Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
El Paso County lies in east central Colorado and encompasses more than 2,158 square miles. As the most populous county in Colorado, El Paso County has just as many stories to tell as people to tell them. This podcast will endeavor to share those stories. From local government officials to leaders in the community, Beyond the Dais will step off the elevated platform of the Chamber and shine a spotlight on the people working to make El Paso County a great place to visit, work, and live.
Episodes

Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
An Interview with Serenity Recovery Connection
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
This interview with Serenity Recovery Connection's CEO, Trudy Hodges, was recorded on June 28, 2023. In this episode we discuss SRC's impact within the community, how they help transform lives, and how ARPA funding has expanded their reach.
If you want to get involved with Serenity Recovery Connection, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://srchope.org/. If you are interested in more stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting ARPA grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
An Interview with Bear Creek Nature Center Supervisor Mary Jo Lewis
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
This interview with Bear Creek Nature Center Supervisor Mary Jo Lewis was recorded on June 14, 2023. In this episode we talk to Mary Jo about the Center's new accessibility features and what programs residents can look forward to this Summer.
If you are interested in more information about nature activities around the region, please visit https://www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com/. If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
An Interview with El Paso County Executive Director of Government Affairs Ryan Parsell
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
This interview with El Paso County Executive Director of Government Affairs Ryan Parsell was recorded on June 12, 2023. In this episode we talk about Ryan's reaction to the latest legislative session and the importance of transparency in government.
If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/. If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
An Interview with El Paso County Fair Queen Aneka Normandie
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
This interview with the 2023 El Paso County Fair Queen, Aneka Normandie, was recorded on June 6, 2023. In this episode we discuss Aneka's role as Fair Queen and the importance of the El Paso County Fair.
If you want to learn more about the El Paso County Fair, visit their website at www.elpasocountyfair.com. If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting ARPA grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday May 31, 2023
An Interview with Mt Carmel Veterans Service Center
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
This interview with Mt Carmel's Director of Behavioral Health, Kirsten Belaire, was recorded on May 25, 2023. In this episode we discuss Mt Carmel's connection to the Veteran community, what programs they offer, and how ARPA funding has aided their efforts.
If you want to get involved with Mt Carmel, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://www.veteranscenter.org/. If you are interested in more stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting ARPA grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday May 24, 2023
An Interview with Michelle Hill and Veteran Services Officer Richard Gagne
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
This interview with El Paso County resident Michelle Hill and Veteran Services Officer Richard Gagne was recorded on May 18, 2023. In this episode we discuss the PACT Act, how it could impact our Veteran population, and the difference it has made in Michelle's life.
If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/. If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday May 17, 2023
An Interview with El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
This interview with El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker was recorded on May 16, 2023. In this episode we talk about Steve's role in recent events and how his time in the Marines helped form his approach to leadership.
If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/. If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday May 10, 2023
Strategy Team Sessions: Volume 1
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
This interview with El Paso County's Marketing Communications Manager, Amy Jo Fields, and Open Records Manager, Mike Madsen, was recorded on May 3, 2023. In this episode, I did something a little bit different. I wanted to give listeners an idea of what we do in the Communications Department to keep residents informed, so I created this new series I dubbed "Strategy Team Sessions".
Each time I do one of these, which will probably be once a quarter, it will have a more casual feel, as I'll be speaking to co-workers who are on the team that I am a part of myself.
So kick back, relax, and enjoy the conversation! And as always, feel free to comment or reach out if you have any questions.

Wednesday May 03, 2023
An Interview with Food to Power
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
This interview with Food to Power's Development Director, Slade Custer, was recorded on April 12, 2023. In this episode we talk about Food to Power's connection to the community and the dynamics of working with multiple organizations to meet goals.
If you want to get involved with Food to Power, you can learn more by visiting their website at https://foodtopowerco.org/. If you are interested in more stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting ARPA grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.

Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
An Interview with the United States Air Force Academy
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
This week's interview featured Command Chief Randy Kwiatkowski from the US Air Force Academy (USAFA); Laurie Wilson, the Local Community Outreach Chief for the US Air Force Academy; and Crystal LaTier, El Paso County Executive Director of Economic Development. This interview was recorded on April 14, 2023. In this episode we discuss partnerships between USAFA and El Paso County and each group's efforts to make this region a great place to live.
If you are interested in learning more about how El Paso County is communicating with its residents, please visit https://www.elpasoco.com/. If you are interested in stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast.