Denver firefighters are taking a stand against their state union, and it's a story that's got everyone talking. In this episode, we dive into the details of a lawsuit filed by the Denver Firefighters Union against the state union over a dispute about dues. The local firefighters claim they're being unfairly forced to pay thousands of dollars in dues to the state union, despite feeling they're not getting much in return.

The local firefighters, represented by attorney Anthony Holtzman, argue that they've taken formal actions to disaffiliate from the state union, including a referendum vote by the membership. However, the state union claims that the local owes nearly $400,000 in unpaid dues. The case raises questions about the power of unions and the rights of local chapters to disaffiliate.

The situation is complex, with the International Firefighters Union getting involved and claiming that the local must follow a specific provision in their constitution to disaffiliate. But the local firefighters' attorney believes that this provision doesn't apply in this case. It's a battle over money, power, and the rights of workers to make their own decisions.

If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating case and the intricacies of union politics, tune in to this episode to hear the full conversation with attorney Anthony Holtzman.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**National Vinyl Record Day Special**

It's National Vinyl Record Day, and we're celebrating in style with a special episode featuring a conversation with Phil Wiser, the Attorney General of Colorado and likely next governor. But before we dive into that, we take a break to discuss some fun topics, including the resurgence of digital cameras and the nostalgia for retro tech. They also share some listener texts, where people are sharing their own experiences with retro tech, from Polaroid cameras to Sony Walkmans.

In this episode, we also discuss some serious topics, including the recent primary elections in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where some surprising upsets occurred. They also dive into the world of economics, discussing the latest Consumer Price Index numbers and the impact of tariffs on inflation. And, in a special segment, they talk to Jake Kubia, the director of communications for the Denver Zoo, about how they're keeping animals cool during the hot summer weather.

But the main event of the episode is the extended conversation with Phil Wiser, where he discusses his plans for the state, including his commitment to providing more access to early childhood learning and his views on social media regulation. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of business favorability and how to make Colorado a place where businesses want to come.

If you're interested in learning more about Phil Wiser's plans for Colorado and hearing his thoughts on some of the state's most pressing issues, tune in to this episode to hear the full conversation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this extended conversation, Attorney General Phil Wiser shares his vision for Colorado's future as a potential governor. From affordable housing to water rights, he tackles some of the state's most pressing issues with a unique blend of passion and expertise.

As the state's top law enforcement official, Wiser has made significant strides in addressing the opioid crisis, securing over $900 million in settlements for Colorado. He's also prioritized law enforcement training, recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence and awareness in preventing officer-involved shootings. However, he acknowledges that there's still work to be done, particularly in creating a new law enforcement training curriculum from scratch.

Wiser's gubernatorial campaign focuses on making Colorado a more livable place for its residents. He discusses his plans for affordable housing, including down payment assistance for key workers and cutting government fees for homes. He also emphasizes the need for universal healthcare and childcare, citing the importance of early childhood learning and the state's role in addressing the youth mental health crisis.

In this episode, Wiser shares his thoughts on a range of topics, from the challenges of regulating social media to the importance of water conservation in the face of climate change. He also addresses the complexities of gun control, the federal government's lawsuit against Colorado over its magazine ban, and the need for a more nuanced approach to regulations. With his unique blend of humor and expertise, Wiser makes a compelling case for why he's the right leader for Colorado's future.

Want to hear more of this conversation? Listen to the full episode to learn more about Phil Wiser's vision for Colorado and how he plans to tackle the state's most pressing issues.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the summer heat sets in, many of us are looking for ways to beat the heat, but have you ever wondered how our furry friends at the Denver Zoo are staying cool? In this episode, we're joined by Jake Kubie, the director of Communications for the Denver Zoo, to talk about the innovative ways they're keeping their animals comfortable in the scorching temperatures.

The Denver Zoo is home to over 3,000 individual animals and 450 different species, representing every corner of the globe. With some animals hailing from hot climates, the zoo takes extra precautions to ensure their well-being. One of the key strategies is giving animals the option to choose their own temperature, allowing them to move freely between indoor and outdoor habitats. This might mean that some animals are indoors when visitors are expecting to see them, but the zoo's top priority is always the animals' safety and comfort.

The zoo's Tropical Discovery Exhibit, a temperature-controlled building that's home to many of the zoo's snakes, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This exhibit is a must-see, and Jake shares some fascinating stories about the animals that thrive in the heat, like the bighorn sheep and Asian elephants. We also hear about the creative ways the zoo keeps its animals cool, from making ice treats to providing large pools for the elephants to play in.

If you're a Denver Zoo fan or just looking for ways to support your local community, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we chat with Jake about the zoo's efforts to keep its animals cool and happy, and learn more about the importance of prioritizing animal welfare.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**Get Ready for a Wild Ride at Broncos Training Camp**

This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for football fans and anyone interested in current events. We are live at Broncos Park, where they're discussing everything from the team's new training facility to the latest news on the data center debate in Aurora. But that's not all - they're also diving into some serious topics, like the controversy surrounding Dr. Fauci's text messages and the importance of being cautious when sharing information about your kids on social media.

