Carly has lived in Colorado Springs most of her life and has never been to Labor Day Lift Off—until now. To get her prepped, we brought back insider Lauren DeMarco from Colorado Springs Sports Corp, who shares the stories you won’t hear in the news.

We’re talking balloons dipping into Prospect Lake at sunrise, pilots crisscrossing the sky while chase vans scramble to find where they’ll land, the jaw-dropping drone show that lights up the night, and so much more. Lauren also spills on the pastry-fueled early mornings, the surprising year-round planning, and the sheer joy of 200,000 people turning into kids again as the balloons lift off.

If you thought Labor Day Lift Off was just a photo op, think again. This insider’s guide shows you the traditions and magic that make it one of Colorado Springs’ most unforgettable weekends.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Fall Classes at Bemis School of Art
• Bristol's Movies Under The Stars

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Core Collective

Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Why Wait Stories

Why Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.

This summer in Colorado Springs, two organizations—Braver Angels and Reclaiming Civility—are joining forces to turn down the heat on our most heated conversations.

In this episode, Lori Leander and Eric Brody share how they’re creating spaces where people can engage on tough topics, like gun control and the First Amendment, without the shouting matches, walkouts, or social media meltdowns.

From practical tools like the LAPP framework to heartwarming stories of unlikely camaraderie, you’ll hear how their Civil Summer Series is helping neighbors, colleagues, and even family members move past polarization toward genuine understanding.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s still possible to disagree without disconnecting, this conversation might just restore your faith in civil discourse.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Roots and Wings Math
• Hotel Polaris

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Core Collective

Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Why Wait Stories

Why Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.

A re-release of one of our most popular episodes!

Colorado Springs is changing, and in all the best ways. In this episode, we chat with community powerhouse, Lauren Ripko of Studio Q Events, about the people, places, and passion projects making the Springs cooler than ever. From alley dance parties to city-shaping events, she’s helping build a more connected, creative Colorado Springs—and we’re here for it.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

- Taste of Pikes Peak
- Meanwhile Block
- Kinship Landing
- Fiddles, Vittles, & Vino
- Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket
- White Pie
- Youth Documentary Academy
- Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival
- Loyal Coffee
- Story Coffee
- Book: Your Brain On Art
- Shuga's
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
- United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
- Masala Mingle

PICKS OF THE WEEK

- Crooked Cue
- Weenies and 'Tinis

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Core Collective

Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Why Wait Stories

Why Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.

Think rodeo is just bull riding and cowboy hats? Think again. In this episode, we sat down with Jay Dial, CEO of Pioneer Rodeo and professional rodeo announcer, to learn what really goes on behind the chaps and bucking broncs. From rodeo myths and animal care truths to rodeo superstitions and demolition derbies, Jay walks us through the grit, grace, and glorious chaos of putting on one of Colorado’s premier rodeos. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in an arena, this one will rope you in.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Nothin' But Try Ranch
• Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
• Overdrive Raceway
• Buffalo Lodge

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Bike Colorado Springs
• People Centered Colorado Springs

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Braver Angels and Reclaiming Civility

• Braver Angels is a national movement bringing Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic through trust-building, honest conversation, and civic friendship.
• Reclaiming Civility is a mission driven organization that is dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, and community organizations foster respect, resolve conflict, and build strong relationships through coaching, events and workshops. They aim to inspire people to understand and cultivate a disposition of civility and develop it through practical skills.

Core Collective

Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Last week we teased Quantum Peak, and this week, we go all in. Carly and Lauren sit down with Julia Brodska, founder of Best Life-ing, and what starts as a casual conversation turns into an unexpectedly powerful journey. We talk trauma, transformation, and yes, Carly cries (again).

Julia opens up about her path from rock bottom to leading global healing retreats, including her biggest one yet—right here at Garden of the Gods Resort. We explore why Colorado Springs is such a magnet for energy work, what actually happens at a hypnotherapy retreat, and how science and spirituality are teaming up to help people change from the inside out.

We even get treated to a guided meditation that left us… well, breathing a little deeper. If you’ve ever questioned whether real change is possible, or wondered if there’s something more waiting for you, this episode might be your invitation to find it.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Quantum Peak or call 507-543-3464
• Moms and Daughters, Guatemala 2026 Trip
• Sonderwin
• Yoga Studio Satya
• Crafts & Drafts Passport by VisitCOS
• Loyal Coffee
• Our Summer Concert Series episode: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Concerts in Colorado Springs

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Musical Mondays at Monument Valley Park
• Pickle pizza at Voodoo Brewing

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Braver Angels and Reclaiming Civility

• Braver Angels is a national movement bringing Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic through trust-building, honest conversation, and civic friendship.
• Reclaiming Civility is a mission driven organization that is dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, and community organizations foster respect, resolve conflict, and build strong relationships through coaching, events and workshops. They aim to inspire people to understand and cultivate a disposition of civility and develop it through practical skills.

