The Morning Mountain
34 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 10 ratingsMorning Mountain is here to make your news easier. The weekly podcast, hosted by Jackson Bailey and Xavey Bzdek, wraps all the most interesting stories from the Colorado Springs Gazette.
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Episodes
Episode 14 - Election results, advice from firefighters and please, sing Happy Birthday when you wash your hands
November 10, 2022 13:00 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBIn this week's episode of The Morning Mountain, hosts Jackson and Xavey talk about the failed "red wave" that was anticipated for the 2022 Midterm Election and the results of ballot measures. They also share advice from firefighters and discuss one of the latest health concerns for children in Colorado.
Episode 13 - The 462 faces of fentanyl
November 03, 2022 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBIn this week's episode of The Morning Mountain, host Xavey Bzdek highlights "Colorado's 462 faces of fentanyl," a story that shares the lives of fentanyl victims. He also discusses using AI to predict and measure wildfires and a reminds listeners to use The Gazette's voter guide to make educated decisons in the midterm election next week.
Episode 12 - A Mother's Story
October 12, 2022 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Xavey Bzdek and Jackson Bailey discuss the story of a mother who's sexual assault trauma from her time in the military was used against her during a battle over the care for her children. Also featured is a story about a stranded hiker that was rescued after being spotted by a passenger on a train.
Episode 11 - Election topics
September 28, 2022 12:00 - 6 minutes - 9.57 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Xavey Bzdek and Jackson Bailey discusses some of the hot topics that are on the table for the November election. They also discuss the Pueblo Chile Festival, new funding from the White House to combat opioid abuse in Colorado and more.
Episode 10 - The hit to Denver's air quality
September 21, 2022 17:26 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, host Xavey Bzdek discusses the recent change to the status of Denver's air quality to severe and what that means for Coloradoans across the state. Also in this week's episode, funding for clean water systems and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Episode 9 - The state of education in Colorado
September 12, 2022 12:00 - 11 minutes - 16 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, host Xavey Bzdek covers the state of education in Colorado as teacher salaries remain stagnant while education spending continues to increase. He also covers the death of Queen Elizabeth II and a collection of national and local news.
Episode 8 - The Colorado ski industry's deal with Denver
September 05, 2022 12:00 - 6 minutes - 8.57 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, host Jackson Bailey covers the Colorado ski industry's deal with Denver to use water for snowmaking in the fall. The deal is threatened by the call for Colorado River's Upper Basin states to cut water consumption to meet the Lower Basins senior water rights.
Episode 7 - A final rundown on The Gazette's special series examining the state of the Colorado River
August 30, 2022 19:03 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Jackson and Xavey wrap up The Gazette's special series "Tipping Point: The Colorado River in peril." They also discuss the biggest news of the week, such as the Biden administration's announcement of a plan for student loan forgiveness.
Episode 6 - Colorado River updates and traveling tarantulas
August 22, 2022 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, host Jackson Bailey takes on the show by himself. He discusses the newest announcement about water cuts in the Colorado River Basin, hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam and other news, including what you need to know about Colorado's migrating tarantulas.
Episode 5 - The story of Bruce Holder, one of Colorado's largest fentanyl dealers
August 15, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Jackson and Xavey interview Gazette reporter's Seth Klamann and Carol McKinley about their experience reporting "Fentanyl family: Colorado's deadling overdose siege had mom and pop roots," which published July 12, 2022.
Episode 4 - Urban water use and how Colorado Spring sis learning to live with less
August 08, 2022 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Jackson and Xavey interview Gazette reporter Jessica Snouwaert about the Front Range's water sources and how cities are learning to live with less.
Episode 3 - What does the call for water cuts in the Colorado River Basin mean?
August 01, 2022 18:37 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Jackson and Xavey interview Gazette reporter Mary Shinn about the Bureau of Reclamation's announcement that the seven states reliant on the river, including Colorado, need to conserve an additional 2-million to 4 million acre-feet of water next year to preserve the integrity of the stricken system.
Episode 2 - Let's Talk About Recreation on the River
July 25, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this week's episode of Morning Mountain, hosts Jackson and Xavey interview Gazette features reporter Seth Boster about his piece on recreation for The Gazette's special project "Tipping Point: The Colorado in Peril," and examination of the state of the Colorado River.
