Square State

The years long 16th Street (Mall) redevelopment is over and now Denver is looking to breath life into different parts of the mall. The Denver Pavilions is an anchor development on the eastern side of the mall that needs energy, vision and direction. Here's what I imagine how we can redevelop the mall. Do you agree? What would you add or change? https://squarestateco.com 

Denver has a bad reputation when it comes to the food served in town. In this podcast episode I'm pointing out that Denver does have good food and some of the reasons that challenges Denver ever becoming known as a food city.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denver-has-great-food Stay in the Loop https://squarestateco.com/newsletter

Disclosure: * In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.* Episode Synopsis A few weeks ago, downtown Denver had its official "Reopening" experience. I attended and I wanted to share thoughts about the experience, what I think the City of Denver could do better in regards to communication and a few other things that have been on my mind.  Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/a-review-of-denvers-16th-street-mall-2025 Book a Tour-Viator Are you visiting a city that is new to you? Did you just move and want to experience your new town in a different way? Or, are you a long time resident of your town but it has grown so fast that you can't keep up with the changes? Book a tour with Viator-It's a great way to leave the planning and driving to someone else. These tours are available across the United States and abroad. https://squarestateco.com/tour

Do you live in Denver? Are you planning on visiting Denver, Colorado sometime soon? Are you thinking about what places you'd like to visit and are wondering about downtown Denver? In this episode I'm spilling some tea about Denver's 16th Street Mall, should you visit and some food for thought.   Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/should-you-visit-denvers-16th-street-mall

The other week Denver's Union Station's most recent refresh was revealed. In this podcast episode, I share my impressions and opportunity lost and more. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denvers-union-stations-newest-facelift-an-honest-review

This question often gets asked about different cities that have somehow generated good or bad buzz. "Is Denver Overrated?" Is something that has been asked and I thought I would try my hand at asking and reflecting on this question. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/is-denver-overrated

For the past couple of years I've pondered the following question "Is Colorado the Florida of the Rocky Mountain West?" In this podcast episode I make my case and I think it's pretty compelling.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/is-colorado-the-florida-of-the-rocky-mountain-west

By now you've likely seen or heard about CU Boulder's decisive win over TCU. I have some thoughts about what is happening with the football program, academics and needing to respect HBCUs.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/cu-buffs-and-coach-prime

I share some of my favorite experiences and spaces in downtown Denver. I also talk about some of the challenges impacted Denver's city center. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/10-things-that-i-love-about-downtown-denver

In this episode I share my thoughts on the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative of 2023. Here's what I like, what's not working and what could make it better. Are you enjoying this initiative? I know the Swifties did! Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/rtd-is-free-for-two-months  

Let's Go Nuggets! The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in 47 Years. In this episode I speak to some fans, bask in haters tears and reflect on why Denver gets no respect as a sports town. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/the-denver-nuggets-won-the-nba-championship

I'm so excited about the ¡Viva Streets Denver! Event and in this episode I share my experience, why I think car free events are a draw for tourists and building community. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/how-car-free-events-can-transform-the-denver-tourist-experience

Let's be clear, I love Denver and I love Philly...but as a visitor you're going to experience these cities differently. In this podcast episode I share my thoughts on why that is and I wonder if you agree? Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/you-experience-denver-and-visit-philly

When I travel outside of Colorado, people are always surprised to learn that I'm actually from Colorado. What I've also noticed is that there has been increasing interest from African-Americans in moving here or recreating here. In this podcast episode I reflect on the following question: Should Black People Move to Denver.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/should-black-people-move-to-denver

In this podcast episode I break down some of the issues happening in downtown Denver, I share why I'm so irritated with how the conversation is being framed and share some perspective. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/is-downtown-denver-a-hellscape

I am a HUGE coffee and tea drinker. I spend an unreasonable amount of time drinking coffee and one of my favorite activities is checking out new shops. Here are my top 21 Best Coffee Shops in Denver. Also, I mention some bonus shops and one of them is 2914 Coffee (I said 2014 accidentally) Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/21-best-denver-coffee-shops

