Springs and Things: Your Insider's Guide to Colorado Springs Culture & Community

Lauren Ferrara and Carly Ries
  • 5.0 (46)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Springs and Things, the podcast where two close friends spill the tea on all things Colorado Springs! From culture and community to hidden gems and neighborhood lore, we’ve got it covered. Join us as we sip our coffee (or maybe something stronger) and dive into the stories and secrets that make this city so unique. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our fun, light-hearted, and always entertaining take on the quirks, hot topics, and insider tips will keep you coming back for more. Discover what’s really happening in the Springs—beyond the mountains and parks!

  1. 4d ago

    Your August Bucket List for Colorado Springs (Before Summer's Gone)

    Carly and Lauren are back and this time from a table inside Provision Bakery downtown, with their can't-miss picks for August in Colorado Springs. From Sunday strolls through the Acacia Park Farmers Market to the last of Food Truck Tuesdays, they're rounding up everything worth doing before summer slips away. This month's lineup includes: Rocky Mountain Flower Fest at Venetucci Farm (Aug 8): flower crowns, line dancing & a booze barColorado's 150th (Sesquicentennial): history strolls downtown, family fun day at the Catamount InstituteSummer concerts at Hillside Gardens (and the best margarita in town)Tails, Tunes & Tastes: a 21+ full-moon night at the zooFull-moon sound baths & moonlit yoga soaks at Hotel Polaris and Sunwater SpaThunder from Down Under at the Pikes Peak CenterPasta in the Park: TESSA's annual fundraiser supporting survivors of domestic violence, where Lauren is a judgeGrab a coffee, get your calendar out, and let's make the most of August, Colorado Springs. Recorded at Provision Bakery + Cinchona, downtown Colorado Springs Email us: springsandthingspod@gmail.com Follow on Instagram: @springsandthingspod Leave a 5-star review & share with a friend you want to bring along!

  2. Jul 28

    Colorado Is Turning 150: How COS Is Honoring the Past and Celebrating What's Next

    Colorado turns 150 on August 1st, and Colorado Springs is celebrating in a big way. In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly Ries talks with Erin Hannan of the El Pomar Foundation about the state's sesquicentennial, the region's biggest celebrations, and a film made to honor 150 years of Colorado generosity. You'll hear about: The Guinness World Record donut-dunking attempt on the summit of Pikes PeakSunrise and sunset Cog Railway trips available only on August 1stThe Colorado at 150 film (a rare collaboration between five statewide foundations)Why the film asks "Who have we been to one another?"How Coloradans showed up during the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest firesColorado Springs' overlooked history as an arts destination ("Little London")The COS at 150 exhibit: 150 artifacts, 150 stories, 150 yearsA surprise cello concert at the summit of a 14erThe digital Colorado Springs Cultural Passport (40+ destinations across the Pikes Peak region)Watch the film and submit your own story of Colorado generosity at co150film.com. Whether you're a lifelong local or a newcomer still learning the stories, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of what makes Colorado Springs special. Pick of the Week: Pizzeria Leopold and La Concha Full ChoralSong Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu11xSN005o We Love Our Sponsors Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results. Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

  3. Jul 21

    Venetucci Farm Proves Colorado Springs Knows How to Save What Matters

    If you grew up in Colorado Springs, you probably came here for a free pumpkin in kindergarten. Then in 2016, PFAS contamination from the Air Force's firefighting foam made it impossible to grow food on the land, and the future of the last working farm in the community went completely dark. This week we're recording on the farm itself with Sam Clark (Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation) and Nikki McComsey (Gather Mountain Blooms) about how a beloved pumpkin patch became a two-acre flower farm hosting weddings, music festivals, and monthly bloom celebrations, while still giving away free pumpkins to every kindergartner in El Paso County. In this episode: Who Nick and Bambi Venetucci were, and why they gave the whole farm awayThe 2016 PFAS discovery and the winter Sam thought the farm was finishedWhy flowers were the perfect answer to contaminated soil and waterHow a conservation easement protects the land from development foreverNikki's path from debilitating concussion to full-time flower farmerThe kindergarten pumpkin program, and the education requirement attached to itRocky Mountain Flower Fest on August 8 with Patchwork Jack and Grass It UpMonthly flower festivals: ranunculus, sweet peas, zinnias, sunflowers, dahliasColorado Youth Outdoors' new CORE program on the propertyThe spreadsheet math behind making sure every event has enough bloomsThe barn renovation and bathroom project (and why it matters more than it sounds)Picks of the week: Anglers Covey's $10 intro to fly fishing (they hand you a $15 gift card) and Pizzeria Leopold in Old Colorado City. Loved this one? Leave us a five-star review, share it with a friend who needs a farm day, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify.

