Triplets Jessica, Jill and Jennifer Emich, have owned restaurants and gathering places in Boulder for nearly 25 years with Trilogy Wine Bar & Lounge, Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar and now their latest iteration and expansion: Shine Living. Inspired by the desire to expand beyond the four walls of their restaurant, the online platform features products, classes, education and support with living a healthy lifestyle. Shine serves fare that is sourced from local farmers, grown organically and prepared holistically to not only build health in our bodies but in our local economy as well. Their classes represent the mission of nourishment from the inside out through cooking how-to’s, holistic nutrition, dance, yoga, meditation, breathwork and more for the whole family. 

Roger Briggs is an author and social entrepreneur, who served BVSD for over 30 years building social structures, including: a state-class distance running program that produced multiple championships, an outstanding science department and acclaimed advanced physics program, and a student-run Tech Team at Fairview High. A rock climber for over 50 years, Roger established himself as one of the pioneering climbers of his generation, known for his alpine free climbing on the Diamond of Longs Peak and his founding of the Boulder Climbing Community. Since retiring in 2005, Roger wrote the book, Journey to Civilization: The Science of How We Got Here. Briggs recently debut is his second book: Emerging World: The Evolution of Consciousness and the Future of Humanity which brings both a cautionary and optimistic vision of our future. Join us as we discuss Roger’s legacy, the current state of human affairs, and where we go from here, on the Boulderista podcast.

Boulder local Linda Chavez is a center right thought leader, author of American politics, political analyst, and president of the Becoming American Initiative. She was the highest-ranking woman in President Ronald Reagan’s White House, and was the first Latina ever nominated to the United States Cabinet, when President George W. Bush nominated her Secretary of Labor before withdrawing her name from consideration. Chavez is the founder and chairwoman of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a conservative think tank which focuses on affirmative action, immigration, and bilingual education. Chavez has been a nationally syndicated columnist and political pundant for three decades, appearing on all the major networks, everything from CNN to FOX News and Real Time with Bill Maher. In 2000, Chavez was honored by the Library of Congress as a “Living Legend” for her contributions to America’s cultural and historical legacy.  Join Linda and I as we discuss politics and the importance of finding common ground in the middle in a highly polarized political climate.

Today’s guest is former Major League Baseball pitcher Brad “Lights Out” Lidge, who grew up in the suburbs of Denver before leaving CO to live out a celebrated 11 season pitching career, including being named the Houston Astros’ Rookie of the Year in 2003, playing on two National League All-Star teams, and winning the 2008 World Series as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Brad moved back to Colorado after retiring, and shifted focus to getting a master’s degree in ancient Roman archaeology, and raising his children in Boulder with his wife, Lindsey. He stays engaged with MLB by appearing on network radio shows on SIRIUSXM. When not on air or digging in the dirt for artifacts in Europe, he and Lindsey work their own land in Boulder, donating large amounts of their fruit harvest to local food banks, and distributing fresh flowers to local businesses. Brad also serves as a board member to Project Cure and Y on Earth, and supports local chartiy Project Vets. 

For over fifteen years, First Bite: Boulder County’s Restaurant Week has illuminated the local food scene, becoming one of the most popular restaurant events in Colorado. Taking over the event in 2019, Executive Producer Jessica Benjamin launched a new program, bringing together 68 local organizations to deepen the connection locals have to their community. With her vision, First Bite saw a more than 40% increase in diners, delivering an impact of over a half million dollars to Boulder County. In 2020 as the pandemic began ravaging our restaurant industry, Jessica pivoted First Bite and produced “A Bite of Boulder”, a limited-run cookbook featuring over 40 recipes from 30 local restaurants. With at least 50% of proceeds going back to the participating restaurants, First Bite brought together diners, chefs and the whole community through cooking at home with flavors from Boulder’s best eateries. Join me on the Boulderista podcast as we highlight our very own local foodie as she shares her simple philosophy: “Food is Love”.