There are so many things to do in Denver that sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed. And, post COVID, Denver has lost some long-time favorite spaces/events and even communities. The following list of 87 Things to Do in Denver includes a number of activities that haven't made it onto the top lists that we normally see.  Do we live in the same city?  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/things-to-do-in-denver-by-a-local

I hope that the candidates give this episode a listen. I have some thoughts about what's happening in Denver and what we need to do better. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denvers-next-mayor  

One of my favorite things to do is to try out and visit amazing coffee shops. I do this where ever I go. Luckily, Denver is an incredible  coffee town. Here's my list of the top 10 coffee shops in Denver.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/best-coffee-shops-in-denver

I'm a huge fan of Motel Makeover on Netflix and The Jane Motel that is featured in the show. In fact,  I love it so much that I thought I would do an episodea about The Jane Motel with a twist.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/the-jane-motel

One of Denver, Colorado's best kept secrets is its weather. In this episode, I spill the tea and I'm fully expecting no one to believe me. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/what-is-denvers-weather

Moving to a new town is so exciting. But, one thing that can feel a little overwhelming is how on earth do you make new friends? I share some quick and easy tips on how to make new friends when you're over 30 in Denver.  Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/how-to-make-friends-in-denver

I love 5280 Magazine but I think it's time to talk about how impactful the yearly Top of the Town list is and why now is a great time to rework it. I'm a huge fan of 5280 have thought about the issue that I'm going to discuss in the show for awhile. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/5280-top-of-the-town

Global warming is here and it's not going away anytime soon. Not only is the impact being experienced by citizens of the places you would like to visit but also by tourists. In this episode I break down how global warming may impact your upcoming Colorado vacation. It's a must listen.  Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/global-warming-affecting-colorado

If you like bbq as much as I do than Colorado food expert, Adrian Miller, should be on your radar. I had a wonderful conversation with him about being from Colorado, food, and being Black from Colorado.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/adrian-miller

Crested Butte, Colorado is my favorite mountain town. It's one of the towns that truly reminds me of Colorado before it became popular. Josh F. founder of Travel Crested Butte about why Crested Butte is so amazing. If you're looking for an off the beaten path trip listen to the following show. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/crested-butte

Sometimes it frustrates me when people joke about how Black and Brown people don't enjoy the outdoors. Nuanced conversations around accessibility, generational trauma and affording the outdoors is often lost in the mix. Patricia Cameron, founder of Blackpackers, is mission driven to change that narrative. She provides the tools, resources and experiences that connect underrepresented and underserved Coloradans to the outdoors.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/blackpackers

What if I told you that there was a time when motorists of color needed and used a resource to help them travel safely around the US? Would you believe me? In today's episode we're going to talk about the newest iteration of this tool. The Digital Green Book is a resource that is being designed in Denver, CO. Do we still need this type of resource? Listen on and decide for yourself.  Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/digital-green-book

Everyone has that slightly sloppy friend who's always up for anything, will listen to you when you're drunk, and loves to experiment. Well, there are towns like that too. Amsterdam, Beirut, Nashville, Barcelona and Denver come to mind. In this short episode I share my thoughts on how Denver is getting a little sloppy.  To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denver-sloppy  

Colorado has an incredible number of murals in almost every single city and town that you visit. From Denver, to Salida, Boulder and beyond the chance to enjoy Colorado's murals is a wonderful way to spend the day. I share my experience enjoying this year's Crush Walls event. Crush Walls is an annual event held in the RINO/Five Points Neighborhood.  To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/crush-walls

Last week I shared 9 changes in Denver and Colorado that I would like to keep after COVID is GONE. This week I share 8 things that aren't working during COVID here in Denver and Colorado that we need to deal with.  To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/what-is-not-working

COVID sucks, am I right? So, I decided to try and find something good that has happened as a result of dealing with this mess. I found 9 changes are Colorado specific situations that I would like to have continue after COVID is finally gone! To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/changes-that-colorado-should-keep-after-covid

