Springs and Things: Your Insider's Guide to Colorado Springs Culture & Community
Colorado Springs Locals, Carly Ries and Lauren Ferrara
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Colorado Springs Locals, Carly Ries and Lauren Ferrara
▶ WebplayerWelcome 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!
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Sep 29, 2026 · 36:30
It's our 100th episode, and we're celebrating by kicking off Arts Month live from Yobel in downtown Colorado Springs! We sit down with Angela Seals and Luke Harper Prince from…
Sep 22, 2026 · 29:53
We sat down at the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum with museum president Manitou Mike Maio and Sam Driscoll of Theatre D'Art , the two people behind the Manitou Springs Ghost…
Sep 15, 2026 · 41:22
Did a monkey bite really launch the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Did Spencer Penrose actually ride his horse into the Antlers Hotel lobby? And why is the Shrine of the Sun named after…
Sep 8, 2026 · 33:14
This week, Carly and Lauren welcome Kelly Bull, Executive Director of Hey Neighbor (formerly CONO, the Council of Neighbors & Organizations), for a conversation that's equal…
Sep 1, 2026 · 28:55
This week, we're recording from the couch at Treehouse Cafe , kicking off our September picks for things to do around Colorado Springs, and let's just say the calendar is packed!…
Aug 25, 2026 · 26:43
Not every kid is a team sport kid, and that's totally okay. In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly and Lauren share their favorite kids' activities in Colorado Springs that…
Aug 18, 2026 · 35:44
Carly sits down with Joy Armstrong, curator of art at GOCA (the Galleries of Contemporary Art) , and Matt Giles, general director at Theatreworks , both housed inside the Ent…
Aug 11, 2026 · 24:02
Colorado Springs farmers markets are in full swing, and this week we're sharing our absolute favorite vendors from markets across the city! From Old Colorado City to Acacia Park…
Aug 4, 2026 · 17:32
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…
Jul 28, 2026 · 28:07
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…
Jul 21, 2026 · 38:50
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…
Jul 14, 2026 · 19:25
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…
Jul 7, 2026 · 35:46
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…
Jun 30, 2026 · 19:51
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…
Jun 23, 2026 · 29:51
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,…
Jun 16, 2026 · 38:33
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…
Jun 9, 2026 · 30:40
This summer, we're trading coffee dates for library dates! In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the Pikes Peak Library District's Summer Adventure program, recorded live…
Jun 2, 2026 · 32:04
After a year and a half of spotlighting the best people and places in Colorado Springs, we're flipping the script. This week, we answer the questions listeners ask most, from…
May 26, 2026 · 42:08
Did a monkey bite really launch the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Did Spencer Penrose actually ride his horse into the Antlers Hotel lobby? And why is the Shrine of the Sun named after…
May 19, 2026 · 20:16
Summer is almost here in Colorado Springs, and we are HERE for it. This week, Carly and Lauren share their ultimate summer must-do lists, from flower farms and llama happy hours…
May 12, 2026 · 19:14
Did you know nearly 150,000 acres around Colorado Springs are permanently protected, and one organization has been leading that effort since 1977? In this episode, Carly sits…
May 5, 2026 · 38:27
Everything you've ever wanted to know about skincare in Colorado Springs but didn't know who to ask. Lisa Boness from Vanguard Aesthetics joins us to break down what the high…
Apr 28, 2026 · 35:09
A month away, a world schooling adventure in Peru, and roughly one thousand bowls of ceviche later, Lauren is finally back. And honestly? We have a lot to catch up on. In this…
Apr 21, 2026 · 41:39
The FAC is in what they're calling a "liminal year," and we sat down with three of the people leading the charge to find out what that actually means, and why it matters for this…
Apr 14, 2026 · 29:34
You probably think you know what foster care is about. A child leaves a bad situation, lands in a safe one, and that's that. But what about everything else they lose in the…
Apr 7, 2026 · 39:33
Colorado Springs has a music scene worth bragging about, and Steve Harris has spent years making sure people know it. As the longtime guy who books bands for the Meadowgrass…