Core Collective

Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

If you’ve ever done breathwork in a salt cave, floated in a tank of saline, or danced with your eyes closed to “unlock clarity,” then hi, you’re going to feel right at home. If you’ve never done those things, don’t worry, Carly is new to this scene too.

In this episode, she and Lauren dive headfirst into Colorado Springs’ wonderfully woo-woo wellness scene: think quantum retreats, forest bathing, herbal tinctures, and more vibes than your average yoga playlist. Whether you’re seasoned in spiritual self-care or just here for the ride, we promise, your chakras (and your funny bone) will thank you.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Quantum Peak
• Manitou Springs mineral spring water
• Wiser Than Me Podcast with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
• SunWater Spa
• Anna's Apothecary
• Litha Festival
• The Rooted Herbalist
• Treehouse Cafe
• Luna Float Spa
• Flylife Fitness
• Dragonfly Paddle Yoga
• Daughters of the Earth
• Dr. Leon Kelly episode: If You Live in Colorado Springs and Like Getting Spooked, This Is For You

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Lauren's Pick: Kidpower
• Carly's Pick: RoadHouse Cinemas

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Braver Angels and Reclaiming Civility

Braver Angels is a national movement bringing Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our
democratic republic through trust-building, honest conversation, and civic friendship. Learn more at co-sfra.braverangels.org.

Reclaiming Civility is a mission driven organization that is dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, and community organizations foster respect, resolve conflict, and build strong relationships through coaching, events and workshops. They aim to inspire people
to understand and cultivate a disposition of civility and develop it through practical skills. Learn more at reclaimingcivility.com.

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Snuggles, snouts, and summer spots...we've got an episode all about the pawsitively best dog-friendly spots in Colorado Springs! From pup patios and breweries to splash zones and pup-sicles, we're unleashing our favorite dog events, hikes, hangouts, and hotels in town, plus a few tail-wagging adventures you might not know about. Whether your pup’s a chill coffee companion or a zoomie-prone explorer, this one’s for you.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

- 110 Reserve
- Colorado Animal Care Foundation
- Frankly Coffee
- Pub Dog
- The Mining Exchange
- The Broadmoor
- Dog Days at the Zoo
- Shannon at Wag N' Wash
- Stratton Open Space
- Quarry via Red Rock Canyon Trail

- Under the Sun Dog Training
- Scheels Dog Pawty
- Territory Days
- My Cellar Wine Bar
- Patty Jewett
- WestFax Springs
- COATI

PICKS OF THE WEEK

- Carly's Pick: Local Motive Bus
- Lauren's Pick: Green Box Arts Festival

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Taste of Pikes Peak
Taste of Pikes Peak is happening Thursday, July 17 from 6–9pm in Downtown Colorado Springs! Presented by Super Star Car Wash and produced by the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, this is the ultimate summer celebration of local flavor—featuring 80+ restaurants, breweries, and distilleries with unlimited tastings. Chef Brother Luck will be DJing early, and The Goonies (an awesome ‘80s cover band) take the stage at 7pm. VIP tickets get you in early at 5pm—$85 for early entry or $125 for getting in early and exclusive tastings with the Side Dish Dozen. GA is $65, and you can use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for $5 off. Grab your tickets at tasteofpikespeak.com!

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Why Wait Stories
Why Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.

In this re-released episode, Carly and Lauren welcome Delilah Ala, founder of the 37,000-strong COS Foodies Facebook group, to share her favorite local spots, hidden gems, and the heartwarming stories of community support within the local food and beverage industry. From adventurous eats to Whole30-friendly dishes, this episode serves up a flavorful mix of fun banter, expert insights, and delicious recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for your next healthy meal, this episode has you covered!

Plus, we've updated our picks of the week for this episode with a bonus interview, so be sure to listen to the end!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

- Evergreen Restaurant
- Mountain View Cafe
- TILL
- Vine & Wheel
- Adam's Mountain Cafe
- Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar Restaurant
- Ristorante Di Sopra
- The French Kitchen
- Carlos' Bistro
- Monse's Pupuseria
- AMBLI
- Four by Brother Luck
- Black Forest Farmer's Market
- The Sourdough Boulangerie
- Cotton Blossom Caramel
- Smith Farms

PICK OF THE WEEK

- Off The Beaten Path by Patrick Shearn at the Green Box Arts Festival (bonus interview at the end!)

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Core Collective
Core Collective Pilates is a boutique studio dedicated to helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence through expert-led, personalized Pilates sessions. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on mindful movement, Core Collective transforms workouts into empowering experiences. Enter code SPRINGSANDTHINGS to get 3 classes for $30!

Why Wait Stories
Why Wait Stories captures the moments that matter, transforming personal legacies, business journeys, and nonprofit missions into beautifully crafted films. With a gift for storytelling and a heart for connection, Lauren preserves memories and messages before they fade, ensuring they inspire for generations to come.