The LoCo Experience

Curt Bear
  • 4.8 (13)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The LoCo Experience is a long-form conversational podcast that dives deep into the journeys of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in Northern Colorado. Hosted by Curt Bear, Founder of LoCo Think Tank, the show brings real, raw, and unfiltered conversations—where guests share their successes, struggles, and lessons learned along the way. LoCo Think Tank is Colorado’s premier business peer advisory organization, founded in Fort Collins to help business owners gain perspective, accountability, and encouragement to grow both personally and professionally. LoCo chapters bring together business owners at all stages of the journey into professionally facilitated peer advisory chapters, led by experienced business veterans. These groups provide a trusted space to share challenges, seek advice, learn togethter, and support each other’s success. The LoCo Experience Podcast extends this mission beyond the chapter meetings— bringing the wisdom, insights, and stories of local business leaders to a wider audience. Our triad mission with this podcast is simple:  Inspire through real stories of resilience and success.  Educate by sharing valuable business insights.  Entertain with engaging, unfiltered conversations. If you love “How I Built This” and the free-flowing style of Joe Rogan - but with a Northern Colorado focus - you’ll enjoy The LoCo Experience!  Our closing segment, "The LoCo Experience," asks guests to share their craziest stories — and we get some doozies! It’s a passion project with purpose, and we invite you to listen, follow, and share, and maybe consider sponsoring. Know someone with a great story?  Nominate your favorite business leader for an episode!

  1. The Loco Pulse | Week of May 4th

    1D AGO

    The Loco Pulse | Week of May 4th

    Welcome back to the LoCo PULSE as we kick off the first week of May with fresh community news, events, and highlights from across Northern Colorado. This week we're celebrating business growth, gathering opportunities, and the vibrant arts scene that makes NoCo special. What's moving features Miles Beyond Running Community wrapping up support for Mandy Mullen at the Cocodona 250 in Arizona (catch episode 267 for the full story on that incredible 250 mile race). Their next big event is the Weld Your Metal Running Festival May 30th and 31st, featuring distances from 7K all the way to 100 miles on a private 146 acre property with camping, glamping, sauna, cold plunge, and mountain views. The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is making major moves under executive director Norma Perez, adding over 120 new members in just nine months. They've built an impressive slate of networking opportunities including the Strength of Windsor Men's Group, Women of Windsor, Wake Up Windsor coffees, and the WISE Young Professionals Group (Windsor Inspiring Successful and Engaged). Austin Hannon and his fiancée Micah are taking over ownership of the FoCo Food Truck Rally, bringing fresh energy and community awareness to this beloved summer gathering. Austin also works for Visit Fort Collins, making this partnership a perfect fit for growth. Community gatherings include Ginger and Baker hosting an exclusive farm event May 18th with Lisa Steele, author of In Season. Meet Ginger's flock of chickens, enjoy Q&A with the author, and taste recipes straight from the cookbook. Night on the Town returns to downtown Loveland every second Friday from May through October, with the first event this Friday featuring late shop hours and free museum entry. Saturday brings the Past and Progress Tour through four historic downtown Loveland buildings, with morning and afternoon tour times available for $10. Keeping the beat highlights Story Swap at the Lyric Cinema every first Thursday, featuring live storytelling where none of the stories are known in advance. May 7th's theme is Family Lore, with Hello's and Goodbye's coming June 4th. ABBA Euphoria brings the ultimate ABBA tribute show to the Rialto Theater May 9th. Fort Collins Art Week runs May 1st through 9th, now hosted by the Mural Project with events across Midtown and beyond. Catch the free History, Murals and Public Art tour Wednesday May 6th at 10 AM, and don't miss Circus in the Square Saturday at 3:30 PM with Live Beyond Limit for a kid friendly circus experience (waiver required). Check thisisnoco.com for the complete Art Week calendar. Community support spotlights Foundation for Accessible Music hosting their All Abilities Open Mic Night Thursday at New Belgium, featuring visual songbooks, AAC devices, sign language interpretation, live music accompaniment, and a quiet sensory break room. Homeward Alliance presents their Ungala fundraiser May 9th at the Lory Student Center with an intergalactic theme, welcoming space cowboys, Star Trek, Star Wars, or come as you are attire. RespectCare recently opened their new $12 million facility serving up to 155 kids at a time with special needs through activities and summer camps. Business news celebrates Alison Sebeck, executive director of the Warehouse Business Accelerator in Loveland and longtime LoCo Think Tank facilitator, nominated as Manufacturing Woman of the Year for 2026. She's transformed the Warehouse since taking over just before COVID. May is also membership month at Breeze Thru Car Wash, the perfect time to beat pollen season with unlimited washes at multiple locations across NoCo for just $20 monthly. Food picks feature Jack's Fish House premiering their new menu with an exciting Hunk of Fish program, allowing guests to learn exactly which fisherman caught their fish and where it came from that week. Look for Ben's full menu review coming soon on thisisnoco.com. Twin Staves cocktail bar in Windsor, located below Hearth Restaurant, is crafting intentional cocktails on par with Social and Ace Gillett's, led by bartender Sean who recently won a regional craft cocktail competition. Important announcement: The LoCo PULSE is evolving into the NoCo PULSE and moving to its own dedicated channel. The LoCo Experience will continue sharing business stories and advisory content with LoCo Think Tank, while the NoCo PULSE brings you community news and events. Both shows continue, just easier to find. Stay connected, NoCo.