Mar 31, 2026 · 41:52
If you have ever stood in your kitchen on a Saturday morning wondering what to do in Colorado Springs this weekend, this episode is your new best friend. Carly sits down with…
Mar 24, 2026 · 28:52
Due to its popularity, we've decided to re-release this episode! Please note, however, some of the events are dated, but that design inspo is still oh so relevant :) If you’ve…
Mar 17, 2026 · 27:20
What if your kids’ next favorite experience wasn’t a screen, but a symphony? In this episode of Springs & Things , we sit down with Joye Levy, Director of the Center for Future…
Mar 10, 2026 · 30:13
Long before IVF clinics were common and long before infertility was openly discussed, one Colorado Springs woman helped open the door for millions of families. In this powerful…
Mar 3, 2026 · 20:06
Colorado Springs has always been a place people come to rest, recover, and recharge, from the early days of travelers seeking healing in the Pikes Peak region’s crisp mountain…
Feb 24, 2026 · 48:57
In this highly entertaining episode, Lauren and Matt Meister (yes, THE Matt Meister), share what it’s really like behind the scenes in local TV news (including a newsroom story…
Feb 17, 2026 · 36:19
In this powerful episode of Springs & Things , we sit down with U.S. Army veteran, Paralympic bronze medalist, and world champion Melissa Stockwell to hear the extraordinary…
Feb 10, 2026 · 30:31
What really goes on behind the iconic walls of The Broadmoor? In today’s episode, we’re talking with the Broadmoor historian, Cindy Leonard, about the secrets, stories, and…
Feb 3, 2026 · 17:51
Ski season might be technically underway in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean the slopes are the main event this year. In this episode of Springs & Things , Carly and Lauren share…
Jan 27, 2026 · 33:40
Normally on Springs & Things , we’re swapping fun Colorado Springs stories…but today’s episode goes somewhere much heavier. Lauren sits down with Preston Goff from The Exodus…
Jan 20, 2026 · 16:33
Is it too early to be talking about summer camps when there is snow on the ground? You’d think. But if you are a Colorado Springs parent, this episode might just save your…
Jan 13, 2026 · 31:12
Colorado Springs parents...this episode is a must-listen. Carly sits down with Chris Aaby of Generation Wild / Great Outdoors Colorado and Maury Peterson of The Catamount…
Jan 6, 2026 · 28:52
If you’ve ever saved a home photo on Instagram and thought, “Love this…but why doesn’t it work in my house?”... this episode explains exactly why. On this week’s Springs and…
Dec 30, 2025 · 15:37
We’re throwing it back to our very first episode of Springs & Things, with an updated Pick of the Week for today. In this re-release, we reintroduce ourselves and share how this…
Dec 23, 2025 · 26:46
We’re bringing back one of those episodes that still makes us smile. This conversation with Bonnie Goff is full of heart, laughter, and the kind of holiday traditions that remind…
Dec 16, 2025 · 15:18
What if the best gifts this year aren’t things, but experiences you’ll actually remember? In this episode of Springs & Things, Carly and Lauren swap their favorite local finds,…
Dec 9, 2025 · 15:11
Colorado Springs is glowing this time of year, and this week on Springs & Things we’re diving straight into the moments that make the season feel downright magical. From…
Dec 2, 2025 · 22:33
It’s Giving Tuesday, and we’re sharing the Colorado Springs nonprofits that make our community stronger, safer, and a whole lot more connected. From organizations keeping…
Nov 25, 2025 · 27:07
We invited Megan Thomas back on the show for the third time to settle the real Colorado Springs debates: beans or no beans, potatoes as hero or filler, handheld vs smothered, and…
Nov 18, 2025 · 27:45
What happens when a luxury hotel just outside of the Air Force Academy is packed with Easter eggs, hidden nods, and “if you know, you know” details that locals walk right past…
Nov 11, 2025 · 29:05
What started with 60 pedal bikes has become one of the most heart-warming success stories in Colorado Springs. PikeRide isn’t just about e-bikes. It’s about connection . In this…
Nov 4, 2025 · 20:14
After more than two decades on your TV screen, Andy Koen is now behind one of Colorado Springs’ biggest community projects: Veterans Week . We’re talking parade secrets, Purple…
Oct 28, 2025 · 22:38
In this special anniversary episode, Carly and Lauren take you back to where it all began, wandering the streets of downtown Colorado Springs, visiting murals, statues, and…
