This Is Berthoud

Edward Hamlin, author of the novel Sonata in Wax, joins us to discuss writing, creative pursuits, and the literary scene in Colorado.

Brian and Chris from the Town of Berthoud join us to discuss what attracts a business to Berthoud, which types of businesses are likely never coming to town, and how economic development works in our community.

Warning: this episode is about human trafficking, which is a severe form of exploitation for labor (including sex) involving force, fraud, or coercion. As such, this episode may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listener discretion advised.

Kristina from the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) joins us to share how to identify signs of human trafficking occurring in our community, what to do if you need help, and how our community members can help each other reach safety or stay safe.

For more information on how you can help combat human trafficking, visit the LCHT website: https://combathumantrafficking.org/

To register for the upcoming Public Awareness Training on August 5, 2025, click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZHADozYcSXqMRy5zYPUsRA#/registration

Anne Johnson, Community Development Director, and Chris Kirk, Town Administrator, both from the Town of Berthoud staff, join us to talk through community development processes, challenges, and opportunities.

Find out what happens and why before new neighborhoods and businesses are built in our community.

Local artist Diane Mason, best known for her sculpture and scratchboard work, joins us to discuss the evolution of her art, taking inspiration from the animal world, and how to get started with any form of art you'd like to try.

To view Diane's work, see her website here: https://ddmason.com/art/

Did you know the Larimer County Sherriff's Office has a mental health co-responder unit? The unit's teams consist of a deputy and a mental health clinician. Hear directly from a deputy about how these teams work and the difference they're making by helping people who are facing a mental health crisis.

Barbara Bennett, Chief ScamBuster with the LCSO, joins us to discuss how to avoid being the victim of a scam, what to do if you do get caught up in a case of fraud, and how to help your friends and family members stay safe.

For the most updated information on scams targeting our community, and information on how to report and recover from these crimes, visit their webpage here: https://www.larimer.gov/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams

While it's impossible to be completely safe in the online world, there are things that you can do to protect yourself. In this episode we'll discuss some tips for understanding your own online behavior, evaluating the information you're seeing, and interacting in ways that can help mitigate some of the risks.

It may be winter, but it's the right time to prepare for a spectacular summer of gardening. Jon Weiss, a Larimer County Master Gardener, shares all the things you should (and shouldn't) do now to set yourself up for success.

Corrina Marshall from the Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative explains to us what a fireshed is, what projects are taking place in our fireshed, and why community is important to preventing catastrophic wildfires.

For more info, see their website: https://nocofireshed.org/