Behind the Springs
Can a local government podcast be fun? Jennifer Schreuder from the City of Colorado Springs Communications Department says “yes!” Join Jen for our lighthearted, in-depth discussions with Colorado Springs' elected officials and employees as we learn what keeps Olympic City USA ranked in the country's top three best places to live. If you enjoy life with Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods but want to be more in the know about what's going on in your city, this podcast is for you.
Questions?
Have a question or comment? Send them to BehindtheSprings@ColoradoSprings.gov
Episodes
Episode 89: Happy Trails
Our trails are a treasure around here, but a large amount of illegal trails are causing problems. Hear from the experts at the city and county about these “unofficial” trails and why they’re hurtful to our environment and our budget. Find out how to avoid them and get involved in future planning of our parks and open spaces.
Episode 88: Remembering Waldo Canyon Fire
If you lived in Colorado Springs 10 years ago, you probably remember where you were during the Waldo Canyon Fire. Our city employees share their experiences during this special episode about the devastating fire that reminded and taught our community how to prepare for the worst.
Episode 87: Don't be afraid of auditing
What does the City Auditor’s office do and why should you care? Those are the questions we answer in this episode of Behind the Springs, thanks to a great conversation with our City Auditor. What she and her team do impacts everyone in COS. Find out how!
Episode 86: Meet the Chief
There’s a new police chief in town, only he’s not new to town at all! Chief Adrian Vasquez became a police officer here in Colorado Springs nearly 27 years ago. Now, he’s leading the largest department in the city. What are his goals, challenges and favorite parts of the job? Find out in the latest episode of Behind the Springs!
Episode 85: Are you ready?
We know that wildfire is a major threat in our community, now more than ever with the recent warm and windy conditions. Are you prepared? Join us for this important conversation with our City’s Fire Marshal, who shares his concern, provides great information and reveals news about critical investment in the effort to prevent wildfire in COS.
For more information visit coswildfireready.org/
Episode 84: Visiting Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
If you’re planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit of America’s Mountain this summer, we have to information you’ll need to “know before you go”. Plus, meet the new manager of the mountain who shares fun facts about this iconic landmark.
Episode 83: Digging Deep
Our parks and open spaces are the best! Right now, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our trails, open space and parks sales tax program, called TOPS for short. During this episode, we talk about the preservation and stewardship of our favorite places with our city’s archaeologist. Did you know we have a city archaeologist? Her job is awesome and so is she! Hope you’ll join us for the conversation.
Episode 82: Keeping It Clean
When residents call 911, they shouldn’t always expect a fire truck and ambulance to show up with sirens blaring - and that’s a good thing. Hear from the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Deputy Chief about new community medical response units that are going to less emergent calls in order to get the patients the right care. These latest changes impact our entire community!
Episode 81: Changing our 911 response
When residents call 911, they shouldn’t always expect a fire truck and ambulance to show up with sirens blaring - and that’s a good thing. Hear from the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Deputy Chief about new community medical response units that are going to less emergent calls in order to get the patients the right care. These latest changes impact our entire community!
Episode 80: Ending Veteran Homelessness
Colorado Springs is one of the most desirable places to live, but with all the buzz and growth comes challenges. One of those is affordable housing, including for those exiting homelessness. A local Navy veteran shares his personal story during this important conversation about how the city is working to end veteran homelessness. Plus, learn about other programs designed to help our community’s most vulnerable find resources and homes.Episode 79: Let's talk sports
Now is a great time to try a new sport! There are lots of great opportunities for adults and kids to play in Colorado Springs! Find out what makes our programs unique and worthwhile.
Episode 78: Farewell Chief Niski
Episode 78: Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski is about to retire after more than three decades with the department. He reflects on his career, recent challenges, the past and future of the department and his love for Colorado Springs.
Episode 77: Celebrating Engineers
National Engineers Week is a great time to shine the light on our city’s engineers and their impact on the quality of life in COS! This conversation with our City’s Engineer will likely give you new appreciation for engineers and get you excited about the projects underway in our community.
Episode 76: Get ready for the winter games
The Olympic games kick off in Beijing on February 4th and we’re celebrating here in Olympic City USA! In addition to having a big bash in downtown Colorado Springs, we’re also sitting down with four-time Olympian Kara Winger. She tells us all about javelin, her experience as the United States’ flag bearer at the Tokyo closing ceremony, and why she loves living here!
Listen to episode 76
Episode 75: One team, one fight
Colorado Springs Police officers are teaming up with a group called PAL (Police Activities/Athletics League) to make an impact in Colorado Springs. Hear from Officer Menter and “Coach Lev” about the program, how they hope it grows, and why they’re helping more than just young athletes.
Episode 74: Cheers to 40 years
Whether you live right near one, or didn’t even know that our city has community centers … this episode is for you. Hear the great story about the founding of Meadows Park Community Center and find out what’s happening to celebrate the 40th anniversary!
To listen to even more episodes of Behind the Springs, visit our BuzzSprout page, and find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you like to listen.