SoapBox Colorado Springs: Recent Episodes
Studio 809
Pikes Peak region residents step up to the mic and share their gripes, compliments, and/or suggestions about hot topics. (Let us know if you want the mic!)
Learn about an upcoming weeklong summer day camp for teens, Youth Leadership Training, hosted by Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission (PPJPC).
We hear from Samantha and Kathryn, alumni of previous Youth Activist Training camps hosted by PPJPC. They’re joined by Loring Wirbel, co-chair of Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. Loring explains the history of the program and its evolution. Now in its fifth year, the program has proven immensely popular for the students that later became alumni.
Youth Leadership Training 2026 runs July 27-31, at multiple downtown Colorado Springs locations. According to Marzia, a previous graduate and director, this program is, “an opportunity for young people to discover their strengths, build long-lasting friendships, and find their voices in the world.” Students will meet and learn from local nonprofits like Concrete Couch, Food to Power, Inside Out Youth Services, Sunrise Movement, and Raw Tools, and from city council and school board members.
LINKS:
Register Here
More details on the program: buildingpeoplepower719@gmail.com
PPJPC:
Facebook
Instagram
YLT2026:
Facebook
Instagram
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
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What does it mean to be a woman in a world where, in some places, even the most basic freedoms—education, work, sports, and speaking in public—are denied?
Afghan Poet, writer, and speaker Marzia Sadat reflects on the meaning of womanhood through the lens of her own experience and the ongoing struggles of women in Afghanistan. While much of the world celebrates progress, millions of Afghan women remain banned from schools, workplaces, sports, and public life simply because they are women.
She also shares a poem that reflects on the question “Who is a woman?”—describing the strength, dignity, resilience, and humanity that define women beyond the restrictions placed upon them.
Marzia speaks about the courage and resilience of Afghan women who continue to resist silence, and she also expresses solidarity with the women and men in Iran who are bravely standing up for dignity, freedom, and human rights.
Recorded just before March 8th—which is also Marzia’s birthday—this episode is both personal and global. It is a reflection on identity, resilience, and hope for a future where every woman, everywhere, has the freedom to learn, speak, work, and live with dignity.
Follow Marzia on Instagram: instagram.com/the.marziasadat
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
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Learn about an upcoming weeklong summer day camp for teens, Youth Activist Training, hosted by Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission.
We hear from Marzia Sadat, co-director of Youth Activist Training 2025, and also a “graduate” of the program. She’s joined by Loring Wirbel, co-chair of Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. Now in its fourth year, the program has proven immensely popular for the students that later became alumni.
Youth Activist Training (YAT) 2025 runs July 7-11, at a variety of locations including All-Souls Church and Concrete Coyote Park. According to Marzia, YAT is, “an opportunity for young people to discover their strengths, build long-lasting friendships, and find their voices in the world.” Loring shares that the weeklong experience provides some joy, hope and exuberance in tough times. Local nonprofits participating include Concrete Couch, Food to Power, Inside Out Youth Services, and Poetry 719.
LINKS:
Register Here
More details on the program
PPJPC:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YAT2025:
Facebook
Instagram
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
The post Youth Activist Training 2025 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Colorado Springs author Mark Gaebler introduces us to his new science fiction novel, Chronicles of the Yankee Trader: Empress Rising. He and co-author Anthony Gaebler spent over a decade creating it, taking breaks to write other things such as a complete Star Trek series in bible form.
Mark has been writing stories, TV and Movie scripts for 40 years, but – according to Mark – “the catch 22 of both publishing and especially the TV/Movie industry kept me from selling until Page Publishing gave me the opportunity.”
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
LINKS:
Press Release
Chronicles of the Yankee Trader: Empress Rising
Book Trailer on YouTube
More About the Book:
Somewhere deep in the expanse of space, an undesired destiny falls on one who deems herself unworthy. In her early life, she lived in a civilization built on strength, blood, war, and honor. Groomed from birth, she trains as a warrior to fulfill the relentless demands of a cold, unyielding mother, an empress who barely acknowledges her. Now many years later, the burden of rule falls on her. Adding to all she must endure is a revealed truth, a revelation that will change her life, her people’s, and the balance of power in the galaxy–she alone must decide.
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Get to know Katrina “Kat” Nguyen, who is collecting signatures to petition onto the November ballot in the contest to represent Colorado District 5 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Website
Social Media: @kat4house
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
The post Katrina Nguyen: Independent Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
High-school-age youths will have a unique opportunity to learn about activism this summer, thanks to the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. PPJPC volunteers and staff share pertinent details about the Youth Activist Training program offered July 22-26, 2024 in Colorado Springs.
In the studio:
Loring Wirbel
PPJPC Board Chair
Matt Jones
PPJPC Assistant Program Manager
Debra Fortenberry
PPJPC Past Board Chair, Co-Organizer of first YAT (2022)
Dylan Southard
past Youth Activist Training participant
Dave Gardner
SoapBox Host
For more information or to request registration, send an email to buildingpeoplepower719@gmail.com
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 Podcasts when you call, or on the contact form at kjsautohailrepair.com/
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Could plasma be a promising new source of energy with abundant fuel and no waste? A local citizen shares what he has learned.
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 Podcasts when you call, or on the contact form at kjsautohailrepair.com
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Parents are supposed to raise a child to be a good, well-rounded person – to teach them respect, honesty and manners. When they don’t, everyone suffers.
