Behind the Springs
News & Politics
About
Can a local government podcast be fun? Jennifer Schreuder from the City of Colorado Springs Communications Department says “yes!” Join Jen for our lighthearted, in-depth discussions with Colorado Springs' elected officials and employees as we learn what keeps Olympic City USA ranked in the country's top three best places to live. If you enjoy life with Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods but want to be more in the know about what's going on in your city, this podcast is for you. ColoradoSprings.Gov/Podcast
Episodes
- BTS Episode 183: Safety Snapshot with Chief Vasquez
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez joins Behind the Springs to discuss how technology, including drones, is utilized in the Real Time Crime Center. The conversation touches on declining crime rates and challenges facing the depar…
- BTS Episode 182: Talkin’ Trees
Behind the Springs Episode 182 introduces the new City Forester and discusses their team’s efforts in maintaining numerous trees throughout Colorado Springs, noting the wide-ranging advantages for the community.
- Episode 181: Ready Set Go
Colorado's Fire Chief discusses the state's record warm winter and spring, the associated wildfire risks, and preparedness measures by the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the community.
- Episode 180: Major Milestones
The Pikes Peak region is celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary and America's 250th year of independence with various events. Local historians share insights on these milestones and the importance of reflection.
- Episode 179: Southeast Strong
Episode 179 of Behind the Springs discusses the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan, a community planning initiative addressing transportation, economic development, culture, housing, public safety, and public health.
- Episode 178: Above and Beyond at COS Airport
The Aviation Director discusses improvements at Colorado Springs Airport (COS), its new international status, and the process for adding new destinations.
- Episode 177: Priorities for 2026
Mayor Yemi shares his word of the year, focus, and outlines the City team’s main priorities for 2026 in this episode of Behind the Springs.
- Episode 176: The Mayor’s 2025 Report
In Episode 176, Mayor Yemi presents the local government's 2025 report, highlighting ten key achievements in public safety, infrastructure, housing, and economic vitality. The episode also includes a personal segment on holiday traditions.
- Episode 175: Skate in the Park
The holiday tradition of an ice-skating rink in Acacia Park, built by city employees, is discussed. It offers a reason to visit downtown during the holiday season.
- Episode 174: Ready for Snow
Behind the Springs Episode 174 discusses the city
- Episode 173: It’s Arts Month!
October is Arts Month in the Pikes Peak region, focusing on its arts and culture. Two guests join to provide background on the event and suggest ways to celebrate.
- Episode 172: ‘Tis the season for the Pikes Peak Highway
Episode 172 of Behind the Springs discusses the Pikes Peak Highway, highlighting fall and winter as ideal times to visit. A local expert provides guidance for navigating the scenic drive to the mountain's peak.
- Episode 171: State of the City Address
Mayor Yemi delivered his third State of the City address, framing it as a 'halftime report' on the city's accomplishments and challenges midway through his term.
- Episode 170: Ask the Mayor
In this episode of Behind the Springs, Mayor Yemi addresses questions from residents regarding public safety, roads, and homelessness. He outlines his priorities and future plans.
- Episode 169: Sweet New Senior Center
The Colorado Springs Senior Center, a long-standing community resource, is moving to a larger, enhanced facility. Guests join to discuss the new features and their significance for the community.
- Episode 168: Budget Breakdown
Episode 168 of Behind the Springs covers the summertime budget season in local government. Mayor Yemi and the Chief Financial Officer explain the budget process and discuss measures for responsible management of taxpayer funds.
- Episode 167: The Parking Plan
The manager of the Colorado Springs Parking Enterprise discusses the city's parking situation, covering garages, meters, and enforcement, as well as a new parking plan.
- Episode 166: Rock Ledge Ranch is 150!
Rock Ledge Ranch, located in Garden of the Gods Park, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The historic site, originally known as Camp Creek Valley, was named Rock Ledge Ranch in June 1875 by Elsie Chambers.
- Episode 165: Let’s Get Together
Behind the Springs episode 165 discusses the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings Initiative, encouraging listeners to connect and build community as the weather improves.
- Episode 164: The Master Plan
Colorado Springs is undertaking a master plan process for its parks system, seeking public input to guide decisions for the next ten years. The initiative aims to foster community engagement and preserve the local legacy.
- Episode 163: Police Appreciation Week
Episode 163 of Behind the Springs focuses on Police Appreciation Week, remembering officers lost in the line of duty and reflecting on the work of police in Colorado Springs. The episode includes conversations with two members of the polic…
- Episode 162: City Councilmembers, International Travel and Spring Cleaning
Mayor Yemi joins Behind the Springs to discuss recent city happenings, including the appointment of new City Councilmembers and updates from COS Airport.
- Episode 161: It’s Spring! What does that mean?
In Episode 161 of Behind the Springs, Mayor Yemi joins to discuss the seasonal shift from snowplow operations to paving and potholes. He also provides updates on the parks system and encourages voting by April 1st.
- Episode 160: Female Firefighters
Four female firefighters from Colorado Springs share their experiences in the role and discuss strategies for recruiting more women to the department, highlighting the contributions they make.
- Episode 159: Fire Marshal's Memories
Brett Lacey, fire marshal since 1998, is retiring after 32 years with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. This episode reviews advancements in preparedness and shares anecdotes from his service.