  4. Jul 14

    We Found the Most Zen Spot in Colorado Springs...And It's Full of Llamas

    Ever watched your stress melt away next to a 300-pound fuzzy therapist? This week, Carly and Lauren visit Luxy Llama on the west side of Colorado Springs (a bucket list item two summers in the making) to chat with owner Terry McConnell about the magic of these quirky, calming animals. From llama hikes through a hidden pocket of stunning terrain to wine and cheese events where strangers become friends, Terry shares how Luxy Llama is helping people slow down, unplug, and reconnect. Plus: the truth about llama spitting, a partnership with UCCS therapists using llamas for trauma resilience work, brunch llamas at Garden of the Gods Club, and why gardeners treat llama manure like gold. In this episode: (00:00) A peaceful welcome from a secret spot on the west side(01:30) How Luxy Llama began (and Terry's love of camelids from Patagonia)(03:30) Llamas at corporate events? Yes, really(04:15) Why llamas make humans slow down and feel grounded(06:30) Debunking the llama spit myth(07:45) Meet the herd: Chloe the matriarch, Zorro the class clown, Pedro the teenager, and a baby on the way(10:00) Experiences for ages 5 to 75, plus the UCCS Institute of Human Resilience partnership(12:30) Wine & cheese with llamas + brunch at Garden of the Gods Club and Resort(13:45) Llama bean manure: a gardener's gold(15:30) Terry's most satisfying moments as a business owner(17:00) Pick of the Week: Marigold's, plus a forest bathing walk at Mueller State Park (July 19)Connect with Luxe Llamas: Instagram Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review, share it with a friend you'd bring on a llama hike, and subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a week of local gems. We Love Our Sponsors Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

  5. Jul 7

    What Colorado Springs Women Need to Know About Optimal Exercise and Recovery At Altitude

    Only 6% of exercise science research is done exclusively on women, so most of the training advice you've been handed (looking at you, TikTok) was never built for your body. This week Carly sits down with Dr. Marissa Baranauskas, exercise physiologist at UCCS and lead investigator at the 6% Performance Lab, to fix that. Fair warning: this one's for the women. If you run, climb, ski, or grind the Incline year-round in Colorado Springs, this episode is packed with practical, do-it-at-home science on how your cycle, altitude, fueling, and hormones actually shape your training. (Guys, you can listen too, you'll just learn why she gets to skip the second hike.) In this episode: Why "general" training advice isn't female-specific, and what to do about itHow your menstrual cycle phase can affect recovery, energy, and performance week to weekThe study showing women's recovery lagged a full day after hard intervals, and when to back offWhy women desaturate at altitude (hello, 6,000+ ft) and how respiratory muscle training helpsLosing your period is NOT a badge of honor: amenorrhea and the warning signs to catch earlyAt-home hormone monitors (like Mira) and why drugstore ovulation sticks fail active womenLow Energy Availability, explained (and how to spot underfueling without a lab)Perimenopause & menopause: why to prioritize intensity and strength training as you ageTimestamps: 00:00 – Meet Dr. Marissa Baranauskas + why this episode is a little different01:00 – The 6% problem: research isn't built for women02:42 – How your cycle phase shapes workouts, energy & recovery05:26 – The study: why women's recovery lagged after hard intervals07:49 – Training at altitude: desaturation & smaller airways11:00 – Respiratory muscle training strategies12:32 – Losing your period isn't normal: amenorrhea & RED-S warning signs17:02 – At-home hormone monitors vs. drugstore ovulation sticks19:23 – Low Energy Availability, explained (and how to check at home)25:48 – Working WITH your symptoms instead of pushing through27:43 – How everyday stress shows up in your cycle29:39 – Perimenopause & menopause: prioritize intensity + strength31:57 – Two things to start doing today34:02 – Marissa's Colorado Springs pick + where to learn moreLearn more / Connect: Lab: 6% Performance Email Dr. Baranauskas: mbaranau@uccs.eduSprings Pick of the Week: Aravaipa Group RunsEnjoyed the episode? Leave a 5-star review, share it with a friend, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify. See you next week on Springs and Things! This episode is for general education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your individual health.

  6. Jun 30

    What to Do in Colorado Springs This July (Our Personal Takes)

