptured through art and through interacting with those who care about Denver's history and that our lives themselves can often become works of art. Please enjoy getting to know this unique couple.  

Chandler Romeo and Reed Weimer have been affectionately labeled as the Beatnik Barbie and Ken of Denver's Art Scene. Indeed they helped elevate local arts in Denver during a time when there were far less opportunities for creatives. They have taken this legacy to new heights, literally!  Collaborating with other long-time Denverites, they purchased the quirky 100 year old World's Wonder View Tower out on the eastern plains of Colorado. If you have lived here most of your life, you've probably been there or at least driven by it, wondering what it was! In Chandler and Reed's words, as artists. This isolated structure resembles something like an art installation; a combination of human scale folk art, and immersive experience. Chandler speaks to her kids being both appalled and amazed on their visit. Well, in addition to a 65 foot viewing tower, the property's interior was a macabre exhibit of oddities from a two-headed calf preserved in a jar to actual mammoth bones and arrowheads, and rusty, but sharp looking farm implements hanging from the stone ceiling. It was a strange and weird encounter.  In an age where experiences are cultivated and revered, this site is a must do visit for anyone living in Colorado. Join me as Chandler and Reed discuss the history of this legendary anomaly and how they are bringing it back to life. Then stay tuned for part two of my interview with this industrious couple, as we discuss their progression as artists and how their real estate savvy helped to elevate the work of local Denver artists. As always, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. It helps keep us going. Thanks.      

This is a treat! All of the best wisdom from the collection of the 2025 Colorado Soul Stories interviews. Whether you have listened to all the episodes or not, this is a wonderful summary of all the positive insights provided by the entrepreneurs, musicians, innovators and community builders that are proudly Colorado based! Hear how legendary Denver coffee house Muddy's provided much needed culture and refuge for folks in the 1970s, leaving a well-loved legacy of acceptance. Learn how a head injury brought a young Amish artist to do his good works in Colorado. The CEO of Historic Denver shares how good architecture is good for our health! And how some well-loved musicians and writers spread joy and community building through their art. In this moment of the challenging news cycle, tune into the positivity of the people continuing to channel and spread positivity in their daily lives.

Happy Holidays! This episode contains listener-submitted Colorado-specific winter and holiday stories. Contained in this 17 minute episode are festive recounting of childhood experiences during "snow days," including the Blizzard of '82. Additionally three professional writers and, some recent guests from past podcasts, provide off-beat and methodical tales of long and dark winter nights and holidays bereft of loved ones. Thank you to my dear friends Sandy, Jess and Carolyn plus writers Teague Bohlen, Josie Nixon and Lisa Rogers for your submissions. Get your cup of coffee or cocoa or glass of wine and settle in for some lovely yarns...

Join the conversation as Mama Jill sits down with Colorado's most recent poets laureate and their anthology creator and organizer, dynamic social entrepreneur, Turner Wyatt.  Wyatt conceived of this publication, Begin Where You Are, The Colorado Poets Laureate Anthology - the first of its kind!  Turner explains how this idea came to him and how, through his knack for socially responsible entrepreneurship, put the publication to work to help future poets laureate visit the outer corners of our state. Then listen to interviews with past laureates, Mary Crow, Joseph Hutchison and Bobby Lefebre. Each so unique in their approach and what they have added to the program over the years. Mary Crow speaks of a fascination with the West from a young age, growing up in Ohio. Joseph Hutchinson credits teachers from junior high with encouraging him to write and Bobby Lefebre points to the inspiration of his deep roots with the land of southwestern Colorado. Talk about the soul of Colorado, who better than our century's-worth of poets laureate could decipher what that might be.   Did you know Colorado was just the second state in the union to create this post in 1919 after California?  Some might say the West, still in its infancy, was seeking ways to intentionally develop what its unique culture would be by bringing a spotlight to this art form and helping to cultivate the identity of the west.  Heartbreakingly missing from this group was our most recent and beloved poet laureate, Andrea Gibson, who passed away last July. Previously unpublished works of theirs are the first to be included in the publication.  It was a sparkling night boasting, a room full of poetry fans filling the Petals and Pages bookstore in the Santa Fe Arts Arts in Denver early this December. Listen, learn, and then pick up a copy of the anthology, Begin Where You Are.