If you're wondering how you can support Colorado local businesses and help them stay in the black-listen to the following episode. It's not as difficult as you think. To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/how-to-support-colorado-local-business

I love the following conversation that I had with Narkita Gold, mastermind behind the Black in Denver photo interview series. We spoke in April during the early stages of the Corona Lockdown.  To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/black-in-denver

One of the most amazing things that has come out of COVID, is the development of some incredible communities both in-person and online. In this episode, I speak with Jen and Kane two of the four co-creators of one of the best digital spaces in Colorado.  To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/giving-in-colorado

If you're thinking about visiting Denver, or the state of Colorado, this summer listen to this episode first. To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/tips-for-visiting-denver-this-summer

To access the show notes go to:  https://squarestateco.com/it-snows-in-denver

If you're new to Denver or you've grown up here and are trying to meet new people professionally, this podcast episode is for you.  To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/how-to-network-in-denver

Are you frugal? Have you heard that Denver is expensive? Well, Denver can be expensive, but it's absolutely possible to have a frugal trip.  The following episode will share a general itinerary and some ideas of what you can do to have a fun, frugal trip to Denver that isn't a cliche of the same places that everyone else seems to visit.  To Access the Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/72-hours-in-denver-for-frugal-people

To access the show notes go to: https://squarestateco.com/dear-governor

This month I'm sharing 4 audio letters to the following people: Mayor Hancock-Denver's mayor   Governor Jared Polis   The State's Representatives   The Citizens of Colorado To Access the Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/dear-mayor-hancock

The Happy City Denver interactive art installation in Denver was phenomenal! This episode runs through my experience with this event and the art scene in Denver.  Show Notes:  www.squarestateco.com/sqs027

Meeting new people in a new town can feel a little overwhelming. Denver feels like a big, little city to me. And, I thought it would be a good idea to bring in a networking ninja to discuss making connections. Click the following link to go to the show notes https://wp.me/p5AIJk-ls And, if you're looking to save money on groceries, don't forget to sign up for Ibotta, a Colorado-based savings app. I'm an affiliate and love the fact that if you sign up with my affiliate link and redeem your first savings in the next couple of weeks-you'll get $10 towards your first payout (I'll get $5 NICE!) Payout minimum threshold is $20 btw. Love this app! Click the following link to start saving: http://squarestateco.com/ibotta 

Go to www.squarestateco.com/25 to access the show notes.   Start saving with the Ibotta savings app today! I'm a happy affiliate and love sharing the gift of savings with everyone that I can. When you sign up as a new user and redeem your first savings within the first couple of weeks from signing up, you'll earn $10 towards your first payout ($20 minimum is needed for a payout) 

Read the show notes here!

In this episode I get to talk to two of my favorite people here in Denver: John and David from The Debt Free Guys. They are changing the conversation about gay money via their website "The Debt Free Guys" and podcast Queer Money. They share actionable tips that are helpful for everyone. They are based out of Denver and are a great resource for those of you looking to better your money.  Click HERE to access the show notes.

This episode is a recap of the inaugural "Denver Welcome Mat" event.  If you're new to Denver and looking to connect with locals-this event is for you. Click here for the Show Notes.

Berry, creator of Podcasts in Color, talks all things podcasts with me today.  You can find the show notes at: https://squarestateco.com/berry    Thanks to this episode's sponsor Modworks! Looking for a Denver Co-Working Space? Modworks may be the space for you! 

If you're a blogger looking for a blogging community in Denver, then the Denver Bloggers Club may be the group for you. Founded by Jenny Finke, this group has become one of my favorite communities to hang out with while eating and learning at the same time.  Click here to check out the show notes. Live in Denver and want to attend The Welcome Mat event on May 4th, 2018? Sign up via Eventbrite-it's free!  Have gluten allergies? Here is a link to the Nima Portable Gluten Sensor that Jenny mentions during the show. Please note: this is an Amazon affiliate link. 

This episode is sponsored by Modworks Co-working Space. Tell them that Michelle from Square State sent you! Make sure to check it out the next time you need a place to work for the day or  as a permanent location for your business.  Here is a link to the show notes.