    Summer is flying by, and July in Colorado Springs is packed. In this episode, Carly and Lauren kick off a new monthly segment, a rundown of what they're excited about, what they're checking out, and what you should put on your radar for the next four weeks. In this episode: CO 150 Film Festival — Colorado is turning 150, and to celebrate, 150 films made in Colorado, about Colorado, or by Coloradans are screening statewide all summer long. Think The Hateful Eight, Dumb and Dumber, True Grit, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and more. Many Colorado Springs screenings are at Lulu's downtown.  Green Box Arts Festival — Lauren's favorite. This beloved annual festival in Green Mountain Falls kicks off July 4th and runs two weeks, featuring stunning outdoor art installations, live music, yoga, naturalist hikes, wine tastings, classes, and more. New installations are unveiled on the 5th. This year includes an immersive 30-minute audio experience called The Unexpected Literary Journey.  James Turrell's Sky Space, Green Mountain Falls — A permanent, awe-inspiring light installation that's worth making the drive for.  Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, Cañon City — July 17–18. SUP parades, kayak races, raft sprints, mountain bike rides, live music, and general outdoor-adventure vibes. A great day trip or quick staycation. Monsé's Pupusería — New Downtown Location! The beloved Colorado Springs spot has a second location downtown. (And a passionate plea: please bring back the edible bears on the boba.) Por Favor Tacos & Tragos — Lauren's finally going, and she's making it a July mission. More Mexican food in the Springs? Always a yes. Taste of Pikes Peak — Thursday, July 9, 6–9 PM at Hillside Gardens. Unlimited tastings from local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. First year at this venue. Go. Just go. United We Rock at Rockledge Ranch — August 1st (but on the calendar now!). Part of the Colorado 150/USA 250 celebrations. Bands, food trucks, arts and crafts, whiskey tasting, and more! Ladyfingers Letterpress — 10th Anniversary! This beloved downtown stationery shop and activist creative space is celebrating a decade. Take a risograph printing class, or stop by any Saturday morning for a free community create session. Pick Of The Week VIsitCOS Crafts & Drafts PassportPure DistillingWe Love Our Sponsors Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

  7. Jun 23

    The Colorado Springs Emu Everyone's Been Asking About

    What happens when a bird bought to guard a backyard flock becomes a full-blown local celebrity?  This week, Carly sits down with Billy-Sue Mitchell and her six-foot emu, Dennis, at their charming Colorado Springs home, surrounded by ducks, two chickens, and two dogs. Billy shares how Dennis went from a duck-harness-wearing baby to a leash-walking icon spotted everywhere from Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and beyond. Along the way, we get the heart-stopping story of the time Dennis went missing for 24 hours (and the German Shepherd who tracked him down), the truth about the Great Emu War of 1932, and why male emus make such gentle, devoted companions. Most movingly, Billy opens up about how Dennis helped pull her through a deep depression after losing her brother, and how sharing his joy with strangers became its own kind of healing. In this episode: Why Billy originally got an emu (hint: foxes)How public walks and a chance reporter photo made Dennis famousThe 24-hour disappearance and dramatic rescueDennis the dog: fetch with sticks, elevators, and bathroom stallsMale vs. female emus, and why dads do all the parentingEmu FAQs, therapy-animal questions and Dennis's empathy for crying kidsHow Dennis changed Billy's life after lossCatch Dennis in person! Our picks of the week:  Donkey Derby Days (Cripple Creek)Monument's Fourth of July ParadeGreen Mountain Falls' Bronc Day FestivalA sweet, surprising, genuinely moving conversation about animals, community, and the unexpected things that heal us. We Love Our Sponsors Pikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.

  8. Jun 16

    Inside the Movement to Make Colorado Springs a True Bike City

    Is Colorado Springs a bike town or a car town? Carly sits down with three people who are quietly reshaping how the Springs gets around: Tara McCarthy, Executive Director of PikeRide; Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort; and Kerry Childress, a city transportation planner who turns out to be one of the unsung heroes building the bike network behind the scenes. From midnight rides through Garden of the Gods to the e-bike boom changing who can ride, this conversation covers what it really takes to move a sprawling, car-centric city toward two wheels, and why it matters whether or not you ever clip in. In this episode: The single rides that made each guest fall in love with cycling in the Pikes Peak regionWhether the Springs' "outdoor town" reputation actually holds upWhy your tax dollars on a bike lane matter even if you never use onePlanning a bike network for a city built on hills and sprawl, not a flat grid like BoulderThe bike tourism money the Springs may be leaving on the table (think Fruita and Bentonville)Transportation equity and what it means to be "time privileged" with a set of car keysPike Ride's expansion into Southeast Colorado Springs and the $35-a-month e-bike program changing livesThe truth about what's actually being sold as an "e-bike"How to make cycling culture welcoming to anyone, no spandex or Strava requiredEverything you need to know about Bike to Work Day on June 24th (yes, there's bacon)Mentioned in this episode: Pedal the Springs podcast • Colorado Springs Cycling Club • Trails and Open Space Coalition • Kids on Bikes • Visit Colorado Springs • PikeRide Episode of Springs and Things We Love Our Sponsors Pikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — All you have to do is spend 30 days reading, creating, and exploring to win prizes.Vanguard Aesthetics — Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective — Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30. Grab your bike, take a ride, then come back and join us, because by the end, that "e-bike smile" might just make an addict out of you, too.

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About

Welcome to Springs and Things, the podcast where two close friends spill the tea on all things Colorado Springs! From culture and community to hidden gems and neighborhood lore, we’ve got it covered. Join us as we sip our coffee (or maybe something stronger) and dive into the stories and secrets that make this city so unique. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our fun, light-hearted, and always entertaining take on the quirks, hot topics, and insider tips will keep you coming back for more. Discover what’s really happening in the Springs—beyond the mountains and parks!

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Ferrara and Carly Ries
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lauren Ferrara and Carly Ries

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