Oct 21, 2025 · 28:06
In this fun and entertaining episode, we chat with Jeremiah Houck, the Assistant Director of the Bemis School of Art at Colorado College , to talk about what makes the Springs’…
Oct 14, 2025 · 18:06
A new era of music is beginning in Colorado Springs, and everyone’s talking about it. Carly sat down with Chloé Dufresne , the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s new music director,…
Oct 7, 2025 · 25:10
It’s officially Arts Month in Colorado Springs, and there’s no better time to dive headfirst into our city’s creative scene! In this episode of Springs and Things , Carly and…
Sep 30, 2025 · 19:16
The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is back October 17–19 at Colorado College , and trust us, this is not your average weekend at the movies. Think three days of powerful…
Sep 23, 2025 · 16:05
TheatreWorks has kicked off its 50th season with an unforgettable, immersive production of Cabaret . Director and local theater legend, Scott Levy, joined Carly to share why this…
Sep 16, 2025 · 30:34
This week, we’re stepping out of our usual light-and-fluffy lane to talk about grief and one organization that is addressing it right here in the Pikes Peak region. Carly sat…
Sep 9, 2025 · 19:19
Carly and Lauren are lacing up for COS Fit & Well Week (September 19-26), where Colorado Springs’ most inspiring local studios open their doors with can’t-miss classes and…
Sep 2, 2025 · 20:53
Step inside the UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art with us as we sit down with curator Joy Armstrong to explore Justice of the Piece . This powerful exhibit brings together…
Aug 26, 2025 · 21:11
Imagine a marketplace built by women, for women — one that celebrates local businesses, the military, and community connection, all while honoring an incredible legacy. In this…
Aug 19, 2025 · 21:03
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…
Aug 12, 2025 · 31:05
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…
Aug 5, 2025 · 27:09
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…
Jul 29, 2025 · 27:58
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…
Jul 22, 2025 · 34:37
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…
Jul 15, 2025 · 21:00
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…
Jul 8, 2025 · 18:41
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…
Jul 1, 2025 · 31:07
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…
Jun 24, 2025 · 30:21
*Heads up—this episode is not for the faint of heart. We’re talking about real-life autopsies, tragic events, and the behind-the-scenes work of a medical examiner. It’s…
Jun 17, 2025 · 20:40
Making friends as an adult is hard... but it doesn’t have to be! In this feel-good episode, Carly sits down with Kelli and Isabel of Girl Get After It , a nationwide women’s…
Jun 10, 2025 · 19:26
Tucked in the mountains just 15 minutes from Colorado Springs lies a town where art, nature, and community create pure magic. In this episode, we explore the charm of Green…
Jun 3, 2025 · 26:54
Imagine a secret club that gets you drink discounts across Colorado Springs, and all you have to do is sign up...for free. In this episode, we sat down with the amazing Director…
May 27, 2025 · 35:27
Looking for the ultimate girls’ night out (or in) in Colorado Springs? We’ve got you covered, and so does our honorary third host, Meagan Thomas, aka Springs Native ! From…
May 20, 2025 · 15:26
In this episode, hosts Carly and Lauren dish on the absolute best summer concert series around town. From the laid-back vibes of Meadowgrass to magical evenings at Hillside…
May 13, 2025 · 23:24
You don’t have to know Monet from macaroni art to fall in love with the art scene blooming in Colorado Springs. In this episode, we explore the city's evolving art scene with…
May 6, 2025 · 31:27
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…
Apr 29, 2025 · 29:25
Colorado Springs: where the air is thin, the vibes are high, and the golf balls fly farther! In this tribute to golf in the Springs, we're teeing up trivia, local history, and an…
Apr 22, 2025 · 17:01
Who says fun has to cost a fortune? We’re flipping the script and diving into free and low-cost gems Colorado Springs has to offer. From donation-based yoga to hidden waterfalls,…
Apr 15, 2025 · 24:50
If your house is screaming chaos but your soul is craving calm, this episode is your spring cleaning spirit guide. We’re chatting with Colorado Springs’ own organizing wizard,…
Apr 8, 2025 · 43:54