    17 min
  2. EXPERIENCE 268 | Eric Goodman - Delivering Dollars and Enthusiasm for Great Causes

    3D AGO

    EXPERIENCE 268 | Eric Goodman - Delivering Dollars and Enthusiasm for Great Causes

    Eric Goodman - Delivering Dollars and Enthusiasm for Great Causes - Founder and Owner of Your Fundraising Team - and Co-Host of the Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl sports podcast I met Eric Goodman at a local non-profit event, when I happened to be seated at his table, and complimented him on an above-average performance as a volunteer emcee.  We shared some fun banter, but during the paddle-raise it was more than obvious (which I already suspected) - that he was a pro - and a damn good one.   We connected after that, and during our first long phone call I shared how I sometimes emcee or paddle raise for events - but only as a volunteer - ya know, so he wouldn’t be threatened.  He challenged me - “You should charge - and learn enough so you do a great job and deserve to be paid!  I’ll mentor you, or teach you and a group of others from NOCO how to do it right if you like - no charge!”  I didn’t take him up on it - too busy I told myself - but we may revisit the idea. That’s the kinda guy Eric is - focused on being the best at his craft, and encouraging others to fulfill their potential, and to live generously.  He drops a ton of great information to help non-profits fundraise better - and he’s a great conversationalist, so please enjoy my time together with Eric Goodman.

