In Episode 6 of The Liminal Discourse Podcast, host Andrew sits down with Sean Connolly, a New Jersey native turned Boulder transplant, to explore the realities and complexities of life in a rapidly evolving city. Sean shares his journey from the bustling bar scenes of Jersey to the vibrant yet challenging landscape of Boulder, Colorado. Together, they dive into the stark contrasts between East Coast and mountain town lifestyles, the highs and lows of bartending—from high-volume college bars to upscale cocktail lounges—and the financial realities that come with each.

The conversation touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped Boulder's identity, highlighting the tension between community-driven businesses and corporate interests moving into the area. Sean reflects on personal experiences with tip pooling systems, economic struggles despite working full-time jobs, and the difficulty of maintaining a sustainable lifestyle in an increasingly expensive city. They discuss the importance of community engagement, authentic local businesses, and how Boulder can reclaim its identity in a post-pandemic world.

Join Sean and Andrew as they explore what it means to find your place in a city caught between tradition and transformation, and why fostering genuine community connections might be the key to Boulder's future.

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Corey and Andrew welcome sports journalist Nikki Edwards to discuss the seismic shifts in Boulder's sports landscape following Coach Prime's arrival at CU. As one of the few women covering the football beat, Nikki offers unique insights from behind the scenes - from candid press conference moments to helicopter rides to the Heisman ceremony. The conversation explores how Boulder's identity has evolved with its newfound national spotlight, while examining what the future might hold for both the program and city as college athletics continues to transform. Through Nikki's journey from local hospitality worker to respected sports reporter reaching audiences as far as Australia, the episode captures a pivotal moment in Boulder's sporting history and cultural transformation.

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In Episode 4 of The Liminal Discourse, Andrew and Corey sit down with their first guest, Matthew Heinemann, for a thought-provoking conversation about his 11-year journey in Boulder. A former physics PhD student turned material science professional, Matthew shares his experience navigating Boulder’s academic and social scenes, transitioning from graduate life to a professional career, and finding community in an evolving city. The discussion highlights the growing challenges of affordability, housing, and the erosion of Boulder’s once-vibrant social infrastructure.

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In Episode 3 of The Liminal Discourse, Corey and Andrew dive deep into the controversial world of service charges in Boulder's restaurant industry, revealing how a failed business deal led to an innovative solution for worker benefits. After discovering concerning practices around service fees during his attempt to purchase a Pearl Street establishment, Corey shares how this experience inspired a data-driven proposal to transform these charges into meaningful employee health benefits through a transparent 501(c)(3) structure. The hosts examine why Boulder's hospitality workers often lack basic benefits despite serving one of America's most affluent communities, while breaking down the math showing how a mere 1% service charge could provide substantial healthcare support for industry workers. Through personal stories and industry insights, they explore the disconnect between Boulder's progressive image and the reality faced by service workers, ultimately questioning why attempts at positive change often face unexpected resistance.Follow the podcast across socials:Follow the podcast across socials:⁠⁠

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Note: This podcast contains strong opinions about Boulder's hospitality industry and labor practices. The views expressed aim to drive constructive community dialogue.

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Corey and Andrew open the first episode of The Liminal Discourse by examining Boulder's evolving social landscape through the lens of a transplant's journey. After serving in the Marines and working executive protection in LA, Corey breaks down his transition to Boulder and subsequent discovery of the city's social infrastructure gaps. The hosts discuss how Boulder's preservation mindset impacts new entrants' ability to create change, while exploring the disconnect between the city's progressive reputation and its current hospitality ecosystem. Finally, they debate whether Boulder's aging demographics and real estate dynamics are creating unsustainable barriers for young professionals seeking to build community.

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Note: This podcast contains strong opinions about Boulder's social infrastructure. The views expressed aim to drive constructive community dialogue.