Have you ever wondered about the hidden stories that make Colorado Springs so unique? Whether you're a die-hard history buff or someone who thinks museums aren't quite your…
Apr 1, 2025 · 24:08
We thought we were starting a podcast about hidden gems and quirky local lore… Turns out, the real treasure of Colorado Springs? The people. In this episode, we sit down with…
Mar 25, 2025 · 40:27
Brunch lovers, this one’s for you! Carly and Lauren are joined by Colorado Springs foodie and brunch expert Meagan Thomas, aka Springs Native , for a mouthwatering deep dive into…
Mar 18, 2025 · 25:00
We’re diving into one of the most unique places in Colorado Springs— Concrete Couch ! Join us as we chat with Thomas Pantoja about the vibrant art, hands-on programs, and…
Mar 11, 2025 · 19:20
Springtime in Colorado Springs brings more than just unpredictable weather—it’s the perfect time to uncover the city's best-kept secrets! From tiny treasures like the Kissing…
Mar 4, 2025 · 19:27
Ever had a bagel so good it makes you question your life choices? Or found yourself hypnotized by a bridal fashion show even though you’re not getting married? This week, Carly…
Feb 25, 2025 · 24:52
Some conversations are easy—small talk, pleasantries, the usual. But what about the hard conversations? The ones that push us, challenge us, and ultimately help us grow? That’s…
Feb 18, 2025 · 16:16
Picture this: crisp mountain air, thundering hooves, and the unmistakable thrill of hockey on horseback —all set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado Springs. This week on…
Feb 11, 2025 · 29:17
Pop the cork and pour a glass—this week on Springs and Things , we’re diving into four days of wine, cocktails, master sommeliers, and live music, all in the name of a great…
Feb 4, 2025 · 33:20
Brrr, it’s cold in here! But don’t worry, we’re about to warm things up! On this episode, Carly and Lauren are diving into all the best ways to beat the winter blues in Colorado…
Jan 28, 2025 · 18:08
Raise your glass (or your zero-proof cocktail) and join Lauren and Carly as they explore the booming non-alcoholic scene in Colorado Springs! In this fun and flavorful episode,…
Jan 21, 2025 · 28:06
This week, we’re diving into the rich world of theater that’s right in our backyard. From heartwarming community productions to professional stages brimming with talent, there’s…
Jan 14, 2025 · 39:05
In this episode of Springs and Things , Carly and Lauren dive into the vibrant, healthy food scene of Colorado Springs, starting with a deep (and hilarious) appreciation for…
Jan 7, 2025 · 38:15
What a whirlwind of an episode! Carly and Lauren dove headfirst into the fascinating world of play , proving once again that being an adult doesn’t mean leaving fun behind. From…
Dec 31, 2024 · 23:06
In this episode of Springs and Things , Carly and Lauren are ditching the meticulously planned resolutions and embracing a wing-it approach to kicking off 2025 with a…
Dec 24, 2024 · 24:23
This holiday season has flown by, but we’re here to slow things down with a lighthearted chat about our favorite Colorado Springs spots, fun activities, and hidden gems. Tune in…
Dec 17, 2024 · 28:55
We have a very special guest—someone who's traveled the world, built awe-inspiring art installations, and yet, his heart has brought him home. Patrick Shearn, the visionary…
Dec 10, 2024 · 30:45
A holiday scavenger hunt. A Whoville hike. Holiday beer pong. Unique party ideas. Alternatives to Christmas cards. These topics just skim the surface of this highly entertaining…
Dec 3, 2024 · 44:56
Have you ever wondered about the hidden stories that make Colorado Springs so unique? Whether you're a die-hard history buff or someone who thinks museums aren't quite your…
Nov 26, 2024 · 47:17
Coming to you live from Bristol Brewing ! We kept the subtle background noise so that you felt like you were right in the brewery having the conversation with us! When we say…
Nov 19, 2024 · 43:43
Join Carly Ries, Lauren Ferrara and special guest Carissa Niemeyer, co-owner of the beloved Story Coffee , as they spill the beans (pun intended) on the rich and aromatic world…
Nov 12, 2024 · 20:23
Today, we’re tackling something that seems to hit us all as the year winds down. November brings a whirlwind of activity: from election season with all its buzz and urgency to…
Nov 12, 2024 · 19:10
Welcome to the first-ever episode of Springs and Things , the show where two friends take you on a wild ride through the heart of Colorado Springs! In this debut episode, we get…
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