We are joined by a special guest, Andrew Morris from the New Civil Liberties Alliance, who's suing the state of Colorado over a new recycling program that's got some major issues. They're also talking about the latest news on the Broncos, including the team's purchase of land in the Burnham Yard area and the injury bug that's starting to bite. And, of course, no episode would be complete without some fun and games - this time, it's a trivia question about NFL coaches who've beaten every team in the league.

But what really sets this episode apart is the hosts' willingness to tackle tough topics and have real conversations about the issues that matter. From the impact of AI on education to the importance of being mindful about what we share on social media, they're not afraid to dive in and explore the complexities of these issues.

So if you're looking for a podcast that's informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking, you're in the right place. Tune in to this episode to hear the us discuss all of these topics and more - and don't forget to listen to the end to find out who wins the trivia question and gets a pair of Broncos preseason tickets!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the new school year kicks off, many parents and educators are wondering if our children are truly prepared for the workforce of the future. In this episode, we explore the challenges facing our educational system and what we can do to get our kids "future ready." Joining us is CEO of ETS, the largest private educational assessment and testing organization in the world.

The conversation touches on the importance of math and reading skills, which are becoming increasingly crucial in today's economy. We discuss the need to strengthen our educational system by integrating national and state assessments with what's happening in the classroom. This involves continuous assessments that check in on progress in math and reading, and ensuring that teachers are equipped to use technology, including AI, effectively.

He emphasizes the importance of balancing the use of AI with safeguards to prevent cheating and ensure that students are actually learning critical thinking skills. We also explore the disconnect between teachers using AI and receiving formal training on its responsible use.

If you're concerned about the future of our educational system and want to make a difference, tune in to this episode to hear expert perspective and learn how you can get involved in the conversation about education policy and the role of technology in the classroom.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a battle against government overreach, a group of companies is taking on the state of Colorado in a lawsuit that's raising important questions about the role of private entities in regulating public policy. This episode, we dive into the details of the case, which challenges a new recycling program that's been implemented in the state.

The program, known as the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, has some major problems. For one, it hands over control of recycling to a private entity that's not accountable to the public. This entity, called the Circular Action Alliance, gets to decide how much companies have to pay to participate in the program, and those companies can't even challenge the fees in court. It's a situation that's raising concerns about the constitutionality of the program.

The lawsuit, filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance, argues that the program violates several provisions of the Constitution, including due process and the First Amendment. The Alliance's Senior Litigation Counsel, Andrew Morris, joins us to explain the details of the case and why it's so important.

If you're interested in learning more about this case and the issues at play, tune in to this episode to hear Andrew's insights and analysis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**Dragon's Back and the Return of the King**

Get ready for a hilarious and action-packed episode of our podcast, where our beloved producer is back from a five-week hiatus and we are ready to dive into the latest news and stories. But first, let's talk about the elephant in the room - or rather, the elephant that's no longer in the room, as Jeana's favorite restaurant, Bang Up to the Elephant, has closed its doors. We'll explore the story behind this unique vegan spot and what it means for Denver's food scene.

This episode is packed with exciting discussions, from the latest news on the Iran-US conflict to a fascinating analysis of a recent article from the Middle East Forum. We ask for hilarious and ridiculous explanations from listeners as to how Dragon hurt his knee. Plus, we'll talk about the upcoming ballot measures in Colorado, including a constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to purchase and sell natural gas.

But that's not all - we'll also discuss the latest news on the Holy Iran thing, where President Trump seems to be willing to take a loss and give Iran a victory. And, of course, we'll touch on the topic of Israel and the so-called genocide in Gaza, where a recent report from the United Nations proves that the claims of widespread starvation and famine are simply not true.

So, if you're ready for a dose of humor, news, and insight, tune in to this episode and find out what's been going on while you were away. Join us as we explore the latest stories and discuss the issues that matter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a state where energy policies are constantly evolving, a crucial ballot measure is making its way to the November election. Colorado residents are about to have a say in whether their right to use natural gas in their homes and businesses will be protected.

This episode delves into the world of energy politics, where a think tank called Advanced Colorado is fighting to ensure that citizens have the freedom to choose their energy source. The group's Executive Vice President, Kristi Burton Brown, joins the conversation to discuss the initiative and its implications. With the state's goal to eliminate natural gas use by 2050, Kristi explains why this measure is necessary and how it will impact the reliability of the grid. She also shares her thoughts on the recent deal between energy companies and lawmakers, which may have far-reaching consequences for the state's energy landscape.

Kristi highlights the importance of this ballot measure, emphasizing that it's not just about energy choice, but also about affordability and public safety. She also discusses the potential risks of voters becoming overwhelmed by the sheer number of ballot initiatives and how the state's blue book can help inform voters' decisions. Additionally, she touches on the role of ballot measures in energizing voters and the potential for conservatives to get excited about issues like this one.

To learn more about this critical issue and the perspectives of Kristi Burton Brown, tune in to this episode and hear her insights on the future of energy in Colorado.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.