In this inspiring episode of Colorado Soul Stories, Mama Jill travels to the high mountain ridge of Poncha Pass to sit down with her longtime friend and visionary builder, Chris White, the creator behind Yurts at Poncha Pass and a self-built, sustainable Earthship home. What begins as a conversation about off-grid housing opens into a deep exploration of community, resilience, affordable living, and reclaiming personal agency in a world shaped by rising costs and rigid building codes. Chris shares how his journey started with a simple need—an affordable home—and evolved into a multi-year experiment in sustainable living: pounding thousands of tires, designing passive-solar structures, hosting volunteer workshops, and building a space where people can learn, contribute, and imagine life beyond a 30-year mortgage. From stories of building yurts at 9,000 feet, to navigating legal battles over a wildlife-supported pond, to dreams of future permaculture gardens and community food systems, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that another way of living is possible—one built on cooperation, creativity, and courage. Listeners will walk away inspired, grounded, and maybe even a little more hopeful about the future of housing, the planet, and the communities we build together.

  In this, a lost episode, with Animal and Nature Intuitive Ana Maria Vasquez, your Colorado Soul Stories Podcast host, Mama Jill sat down with her at a radio station in Salida, Colorado. Unfortunately the first half of this recording was lost to technical difficulties. We are resurrecting this second part, which survived, and dives deeper into Ana Maria’s methods for activating our relationships with nature to create balance in our lives. At a time when so many of us are feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to stay grounded in a rapidly changing world, Ana Maria offers a path back to balance — through our connection with animals, trees, rivers, and the natural world around us. Her work reminds us that nature is always communicating — not just through beauty and peace, but through energy, emotion, and reflection. By tuning in, we can learn to navigate our emotions, bring more compassion to our reactions, and rediscover the quiet magic that exists in everyday life. Whether you’re an animal lover, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for calm and clarity in these culturally challenging times, this conversation invites you to slow down, open up, and remember what it means to truly be connected — to yourself, to others, and to the world we share. Episode Summary Ana Maria begins by explaining that her deepest training didn’t come from a classroom — it came from nature itself. Guided by a tree, she learned to listen differently and to understand the world as energy in constant motion. As an Animal and Nature Intuitive, she helps people connect with the animals, trees, and landscapes around them — and in doing so, reconnect with their own inner wisdom. A key theme in the conversation is “energetic responsibility.” She explains that responding to cruelty or injustice with anger only feeds the same harmful energy. Instead, she encourages sending love and compassion to the entire situation. By shifting our energetic response, we help to heal rather than amplify pain. We dive deeper into a three-step process she created, accessible to anyone, helping us to transform angst-ridden and negative feelings into positive energy. Ana Maria calls this method a “pivot point” for shifting impulsive reactions into a more positive consciousness. Ana Maria and the host discuss how reconnecting with nature restores perspective and calm. She stresses that nature reminds us who we truly are, helping us dissolve self-doubt and remember our innate magic. Throughout the conversation, Ana Maria weaves in stories of people who, after reading her book or spending more time outdoors, have profound, even mystical experiences — hearing from trees, sensing water spirits, or reconnecting with beloved animals who have passed. She explains that these experiences aren’t rare or exclusive — they are available to everyone once we slow down and pay attention. She also talks about grief and continuing connection with animals after they’ve crossed over, encouraging people to recognize subtle signs of their presence — the jingle of a collar, a dream, or a familiar sound — and to respond with gratitude rather than dismissal. Finally, Ana Maria speaks about self-care and boundaries, acknowledging that while her work can be heavy, she stays grounded through time outdoors and movement. Her joy and playfulness — wrestling dogs, laughing in nature — are themselves acts of healing and peace. The conversation closes with an affirmation that reconnecting with animals and nature isn’t escapism — it’s activism through presence, compassion, and example. Ana Maria’s message is clear: we all have access to the magic of the living world, and remembering that connection is one of the most powerful ways to bring healing — to ourselves, and to the planet.            

Andy Carlson is one of those happy people whose positivity is contagious. He is a proud Northsider who truly loves and cares for his community. He shares this joy through his music. His love of the jam circle and the old-timey method of using one microphone with various musicians taking turns inspired him to found the "dad-grass" band, The Highland Ramblers. Their fun version of bluegrass and well-composed originals made them a staple in Northwest Denver for 16 years. Now some of the members of that well-loved band have plugged their instruments in and morphed into a jam band called Highland Electric Co.  Andy shares how that all came to be and how music can cultivate community. Towards the end of our of chat, Andy sings and gives the backstory of the Highland Ramblers song, "Lyons" which has become the theme song for Colorado Soul Stories! This episode was part of the Sunnyside Music Festival live recording so the audio is a bit inconsistent due to wind and background noise but it is a truly authentic sampling of the festival, with kids playing soccer next to us and little ones experimenting with slide whistles as we chat. At the beginning of this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with my former student and Andy's daughter, Joy. And that's what is super fun about the festival, you always run into someone you haven't seen in awhile. Enjoy!

