Mile High Magazine Podcast

Guest: Gabriel Guillaume Executive Director

Second Wind Fund works to prevent youth suicide by removing financial and social barriers to mental health treatment. The organization partners with approximately 300 therapists across Colorado who specialize in suicide prevention and connects them with at-risk youth referred by parents, schools, faith-based groups, and other community organizations. Serving 44 of Colorado's 64 counties, Second Wind Fund provides in-person therapy and supports between 600 and 800 young people each year. With Colorado consistently ranking among the states with the highest suicide rates, the need for these services remains critical. In 2025 alone, 65 Colorado youth died by suicide, including 25 children between the ages of 10 and 14.

thesecondwindfund.org

Guest: Pearlanne Zelarney Co-Dir. Communications

There is no higher civic responsibility than voting, with Sept. 16 being National Voter Registration Day. With 800 League Chapters in all 50 states, the League of Women Voters is working feverishly to get Denver and Colorado ready for the forthcoming mid-term elections. From registration to non-candidate ballot insights the League is getting the word out.

https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-denver

Guest: Charles Gilford Chief Executive Officer

Inner City Health is a community-based healthcare center that provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services to patients across more than 30 ZIP codes in the Denver metro area. Serving a multigenerational patient base, the organization is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable primary care and provides approximately $1 million in uncompensated care each year. Their annual fundraising event, Jazzed, will take place on September 18 with this year’s theme, “Harmony of Healing.” The event will feature a performance by Hazel Miller, a silent auction, and catering by Spice of Life.

JazzInnerCityHealth.org.

Guest: Maria Chavez Board President

Front Range German Shepherd Rescue was founded by a former German Shepherd show-line breeder who recognized the need for breed-specific rescue services. Celebrating 20 years as an incorporated rescue in 2026, the organization specializes in matching German Shepherds with families that understand the breed's unique needs and temperament. Their greatest need is foster homes, which help provide temporary care for dogs as they await adoption. On September 12, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Skiptown, the rescue will host its biggest fundraiser of the year, featuring trainer demonstrations, a silent auction, a mini runway show with adoptable dogs, and a celebration of the organization's impact. Their message is simple: rescue dogs aren't broken, they've just been let down by people.

FRGSR.org.

Guest: Dr. Xavier Glover, Urologist, Advent Health Parker

September is Men’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Although men are doing a better job with prostate screenings too many are still unnecessarily dying from skipping the checkups. Many are also using self-testing to avoid medical professionals which have been known to deliver false readings. If you have been putting off prostate screening, and encourage those who have been to continue.

Guest: Dr. Hans Elzinga, Director of Special Procedures Clinic for Salud Family Health and volunteer medical expert for the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society has updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to include a blood-based screening test as an option for people who prefer not to use stool-based tests or undergo a colonoscopy. Screening is now recommended starting at age 45 due to rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. Early detection is critical, as colorectal cancer is often highly treatable when caught early. It remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with more than 55,000 deaths expected this year. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, narrowed stools, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or persistent abdominal fullness.

https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/colorado.html

Guest: Angela Green Urbaczewski, Chief Marketing Officer VMRC.

The use of wearables, voice assistants, streaming services and smart devices by older adults is increasing markedly. However, for many it is still challenging because of the speed technology changes.

Guest: Bill "Big Bill" Ficke

Bill's path to owning a pizzeria started with a joke while grabbing a slice of pizza. When the owner mentioned he was looking for a partner for a new location, Bill jumped at the opportunity. A year later, he bought out his partner, and in 1995 the restaurant became Big Bill's New York Pizza. Following the events of 9/11, Bill, a New Yorker himself, opened his restaurant as a gathering place for the community and soon organized fundraisers that raised nearly $70,000 for firefighters and their families. Those efforts became the restaurant's annual Day of Giving, which later shifted its focus to supporting local causes in Denver. After losing his wife, JoAnn, to cancer in 2007, Bill established the JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation, and today Day of Giving benefits six cancer organizations. Each September 11, customers pay what they wish for their pizza, often donating far more than the cost of their meal. Last year, the event raised an incredible $170,000.

