Ever wondered what makes an event truly memorable? Matt Kays of Mountain Event Services reveals it's not just about the speakers, lights, or playlist—it's about the people behind the technology and their approach to creating experiences.

Matt shares his fascinating journey from radio broadcaster in Crested Butte to event specialist, discovering along the way that he preferred connecting with people over being isolated in a studio. This realization led him to build a company that now handles everything from DJ services and photo booths to sound production and mobile live streaming for events across Colorado.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Matt addresses one of the biggest misconceptions about DJs—that they're just music players. He emphasizes that exceptional DJs are actually event directors who guide gatherings with skilled emceeing. "Everyone's been to an event where the DJ couldn't, wouldn't, or shouldn't have been talking on the microphone," he notes, highlighting how crucial communication skills are alongside technical abilities.

What truly distinguishes Mountain Event Services in a crowded market? Matt points to their core values: responding quickly, solving problems, following through, and infusing everything with joy. In a candid moment, he reflects on his growth as a business leader, learning that his company is an extension of himself—a revelation that transformed his approach to entrepreneurship.

Ready to elevate your next event with services that go beyond the expected? Visit https://www.mountaineventservices.com/ or text 970-372-4882 to discover how Mountain Event Services can bring their unique, joy-infused approach to your special occasion.

What happens when a physician becomes the patient? Dr. Judy Toney's journey offers a powerful glimpse into functional medicine's transformative potential. After leaving traditional family practice in 2015, frustrated by the constraints of insurance requirements, Dr. Toney established AtoneMD (formerly Ageless Health and Aesthetics) to create a new kind of healthcare experience.

Dr. Toney's practice has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally balancing aesthetic treatments with bioidentical hormone therapy, she now devotes approximately 75% of her practice to comprehensive functional medicine—addressing gut health, adrenal function, immune conditions, and more. What drives her is a fundamental belief that medicine should identify root causes rather than merely mask symptoms with medications.

The most compelling aspect of Dr. Toney's story is her current personal battle with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which has her "literally treating on myself right now everything that I've been treating everyone else for for years." This firsthand experience has deepened her empathy and understanding, allowing her to connect with patients on a profound level. "I can say 'me too,'" she explains, highlighting how her own health journey has strengthened her commitment to patient-centered care.

Unlike many medical practices that prioritize volume and efficiency, AtoneMD offers unhurried appointments in a comfortable setting where patients truly feel heard. "We're not going to throw meds at you," Dr. Toney promises. Instead, she creates space for patients to relax, share their stories, and actively participate in their healing journeys. This approach has attracted countless individuals who have exhausted conventional medical options without finding relief or answers.

Ready to experience a different approach to healthcare? Visit www.atonemd.com or call 720-789-3931 to learn how Dr. Toney's functional medicine practice might help you find answers where others have failed.

Ever wondered who's caring for your furry friend while you're away? Forget the stress of kennels and boarding facilities. David Westfall, co-owner of Inside and Out Pet Care, reveals a refreshing approach to pet care that prioritizes your pet's comfort and familiar environment.

The journey began when David's wife Kim Plache transformed her hobby into Northern Colorado's premier pet sitting, dog walking, and behavioral dog training company. What started as a side project during her CNA career blossomed into a thriving business dedicated to animals' wellbeing. Recently, David joined full-time after retiring from apartment maintenance at 63, bringing his own passion to their growing enterprise.

What makes Inside and Out Pet Care special? They come to your home, where your pet knows their food dish, favorite resting spots, and bathroom areas. Their dedicated sitters are personally introduced to your pets, establishing trust and familiarity. From dogs and cats to horses, mice, snakes—and as David jokingly mentions, even elephants if needed—they accommodate all creatures with personalized care plans. "We take care of your pet and love your pet like we love our own," David emphasizes, highlighting their commitment to the American Kennel Club's principle that animal welfare comes before all other concerns.

Beyond business, David revealed his personal side—his love for music, vintage pocket watches, fly fishing, and his distinctive 1880s-1890s fashion style that frequently draws comments from passersby. His philosophical approach to life's challenges reflects the same thoughtful care they bring to their pet services.

Want peace of mind knowing your beloved pets are receiving exceptional care in the comfort of their own home? Visit https://insideandoutpetcarellc.com/ to explore their services and use their convenient self-booking portal to schedule appointments that fit your needs and your pet's routine.

Ever wondered what makes a truly exceptional firearms instructor? Meet John Pashain of 7 Hills Security, who brings more than two decades of military and law enforcement experience to his firearms training business in Northern Colorado.

What separates John from other instructors isn't just his impressive background, which includes nine years in the Army Guard and service with the Pima County Sheriff's Department. It's his personal journey of resilience. After a career-ending wrist injury that kept him from firing a weapon for over a decade, John now teaches despite experiencing pain with every trigger pull. This firsthand understanding of overcoming obstacles infuses his teaching with unique empathy and perspective.