Do you know about the preferred location for the new Bronco stadium? It has been proposed at Burnham Yards, off of 8th Ave. and I-25 and just west of the Santa Fe Arts District. And did you know that this plot of land actually holds some very important and unique pieces of Denver history? Tune into this episode to hear the thoughtful conversation with the CEO of Historic Denver, John Deffenbaugh. John has an infectious passion for Denver's history as well as the knowledge and experience to help steer developments in our city towards quality place-making that honors that history. During this episode John validates that new buildings are not always better than old buildings and how places are developed can actually affect our mental health. As Denver continues to grow and change, how do we want it to look and feel? You can have a voice in how this happens. Listen, learn and participate!

Her name might not be familiar to you, but it should be. Jane Parnell is a mountaineer, writer and environmental activist. Inspired by family trips to the Colorado mountains every summer as a kid, Parnell could see her home-state of Kansas from Long's Peak back in the 1970's. Setting roots here in 1968 as one of the few women students at Colorado College, she lived, fittingly on the edge of a mountain in an historic house in Manitou Springs.  Parnell completed climbing Colorado's highest 100 peaks in 1981 in her early 30s but kept on climbing and has bagged upwards of 8-900 more during her lifetime and all over the west. Parnell has become a care-taker of our precious mountain ranges and a witness to climate change. As she and Mama Jill converse we hear how the mountains transformed Parnell over time and how she realized the gifts of healing that they provide. She shares precious encounters with wildlife and her vehement pledge to call awareness to the dwindling funding needed to protect our wilderness, how fire mitigation needs to happen better and how we must educate one another about fire safety and leaving less of a trace as our natural landscapes become more and more trodden. This is an episode that everyone should listen to.

Join Mama Jill and her friends at the Sunnyside Music Festival, recorded Sept. 13, 2025. Bear with the Mama as she battles portable mics in the wind with the background noise of the festival. Despite that challenge, these were live-on-the-spot interviews, very organic and real! First off is an interview with the proprietors of West Side Books from North Denver near 32nd and Lowell. They are one of our long-standing authentic, independently owned neighborhood bookstores with a great backstory. Mama Jill chats with her brother briefly at the festival right before Matthew Kowal and the beloved local band The Reals play a "pirate" session at the Colorado Soul Stories booth. They drew quite a crowd in between the sets on the main stage of the festival. The Reals is comprised of mostly North Denver musicians who have lived in the area and played together for decades. Their original songs possess a particularly wonderful Colorado essence. Enjoy! The rest of the festival recording will launch soon as well.  https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstoriespodcast

She's unearthing sweaters, observing the warm hues of the turning leaves and contemplating the transformational tendencies of this season, just days after, yet another, school shooting in Colorado. Your host Mama Jill reflects on autumn with bittersweet memories. She reiterates her "mission" for the podcast, to share the joyful soul of Colorado through the unique perspectives of its special people and places. Yet she shares there is also a deeper goal of this work, which was recently validated in a separate interview she heard with NPR host of Fresh Air, Terry Gross; sharing our stories can help us learn about and connect with others no matter how different they may be and, perhaps more surprisingly, deepen our knowledge about ourselves. And finally, in this ten minute chat, Mama Jill bares her soul about one particularly difficult autumn a few years ago that changed her profoundly. This story is punctuated at the end of this chat by an excerpt of master Colorado song-writer, Matthew Kowal's song, "Kerosene." Hear the full performance of this song in the upcoming Sunnyside Music Festival episode coming soon. jillcarstenswriter.com  

Mama Jill takes time to interview her grown son, Gray Carstens. In part one, Gray shares the struggles he experienced after high school striving to figure out that ominous question: "What do I want to do with my life?"  He labels his path as non-linear; entering film school right out of high school, then becoming disillusioned with that idea. He travels down varied roads for a few years, not sure if a degree is in the cards for him. Then COVID comes into play, providing an unexpected chance for contemplation. Gray shares that even though some of the choices he made were not always ideal, he wouldn't take anything to replace that journey and all of the things it has taught him so far.  Whether you are a young adult facing these same challenges or a "mature" adult reflecting back on your own life-choice, this conversation offers unique perspectives for anyone paying attention to their journey. Enjoy!

Coleman Smith is an internationally known fiddle player who captivates listeners with his sublime cross-genre style of playing his violin, which has been in-hand since he chose the instrument at the age of three.  When he met his partner, Robin Vega, they became a dynamic couple, with Vega helping to stretch the reach of Smith's talents to share with music students all over the Arkansas River Valley and well beyond through the Coletrain Music Academy in Buena Vista, Colorado. Their infectious happy demeanors and desire to cultivate community are just one of the reasons that they qualify as "soulful" guests for the show. Enjoy! More info/subscribe: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/colemansmithfiddleplayer

As Mama Jill and Teague continue their conversation, they touch on Teague's small town, midwestern upbringing and how that influenced his proclivities to write. He shares his journey towards figuring out what to do with his life as a young adult, where his skills with writing kept floating to the top of each career move; from stints in the corporate world to discovering the joys of teaching and how a particular goat supplied a solution to temporary writers block!