A concerned citizen shares his opinions and experience on this subject.
SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.
Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 when you call, or on the contact form at kjsautohailrepair.com
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Self-esteem, purpose, social justice and emotional intelligence are among the topics, as are empathy, charity and compassion.
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We roamed the crowd at the August Music at the Indy, to find out what's on the minds of the people of Colorado Springs as summer 2021 winds down.
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We roamed the crowd at the first Music at the Indy, to find out what's on the minds of the people of Colorado Springs as we kick off summer of 2021.
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To immunize or not to immunize? Are concerns about harms from vaccinations valid, or an unfounded conspiracy theory? Should parents have the right to decide whether or not their children are vaccinated? Is the proposed bill in the Colorado legislature a needed regulation or a mistake? Three medical experts and one concerned mother weigh in…
The post SoapBox: Vaccinations – Who Should Decide? – April 29 2019 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Should oil wells be required to be drilled no closer than 2500 feet from your kids’ school or your own backyard? Don’t get your information from the spin on TV ads funded by the oil industry. Amy Gray and Leslie Weise of 350 Colorado – two concerned mothers who are active and knowledgeable on this…
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Education, healthcare, roads and gun safety are on the table as Brenda Krause introduces herself. She’s running for Colorado House District 15 and would like your vote. Election day is November 6. Watch for your ballot starting October 15. Check your district and voter registration at govotecolorado.com (Recorded 10/8/18) Links: Electbrendakrause.com Brenda on Facebook
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Marc Snyder discusses his positions on Restorative Justice and the issues that will be on the Nov 6, 2018 ballot. There is mention of his opponents and the “dark money” flowing into the district. Plus: “Why am I running?” Gary Casimir hosts this “kitchen table conversation.” (Recorded 9/14/18) You can learn more about Marc Snyder…
The post SoapBox: Marc Snyder Candidate CO House District 18 – Sept 14 2018 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
This concerns the Manitou Springs – Broadmoor deal to provide revenue relief to the city while the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is closed, and to provide tax relief for the next 50 years to the Broadmoor to aid in rehabilitating the railway. This is a recording of a citizens meeting held July 18, 2018 at…
The post SoapBox: Manitou Cog Railway Petition appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Lori Furstenberg, a voice of the people, wants your vote and bares her soul in this fast paced conversation. She is a court appointed conservator and guardian to seniors, special needs persons and Vets, So, she has heart. Collaborate, communicate, and negotiate is her mantra. In her travels the people have told her they want…
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Ruth Obee, award-winning poet and author, and husband Kent Obee – both prominent, long-time open space advocates in Colorado Springs, share their significant concerns about the proposed North Cheyenne Cañon Master Plan. This plan is scheduled for a vote by the Parks Advisory Board on May 10. They also provide an update and perspective on…
The post SoapBox: N Cheyenne Cañon Master Plan Has Issues appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Colorado Springs City Council is being asked to ease developer requirements in the Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement. Local citizen Dave Gardner takes the mic in the this episode to explain why the proposal needs to be reworked. “We need to assure it doesn’t kill the city budget and ensure Colorado Springs develops in a…
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Tom Reynolds, candidate for Colorado House District 19 opens up about his life, faith, and beliefs. He appears to be a people’s candidate for his concerns about water, highway expansions, the criminal justice system, drug related issues, and most importantly: Kids. Check out his website for more of his positions.(Recorded: 2018 01 15 Episode 14)
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Kyle Lisek, of the Southern Colorado Clean Cities Coalition, and Tristan Bohnen of Environment Colorado provide an update on the electric vehicle and solar group power purchase program for the Pikes Peak region. (recorded 3/13/17) For more information contact Katie or Kyle.
The post SoapBox – Solarize the Springs Update – March 15 2017 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Local citizen/activists Gary Casimir and Dave Gardner review the candidates for Colorado Springs City Council in the April 2017 election and offer their recommendations. Included is analysis of what the endorsements and financial support of the candidates should tell us – particularly with regard to Colorado Springs Forward and the Housing & Building Association of…
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Katie Otterbeck of Environment Colorado and Kyle Lisek of Southern Colorado Clean Cities fill us in on a new group power purchase program to bring discounted solar power to the Pikes Peak region – solar panels and/or electric vehicles. For more information contact Katie or Kyle.
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Do your beliefs really line up with your religion? Gary Casimir reads a commentary by John Pavolvitz.
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You’ve read or heard bits and pieces. Now get the full story from local clean air advocate Jim Riggins and resident Laura Van Der Pol. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) refused to release publicly funded air quality models that show dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide. A concerned mother (Leslie Weise) took them to court. Now CSU…
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Walter Lawson’s comments to Colorado Springs City Council about a proposed amendment to add significant limits to citizens’ ability to appeal land use decisions by the City Planning Commission. Council is expected to vote on this December 13, 2016.
The post SoapBox: Don’t Limit Citizen Appeals of Land Use Decisions appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Pikes Peak region residents step up to the mic and share their gripes, compliments, and/or suggestions about hot topics. (Let us know if you want the mic!)
The post Soapbox: Bobby, Remember Me – October 24, 2016 appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
Creek Week is coming to Colorado Springs–9 days of fun. Listen and sign up.
The post SoapBox: Creek Week – Allison Plute & Travis Willams appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.