Episode 1 - Welcome to The Morning Mountain
July 18, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBThe Morning Mountain is a weekly news podcast from the Colorado Springs Gazette, a Pulitzer award winning newspaper founded in 1872. Hosts Jackson Bailey and Xavey Bzdek provide insight into the past week's stories.
New podcast features WWII veterans
December 16, 2019 14:00 - 7 minutes - 8.21 MBWe're losing World War II veterans every day and as they pass, so do their stories. On this week's episode, we talk to Gazette photographer Parker Seibold about our latest podcast, The Last of the Greatest. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Parker Seibold, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Muddy hiking trails
December 09, 2019 14:00 - 7 minutes - 8.77 MBIt’s still early in the winter season, but we’ve had a lot of snow and snow means more mud and moisture on the hiking trails in town. On this week's episode, we talk to Gazette columnist David Ramsey about how he’s battled the mud on some of his favorite trails. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by David Ramsey, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Jail deaths
November 25, 2019 14:00 - 9 minutes - 9.76 MBTwo days before Terry West died at the El Paso County jail, he complained to a nurse of chest pain. She told him to stretch. Minutes before West died, he screamed for help and vomited blood. A medical staffer who was nearby walked away. Yet local authorities ended their probe into any potential missteps when they determined that the jail’s security staff were not at fault. On today’s episode, we talk to Gazette reporter Rachel Riley about deaths at the El Paso County jail. Produced by Kati...
The past, present, and future of Terry Miller
November 18, 2019 14:00 - 8 minutes - 16.7 MBTerry Miller’s past is, no doubt, a bountiful and complicated one. He was the greatest high school athlete in Colorado Springs history as a superlative football running back, he departed Oklahoma State after earning a degree in finance in four years, and replaced O.J. Simpson as Buffalo Bills lead running back. And yet . . . An asterisk floats above the glory. He pleaded guilty in 1999 to bank fraud and was ordered to pay $179,000 in restitution. On this week’s episode, we talk to Gazette co...
E-bikes in Colorado
November 04, 2019 12:00 - 7 minutes - 15.4 MBThe international mountain biking association recently updated its official stance on electronic bikes. Class 1 e-bikes — defined as “low-speed, pedal-assisted” with the motor stopping at 20 mph — could be allowed on trails as long as access is not lost or impeded for traditional mountain bikes. On this week’s episode, we talk to gazette reporter Seth Boster about the controversial form of transportation. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Seth Boster, Colorad...
The trial of Patrick Frazee
October 28, 2019 11:00 - 7 minutes - 14.6 MBThe trial of Florissant rancher Patrick Frazee, 33, accused of beating his fiancée, Kelsey Berreth to death last year, is scheduled to begin with jury selection Monday in Cripple Creek. On this week’s episode, we talk to Gazette reporter Jakob Rodgers about the case and how it’s affected Teller County. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Jakob Rodgers, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Fred E. Krueger buried in Cripple Creek
October 21, 2019 11:00 - 8 minutes - 16.2 MBBeneath the hard earth of Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Cripple Creek, Colorado, lies a boy who went by the name Fred E. Krueger. He had no bearing on the sinister Freddy Krueger from “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, but he is probably better known today than he ever was in his life. On this week’s episode, we talk to gazette reporter Seth Boster about the far less menacing Fred. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Seth Boster, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let ...
Tulsa's initiative to tackle mental illness with affordable housing
October 14, 2019 11:00 - 7 minutes - 15.9 MBNearly 700 miles Southeast of Colorado Springs in the boom or bust oil town of Tulsa, Oklahoma exists an effort to tackle mental illness, not with just therapists or pharmaceuticals, but four walls and a roof. On today’s episode, we talk to Gazette reporter Jakob Rodgers about the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma’s affordable housing initiative. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Jakob Rodgers, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Ros...
Gen. Timothy Ray on aging planes and weapons
October 07, 2019 11:00 - 6 minutes - 7.8 MBGen. Timothy Ray, the officer who oversees two-thirds of America’s nuclear arsenal, is seen by many to be the most likely candidate to replace Gen. David Goldfein next year as the service’s top general. On this week's episode, we sit down with senior military editor Tom Roeder who talked with Gen. Ray about aging planes and weapons amid what seems to be a new cold war. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Trom Roeder, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That S...
