Let’s Talk Boulder

By City of Boulder

A City of Boulder podcast exploring our community, one conversation at a time.... more

5

88 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Let’s Talk Boulder:

How many episodes does Let’s Talk Boulder have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

Let’s Talk Boulder episodes:

October 28, 2025Episode 13: Connecting Through Arts and Culture
Explore Boulder’s vibrant arts and culture scene and hear from local leaders who are helping shape the city’s creative community.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Lauren Click – Arts and Culture Manager, City of Boulder
Other Guests:
David Dadone - Executive Director and Chief Curator for the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Leah Brenner Clack – Founder and Executive Director of Street Wise Arts
Kirsten Wilson – Founder and Executive Director of Motus Theater
This episode was hosted by Angela Urrego and Emi Smith. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

For a full transcript, visit the City of Boulder's podcast webpage.

Related Resources:
Office of Arts and Culture
Boulder Arts Blueprint
Arts & Economic Prosperity 6
...more
23min
August 04, 2025Episode 12: A Boulder Future
Dive into the city’s guiding policy document, the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, as the city and Boulder County work on a major update of the plan to help shape the future of Boulder.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Kristofer Johnson - Comprehensive Planning Senior Manager, City of Boulder
Kathleen King - Comprehensive Planning Planner Principal, City of Boulder
Other Guests:
Hannah Hippley - Long Range Planning Division Manager, Boulder County
Community Member voices – A Boulder Future Kick-off Video
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Julie Causa. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

For a full transcript, visit the City of Boulder's podcast webpage.

Related Resources:
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update project page
Community Connectors Program
Community Connectors in Residence
...more
36min
May 01, 2025Episode 11: Local Government 101
Take a step back into high school civics to learn how Boulder’s government works - and discover how you can get involved and make a meaningful impact in your local community.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Carl Castillo, Chief Policy Advisor
Elesha Johnson, City Clerk
Other Guests:
Glen Krutz, Political Science Professor at University of Colorado Boulder
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Emi Smith. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Related Resources:
Municipal Initiative Petition Guidelines
City of Boulder Boards and Commissions
City of Boulder Ranked Choice Voting Guide
Boulder City Council Frequently Asked Questions
Clarification:
The number of employees serving the City of Boulder fluctuates based on seasonal and temporary hires. At one point in the show, a guest mentions that the city employs 1,500 people. This number varies and gets as high as 1,800.
...more
22min
November 29, 2024Episode 10: Connecting Our Canopies
Climb into this episode about Boulder's city trees and hear from the people who care for them.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Andrew Holt, Forester
Calvin Wing, Crew Lead
Heather Bearnes-Loza, Senior Program Manager for the Nature-based Climate Solutions Team
Kathleen Alexander, Forestry Manager
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager of Natural Resources
Other Guests:
Daniel Hanson, Community Forestry Corps Lead
Mike Reichert, Tree Trust Program Manager
Community Forestry Corps members and tree planting volunteers, Mallory, Josue and Ellory.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Jonathan Thornton. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team and edited by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Related Resources:
All About City Trees
City of Boulder Staff Land Acknowledgement
Inquire Boulder
Cool Boulder
PLAY Boulder Foundation Tree Trust & Tree Tender Training
Cooling Our City
City Heat Mapping
...more
32min
August 21, 2024 Join Us Sept. 7 at What's Up Boulder!
Meet your neighbors and people behind the city — attend What's Up Boulder!
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center.
What: Popsicles, lawn games, a foam party, conversations with council members, music and much more!
Get the details on our website.
...more
3min
July 30, 2024Episode 9: From Passion to Action
Got time, talent or treasure to share? You're in the right place. This episode is all about giving back to your neighbors through acts big or small, with some tales of volunteering along the way.
Special guests in this episode (city staff and volunteers):
Aimee Kane, Equity Officer
Ali Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Brian Wegner, Volunteer Services and Partnerships Program Supervisor
Andrew Shoemaker, Volunteer
Karen Donnelly, Volunteer
Cameos from Deputy City Manager Chris Meschuk and Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for OSMP Jennelle Freeston.
This episode was hosted by Cassy Bohnet and Leah Kelleher. It was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Related Resources:
Volunteer Opportunities with the City of Boulder
Count Me In volunteer web portal
Volunteer with Parks and Recreation
Volunteer with OSMP
Volunteer with EXPAND
Meet the people behind the city: attend What's Up Boulder!
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center.
What: Popsicles, lawn games, conversations with council members, music and more!
Learn more on our website.

