The Partnership Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Grace Anshutz of Eagle Valley Community Foundation and Ian Grask of Bravo! to discuss Eagle County Gives (Tuesday, December 8th) and the power of supporting local nonprofits. Learn how this collaborative effort brings our community together to strengthen the organizations that make the Vail Valley a better place to live, work, and play. We also look ahead to the upcoming community rally (Wednesday, December 2nd 5-8PM) and how you can get involved in celebrating local nonprofits and making a difference right here at home.

Find more information on Eagle County Gives HERE

On this episode, Erik sits down with Nick Krishnan of Mountain Youth to explore how the organization has been empowering young people and families in Eagle County since 2001. From leadership development and community engagement to critical safe driving initiatives, Mountain Youth works to help young people make informed decisions and build healthier futures.

Nick shares how Mountain Youth educates young drivers and parents about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, promotes Driving Sober & Alert, and helps families navigate driver’s licensing requirements and graduated driver’s licensing restrictions. Through education, community partnerships, public awareness campaigns, and efforts to improve access to driver’s education, Mountain Youth is working to make Eagle County’s roads safer for everyone.

They also discuss the upcoming Forging Connections event, an opportunity to bring people together, strengthen community relationships, and support the important work being done for local youth and families.

Learn more about Mountain Youth HERE

Sign up for the Forging Connections HERE

On October 3, Vail Health is taking a major step toward a more connected healthcare experience with the launch of Epic, one of the leading electronic medical record systems in healthcare.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Julie Jackson, Chief Information Officer at Vail Health, to talk about what this change means for patients, providers and the future of healthcare in the Vail Valley.

Julie explains how Epic will bring medical records and communications together across Vail Health, Colorado Mountain Medical, Shaw Cancer Center, Howard Head Sports Medicine, Vail Health Behavioral Health and Vail Health Clinics. Patients will also have access to the new MyChart portal, providing one place to manage appointments, test results, medications, bills, messages and other important health information.

The conversation also explores why greater continuity of care matters, how the new system will make it easier for providers to see the bigger picture of a patient's health, and the partnership with UCHealth that is helping make this technology accessible to communities like ours.

It's a significant change behind the scenes—and one that could make navigating healthcare in the Vail Valley much easier for patients and families.

Julie also shares her appreciation for the staff who have spent the past year preparing for the transition and asks for patience from patients as the community makes the move to this new system.

Learn more about Vail Health's transition and sign up for the MyChart portal at VailHealth.org/MyChart.

Erik sits down with Deanna Woodroffe, Owner and Women's Nurse Practitioner, of Vibrant Health of Colorado for an engaging conversation about functional health and the powerful role hormones play in how we feel every day. They explore why symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, changes in mood, weight gain, or simply not feeling like yourself may be connected to what’s happening beneath the surface.

Deanna shares her approach to looking beyond individual symptoms and understanding the bigger picture—how hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and other factors can work together to impact overall health. It’s a thoughtful conversation about taking a more personalized approach to wellness and becoming more proactive about understanding your own health.

Learn more about Vibrant Health of Colorado HERE

In this episode Erik is joined by Eric Smith, Founder and CEO of Pak Exteriors, to talk about his journey in the roofing industry, how he built Pak differently, and why roofing in the mountains is far more than just putting shingles on a house. From snow loads and ice dams to ventilation and material selection, Eric explains why high-altitude roofing requires a scientific approach. We also dig into one of the biggest challenges facing mountain businesses: building a highly skilled workforce and finding ways to retain great employees. Eric shares how Pak approaches employee development, skill-building, and retention—and why investing in people is just as important as investing in the science behind the work.

Learn more about Pak Exteriors HERE

What happens when your toughest challenge isn't just your health—but the financial burden that comes with it?

In this episode, Erik sits down with Brooke Skjonsby, Executive Director of the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, to explore the powerful mission behind one of Eagle County's most impactful nonprofits.

Since 1996, the Vail Valley Charitable Fund has provided more than $10 million in financial assistance to over 2,400 local individuals and families facing medical crises and long-term illness, helping neighbors stay in their homes, pay medical bills, and focus on healing instead of financial survival.

Brooke shares the remarkable origin story of the organization, the real-life impact of community generosity, and why the Vail Valley continues to rally around neighbors in their greatest moments of need. From emergency grants to innovative programs that improve access to dental care, physical therapy, and breast cancer screenings, this conversation is a reminder that strong communities are built by showing up for one another.

Learn more about VVCF HERE

Learn more about Eagle County Gives HERE

Avanti Tattoo: "Erik, when we record the podcast, do you want to get a tattoo live?'

Erik: "Anything for the listeners."

Erik does exactly that as he sits down with his new favorite Artist, Petro and Michele Toon, owner of Avanti Tattoo, for the most unique episode recorded so far of the Partnership Podcast. While Petro creates a tattoo on Erik in real time, they talk about building an award-winning business, the artistry behind tattooing, safety and professionalism in the industry, and the meaningful work Avanti does for the community—including providing free restorative nipple-areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors. It's a conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, giving back, and what it takes to earn the trust of hundreds of clients. Plus, you'll hear whether Erik makes it through the whole experience!

Learn more about Avanti Tattoo HERE 

What does one person in a slightly smelly chicken suit have to teach us about building a stronger community? Quite a lot, actually. Erik sits down with local community advocate Tim McMahon to talk about mental health awareness, civic engagement, voter registration, and why simply showing up can change lives. From holding signs promoting the 988 crisis line to encouraging neighbors to get involved at town meetings and Vail Yeti hockey games, Tim shares why connection, compassion, and persistence matter more than recognition. It's an inspiring conversation about ordinary people making an extraordinary impact—one conversation, one sign, and one act of kindness at a time. 

Small Non-Profit of the Year winner SpeakUp ReachOut is making a profound impact across Eagle County by creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life worth living. Erik sits down with Executive Director Erin Ivie and Awareness and Brand Manager Leslie Robertson to discuss how the organization is taking a proactive, public health approach to suicide prevention through education, collaboration, workplace wellness, firearm safety initiatives, and peer support. They share powerful stories of hope, the importance of reducing stigma around mental health, and how partnerships with schools, first responders, businesses, and community organizations are helping save lives. This is an inspiring conversation about compassion, connection, and the collective responsibility we all have in supporting one another.

Learn more about Speak Up Reach Out HERE

Eriks heads down to the Eagle Branch of the Eagle Valley Library District for a very special tour of the Bookmobile with Tegan, Rocio, Patty and Monique, all of whom play an important role.  Recently honored as the 2026 winner for Innovation in the Public Sector, The Bookmobile is bringing library services directly to communities that have limited access to a physical library, ensuring residents across nearly 1,700 square miles can read, learn, and connect close to home. Equipped with Wi-Fi, Chromebooks, a printer, a wheelchair lift, and collections in both English and Spanish, the Bookmobile provides a full-service library experience that is tailored to the unique needs of each community it visits. In response to growing demand, the District has expanded service to additional locations, including The Community Market in Gypsum, Roundup River Ranch, and Freedom Park in Edwards, increasing access to educational resources for even more residents. By removing transportation barriers and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for lifelong learning, the Bookmobile strengthens connections, promotes equity, and enriches communities throughout Eagle County.

Learn more about services and routes for the Bookmobile HERE