    1h 37m
  3. The LoCo Pulse | Week of April 27th

    APR 27

    The LoCo Pulse | Week of April 27th

    The Loco Pulse is back with another packed episode of NoCo news, events, and community highlights! Hosts Curt Bear of LoCo Think Tank (https://locothinktank.com/) and the LoCo Experience Podcast (https://www.thelocoexperience.com/), and Kelsi Harris of This is NoCo (https://www.instagram.com/thisisco.noco/) and Discover NoCo Magazine (https://www.instagram.com/discovernoco/), keep their finger on the pulse of Northern Colorado. On the Move (Sponsored by Miles Beyond Running) The Weld Your Metal Running Festival is coming up May 30th–31st — don't miss it! Miles Beyond Running (https://gomilesbeyond.com/) is also hosting a free Lululemon goal-setting session at Luna's Tacos in Windsor to send off ultrarunner Mandy Mullen as she prepares for the Cocodona 250. Wing Shack (https://wingshackwings.com/) is opening a brand-new Fort Collins location this summer Community Gathering (Sponsored by Ginger and Baker) Handmade Market NoCo (https://handmademarketnoco.com/) is bringing its Mother's Day Market to the rooftop of Ginger and Baker (https://gingerandbaker.com/) on May 2nd — a perfect spot to find local handcrafted gifts or bring Mom along. It's Colorado Pint Day! The Colorado Brewers Guild (https://coloradobeer.org/) is hosting this beloved annual tradition at independent breweries statewide. Grab a limited-edition pint glass for just $3 and support your local craft brewery. Check the Colorado Brewers Guild website (https://coloradobeer.org/colorado-pint-day/) for a full list of participating locations. NoCo Beat Old Crow Medicine Show is playing Mishawaka Amphitheatre (https://www.themishawaka.com/) on May 15th It's First Friday Artwalk in Fort Collins, and the Masks Exhibit at the Fort Collins Museum of Art (https://www.fcmoa.org/) is a must-see in its 22nd year. Discover NOCO graphic designer Ashley Grizzle has her first mask in the exhibit this year! Also check out her tea towels at 432 Design (https://www.instagram.com/432design.co/). Community Supporting Community (Sponsored by Breeze Thru Car Wash) Steve Phillips of the GeekCast Radio Network (https://geekcastradio.com/) has been volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, teaching kids the art of podcasting. Catch his feature on Episode 266 of the LoCo Experience Podcast (https://www.thelocoexperience.com/). The NoCo Unifies Down and Derby Party is happening on May 2nd at the Grain House in Windsor, benefiting the Weld County Boys and Girls Club, Be the Gift, and the Debut Children's Theater. Expect live burro racing, Kentucky Derby excitement. The Fort Collins Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting the Field of Honor at Spring Canyon Park over Memorial Day weekend. Visit FC Breakfast Rotary (https://www.fcbreakfastrotary.org/) to learn more. Business News Only 52 seats left for the Unstoppable Business Conference on May 6th at Embassy Suites! Organized by the Larimer County Small Business Development Center, this is your chance to connect with subject matter experts across marketing, HR, hiring, and more. LoCo Think Tank (https://locothinktank.com/) just got hooked up with branded name tags from Sport About — a great, affordable branding tip for small businesses heading to events. NoCo Eats Kelsi tried the "Girl Dinner" box at Sexy Sammies (https://www.sexysammies.com/) — the fan-favorite NoCo chicken tender spot with locations in Johnstown, Greeley, and hiding inside the Lory Student Center in Fort Collins. Curt shares his legendary Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe — the no-mayo, fan-requested signature side from his food truck days. Key ingredient: a splash of Crazy Ginger Hot Sauce, available at Matador Mexican Grill (http://matadorgrill.com/). Community Shout-Out Bear Fest at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is happening May 1st — open to the public all day! Student maker market, live concerts, and evening festivities at the 9th Street Plaza. A perfect way for students and the wider NoCo community to come together.

    22 min
  4. EXPERIENCE 267 | Mandy Mullen - Ultra-Runner, Entrepreneur, Podcast Co-Host, Wife & Mom

    APR 25

    EXPERIENCE 267 | Mandy Mullen - Ultra-Runner, Entrepreneur, Podcast Co-Host, Wife & Mom

    Mandy Mullen - Ultra-Runner, Entrepreneur, Podcast Co-Host, Wife & Mom - and lululemon ambassador! Founder & CEO of miles.Beyond, Owner & Race Director of run.Windsor and run.Colorado Relays Mandy Mullen returns for her third time in The LoCo Experience studio - check out our conversations on Episode 91 and Episode 155 for more of the origin story and setting the stage for what has become.  Today we’re catching up on all the NEW stuff - the NOCO Urban Ultra, the upcoming Weld Your Mettle Running Festival, the launch of a new brand in miles.Beyond, the expansion of corporate teams signing up to fundraise via the Wild West Relay, becoming a lululemon ambassador and what that means - and becoming the co-host of an ultrarunning theme podcast - Buckle Up.  I’m worn out just talking about all the ideas that Mandy has been growing - and really proud to count her among our membership at LoCo Think Tank.   We talked about Mandy’s upcoming event - the Cocodona 250 in Arizona.  Yep, you read that right - it’s a 250 mile cross country event, which Mandy anticipates completing in 90 - 110 hours of grinding it out, with a couple of 2-4 hour sleeps, and intermingled dirt naps.  We also talked about racism in running, which surprised me a bit, and Mandy’s experience with racism as a teen - and throughout - and the pressure of succeeding as a 1st generation college grad, and mom, and wife - and ultrarunner and business owner.  She’s a gem, I’m a big fan - and I know you’ll enjoy my latest conversation with Mandy Mullen.