Music in this episode (adapted):
Ring Ouzel, The Crumbling, Dream Caper and County Courtship by Blue Dot Sessions. All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License on Free Music Archive.
...more
36min
April 16, 2024Episode 8: A Child Friendly Boulder
We're talking child-friendly cities this episode, communities where all kids feel safe and cared for, while being able to express their opinions and influence decisions that affect them. Becoming a child-friendly Boulder is an ongoing journey, but we've got a plan for how to get there. Ready, set, tune in!
Explore more visions for a child-friendly Boulder.
Special guests in this episode:
Sarah Huntley, Director of the City of Boulder Communications and Engagement Department
Mara Mintzer, Co-Founder and Director of Growing Up Boulder
Avery Stuhlbarg, YOAB member
Elias Weatherley, YOAB member
Jeff Kagan of Jeff & Paige
Paige Doughty of Jeff & Paige
This episode was produced and hosted by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Related Resources:
All about the City of Boulder's Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).
Learn more about Growing Up Boulder. Explore their CFCI webpage.
Boulder's digital Child Friendly City Map.
Check out the city's Be Heard Boulder online engagement platform. Stay tuned for future opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas.
Learn about UNICEF CFCI around the world.
UNICEF CFCI in the United States.
Jeff and Paige's website and music.
Fostering a Better Community for Children and Youth, plus Family Services.
Dig into the city's Youth Opportunities Program.
Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) and how to apply.
More opportunities for youth in Boulder.
Stay in the loop: follow City of Boulder Instagram #CFCIBoulder, and subscribe to city updates and Growing Up Boulder's newsletter.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
Teen Townhall: A Conversation about Policing and Safety.
Boulder Police Department Youth Open House.
Learn more about both events.

Music in this episode (adapted):
"A Civic Area" by Jeff and Paige.
...more
45min
February 02, 2024Episode 7: The Road to Flood Recovery
A close look at our years-long recovery from the 2013 flood. We're digging into flood mitigation and preparedness, and lessons learned that have made our response and recovery stronger.

Special guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities
Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager
Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Brandon Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
Chad Brotherton, Visitor Infrastructure Senior Manager for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Mike Chard, Director of the Office of Disaster Management for the City of Boulder and Boulder County.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Leah Kelleher. It was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Related Resources:
Flood Mitigation Project Roundup
Boulder's Web Guide to Flooding
How to Be Flood Ready
City of Boulder Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan
2013 Flood Interactive Website
September 2013 Flood Information and Storytelling
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
Feb. 22 – Joint City Council and Open Space Board of Trustees public hearing on open space disposal for South Boulder Creek. A decision on disposal will be made in March. Find more opportunities and office hours with city staff on our website.
Music in this episode (adapted):
The Silver Hatch, Grand Fell, This Passage, Uncertainty and Leadin by Blue Dot Sessions.
Brother Richard by Dave Nelson.
Confidence Trick by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear.
All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License, Attribution-NonCommercial License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
...more
33min
October 23, 2023Episode 6: Remembering the 2013 Flood
We're going back ten years to remember the 2013 Flood, how it impacted our community, and the courage and care of neighbors who stepped up to help each other.

Special guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities
Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager
Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Brandon Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
Chad Brotherton, Visitor Infrastructure Senior Manager for Open Space and Mountain Parks
Mike Chard, Director of the Office of Disaster Management for the City of Boulder and Boulder County.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Leah Kelleher. It was also produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for full music attributions.

Related Resources:
2013 Flood Story Map
Call for 2013 Flood Art and Reflections
Carnegie Library Oral Histories
September 2013 Flood Information and Storytelling
Boulder's Web Guide to Flooding
How to Be Flood Ready
City of Boulder Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan
Music in this episode (adapted):
By the Pond (Instrumental), Risers, Dim, Ink and Afternoons (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear. All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
...more
45min
August 25, 2023Episode 5: No Waste in the First Place
Follow us on our journey to prevent waste, give new life to old objects, and build an economic system that regenerates our planet instead of exploiting it.

Special guests in this episode:
Jamie Harkins, Sustainability Senior Manager for Circular Economies
Emily Freeman, Sustainability Policy Advisor
Michele Crane, Facilities Architectural Senior Manager
This episode was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for full music attributions.

Call-in opportunity! Tell us how the climate crisis makes you feel. Where do you find hope and courage? Call 303-818-4678 and leave a voicemail sharing your thoughts, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Related Resources:
Our Circular Boulder Guide
How to Live a More Circular Lifestyle
Trash the Runway
Jeff and Paige's Website
Waste Sorting 101 Web Guide
Music in this episode (adapted):
Freesia, Pilgrim's Progress, Cirrostratus and Skip Street by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear. All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
...more
44min

FAQs about Let’s Talk Boulder:

How many episodes does Let’s Talk Boulder have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

More shows like Let’s Talk Boulder

This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

91,139 Listeners

Stuff You Should Know by iHeartPodcasts

Stuff You Should Know

78,418 Listeners

The New Yorker Radio Hour by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

The New Yorker Radio Hour

6,794 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,712 Listeners

99% Invisible by Roman Mars

99% Invisible

26,225 Listeners

The Rachel Maddow Show by Rachel Maddow, MS NOW

The Rachel Maddow Show

36,750 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

87,738 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,835 Listeners

Pod Save the World by Crooked Media

Pod Save the World

24,649 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,541 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,218 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

16,096 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,894 Listeners

Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American

5,859 Listeners

Prof G Markets by Vox Media Podcast Network

Prof G Markets

1,387 Listeners