July 17, 2026

Two housing developments are working their way through Louisville’s approval process. Frequent city council watcher Mark Cathcart gives us the scoop — and explains why continued growth is the only way cities can survive, despite what residents may wish.

Info on the developments:

• Koelbel Permanently Affordable Housing GDP Amendment: https://louisvilleco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/24/files/agenda/2222
• Other Documents can be found in the meetings minutes https://louisvilleco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/24/overview
• North Louisville, Senior active community at Paschal Drive and Highway 42: https://louisvilleco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/24/files/report/1252

View a full transcript of the episode

This podcast is made possible by listeners and local businesses. You can sponsor an episode of The Frequency.Reach our growing audience of highly engaged listeners. Email [email protected]

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

July 15, 2026

Avoid idling your car when parked in parking lots or waiting in pick-up lines and drive-throughs. Turning your car off and on again helps reduce ground-level ozone pollution in the Colorado Front Range. Know when it matters most, by signing up for ozone alerts from the Regional Air Quality Council. Learn more at simplestepsbetterair.org

Lafayette Cemetery meeting - July 21

lafayetteco.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/10142

Boulder to sell downtown parking lot for hotel redevelopment
bouldercolorado.gov/news/city-boulder-reaches-tentative-agreement-2121-broadway-parking-lot-redevelopment

Ahead of Sundance, Boulder to move homeless services farther from downtown core

boulderreportinglab.org/2026/07/09/boulder-relocates-homelessness-services-amid-broader-push-to-curb-outdoor-sleeping-downtown/

Get in the zone with Prairiewolf

This episode features an excerpt an exclusive interview with Boulder County-based cosmic Americana group Prairiewolf.

Caribou Current editor Jezy Gray sat down with Jeremy Erwin, Tyler Wilcox and Stefan Beck to chat about their latest album Zone Poems, out July 17. Last year the group went on tour around Colorado and got into some pretty funky head spaces on stage. They didn't know it yet, but they were recording their next record in real time.

Listen in to go on that journey with them.

You can check out their upcoming show schedule here: prairiewolfmusic.com/home#shows

Head to cariboucurrent.com to read the full story and listen to the full podcast interview.

Friday

Are cities a pyramid scheme? With Mark Cathcart

One More Thing

“Burning Edges” by Prairiewolf

prairiewolfcf.bandcamp.com/album/zone-poems

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

July 10, 2026

Colorado's largest Superfund site by area stretches 400 square miles across Gilpin and Clear Creek counties, just north of Boulder County. The site has been in remediation for nearly five decades, and a new scope of remediation is assessing the health risk of lead left behind by historic mining to residents.

At Gilpin County's recent annual health fair, public health workers were testing residents' blood for lead. On today's episode, we sat down with Gilpin's Public Health director Alisa Witt to find out the risks this poses to county residents. 

Check out a map of Colorado's Superfund sites here
Did you know? Boulder County is home to 3 Superfund sites

Contact Gilpin County Public Health at 303-582-5803 to schedule free blood lead testing, or for more information on soil and well water testing.

More on Superfund budget + accelerated cleanups under the Trump administration: sciencefriday.com/articles/epa-accelerates-superfund-site-cleanup/

July 8, 2026

Ads for weight loss medication are everywhere. For the people experiencing or treating eating disorders, it’s “a catastrophic situation.” So says Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in obesity medicine and eating disorders.

Dr. Wassenaar has seen kids younger than 12 prescribed GLP-1s for weight loss. She’s also seen a rapid rise in patients relapsing, and believes the widespread use of such medication is further contributing to deadly diet culture, a world in which the only acceptable body is a dangerously thin one, and millions of people suffer the long-term side effects.

Dr. Wassenaar is joined by Olivia, a recent CU grad who is in recovery for an eating disorder. Both women dissect Boulder’s health + fitness culture and the way it contributes to unhealthy behavior. 

Thanks to Eating Recovery Center + Pathlight Mood + Anxiety Center in Denver for setting up the interviews.

Need help? 

Visit eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/eating-disorder-resources-recovery/ for a list of free resources

GLP-1 ad compilation sourced from:

• youtube.com/watch?v=tqXOcRtZoow
• youtube.com/watch?v=yaFInenV3Eg
• youtube.com/watch?v=RTFWa1GXNXE
• youtube.com/watch?v=zIbznBn_yj4

GLP-1 - market share compilation clips sourced from:

• schwabnetwork.com/video/lly-becomes-dominant-glp-1-winner-nvo-growth-turns-anemic
• linkedin.com/posts/talktojesse_pharmamanufacturing-glp1-cdmo-activity-7458227013246410752-UaH1
• facebook.com/SoFi/videos/1-in-8-americans-take-a-glp-1-right-now-and-this-is-still-just-the-beginning-inv/2037074117197183/
• cnbc.com/video/2026/06/09/novo-nordisk-ceo-80percent-of-wegovy-pill-customers-have-never-taken-a-glp-1-before.html
• facebook.com/FastMoney/videos/mizuhos-jared-holz-reacts-to-novo-nordisk-earnings-and-the-glp-1-prescription-ba/3960052937459887/

Bonus content

Listen to the full interviews with Olivia and Dr. Wassenaar at Patreon.com/BoulderFrequencyPod.

