Guest: Moumita Naidu, MD - Wheat Ridge, CO – Cardiology

February marks American Heart Month, a national effort to raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. By 2050, an estimated six in ten adults may experience some form of cardiovascular disease. A simple first step is tracking everything you eat and drink for a week to better understand your nutritional choices. Reading food labels often reveals surprisingly high sodium and sugar levels in common foods. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and newer research shows that high‑intensity and muscle‑strengthening activities—such as HIIT, weightlifting, and sprint intervals—offer significant cardiovascular benefits. By building these habits now—before symptoms ever appear—we give ourselves the best chance at a healthier future. Heart health isn’t defined by age; it’s shaped by the choices we make every day. February serves as a reminder that even small, consistent steps can protect our hearts for years to come.

https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/colorado/

Guest: Shelby Mattingly CEO

The Women’s Bean Project was founded by Jossie Ayer after recognizing a need for long‑term solutions to help women break the cycle of poverty. Starting with $500 and two women from a local shelter, the organization has grown into a nonprofit social enterprise that employs women facing significant barriers to employment. While producing and packaging more than 50 products, participants also receive comprehensive wraparound services, case management, and education to support their transition into stable jobs. Many women find the program through word of mouth, the justice system, or sober‑living environments. There can be a real sense of shame and isolation in having come out of the variety of circumstances or still dealing with the circumstances women in their program are dealing with, a core component of what they do is treating people with deep respect and belief in their worth and their value as a person and all of the things that they're capable of.

womensbeanproject.com

Guest: Pos Ryant Co-founder

Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization is a wellness‑focused nonprofit that uses Tai Chi to help individuals connect with their bodies, calm their minds, and choose peace. Its umbrella program, Connected in Motion, blends Tai Chi with meaningful conversations to create a peer‑support model that strengthens community connections and combats loneliness. The organization also offers Laws of Life, a STEM‑informed program emphasizing Leadership, Arts, Wellness, and Skilled Trades, providing youth with hands‑on learning and leadership opportunities. All programs are offered free of charge to ensure accessible, community‑based support for young people.

AOPYO.org

Guest: Wes Allison President and CEO

Wes Allison is beginning his first year as President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show. He grew up in agriculture, showed livestock in Denver as a kid, and has spent 25 years working in stock shows. This year’s event will debut new facilities and continue expanding in the coming years. The Stock Show will award $650,000 in scholarships to students from Colorado and Wyoming. It remains the only major show that still features the historic yards, honoring its roots in beef cattle. The event runs January 10–25, with Pete Coors serving as Grand Marshal of the parade. With everything from dog and horse shows to the rodeo, the Stock Show offers something for everyone.

nationalwestern.com

Guest: Matthew Fritz-Mauer Executive Director

Denver’s minimum wage will rise to $19.29 per hour on January 1, and all employers must update their payroll systems to comply with the new rate, which increases annually based on the cost of living. Wage theft occurs when workers are not paid what they are legally owed—whether proper hourly wages, overtime, or paid sick leave—and Denver Labor offers free assistance to anyone who believes their rights have been violated, recovering $2.3 million for 7,200 workers in 2025 alone. As more people turn to gig apps for extra income, many are misclassified as independent contractors, leaving them without minimum wage protections, overtime, paid sick leave, or employer tax contributions, since workplace rights apply only to employees. Staying informed and speaking up ensures every worker receives the fair treatment they deserve.

denverwages.org

Guest: Paula Schriefer CEO

The immigration crackdown is having a devastating effect upon legal immigrants doing translation services for companies and government agencies. The Spring Institute provides these services while also assisting refugees with career pathways and assisting medical professionals to also become certified in America.

https://springinstitute.org/

AgeWise Colorado is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting older adults and addressing key aging‑related issues such as housing, transportation, healthcare, and caregiving. Serving adults ages 40 to 100, the organization offers more than 160 categories of resources, including emerging age‑tech tools like fall‑detection systems. The need for support is significant: 70% of people over 65 will require some form of care. Financial insecurity is also common—14% of Coloradans over 65 live below the federal poverty line, one in five households in this age group are renters, and assisted living often exceeds $7,000 per month. Community involvement makes a meaningful difference. Even simple volunteer efforts, such as providing transportation, can help older adults navigate the challenges of aging—because aging doesn’t come with an instruction manual.

Guest: Paula Schriefer CEO

The immigration crackdown is having a devastating effect upon legal immigrants doing translation services for companies and government agencies. The Spring Institute provides these services while also assisting refugees with career pathways and assisting medical professionals to also become certified in America.

https://springinstitute.org/