https://www.jbfcf.org/9-11-day-of-giving.html      

Guest: Anthony Moisant, Chief Information Officer

Artificial Intelligence use is widespread and growing. One area where Ai is instrumental is with job searches. Today with Ai you input more than just a resume. For many companies their Ai system is also your initial gatekeeper. To use it more effectively we touch base with the operator of America’s leading job/career search system, Indeed.

Guest: Melissa Monforti Executive Director

PlatteForum supports 50 Denver-area high school students each year through a paid, year-long arts internship program. Students work alongside professional resident artists as they create new bodies of work for public exhibition. Recently relocated to the Santa Fe Art District, PlatteForum is now surrounded by galleries, museums, and youth-serving organizations. Its current exhibition, Future Archives, features vibrant works in printmaking and copper sculpture created in collaboration with participating youth. The gallery is free and open to the public Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. The exhibition's title reflects the idea that the work we create today becomes the archive of tomorrow.

platform.org

Guest: Guest: Sharon Knight, CEO and President

The new 21^st Century Road to Housing Act helps to preserve housing rental units in both urban and largely rural areas. For Coloradans the new law helps families with housing vouchers to get into homes more quickly and to afford new residence resources for renters. An organization that assists with housing for low income, immigrant, and older adult families is Hope Communities.

https://hopecommunities.org/

Guest: Sharon Knight, CEO and President

The new 21^st Century Road to Housing Act helps to preserve housing rental units in both urban and largely rural areas. For Coloradans the new law helps families with housing vouchers to get into homes more quickly and to afford new residence resources for renters. An organization that assists with housing for low income, immigrant, and older adult families is Hope Communities.

https://hopecommunities.org/

Guest: Linda Villarosa Author

The book “Under the Skin” takes on the continuing racial disparities in health care services delivery to African Americans and to people of color. The book underscores one prevalent area of maternity care where African American mothers die during or following childbirth at rates still too alarming and what can be done to make changes.

Guest: Nathan Richie Co-Chair

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary and Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood, a bipartisan commission of 21 members, established by legislation signed into law in 2022, is leading statewide initiatives to mark these historic milestones. Efforts include designating 150 new historic landmarks, installing historical signage, collecting oral histories, and hosting 150 drone shows across Colorado. Signature events include the summit of all 58 Colorado fourteeners on Colorado Day, August 1, alongside celebrations across the state. The commission is also supporting educational exhibits, downloadable resources for schools and museums, and a Colorado Digital Passport that encourages residents and visitors to explore the state's history, culture, and outdoor destinations while earning rewards.  Did you know one of America's most iconic candies got its start in Colorado? Jolly Rancher was founded in Golden in 1949, growing from a small ice cream business into the world-famous candy brand we know today.

am250co150.org

Guest: Dr. Whitney High, Director, Dermatology Clinic

Deeply penetrating skin causing wrinkles and aging along with sunburn, ultraviolent rays, UA & UB, are the adverse components of these beautiful sunny hot days.

Guest: Tim Jones Executive Director

Founded 13 years ago, Longer Tables was created to help people build meaningful connections with one another, including those they might never otherwise meet. By bringing communities together around a shared meal, often in a potluck-style setting, the organization creates opportunities for conversation, storytelling, and belonging. On August 1, Longer Tables will host Mile Long Table at the National Western Center, bringing together 5,000 people for a western-inspired dinner catered by Serendipity Catering. Sponsored by Southwest Airlines, the event will also feature live music, Colorado’s largest birthday cake, and other surprises. Guests are encouraged to follow two simple rules: be yourself and don’t talk about work, creating an atmosphere that fosters authentic connection and community.

milelongtable.org

Guest: Dr. Whitney High, Director, Dermatology Clinic

Deeply penetrating skin causing wrinkles and aging along with sunburn, ultraviolent rays, UA & UB, are the adverse components of these beautiful sunny hot days.