Friday

A trip to Colorado’s largest Superfund site, just up the road from Boulder County

This podcast is made possible by listeners and local businesses. You can sponsor an episode of The Frequency.Reach our growing audience of highly engaged listeners — 4,000 downloads in the last 30 days! Email [email protected]

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

July 3, 2026

Today, we’re taking a trip to CU Boulder’s Mountain Research Station. This little plot of land in the Indian Peaks Wilderness operated by CU’s Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) is one of the longest running high elevation research centers in the world. This summer, they’re celebrating 100 plus years of groundbreaking research by opening its doors to the public. 

First, we'll hear from INSTAAR on the history of the Mountain Research Station. After that, we meet two scientists with upcoming public seminars at the station who are doing groundbreaking research that could soon influence your local community, including:

• Why generative AI can actually be helpful for conservation
• The intersection of snowmelt, sunlight and long-wave radiation

Check out the full schedule of seminar speakers here: colorado.edu/mrs/current-events/summer-seminar-series

Learn more about INSTAAR's 75th anniversary and sign up for alerts here: colorado.edu/instaar/about-instaar/75th-anniversary

Thank you to Tyler Hickman at The Mountain-Ear for putting this together

Next week

What’s coming up

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

July 1, 2026

Summer is the ozone season in Colorado. Take simple steps to reduce your emissions and improve air quality for everyone. Learn more at simplestepsbetterair.org

Erie reverses anti-fracking vote to allow drilling in town

• coloradohometownweekly.com/2026/06/24/erie-council-vote-oil-gas-draco/
• 9news.com/article/news/local/erie-town-council-votes-to-sell-towns-mineral-rights/73-d2d18be8-b7c1-49c7-b99b-f20b3dbfa5ba

Superior rejects apartments over fire evacuation worries

broomfieldenterprise.com/2026/06/23/superior-marshall-fire-development-proposal/

Higher ed tuition doubled in BoCo since ’09

chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/06/25/colorado-tuition-and-fees-cost-over-the-years/

‘We’re aiming for zero’: The finances of childcare

Ever wondered why childcare is so expensive (average cost: $20K per year, per kid)? Two Boulder County day cares crack open the books and show us exactly how much they’re making and where every dollar goes.

Read more: coloradosun.com/2026/06/29/boulder-county-early-childcare-costs/

Key factors include:

• Shrinking government support
• Mandated staff sizes
• Competition with public schools for teachers, students

Thanks to Boulder Day Nursery (Boulder) and Treehouse Learning (Louisville) for speaking with us! 

Bonus content

Listen to the full interview with Amy May of Treehouse Learning at Patreon.com/BoulderFrequencyPod.

Friday

100 years of science at Ned’s high-altitude research center

Next week

Boulder County is a breeding ground for eating disorders, experts say

One More Thing

Dr. Mark Bekhoff - Listen to his full interview: boulderfrequency.com/2600535/episodes/18782519-shutdowns-shortfalls-dr-marc-bekoff-on-jane-goodall-s-legacy

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

June 26, 2026

“ I have been integrally involved in the Democratic Party for 54 years. And I am no longer a Democrat.”

So starts the conversation with Pete Salas, a lifelong, active member of the party that, for years, has dominated Boulder County and recently has come to control much of the state.

In this unfiltered interview, Salas provides an inside look at party politics, describes the growing discontent that led him to finally leave the party, and shares his hopes for the future of a state and county where the majority of voters are unaffiliated.

Don’t forget to vote!

Colorado’s Primary Election is Tuesday, June 30.

• 24-hr ballot drop-off locations: bouldercounty.gov/elections/information/ballot-drop-boxes

Check out our Guide to BoCo Local Races (print + audio!) at boulderfrequency.com. Find an extended interview + links for info on state + federal races at Patreon.com/BoulderFrequencyPod.

Sources referenced in this episode:

• coloradosun.com/2025/12/15/colorado-unaffiliated-voters-poll-2025/
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodolfo_Gonzales

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

June 24, 2026

Races + candidates listed in order they appear on ballots

IT IS TOO LATE TO MAIL YOUR BALLOT! You must drop it off by 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 for your vote to count.

