This is The Refuge: 20th Anniversary Limited Podcast Series

Community doesn’t just happen — it’s built through resilience, shared struggle, and the small, everyday acts of showing up for one another. In this final episode of This Is The Refuge, we look closely at the rising challenges facing our neighbors, from housing instability to food insecurity, and the people working tirelessly to respond with dignity and compassion.You’ll hear from leaders across Broomfield who are meeting these needs head-on through creative partnerships, practical support, and a commitment to belonging that refuses to give up on anyone. Their stories remind us that hope isn’t abstract. It’s lived. It’s practiced. And it grows when we choose to be part of the solution. We are so much better together. Wherever you are in your own journey, this episode invites you to step into the work of community — to listen, to learn, and to discover how your presence can make a real impact.Hosted by: Dr. DecibelFeaturing: Kristin Hyser (Broomfield Housing Alliance)Dayna Scott (Broomfield FISH)John Maikowski (Transforming Creatives)and Mandy Walke (Broomfield Department of Human Services).Produced by: Dr. Decibel ProductionsLearn more at: therefugeonline.org

Celebration isn’t just parties or big moments — it’s the practice of noticing goodness, honoring resilience, and making space for joy in the middle of real life. In this episode, Dr. Decibel sits with Bo Barrington and Sherrey Neckers, two people who help carry the heartbeat of the Refuge every day. They talk about the small celebrations that keep us human, the behind‑the‑scenes work that makes community possible, and the unexpected joy that shows up when people choose to be present for one another. From birthday cupcakes to shared grief to the challenge of sustaining a nonprofit in hard times, this conversation reminds us that celebration is both sacred and necessary — a way of saying we’re still here, together, and it matters.Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Bo Barrington and Sherrey Neckers Produced by: Dr. Decibel Productions Learn more at therefugeonline.org 

Transformation doesn’t always look dramatic — sometimes it’s slow, quiet, and shaped by the people who stay. In this episode, Dr. Decibel sits with Christina Price and Amber Lane, two longtime members of the Refuge whose lives have been marked by loss, rebuilding, and the steady work of becoming new. They talk about mental health, faith shifts, single parenthood, boundaries, community, and the courage it takes to keep showing up even when progress feels small. Their stories remind us that transformation grows through presence, trust, and the willingness to stay connected through the hardest seasons. Wherever you are in your own process, you’re not late.Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Christina Price and Amber LaneProduced by: Dr. Decibel Productions Learn more at therefugeonline.org 

What if creativity isn't just for "artists"? Join Dr. Decibel in conversation with Amy Jo Nova, the Refuge's creative art coordinator, and Katie Peterson, a longtime community member who helps shape reflective spaces like Beauty Night and Blue Christmas. Discover how creativity becomes a doorway to healing: from a photographer documenting the faces of houseless neighbors, to smashing plates to release grief, to turning suburban car clutter into meaningful art. Amy Jo and Katie challenge the lie that some people "just aren't creative" and reveal how everyone—from doodling kids to busy chefs—is already an artist. This is creativity—honest, healing, and deeply human. Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Amy Jo Nova, Creative Art Coordinator, and Katie Peterson, Community MemberProduced by: Dr. Decibel Productions Learn more at therefugeonline.org 

What does true engagement look like? Join Dr. Decibel in conversation with Katie Hinshaw and Savannah Smith, coordinators of Refuge Reads—a free community tutoring program serving students ages 5 to 65. Discover the transformative power of showing up fully: from advocating for an abused student, to teaching a grandmother to read her Bible, to the profound connection between literacy and justice. Katie and Savannah share what it means to step in rather than step back, building community through presence, courage, and authentic connection. This is engagement—hands dirty, hearts open, lives changed. Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Katie Hinshaw and Savannah Smith, Refuge Reads Coordinators Produced by Dr. Decibel Productions Learn more at therefugeonline.org 

Dr. Decibel explores the power of simply showing up in real relationships over time with Nanette Bezjak and Andrea Gamboa. From Andrea's journey as an unhoused person finding community at The Refuge, to Nanette's daily work walking alongside people in crisis, this episode reveals how consistent presence transforms strangers into family. They discuss breaking down isolation, building trust, and the profound impact of being present for others—not fixing problems, but showing up again and again. Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Nanette Bezjak (Single Moms Coordinator) and Andrea Gamboa (Peer Advocate) Produced by Dr. Decibel ProductionsLearn more: therefugeonline.org 

In this episode, we explore the first and foundational core value of The Refuge: Welcome. Dr. Decibel sits down with Kathy Escobar, one of The Refuge's founders, and Steve Palmer, a peer advocate at the Refuge, to unpack what it really means to create a table where everyone belongs. Rooted in twelve-step recovery principles, The Refuge has built a community where diversity isn't just tolerated—it's celebrated. From "the land of misfit toys" to a thriving network of over 90 community partners, this conversation reveals how welcome extends beyond warm greetings to include radical inclusion, corrective experiences, and the hard work of holding both grace and accountability. Featuring: Kathy Escobar (Co-founder, The Refuge) and Steve Palmer (Peer Support Team) Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Produced by Dr. Decibel Productions. Learn more at therefugeonline.org 

Welcome to This is The Refuge, our 20th Anniversary Limited Series podcast. Before diving into our 6 core values, meet the people who started it all. Join Dr. Decibel in conversation with co-founders Kathy Escobar and Mike Herzog as they share the raw, honest story of how The Refuge was born—not from a polished plan, but from pain, deconstruction, and a dream for something radically different. From their evangelical roots to their messy break from traditional church, Kathy and Mike reveal how Recovery circles taught them what real healing looks like: tables instead of pews, conversations instead of sermons, and a community where doubters and believers sit side by side. Twenty years later, The Refuge has evolved from a small church experiment into a thriving community hub serving over 1,000 people through 14+ programs—from the Refuge Café to Trader Joe's food distribution reaching 80+ families weekly. to Refuge Reads to Single Moms Unite and so muchmore. This is where it all began—broken systems, bold dreams, and a commitment to people over programs. Hosted by: Dr. Decibel Featuring: Kathy Escobar and Mike Herzog, Co-Founders Produced by: Dr. Decibel Productions Learn more at therefugeonline.org