The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

Local radio legend and longtime Aurora resident Rick Crandall returns with an update on the Colorado Freedom Memorial’s new Education and Visitor Center. Rick shares what’s taking shape, how the Center will bring the stories behind the Memorial’s names to life, and why Aurora’s community has been essential to the project.

Juliet Dawkins, Executive Director of LuBird’s Light Foundation, joins us to share the personal story behind the organization’s mission to make play accessible to everyone. We explore the impact of LuBird’s Light Playground at Stanley Marketplace, why inclusive play matters, and how the Aurora community is celebrating the playground’s fifth anniversary.

Deepali, the Founder and Artistic Director of Roshni Performing Arts Sanctuary joins to talk about her journey, the creation of Roshni, and Route 15 an immersive theatrical experience inspired by the real stories of people along East Colfax. We also preview Roshni's 6th Annual New American Arts Festival and explore how art can build connection, celebrate culture, and strengthen community in Aurora.

How does a city grow while staying true to what makes it unique? We welcome back Jonathan Woodward, Vice President of the Aurora Economic Development Council, for an inside look at the projects, partnerships, and investments shaping Aurora's future. From business growth and workforce development to innovation and placemaking, discover how economic development impacts the places we live, work, dine, and explore.

The Colorado Diasporic Film Festival is back, bringing powerful stories and cultures to Aurora. Filmmaker and Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub founder Ousmane Ndoye shares how this year's festival, & the new Diasporic FilmHub Village, will transform the Aurora Cultural Arts District into a celebration of film, music, food, art, and community.

Aurora's newest landmark is more than a memorial; it's a promise to remember. Peter Seung Woo-Lee, Becky Hogan, and Suegie Park discuss the new Korean War Veterans Memorial at General's Park. Hear the inspiring story behind the years-long effort to bring this tribute to life, why the Korean War should never be forgotten, and what visitors will discover when they experience this powerful new addition to Aurora.

Dr. PJ Parmar shares the remarkable story behind Mango House, Aurora's one-of-a-kind community hub where healthcare, entrepreneurship, and global cuisine come together under one roof. Hear how a family medicine practice grew into a thriving home for refugee-owned businesses, international restaurants, and community organizations, and why authentic connection is at the heart of everything.

What does a grocery store mean to a community? For Sarah Ibrahim, of Camel International Market on Havana Street, it's about much more than food. In this episode, Sarah shares her personal journey, the inclusive evolution of the market, and how international flavors, halal products, and cultural traditions help people feel connected and at home in Aurora.

Mershops Market Days at Town Center at Aurora, the last two Saturdays of each month, blends fantastic local vendors with live music. Katrina Karczewski from Grateful Garden LLC and Wolf Creek Fresh owner Charlie Larsen discuss local entrepreneurship, fresh food, wellness, and the power of community at this innovative new market. 

In this episode, we sit down with Carla Ladd to discuss entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and the importance of creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses in Colorado. Carla shares the mission behind B.E.S.T. The Black Economic Success Trust, her personal journey, and what attendees can expect from the upcoming B.E.S.T. Success Summit & Expo in Aurora.

The founder of Maria Empanada, Lorena Cantarovici, shares her inspiring journey from Argentina to Colorado, how she built one of the region’s most celebrated food brands, and the powerful role food plays in culture, community, and connection. We also explore Aurora’s growing identity as one of Colorado’s most diverse culinary destinations.

Vivian Egonio-Norman and Danielle Stratton of the Filipino-American Community of Colorado talk about their personal journeys, the richness of Filipino culture in Colorado, and the stories behind "Mosaics of Culture,” a powerful exhibit at the Aurora History Museum. It’s a conversation about heritage, belonging, and what makes Aurora’s diversity so real and so worth celebrating.

Step inside one of Aurora’s most iconic cultural landmarks as we sit down with Lisa Rigsby Peterson, interim Manager of the Aurora Fox Arts Center. With more than 25 years of experience in theater and performing arts, Lisa shares her journey, her vision for the Fox, and how the arts can shape and strengthen a community. 

In this episode, we sit down with Meredith Badler, Deputy Director of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, to explore how arts and culture fuel economic growth across the metro area and what CBCA’s latest Economic Activity Study reveals about the region. We also spotlight Aurora’s creative momentum, highlighting local organizations honored by CBCA and why art is smart business for the city’s future.

For 18 years, Cindy Chang and Helen Du have been the dynamic duo behind Honey Bee Asian Bistro & Sushi, a beloved restaurant in Aurora. From comforting noodle bowls to creative sushi rolls (and yes, even robot servers), Honey Bee is more than a place to eat it’s a testament to friendship, resilience, and the flavors that connect us all.