24-hour ballot drop box locations: bouldercounty.gov/elections/information/ballot-drop-boxes/

CU Regent - District 2

Kubs Lalchandani - Technology lawyer with AI expertise

Top priority: Preparing students for the AI economy

Edie Hooton - Former state rep for HD10 (2017-2023)

Top priority: Defending academic freedom, research

Murray Smith - Data scientist; only candidate who attended CU and is endorsed by uni labor unions. Top priority: Improve 4-year graduation rates

• Candidate profiles: BRL, Daily Camera

House District 19

Anil Pesaramelli - Erie Town Council member

Top priority: Affordability (housing, healthcare, cost of living)

Jillaire McMillan - Former candidate for this seat (2024)

Top priority: Education (public funding for public schools)

Colton Jonjak Plah - Youngest candidate, anti-establishment platform

Top priority: Protecting Colorado from the federal government

• Notes from League of Women Voters forum

Boulder County Treasurer

Jenn Kaoush - Superior Town Board member; previously ran investment portfolio for U.S. Department of State

Top priority: Ethics, independence + public trust

Rachel Friend - Attorney, former Boulder City Council member

Top priority: Leading teams + running operations

• Notes from League of women voters forum

State + federal races

• Vote guides from CPR and Colorado Sun. There are contested races for Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and U.S. Senate

Friday

Why one prominent BoCo Demis leaving the party 

Headline links

BoCo takes timeout on data centers bouldercounty.gov/news/data-centers-and-detention-centers-commissioners-declare-moratorium/

• Longmont bans data centers denver7.com/news/front-range/longmont/longmont-bans-hyperscale-data-centers-amid-concerns-about-energy-and-water-use

BVSD accused of mishandling antisemitic bullying boulderreportinglab.org/2026/06/18/federal-complaint-accuses-boulder-valley-school-district-of-failing-jewish-student-amid-years-of-antisemitic-bullying/

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

June 19, 2026

In honor of our interview with music writer Grayson Haver Currin we’re taking a look at the world of local music.

Ben Sooy is the founder of Holy Fool, a nonprofit helping small, local musicians on the Front Range. Holy Fool is pretty new; less than a couple years old. They are the nonprofit sponsor for Blucifer’s First Rodeo, a DIY music festival coming to Denver next month. Ben’s band, A Place for Owls, is also performing at the fest.

I conducted this interview a while ago, and wrote about Holy Fool for the March issue of Caribou Current.

So much good stuff got left out of that article. I’m stoked to be able to bring you more of my chat with Ben. One musician I interviewed, Elle Tyler, called Ben a thin place.

“People like that, when you’re in their presence, there’s something more than just what the mortal eye can see,” Tyler said. “In a thin place, the distance between the physical and spiritual world, that distance can become very thin. You feel you’re part of something bigger.”

After the interview, we feature “Tenderness,” a new song from Mercy Club, a local six-piece band that has received support from Holy Fool. I interviewed member Darren Thornberry for the Caribou Current article.

Thanks for listening! 

---------------------------

Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Take simple steps for better air, and go electric with your lawn care equipment. Through the end of 2026, take advantage of a 30% point of sale discount on all new electric leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and trimmers at participating retailers statewide. Maintaining your property without gas emissions helps reduce ground-level ozone pollution in the Front Range, and to protect your health. 

Learn more at simplestepsbetterair.org

Local artists in the Big Apple

• cpr.org/2026/06/07/boulder-artist-scupltor-at-whitney-biennial/
• retunedjewelry.com; metmuseum.org/exhibitions/musical-bodies; 

Essential workers’ essential need: childcare

• denverpost.com/2026/06/12/colorado-childcare-essential-workers

USA World Cup watch parties

Next game: 1 p.m. Friday, June 19

• dailycamera.com/2026/06/10/boulder-world-cup-watch-parties

Feature:

Grayson Haver Currin

Music journalist and outdoor writer Grayson Haver Currin discusses his path from North Carolina to the mountains above Boulder County, where he now lives, having hiked the Triple Crown and 11K miles. He shares stories from his career writing for major publications, including interviewing Paul McCartney and covering Phish, while reflecting on curiosity, persistence, and the importance of wonder in both journalism and outdoor life. The conversation blends music, hiking, local culture, and what makes Colorado feel like home.

Highlights

• Bought a house near Ward sight unseen while hiking the Continental Divide Trail.
• Landed his first journalism job by independently securing an interview with Tim Reynolds before he even worked for the student newspaper.
• Described interviewing Paul McCartney as one of the biggest honors of his career and was surprised by how warm and approachable he was.

Instagram: instagram.com/currincy/?hl=en
Substack: currincy.substack.com

Bonus content

• Listen to the full interview at Patreon.com/BoulderFrequencyPod.

Friday

• Mutual aid for musicians with Ben Sooy of Holy Fool

Next week

• A last-minute vote guide for the Colorado primaries

One More Thing
Michelle Obama via social media this week, posted by many people in response to the UFC fight shenanigans including calling her names. 

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Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain Ear

Independent, local journalism for Boulder County

Our team

Journalist + producer: Shay Castle

Audio producer + music: Kelly Garry

Additional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman

*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon