Episodes

  • Eric Feldbaum and Green Spaces!

    Eric Feldbaum and Green Spaces!
    Jan 23 2026
    Apex Activated dives into what’s new in green space and land management. This episode features Eric Feldbaum of New Hampshire State Parks, aka the Man of Many Names, talking NRPA advocacy, the Land & Water Conservation Fund, and meeting the needs of our greenspaces. From policy work to orchid growing and new-parent life, he does it all. Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeart & more. Like • Follow • Share Let's do this!
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    43 mins
  • Coffee Talk: Let's do the Dang Thing!

    Coffee Talk: Let's do the Dang Thing!
    Jan 9 2026
    We are officially back and kicking off 2026 the only way we know how...honest conversations, a lot of chaos and so many laughs. In this episode, we are looking back on 2025...remember cancer...some of the best friends and guest two girls could have and babies! We are talking about reflections, lessons learned and our words for 2026. And because it wouldn't be coffee talk without it... -more food convos. -more talk about our community. -and more us being us! Coffee talk is here, baby and we cannot wait to share this with you! Show us some love...please! (do we sound like we are begging?) Follow, like, comment, share.
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    26 mins
  • Principal Porter: The Real Deal

    Principal Porter: The Real Deal
    Dec 5 2025
    Okay...real talk. Staying hopeful, as a teen, feels like trying to vibe on 3 hours of sleep during finals week...definitely not 67! (if you know, you know) But some awesome educators are showing up bringing big heart, big leadership and big "I've got your back" energy and today we sit and talk to one of those amazing peeps! Principal Micah Porter walks the halls of Arvada West High School and his take on how our teens are doing these days is all positive! From hyping his students, saddling up next to his teachers, and building real connections, Micah is the real deal! Tune in to hear what teens are thinking and doing, how to build trust and a community within schools and you to lift up the young people in your world. Make sure you follow, like, comment...basically all the things so you don't miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Software, Surfing and Uber?

    Software, Surfing and Uber?
    Nov 21 2025
    Ever wondered what happens when two friends take a random idea, sprinkle in some chaos, caffeine, and fun, and somehow turn it into one of the fastest-rising stars in recreation technology? Or how two former Uber teammates managed to navigate the startup world without losing their minds or their friendship and build Rec Technologies from scratch? Birju and Rachel dive into all this and more in our newest Apex Activated Podcast episode—out today, Thursday, November 21. Listen to this episode if you: -Want to hear how two friends went from Uber to founding Rec Technologies? -Want a behind-the-scenes look at building one of the most up-and-coming recreation tech platforms? -Want to learn how innovators balance ambition, creativity, and real life while scaling a startup? (And by real life, we mean one getting married and one having a baby and one of the SURFS...could they be any cooler?) Tune in starting today, November 21, on Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. And don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and download!
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    52 mins
  • Man on the Street-Mini Mic-Florida Style

    Man on the Street-Mini Mic-Florida Style
    Oct 17 2025

    New Episode Out Now – Apex Activated Podcast

    We took the mic to the floor at this year’s NRPA Conference in Florida and captured the energy firsthand. From reconnecting with past guests like the incredible Kristine Stratton, President of NRPA, to meeting new voices in the parks and recreation world, this episode is full of spontaneous moments, laughter, and real talk about the power of community and public service.

    It’s a fast-paced, feel-good listen that highlights the passion driving today’s leaders in parks and rec.

    🎧 Streaming now on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Podbean, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    👍 Don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and download—your support keeps this mic rolling.

    Brought to you by the National Recreation and Park Association.
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    22 mins
  • From Colorado Roots to Capitol Hill: Representative Brittany Pettersen

    From Colorado Roots to Capitol Hill: Representative Brittany Pettersen
    Oct 3 2025
    In this inspiring and candid episode, we sit down with U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen to talk about her journey that led her from her upbringing in Colorado to walking and serving in the halls of Congress. With honesty and a huge heart, she opens up about how her family shaped her work, the pivotal moments that led her into public service, with the help of our own Katie Groke, and the passion behind what fuels her work in Washington today. We dive into her legislative priorities, her hopes for the future, what being a mom on Capitol Hill looks like and why she is more energized that ever to serve the people she represents. This is one powerful conversation that you do not want to miss, filled with resilience, purpose, and the kind of hope we are all looking for. Whether you are all about policy, looking for an uplifting story, or are a mama raising babies like Rep. Pettersen, this episode will leave you feeling ready to hit the ground running. Listen NOW on Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts. And don’t forget to follow, like, comment and download!
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    49 mins
  • Leading with Commitment and Purpose with Author of Leadership by Design Annie Frisoli

    Leading with Commitment and Purpose with Author of Leadership by Design Annie Frisoli
    Sep 19 2025

    Last year our team met with Annie Frisoli about becoming intentional leaders and wow did it speak to us and change our mindset!

    Listen in as you hear Annie talk about her journey to where she is now, how parks and recreation helped lead her here and what becoming an intentional leader means and how to become just that.

    There is not a one size fits all model for being a great leader and Annie will help you find your perfect approach all while inspiring you, making you laugh and being the girl you want in your corner!

    You do not want to miss this one!
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Women Leading Women with Lakita Frazier

    Women Leading Women with Lakita Frazier
    Sep 5 2025
    Apex Activated is coming in hot with one of our fave people, Lakita Frazier. Lakita is a Senior Consultant at Barry Dunn where she leads strategic planning and facility construction. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and was inducted into the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration in 2020. But there's more...she is a mama, a grandma and she started Women in Parks and Recreation (WiPAR) and is bringing amazing women from across the globe together for yearly retreats and talks and inspiring us to get in the board rooms, get on the trails, and be movers and shakers. Our conversation with her was inspiring, but also so gentle and you feel her kindness and love for people come through as you get to know her! Grab your phone and find your favorite place outside and listen to this awesome chat with Lakita!
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    53 mins