Boulder local Aaron William Perry is a writer, public speaker, impact entrepreneur, artist and father. He has consulted dozens of innovative organizations and entrepreneurs and throughout his career has launched companies in the recycling, renewable energy and local and organic food sectors. In his book Y on Earth: Get Smarter, Feel Better, Heal the Planet Aaron shares simple life-changing practices to enhance health and well-being, and empowers people with  the global strategies needed for ecological regeneration and stewardship. The Y on Earth community further spreads the message by engaging and inspiring people at the local level through events, symposia and a robust digital platform. On his “Y on Earth” podcast, Perry interviews community leaders, authors, and educators from diverse backgrounds on the topics of stewardship and sustainability.

As a special offer to our listeners, visit yonearth.org and use the discount code BOULDERISTA for 20% OFF books, soil products, and mobilization kits!”  AND the same BOULDERISTA code will get you a 20% discount on all Wele Waters cbd/hemp infused products including: aromatherapy soaking salts, salves, and massage/body/beard oils at welewaters.com!

Carré Otis Sutton is a super model, author and activist, bravely fighting for gender equality and women’s rights in the face of her aggressors. In her memoir, Beauty Disrupted, she tells how she was sexually assaulted at age 17 by her former agent and still prominent figure in the modeling industry. She is co-founder of Victorious Angels, a collective of survivors of abuse calling for justice… and on the Leadership Council of the Model Alliance, a non-profit working to establish fair labor standards for models. When not modeling and mothering her teenage daughters, she is also a wellness consultant and coach. Carré co-founded the Bare Mama Project, a shame-free approach to transforming one’s relationship to alcohol based on Annie Grace’s groundbreaking book “This Naked Mind”. Rooted in her spiritual practice, Carré masterfully transforms her life’s challenges into empowered beauty: unapologetic, raw and uncensored. Join me in this fascinating interview with the dynamic Carré Otis Sutton.

Helen Forster is co-host and co-producer of eTown: a non-profit, nationally syndicated radio broadcast & podcast producing musical, social and environmental programming to uplift and inspire listeners around the world. As executive producer, Helen oversees all production aspects of the eTown show and the eChievement Award, an honor bestowed on people who are making an impact on their community. Helen’s golden-toned voice is heard while co-hosting with her husband Nick, and as harmony singer in the house band, the eTones. Outside of eTown, Helen has performed as a vocalist on A Prairie Home Companion and in concert across the country. She was co-owner and co-producer of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival for years, and has also produced and directed numerous stage and live “on-the-air” theater pieces. Be sure to listen in on this fun episode of The Boulderista with the lovely Helen Forster!

The highly regarded maestro Devin Patrick Hughes is Music Director and Conductor of the Boulder Symphony and Arapahoe Philharmonic, and Arts & Culture Commissioner for the City of Boulder. The maestro’s mission is to make symphonic music more universally assessable to all walks of life. Using his platform to showcase new music created by minority demographics, he incorporates diversity by targeting people who don’t know they love symphonic music. Hughes can also be heard on One Symphony, a new podcast amplifying the voices of composers and other artistic entrepreneurs.

This episode introduces Karen van Vuuren, co-founder of Colorado’s first independent, holistic funeral home. The Natural Funeral helps families to make choices that are in harmony with their values, bringing healing and re-connection to the cycle of life. With the awareness that many current death-care practices are harmful to the environment, their mission is to minimize the impact of our final footprints. They provide natural, sustainable funeral options such as a green burial or cremation, Reverent Body Care, and intentional memorial services. Karen’s non-profit, “Natural Transitions” further educates through online publications, conferences, grief groups and other inspirational events. She is the Director of two documentaries: “Dying Wish” and “Go in Peace” that bring awareness to the challenges of dying with dignity in our modern world. Listen in on a discussion on the importance and the beauty of honoring death in a meaningful and sustainable way.