7 Hills Security offers comprehensive firearms instruction, security courses, and de-escalation training, with plans to introduce executive protection studies for a new national standard. As a verified instructor for Colorado's recently expanded concealed handgun permit classes, John focuses intensively on fundamentals and safety, challenging the misconception that firearms themselves are good or bad rather than tools whose use is determined by their handlers.

Perhaps most valuable is what happens after training ends. Unlike many instructors who teach a class and send students on their way, John serves as match director for monthly defensive pistol shoots at the Northern Colorado Rod and Gun Club. These scenario-based practice sessions allow students to refine their skills in a safe, supervised environment among like-minded enthusiasts.

Whether you're new to firearms or looking to enhance your skills, connect with John at [email protected], call 970-213-8686, or find 7 Hills Security on Facebook. Experience training that prioritizes safety, fundamentals, and ongoing practice opportunities with an instructor who truly understands the journey.

What happens when you combine Alaska-tough craftsmanship with Colorado-sized heart? You get Hale Home Doctor, the comprehensive home service professionals bringing genuine problem-solving expertise to Northern Colorado homeowners.

David and Heidi Hale's journey from the rugged Alaskan construction landscape to becoming trusted local contractors offers a masterclass in perseverance and adaptation. Having started their business in 2006, they strategically relocated to Colorado seeking both greater opportunity and a chance to fill a critical gap in the market: reliable, high-quality remodeling and repair services. Their two-year process to secure proper licensing wasn't just bureaucratic hurdle-jumping—it was laying the foundation for a truly full-spectrum service where they could confidently handle everything from simple door installations to complete basement transformations.

What truly distinguishes the Hales is their appetite for challenges other contractors avoid. David lights up when describing projects involving century-old homes with concrete issues or basements with complex flooding problems. This problem-solving spirit stems from deep personal experience overcoming obstacles, including David's journey to educational achievement despite limited formal schooling, and the couple's successful navigation of a two-year legal battle to secure access to their own property.

Behind the professional credentials (including specialized lead paint certification for historic homes) beats the heart of a family-centered business. When not transforming clients' homes, the Hales tend to their 75-acre homestead with their four children, raising their own milk, meat, and eggs—a self-sufficiency that mirrors their professional approach. Their commitment to clear invoicing, punctuality, and treating customers "just like we'd want to be served" isn't just good business—it's their family values applied to every project they undertake.

Ready to experience what makes Hale Home Doctor different? Connect with David and Heidi at 970-232-8488 or visit www.halehomedoctor.com to bring their unique blend of craftsmanship and integrity to your next home project.

What happens when critical care nurses bring their medical expertise to aesthetic medicine? The Good Neighbor Podcast sits down with Kristen Miller and Ali Sutton of Boho Studios Med Spa to explore how they're changing the conversation around beauty treatments in Fort Collins.

Founded seven years ago by Kristen after fourteen years as an injection specialist, Boho Studios has grown from a single treatment room into a comprehensive med spa offering everything from Botox and fillers to Morpheus 8 radio frequency treatments and vaginal rejuvenation. Both women bring their backgrounds as ICU nurses to their practice, applying critical thinking skills to create individualized treatment plans that prioritize natural results.

"Most of my clients are walking around out there and nobody knows that they've had anything done," Kristen explains, addressing the common misconception that aesthetic treatments lead to an overdone appearance. The pair differentiate their approach by focusing on "re-volumizing areas versus augmenting," resulting in subtle enhancements rather than dramatic changes. Meanwhile, Ali works to destigmatize treatments like vaginal rejuvenation by emphasizing its functional benefits for women dealing with post-pregnancy changes or aging concerns.

What truly distinguishes Boho Studios is the welcoming atmosphere they've created. As single mothers who built their business while juggling personal challenges, Kristen and Ali bring authenticity and compassion to their practice. The result is a space so inviting that clients regularly offer to "sweep the floors just to hang out." Beyond beautifying faces, they're building a community where clients feel genuinely cared for.

Curious about natural-looking aesthetic treatments? Visit bohostudiosmedspa.com, text 970-412-8820, or follow @BohostudiosFoCo on Instagram to discover how these medical professionals might help you look like yourself, only better.

What happens when your worst day collides with the legal system? Attorney Ryan Markus pulls back the curtain on criminal defense in this eye-opening conversation that challenges how we think about justice, rehabilitation, and second chances.

After years as a public defender serving Fort Collins' most vulnerable populations, Markus now brings that same compassion and insider knowledge to his private practice. He tackles the pervasive myth that alternatives to incarceration are "letting people off easy," explaining how probation and community-based sentences demand accountability while providing pathways to rehabilitation. "These aren't bad things," Markus insists. "They're things that help our community."

The discussion takes a powerful turn when Markus addresses the common question: "How can you defend those people?" His response cuts to the heart of our shared humanity. "By the time I see them, they know they've done wrong," he explains. "If people really sat with these individuals and realized the trauma they've experienced, the ways they themselves have been victims of crime—I think they would judge a lot less." Drawing from personal experience, Markus reveals how his own brushes with the law in his youth shaped his understanding of the vital role defense attorneys play in navigating an overwhelmingly complex system.

