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 April 19th, 2026

    3D AGO

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

    5D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. The LoCo PULSE | Week of April 6th, 2026

    APR 5

    The LoCo PULSE | Week of April 6th, 2026

    This week, we're kicking off April with a reminder that corporate April Fool's jokes are officially behind us. We start with Miles Beyond Running Community's NOCO Urban Ultra on April 12, but the real star is the Well Your Mental Running Festival on May 30 and 31. This 146 acre private property event features distances from a 7K run walk all the way up to 100 miles, plus a 36 hour total mileage contest. With camping, glamping, sauna, cold plunge, massage, and mountain views of Longs Peak, it's Northern Colorado's answer to an ultra endurance festival. BG Automotive is opening their sixth location in the former Aces Motorcycle shop on South College, a testament to local business growth. Less exciting news: express lane tolls are returning to I-25 starting April 7, with prices up to $12 to Berthoud, plus five new speed cameras in the Mead to Berthoud work zone that track your average speed between points. Community gatherings include CSU hosting the 11th annual ACT Human Rights Film Festival April 9 through 12 at the Lory Student Center, with virtual encore options for Colorado residents April 13 through 19. The Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival brings 36,000 square feet of 3D printing technology to the Ranch Events Complex April 18 and 19, free for novices and experts alike. Music highlights feature local artist Rodi Aldrin's new single Dance RN, discovered through TikTok comments, and A Brother's Fountain playing a free show at Max Line Brewing April 16 in trio format. Community support spotlights Powered By Partners' Party for Partners Gala April 10 at Lincoln Center and Dementia Together's Joy on the Journey fundraiser April 9 at Embassy Suites, supporting families navigating dementia with confidence and community. Mark your calendars for LoCo Think Tank's third annual Cultivating Culture event April 29 at Ginger and Baker, featuring leadership labs and facilitated networking for teams of all sizes. Food picks celebrate Love Shack Mocktails in Loveland, Northern Colorado's first sober bar offering coffee and mocktails from 9 AM to midnight, and the legendary subs at Chiba Hut, a LoCo Think Tank member favorite. Stay connected, NOCO.

    14 min
  6. EXPERIENCE 264 | Married & Magnetic with James and Angela Mitchell, Founders of Love Intentionally

    APR 4

    EXPERIENCE 264 | Married & Magnetic with James and Angela Mitchell, Founders of Love Intentionally

    My conversation today was with James and Angela Mitchell, the Co-Founders and Relationship Coaches at Love Intentionally.  Angela was a career counselor, working in schools, with depression and substance challenges, and eventually found her way to relationships.  Meanwhile, James was the consummate entrepreneur - working in real estate but always trying new ventures - with widely ranging success.   After years of taking intentional time throughout their marriage - every week, every month, and once-a-year retreats, James and Angela built skills and resources and systems to help entrepreneurs forge strong relationships - whether it’s a couple working together in business - or one stable career alongside the ups and downs of an entrepreneur.   Love Intentionally was formed in 2018, and experienced a revolution in recent years, as the couple spent a year in Peru - and wrote a book together - Married & Magnetic - the Entrepreneur's Guide to a Thriving Marriage and a Booming Business.  This episode is full of great stories, relationship best practices, and a lot of fun, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with James and Angela Mitchell.

    2h 6m
  7. The LoCo PULSE | Week of March 30th, 2026

    MAR 30

    The LoCo PULSE | Week of March 30th, 2026

    This week, spring weather is keeping us on our toes as we share what's happening across Northern Colorado. We start with Miles Beyond Running Community's upcoming Urban Ultra on April 29, a 50-mile individual or relay race from Bellevue to Greeley, with prices increasing April 29 for the Wild West relay from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs. Plus, their weekly Thursday community runs continue at Run Windsor and Epiculier Aalworks. We're excited about the LoCo Drink Tank, a new swag item filled with local goods from Run Windsor, Purpose Driven Wealth, Copacos honey, Breeze Thru car wash passes, and more, perfect for nonprofit silent auction baskets. In Greeley, all city-owned museums became free admission starting January 1st, with some exceptions for paid events like Greeley Stampede at Centennial Village. Community gatherings include Ginger and Baker's first murder mystery dinner, The Baker's Half Dozen, on May 19 (get your tickets now and plan your outfit), and the Mishawaka Amphitheater winning Westword's 2026 Best Outdoor Venue award. Celebrate with their 20th annual Pickin' on the Poudre on May 16 featuring the original lineup. The Chilson Senior Center in Loveland hosts a pancake breakfast and plant sale April 11, funding programs for low-income seniors. Music highlights feature Songwriters in the Round at Construct Brewing with Aubrey Dale, Eli Ray, and Brian Johansson, plus FoCoMX April 24-25 with 400+ bands across 41 venues. Catch Wade Keith's band Soul Puppets at Salt Road Brewing Saturday, April 25 at 1:45 pm. Boys and Girls Club in Weld County is getting a new podcast studio thanks to Breeze Thru Car Wash support. United Way of Weld County's free Children's Festival hits Island Grove April 11 with STEM activities, art, and games. The Rotary Afterwork Club hosts the 21st annual Black Tie Bingo April 18 at One North, raising funds for community and international grants. The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 121st annual event April 8 at the Hilton, and NOCO Boss Babes meets April 6 at Top of the Lake Coffee with Dr. Melna McLaughlin speaking on hormones and business. Food picks spotlight the Global Village Museum's Southern Indian cuisine dining event March 31 benefiting the museum, and Consuelo's Express on Lemay for unbeatable breakfast burritos and Nanita's Finest sauces. Stay connected, NOCO.

    14 min
  8. EXPERIENCE 263 | The Spirit of Adventure and Community with Joel Gustafson, Founder & CEO

    MAR 28

    EXPERIENCE 263 | The Spirit of Adventure and Community with Joel Gustafson, Founder & CEO

    I had Joel Gustafson and Jess Gries into the studio last fall to talk about Seed & Spirit Distilling, and specifically the recent news of their expansion into what was the Funkwerks portion of the building on Lincoln Avenue in Fort Collins. We tasted lots of samples and the guys shared a lot of stories, but with the two of them, there really wasn’t time to do justice to the journey of either partner.   In the meantime, we were honored to have Seed & Spirit partner with The LoCo Experience podcast as our Spirit Sponsor, and with the opening of their new space upcoming in Q2, it seemed like a perfect time to get to know Joel and his passion for community and adventure - and dreams for the future - a little better.   We enjoyed some FoCo LoCo’s - with Seed & Spirit’s delicious rum, coconut water, and lime, shared a lot of laughs, and touched on the sources of Joel’s drive to create meaningful community at every stage of the journey.  So please join me in enjoying my conversation with Joel Gustafson.

    1h 51m
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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
    313
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The LoCo Experience
  • Show Website
    The LoCo Experience

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