Mama Jill has a meaty conversation with Denver writer, Teague Bohlen. Teague teaches writing at the University of Colorado in Denver, is a regular writer for Denver's arts and culture newspaper, Westword and is a well-known author. His first novel, The Pull of the Earth, won the Colorado Book Award in 2007. His latest book is a companion to the popular podcast of the same name, Escaping Denver, fictionalizing the myths about the underground tunnels at Denver International Airport - an edge-of-your-armchair read! More info here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstoriespodcast  

Mama Jill interviews the front woman of her favorite Colorado band, Heavy Diamond Ring. Join the conversation as they go in-depth, reflecting on how Sarah's upbringing influenced her career in music and how the landscape of Colorado continues to provide inspiration for the band's reflective song-writing. Meeting in Kittridge on the cusp of the release of their new album, Sarah shares how the band came together so organically and the joy of working with such a talented group of happy musicians. Please subscribe and rate the pod! More info here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstoriespodcast

In this thrilling episode of Colorado Soul Stories, join us as Jojo Elmquist recounts a wild night in Westcliff during the late 1980s. Discover how an ordinary evening at a local bar spirals into a surprising encounter with cowboys, guns, and a strict sheriff who enforces his own brand of justice. Experience the vibrant spirit and tight-knit community of a small Colorado town as JoJo navigates through unexpected predicaments with humor and candor.  

Welcome to Colorado Soul Stories, a podcast dedicated to telling the tales of creative individuals who have shaped the essence of Colorado. Join your host, Mama Jill, as she travels to Westcliffe, Colorado, to meet Andy Mast, an inspiring artist with Amish roots. Discover Andy's journey from the Amish farmlands of Illinois to becoming a renowned artist in Colorado and the world. Through personal trials and unwavering determination, Andy found healing and hope in his art, leading him to create pieces that bring peace and comfort to others. Dive into his captivating story that highlights the power of resilience and creativity.

In this episode of Colorado Soul Stories, long-time Colorado resident and host Mama Jill takes us on a journey with Ana Maria Vasquez, a multi-sensory intuitive who communicates with animals and nature. Recorded in the serene environment of Nathrop, Colorado, Ana Maria shares her transformative life journey from losing everything in the 2008 recession to discovering her unique connection with nature and her role as an animal communicator. Join in to hear about her encounter with a wise tree that set her on the path to understanding the interconnectedness of all life. From tales of manifesting love intentionally to her work with global clients, Ana Maria’s story is one filled with surprising revelations, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Colorado's landscapes. The episode also sheds light on practical ways to connect with nature's energies, whether through grounding, earthing, or the creation of sacred spaces like medicine wheels. Dive into this soulful storytelling that explores personal transformation and the power of nature's unseen communication. And as always subscribe and rate the podcast. More information on this episode and the podcast can be found here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstoriespodcast

Do you have a story to tell that you've never really told anyone because it was traumatic, devastating or humiliating? These stories can eat away at us sometimes if they don't come out. eXposed Storytelling gives folks an accepting place to do this and it is intense! Join Mama Jill for an enlightening conversation with founder Josie Nixon and peer, Cooper Braun. More info about each podcast can be found here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstories

Cipriano Ortega is a longtime Northsider in Denver with deep roots. During this episode we discuss his newly released album, LoLo House as well as all of his creative activity. We have discussions on home and how the changes in Colorado have affected us. You'll be treated to a performance of one of his new songs from his album, playing his custom-built two-string bass toward the end. Enjoy! More info on each podcast can always be found here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstories Please subscribe and if you would like to donate or promote your organization as a sponsor, visit that same link. Thanks! Mama Jill

Meet your host for Colorado Soul Stories, Mama Jill.

After you listen to the Exposed Storytelling, Episode 2, listen how JoJo Elmquist found the Exposed open mic in Northeast Denver, which led her to join that crew at their performance at the Bug Theatre this past May. She tells one of her stories.

 In the early 1970s when Denver was a much more isolated city, Muddy's Coffee House emerged out of a vacant building and provided an oasis of culture, civility and refuge for folks from all walks of life. Check it out! And for extra info about what we talked about go here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/muddyscoffeehouse To donate or become a sponsor go here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/about-3-1