Perhaps most compelling is Markus's candid assessment of Colorado's mental health crisis and its impact on the criminal justice system. He describes police officers forced to function as social workers, communities grappling with visible mental illness on their streets, and families desperate for resources that simply don't exist. "We took away asylums because they were barbaric, which was the right thing to do, but we didn't fill that gap," he observes. "We need to do better."

Whether you're facing charges yourself or simply curious about how our justice system really works, Markus's perspective is both enlightening and deeply human. Ready to learn more? Visit https://www.markuslegal.com/ or call 970-698-5334 for a free consultation with an attorney who believes your worst mistake shouldn't define your entire future.

Ever wondered how massage therapy could transform your daily life? Matthew Schroeder brings a fascinating perspective to therapeutic bodywork through his mobile service, Schroeder Massage, serving Fort Collins residents where they are.

After relocating from Cambodia and pivoting from physiotherapy aspirations, Matthew discovered his true calling in massage therapy. Five years at Massage Envy gave him the foundation to launch his own practice focusing on rehabilitation and deep tissue work. His philosophy—"aspire to ascend"—perfectly captures his approach to helping clients overcome physical limitations and optimize their wellbeing.

Matthew challenges the common misconception that massage is exclusively for the young and active, passionately advocating that therapeutic bodywork benefits everyone across all age groups and activity levels. From geriatric care to prenatal massage, his inclusive approach makes wellness accessible to the entire community. Working from Valor Gym near Fort Collins High School, he's strategically positioned himself to serve clients already invested in their physical health while welcoming those new to regular bodywork.

What makes Matthew's story particularly compelling is his personal journey of transformation—evolving from a self-described introvert into a community-focused practitioner who balances professional growth with vibrant engagement in local volleyball, soccer, and maintaining global friendships. This blend of professional expertise and authentic connection creates a unique therapeutic experience that goes beyond physical techniques.

Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or simply wanting to feel your best each day, Matthew's customized approach adapts to your specific needs with plans ranging from single sessions to comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Connect with Schroeder Massage on Facebook or visit him at Valor Gym to discover how expert massage therapy might be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle.

Ever wondered what happens when engineering precision meets holistic healing? Meet Alex Willen, founder of Wholesome Therapies, whose remarkable journey from competitive sports and engineering to somatic therapy offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of a modern healer.

Alex's practice stands at the intersection of body and mind, challenging conventional approaches to wellness. "Our body and mind, our thoughts, our beliefs are all connected," he explains, detailing how his structural integration techniques—similar to Rolfing but with important nuances—address multiple dimensions of wellness. With offices in Fort Collins and Boulder, his work particularly resonates with women and trauma survivors, offering them a uniquely sensitive therapeutic experience.

What sets Alex apart is his identity as a "wounded healer." Having navigated personal challenges including sports concussions and Lyme disease, he brings profound empathy to his practice. This vulnerability transforms into a strength, enabling him to connect deeply with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. Perhaps most refreshing is Alex's rejection of ego-driven practice: "I'm not looking to necessarily make the most money out of them or provide them like that have to be the absolute solution," he shares, explaining his willingness to collaborate with other practitioners when a different approach might better serve his clients.

Beyond his professional life, Alex finds fulfillment as a father to two children and as a member of an intentional community, embodying the holistic values that inform his therapeutic work. Whether you're seeking relief from physical discomfort or deeper emotional healing, Alex's integrative approach might be exactly what you need. Discover more about Wholesome Therapies at wholesometherapies.com or reach out directly for a consultation to see how this unique blend of technical knowledge and heartfelt care could support your wellness journey.

Ever wondered what transforms a massage from a mere service into a sacred healing journey? In this captivating conversation, Telicia Officer of Divinity Beauty and Massage reveals how her path from botanical skincare enthusiast to licensed massage therapist and esthetician created a unique wellness sanctuary in Fort Collins.

Talicia's approach stands apart in an industry often reduced to assembly-line treatments. "This is a calling and a purpose for me," she explains, tracing her passion back to childhood observations of her grandmother's natural healing abilities. That foundation, combined with her decade of experience in herbal and botanical skincare, creates experiences that go beyond physical relief to restore clients' most authentic selves.

The episode unpacks the fascinating parallels between Talicia's personal journey and her professional philosophy. Her resilience through ten years in Alaska's harsh environment and navigating a difficult divorce deepened her empathy and understanding of human needs on multiple levels. These experiences inform her holistic approach to wellness, where each client receives a customized, non-transactional experience built on trust and clear communication.

For health-minded individuals in Northern Colorado seeking more than just a massage, Talicia shares the story behind Divinity Beauty and Massage's unique blend of botanical skincare, massage therapy, and holistic healing practices. Whether you're struggling with stress, seeking restoration after physical activity, or simply curious about holistic wellness approaches, this conversation offers valuable insights about the transformative power of healing touch delivered with purpose and compassion.

Ready to experience a different approach to wellness? Visit www.divinity-beauty.com or call 970-443-8797 to learn how Talicia's healing touch can help restore your most radiant, authentic self.