SoapBox Colorado Springs

Learn about an upcoming weeklong summer day camp for teens, Youth Leadership Training, hosted by Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission (PPJPC).

We hear from Samantha and Kathryn, alumni of previous Youth Activist Training camps hosted by PPJPC. They’re joined by Loring Wirbel, co-chair of Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. Loring explains the history of the program and its evolution. Now in its fifth year, the program has proven immensely popular for the students that later became alumni.

Youth Leadership Training 2026 runs July 27-31, at multiple downtown Colorado Springs locations. According to Marzia, a previous graduate and director, this program is, “an opportunity for young people to discover their strengths, build long-lasting friendships, and find their voices in the world.” Students will meet and learn from local nonprofits like Concrete Couch, Food to Power, Inside Out Youth Services, Sunrise Movement, and Raw Tools, and from city council and school board members.

LINKS:

Register Here

PPJPC:

YLT2026:

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

The post Youth Leadership Training 2026 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

What does it mean to be a woman in a world where, in some places, even the most basic freedoms—education, work, sports, and speaking in public—are denied?

She also shares a poem that reflects on the question “Who is a woman?”—describing the strength, dignity, resilience, and humanity that define women beyond the restrictions placed upon them.

Marzia speaks about the courage and resilience of Afghan women who continue to resist silence, and she also expresses solidarity with the women and men in Iran who are bravely standing up for dignity, freedom, and human rights.

Recorded just before March 8th—which is also Marzia’s birthday—this episode is both personal and global. It is a reflection on identity, resilience, and hope for a future where every woman, everywhere, has the freedom to learn, speak, work, and live with dignity.

Follow Marzia on Instagram: instagram.com/the.marziasadat

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

The post International Women’s Day 2026: Who Is a Woman? appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

Learn about an upcoming weeklong summer day camp for teens, Youth Activist Training, hosted by Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission.

We hear from Marzia Sadat, co-director of Youth Activist Training 2025, and also a “graduate” of the program. She’s joined by Loring Wirbel, co-chair of Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. Now in its fourth year, the program has proven immensely popular for the students that later became alumni.

Youth Activist Training (YAT) 2025 runs July 7-11, at a variety of locations including All-Souls Church and Concrete Coyote Park. According to Marzia, YAT is, “an opportunity for young people to discover their strengths, build long-lasting friendships, and find their voices in the world.” Loring shares that the weeklong experience provides some joy, hope and exuberance in tough times. Local nonprofits participating include Concrete Couch, Food to Power, Inside Out Youth Services, and Poetry 719.

LINKS:

Register Here

PPJPC:

YAT2025:

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

The post Youth Activist Training 2025 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

Colorado Springs author Mark Gaebler introduces us to his new science fiction novel, Chronicles of the Yankee Trader: Empress Rising. He and co-author Anthony Gaebler spent over a decade creating it, taking breaks to write other things such as a complete Star Trek series in bible form.

Mark has been writing stories, TV and Movie scripts for 40 years, but – according to Mark – “the catch 22 of both publishing and especially the TV/Movie industry kept me from selling until Page Publishing gave me the opportunity.”

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

Press Release

Chronicles of the Yankee Trader: Empress Rising

Book Trailer on YouTube

More About the Book:

Somewhere deep in the expanse of space, an undesired destiny falls on one who deems herself unworthy. In her early life, she lived in a civilization built on strength, blood, war, and honor. Groomed from birth, she trains as a warrior to fulfill the relentless demands of a cold, unyielding mother, an empress who barely acknowledges her. Now many years later, the burden of rule falls on her. Adding to all she must endure is a revealed truth, a revelation that will change her life, her people’s, and the balance of power in the galaxy–she alone must decide.

The post Local Author on His New Novel – Chronicles of the Yankee Trader: Empress Rising appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

Get to know Katrina “Kat” Nguyen, who is collecting signatures to petition onto the November ballot in the contest to represent Colorado District 5 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Website

Email

Social Media: @kat4house

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

The post Katrina Nguyen: Independent Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

High-school-age youths will have a unique opportunity to learn about activism this summer, thanks to the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. PPJPC volunteers and staff share pertinent details about the Youth Activist Training program offered July 22-26, 2024 in Colorado Springs.

 In the studio:

Loring Wirbel

Matt Jones

Debra Fortenberry

Dylan Southard

Dave Gardner

For more information or to request registration, send an email to [email protected]

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 Podcasts when you call, or on the contact form at kjsautohailrepair.com/

The post Youth Activist Training in July appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

Could plasma be a promising new source of energy with abundant fuel and no waste? A local citizen shares what he has learned.

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 Podcasts when you call, or on the contact form at kjsautohailrepair.com

The post Plasma – A Promising Energy Source appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

Parents are supposed to raise a child to be a good, well-rounded person – to teach them respect, honesty and manners. When they don’t, everyone suffers.

A concerned citizen shares his opinions and experience on this subject.

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 when you call, or on the contact form at kjsautohailrepair.com

The post Permissive Parents appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

Self-esteem, purpose, social justice and emotional intelligence are among the topics, as are empathy, charity and compassion.  Colorado Springs Native David Flanagan takes the mic, bringing with him his heart, his wisdom and his story.

From his past experiences in life, David sheds light on prominent issues in society such as self-esteem, purpose, & the grand-resourcefulness of children. Topics such as education, social justice/social-equity, & emotional intelligence are brought to the surface, all tying to the anchor-point of mobilizing our higher-selves to strive for greatness via empathy, charity, & compassion.  

Tune in & share with those closest to you! David intends for this to be the first of a series of podcast episodes speaking to these prominent subjects. 

Special thanks to Studio 809 Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

The post The Way – by David Flanagan  appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.

We roamed the crowd at the August Music at the Indy, to find out what’s on the minds of the people of Colorado Springs as summer 2021 winds down. The Colorado Springs Independent hosts a free outdoor concert the third Wednesday of every month, June through October, in the parking lot at the Indy.

Music at the Indy

Special thanks to Studio 809 Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

The post Thoughts Captured During August Music at the Indy appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.