    1h 37m
  5. The LoCo PULSE | Week of April 19th, 2026

    APR 20

    The LoCo PULSE | Week of April 19th, 2026

    Welcome back to the LoCo PULSE as Curt returns from sunny Florida to snowy Northern Colorado. This week, we're covering community news, events, and local business highlights across NOCO while celebrating Earth Day and the arrival of spring (despite the surprise snow). What's moving features Miles Beyond Running Community and their upcoming Weld Your Metal Running Festival on May 30 and 31 in Eaton. This 146 acre private property event offers distances from a 7K run walk up to 100 miles, plus a 36 hour total mileage contest, complete with camping, glamping, sauna, cold plunge, massage, and mountain views. We celebrate Chiba Hut's franchisee Elevated Ink opening their 25th location in Las Vegas, marking major growth toward their goal of 200 locations by 2030. The Beer Tour Inn launches in Northern Colorado, offering four hour brewery tours in a vintage Swiss Pinzgauer army vehicle, hitting three breweries with lunch included. Community gatherings include Pedro's Coffee in Timnath hosting their monthly community marketplace on the third Saturday with over 30 local vendors, live music, and food. The Whole House hosts their first casino night April 23 at the Crest Cinema and Lounge in Greeley, supporting teen parents working toward personal and economic self sufficiency. Keeping the beat highlights FoCoMX happening April 24 and 25 with over 400 bands across 30 plus venues for one $60 wristband. Two art receptions open simultaneously Friday night: the Governor's Art Show in Loveland running through June 6, and Louise Cutler's show with 15 artists at Foothills Mall displaying 60 works in empty storefronts through the end of June. Community support spotlights The Mayorettes, a collective of local business leading ladies uplifting nonprofits and small businesses through elevated living and impactful giving. Loveland Community Kitchen celebrates 30 years with their Forks and Fury cook off on May 14 at Venue 319, featuring local chefs and restaurants competing for votes. Business highlights include LoCo Think Tank's third annual Next Level Leadership Forum on April 29 at Ginger and Baker, focusing on cultivating culture with leadership expert Mark Weaver, and Adams Bank and Trust offering special owner occupied commercial real estate loans with reduced fees and competitive rates. Food picks celebrate Human Bean's One Drink One Tree campaign on Earth Day April 22, planting a tree for every drink purchased, and Gelato and More on West Elizabeth offering authentic Italian gelato, market goods, and their Wednesday lunch special featuring Italian sausage pizza rolls that demand a return visit. Stay connected, NOCO.

    17 min
  6. EXPERIENCE 266 | He was podcasting before Joe Rogan and Adam Curry! - Steve Phillips

    APR 18

    EXPERIENCE 266 | He was podcasting before Joe Rogan and Adam Curry! - Steve Phillips

    Steve Phillips, Co-Founder and Creator at GeekCast Radio Network, Author of Altered Audio, and Communications and Content Developer at Breeze Thru Car Wash Steve Phillips is a super-geek, and started podcasting a Transformers-themed show over 20 years ago.  He Co-Founded GeekCast Radio Network, is an accomplished voice actor, and has been hosting the Altered Geek podcast series since 2012.  And - he’s got a day job - Communications and Content Developer at Breeze Thru Car Wash.  At Breeze Thru, he’s a creator and a communicator, and even gets to do things like teach kids about podcasting!  I met Steve through my friend Wade Keith, also from Breeze Thru - and after Wade came on my show last year he was eager that I should feature the local podfather on the show - and Steve didn’t disappoint.  You’ll meet Gollum from The Lord of The Rings in this one, the Joker (Mark Hammil version), and many other characters beloved by geeks everywhere.  Steve and our producer Ben had some great conversations between segments - but if I’m honest - I was in a bit over my head on this one! It was a ton of fun though, with laughs and podcast insider secrets, so please enjoy my conversation with the NOCO Podfather, Steve Phillips.