The gift of a lifetime: Alex and Audrey's story
September 30, 2019 11:00 - 8 minutes - 17.6 MBAlex Eastman was just 18-years-old when he was diagnosed with a rare chronic kidney disease. 8 years later, he was still waiting for a kidney donor when a friend discovered she had a matching blood type to donate her spare kidney. On this week's episode, we talk to Gazette reporter Stephanie Earls about Alex and Audrey's story. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Stephanie Earls, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Previewing season 3 of Colorado Cold Case: The Watkins File
September 23, 2019 11:00 - 7 minutes - 8.24 MBOn his last ride on the mountain he loved, Tim Watkins set off on his bike for a steady climb of well-traveled Mount Herman Road. Three days after he went missing the search for him led to a shallow grave near the mouth of Limbaugh Canyon. Two years later, nothing’s been settled. Nothing’s been solved. On today’s episode, we sit down with Gazette reporters Lance Benzel and Jakob Rodgers to preview the third season of the Colorado Cold Case podcast. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs...
Chicago jail leading the way in mental health services
September 16, 2019 11:00 - 8 minutes - 9.63 MBIn a division of the Cook County jail known as the Residential Treatment Unit, jailers are trained to act more like therapists than guards. On this week’s episode, we talk to Gazette reporter Rachel Riley, who traveled to Chicago to learn about the institution for people with mental health problems who’ve landed in the criminal justice system. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Rachel Riley, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
The crux of religion and mental health
September 09, 2019 11:00 - 8 minutes - 17 MBPeople with mental health concerns often turn first to a faith leader, according to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. But the faith-based community of Colorado Springs is divided on whether religion hurts more than it helps when it comes to mental illness. On today’s episode, we talk to gazette reporter Debbie Kelley about the most recent installment in our mental health series, the crux of religion and mental health. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Rep...
Prep football starts in Colorado Springs
September 02, 2019 11:00 - 6 minutes - 7.22 MBIt's football season. On this week's episode, we talk to Gazette preps editor Lindsey Smith about coverage strategies, star players and what to watch for this fall. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Lindsey Smith, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Investigation into Gold Hill Mesa, a Colorado Springs housing development
August 26, 2019 11:30 - 9 minutes - 9.94 MBCity and regional building officials learned more than three years ago that perhaps dozens of homes in Gold Hill Mesa were slowly sinking, heaving and flooding, according to documents obtained by The Gazette. As many red flags as that 2016 conversation must have raised, city and regional building officials approved four new phases of development and construction at Gold Hill Mesa over the next year without changing their review or approval processes. On today’s episode, we talk with Gazet...
Expert analysis of body camera footage from officer-involved shooting
August 19, 2019 11:30 - 8 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode of The Gazette's Weekly News Roundup, host Katie Klann interviews reporter Olivia Prentzel about the expert analysis of the body camera footage from the officer-involved shooting of De'Von Bailey. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Olivia Prentzel, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Colorado Springs police-involved shooting of De'Von Bailey
August 12, 2019 11:30 - 8 minutes - 9.19 MBIn this episode of The Gazette's Weekly News Roundup, host Katie Klann interviews reporters Olivia Prentzel and Evan Ochsner about De'Von Bailey, the 19-year-old suspect who was fatally shot by police Saturday is the 5th person killed by Colorado Springs police this year. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Olivia Prentzel and Evan Ochsner, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
Readers share personal accounts about living with mental illness
August 05, 2019 11:30 - 8 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this episode of The Gazette's Weekly News Roundup, host Katie Klann interviews reporter Stephanie Earls about the most recent installment of our mental health series. Since The Gazette's year-long investigative series began in April, dozens of readers have gotten in touch to share personal accounts about living with a mood disorder or mental illness, and the challenges of accessing treatment for themselves or a loved one. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by S...
Ozone levels are down in Colorado Springs
July 29, 2019 11:30 - 9 minutes - 9.85 MBIn this episode of The Gazette's Weekly News Roundup, host Katie Klann interviews reporter Rachel Riley about the reasons for lower ozone levels in Colorado Springs this summer. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Rachel Riley, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere
New Apartments to Help House Chronically Homeless
July 22, 2019 18:34 - 12 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode of The Gazette's Weekly News Roundup, host Katie Klann interviews reporter Jakob Rodgers about a new effort to house the homeless in Colorado Springs – the construction of the $15 million Greenway Flats housing project. Produced by Katie Klann, Colorado Springs Gazette Reporting by Jakob Rodgers, Colorado Springs Gazette Music: Let That Sink In by Lee Rosevere