- Episode 158: Ask Mayor Anything
In this episode of Behind the Springs, Mayor Yemi addresses listener questions submitted via social media, covering subjects from potholes to football.
- Episode 157: Housing and Homelessness
The episode introduces the new Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer, a Colorado Springs native, who shares her personal journey. She discusses the city's and its partners' strategies for addressing housing and homelessness challenges.
- Episode 156: What is TRP?
Episode 156 of Behind the Springs discusses the City's Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP), highlighting its importance during Therapeutic Recreation Month. The program leader, with 25 years of experience, and her team provide recreationa…
- Episode 155: Word of the Year
In Episode 155, Mayor Yemi discusses his chosen word for 2025, intended to guide city decisions. The episode also covers cold weather preparedness, wildfire readiness, and collaborations with the Trump administration.
- Episode 154: Looking forward
In the final episode of 2025, Mayor Yemi reviews the year's achievements and discusses priorities for the coming year. He also shares reflections on the holiday season.
- Episode 153: Workforce Wins
Behind the Springs, Episode 153 features a new City employee dedicated to workforce development and supporting local businesses in hiring. The initiative is presented as a community-wide benefit.
- Episode 152: Together COS
The Colorado Springs Police Department is implementing technology, including resident camera footage and drones via its Real Time Crime Center, to improve crime-solving efficiency and community safety through a program called Together COS.
- Episode 150: 4th quarter update from Mayor Yemi
In Episode 150 of Behind the Springs, Mayor Yemi shares the 4th quarter update for the City. The discussion covers priorities and progress on infrastructure, public safety, the Veterans Day parade, and voting.
- Episode 151: Lifesaving program
The Whole Blood Program at the Colorado Springs Fire Department was instrumental in saving two lives when a pregnant individual experienced a severe complication involving significant blood loss during labor. This episode discusses the pro…
- Episode 149: Stay posted about Parks
This episode features the parks director discussing updates on city parks, trails, and open spaces, including new developments and public input. Ideas for places to visit and enjoy are also shared.
- Episode 148: Back to School
In Episode 148 of Behind the Springs, Mayor Yemi and Lt. Miyakusu discuss the city team's efforts to ensure school safety both on and off campus. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and statistics.
- Episode 147: Pikes Peak Rising
First Lady Abbey Mobolade discusses the Pikes Peak Rising movement, which offers a website to guide individuals and their loved ones toward improved mental health and highlights regional resources.
- Episode 146: The museum is back!
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum has reopened following a significant restoration. This episode discusses the benefits for visitors, including new exhibits, improved spaces, and enhanced care for artifacts.
- Episode 145: Olympic City USA
Episode 145 of Behind the Springs discusses the upcoming Paris Games from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. The episode also features Mayor Yemi discussing public safety and a strategic community plan.
- Episode 144: Pikes Peak Highway
This episode of Behind the Springs discusses the Pikes Peak Highway, covering its shuttle service, special events, and the significance of marmots in marking the beginning of summer.
- Episode 143: Checking in with Mayor Yemi
In "Episode 143: Checking in with Mayor Yemi," the Mayor of Colorado Springs discusses the city's recent "Best Places to Live" rankings and provides updates on public safety initiatives, including police and fire departments. He also share…
- Episode 142: This is a wild one
The episode features an interview with the Colorado Springs Fire Marshal about wildfire risk predictions for the summer and community preparedness.
- Episode141: Safe Passage
This episode discusses Safe Passage, an organization that aids sexually abused children. It highlights the community's role and the city's involvement in supporting child healing, particularly during Child Abuse Awareness Month.
- Episode 140: Paving the Way
Mayor Yemi discusses the city's response to a recent snowstorm and the resulting potholes. The episode details Measure 2C as the long-term solution for roadway maintenance and urges voters to learn about and extend it.
- Behind the Springs Podcast Episode 138: Springs in Bloom
The Springs in Bloom program, now in its 20th year, encourages residents to adopt flowerbeds to enhance city beautification. This episode discusses the program and other horticultural initiatives in Colorado Springs with the City's Horticu…
- Behind the Springs Episode 139: Tapping into restaurant experience.
In Behind the Springs Episode 139, Mayor Yemi and City Councilmember Michelle Talarico share insights from their time in the restaurant industry and connect it to their current leadership roles.
- Episode 137: Good Housing News
Episode 137 of Behind the Springs discusses a significant grant awarded to a partner organization. This grant will provide housing for young adults and benefit the wider community, highlighting the city's involvement and the efforts of loc…
- Episode 136: Preventing Car Theft Together
Episode 136 of Behind the Springs discusses the rise in car thefts in Colorado Springs, with nearly 4,400 vehicles stolen in 2022 and an estimated 33% increase in 2023. The episode covers police strategies and actions listeners can take to…
- Episode 135: Community Centers and Events
This episode of Behind the Springs focuses on community building, highlighting an upcoming Black History Month event at Hillside Community Center in February. Mayor Yemi shares insights on community activation as a priority.
- Episode 134: Looking back and moving forward
In this episode, Mayor Yemi reviews the city team's significant accomplishments from 2023. He also shares his vision for 2024, including specific action items, and expresses gratitude for community feedback and his personal New Year's cust…