    1h 29m
  7. The LoCo PULSE | Week of April 13th, 2026

    APR 13

    The LoCo PULSE | Week of April 13th, 2026

    This week, we're welcoming Jamie Hammond from Live Laugh Loveland to the PULSE while Curt is on vacation. Jamie brings fresh perspective on what's happening in Loveland while we cover community news across Northern Colorado. What's moving in NOCO features Daniel Schreiner, a Loveland artist known for his work at Spectra Art Space and Spucadelia Unspoken. His connection focused games, True Their Fate and the upcoming Arcana, foster authentic conversations and meaningful connections through tarot inspired gameplay. Watch for the Arcana Kickstarter launch at enterarcana.com. Pop and Sip Boba is expanding with three trailers to bring dirty sodas and their sister company BFF Bites protein snacks to events all summer. Community gatherings include Ginger and Baker's second annual Louisiana Crawfish Boil on April 19, and FoCo BookFest happening April 17 and 18 with workshops, local authors, and graphic novel creation sessions across town. The Love Shack Craft Mocktails hosts their first drag brunch on April 26 with Krisa Guna, plus breakfast burritos available anytime. Keeping the beat highlights Figure Swarm, a new gallery show at the Center for Creativity April 15 through 19, exploring identity, grief, gender, and community through the human form. Artists Vienna Repetta and Juno Lazar present work examining how people identify themselves within large groups. Reception is April 15 from 3 to 5 pm. Artworks Studios and Gift Shop in downtown Loveland offers a collective of local artists with studio rentals and a gift shop featuring unique pieces, open Fridays and Saturdays on Third Street. Community support spotlights House of Neighborly Service's Hope Blooms fashion show on Friday, April 17, benefiting their thrift shop and programs including the Birthday Closet for families in crisis. Jessup Farm's Kindness Matters Month supports Animal Friends Alliance with donation drives at participating restaurants accepting pet supplies, food, and cleaning essentials. Downtown Loveland's Development Authority is giving away $100 weekly throughout construction season. Shop any downtown business, submit your receipt through their website, and enter to win. Food picks celebrate Ike's Sandwiches opening at the old Subway location on Shields and Elizabeth across from Moby Arena, Dark Heart Coffee's viby Portland inspired atmosphere in downtown Loveland, and AKA Kitchen next to Dirty Laundry with standout chimichurri cheese steak skillets and sopapilla cheesecake that demands a return visit. Stay connected, NOCO.

    20 min
  8. EXPERIENCE 265 | “Becoming a Public Intellectual” with my friend Aaron Everitt

    APR 11

    EXPERIENCE 265 | “Becoming a Public Intellectual” with my friend Aaron Everitt

    My conversation this week was with my good friend and returning guest, Aaron Everitt.  Aaron was just returned from a panel discussion where he represented the MAHA perspective at the ASPPH Annual Meeting for Academic Public Health, with hundreds of public health educators in attendance.  Aaron has been a regular guest on a podcast known as “Why Should I Trust You”, and is an avid freelance writer and creator.  He’s also a longtime chapter facilitator at LoCo Think Tank! We discussed Aaron’s creative journey on X, which caught attention from then-Presidential Candidate RFK, Jr., and his journey from there to becoming a leading voice in the MAHA movement - which has stagnated of late.  We discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for public health, and then drift into a wide-ranging discussion including the unfolding Iran Quagmire and likely long-term consequences, music, purpose, and loving your neighbor.   We enjoyed some Whizcals and FoCo LoCo’s from our Spirit Sponsor, Seed & Spirit Distilling, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy, as I did, my latest conversation with Aaron Everitt.

    2h 5m
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4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The LoCo Experience is a long-form conversational podcast that dives deep into the journeys of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in Northern Colorado. Hosted by Curt Bear, Founder of LoCo Think Tank, the show brings real, raw, and unfiltered conversations—where guests share their successes, struggles, and lessons learned along the way. LoCo Think Tank is Colorado’s premier business peer advisory organization, founded in Fort Collins to help business owners gain perspective, accountability, and encouragement to grow both personally and professionally. LoCo chapters bring together business owners at all stages of the journey into professionally facilitated peer advisory chapters, led by experienced business veterans. These groups provide a trusted space to share challenges, seek advice, learn togethter, and support each other’s success. The LoCo Experience Podcast extends this mission beyond the chapter meetings— bringing the wisdom, insights, and stories of local business leaders to a wider audience. Our triad mission with this podcast is simple:  Inspire through real stories of resilience and success.  Educate by sharing valuable business insights.  Entertain with engaging, unfiltered conversations. If you love “How I Built This” and the free-flowing style of Joe Rogan - but with a Northern Colorado focus - you’ll enjoy The LoCo Experience!  Our closing segment, "The LoCo Experience," asks guests to share their craziest stories — and we get some doozies! It’s a passion project with purpose, and we invite you to listen, follow, and share, and maybe consider sponsoring. Know someone with a great story?  Nominate your favorite business leader for an episode!

Information

  • Creator
    Curt Bear
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    317
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The LoCo Experience
  • Show Website
    The LoCo Experience

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