Guest: Kim Salvacceo, Chief Executive Officer, the Center.

The Pridefest recognition is especially important this year given the anti-LGBTQ atmosphere emminating from Washington, DC. Coupled with this is the range of personal and community services available to adults, such as West of 50 and to youth, as Rainbow Alley, at The Center on Colfax.

Guest: Kim Salvacceo, Chief Executive Officer, the Center.

The Pridefest recognition is especially important this year given the anti-LGBTQ atmosphere emminating from Washington, DC. Coupled with this is the range of personal and community services available to adults, such as West of 50 and to youth, as Rainbow Alley, at The Center on Colfax.

Guest: Monica Montes Event and Marketing Coordinator 

Cup helps young people in the community bridge the difficult transition from high school into adulthood by meeting them exactly where they are—whether they’re facing addiction, unstable housing, single parenting, or simply feeling stuck. Through the Youth Empowerment Program, a 12‑week journey that teaches essentials like budgeting, cooking, and even changing a tire, teens build confidence and life skills before moving into paid employment at the coffee house. There, they work behind the counter with mentors, learn inventory, leadership, marketing, and even run private events. Youth are hired through community nominations or by applying themselves. Anyone can support the mission by stopping by for coffee, donating online, or becoming a mentor. Their annual gala will be held on September 19th at the Gaylord Rockies.

cupcolorado.org

Guest: Chelsea Rosty VP Community Programs & Communications

Energy Outreach Colorado is a statewide nonprofit that helps income‑qualified residents access affordable, reliable energy, supporting people at every stage of their energy‑security journey. They provide crisis assistance to prevent utility shutoffs, fund emergency furnace repairs and replacements, deliver home energy‑efficiency upgrades, connect households to community solar subscriptions, and advocate for long‑term energy solutions. With one in four Coloradans struggling to pay energy bills—and with aging electric infrastructure driving costs higher—the organization fills a critical gap, especially in summer when state assistance programs pause and electricity‑powered cooling becomes costly. Serving households generally below 80% of area median income, as well as those with medical energy needs, Energy Outreach Colorado supported more than 120,000 people last year.

energyoutreach.org

Guest: Zak Ferry Executive Director

The Lion Project is working to reduce food insecurity across the Denver metro area by placing mobile food markets at neighborhood schools, giving children and families reliable access to essential resources while easing financial strain. Each market is a repurposed 52‑foot semi‑truck trailer designed to serve about 100 families per week, stocked through partnerships with local nonprofits and grocery stores that help redirect surplus food to households in need. By keeping families fed and supported, the initiative strengthens community stability and prevents unnecessary family separation. The organization will celebrate the launch of its first mobile food pantry with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on June 20th.

thelionproject.org

Guest: Kelsey Simpkins Communications and Programs Manager

Simple Steps for Better Air is the Regional Air Quality Council’s summer effort to cut pollution along the Front Range by focusing on small daily habits that make a real difference. Avoiding unnecessary car idling reduces the emissions that help create ground‑level ozone—an invisible pollutant formed when tailpipe emissions mix with heat and sunlight during Colorado’s hot summer days. While ozone high in the stratosphere protects us from UV radiation, ozone near the ground can harm people with asthma, lung conditions, older adults, and children. Residents can check daily conditions through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or most weather apps, work from home when possible, fuel vehicles after 5 p.m., and take advantage of a 30% discount on electric lawn and garden equipment through 2026. These simple steps help protect both our air and our health.

SimpleStepsBetterAir.org.

Guest: Eileen Doherty, Executive Director, Seniors Answers

This Colorado Legislative session lawmakers approved extending the Senior Homestead Exemption for another year. In addition, they passed several pieces of legislation with implications for Older Adults.