Colorado Soul Stories
Mama Jill interviews legendary place-makers, local creatives, musicians and keepers of our gorgeous natural settings. From Colorado’s Front Range to deep into the mountains.
Episodes
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Sarah Anderson of Heavy Diamond Ring
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Mama Jill interviews the front woman of her favorite Colorado band, Heavy Diamond Ring. Join the conversation as they go in-depth, reflecting on how Sarah's upbringing influenced her career in music and how the landscape of Colorado continues to provide inspiration for the band's reflective song-writing. Meeting in Kittridge on the cusp of the release of their new album, Sarah shares how the band came together so organically and the joy of working with such a talented group of happy musicians.
Please subscribe and rate the pod! More info here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstoriespodcast
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this thrilling episode of Colorado Soul Stories, join us as Jojo Elmquist recounts a wild night in Westcliff during the late 1980s. Discover how an ordinary evening at a local bar spirals into a surprising encounter with cowboys, guns, and a strict sheriff who enforces his own brand of justice. Experience the vibrant spirit and tight-knit community of a small Colorado town as JoJo navigates through unexpected predicaments with humor and candor.
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
"From Shadows to Light: An Artist's Journey of Hope"
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Welcome to Colorado Soul Stories, a podcast dedicated to telling the tales of creative individuals who have shaped the essence of Colorado. Join your host, Mama Jill, as she travels to Westcliffe, Colorado, to meet Andy Mast, an inspiring artist with Amish roots. Discover Andy's journey from the Amish farmlands of Illinois to becoming a renowned artist in Colorado and the world. Through personal trials and unwavering determination, Andy found healing and hope in his art, leading him to create pieces that bring peace and comfort to others. Dive into his captivating story that highlights the power of resilience and creativity.
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Ana Maria Vasquez: Animal and Nature Intuitive
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
In this episode of Colorado Soul Stories, long-time Colorado resident and host Mama Jill takes us on a journey with Ana Maria Vasquez, a multi-sensory intuitive who communicates with animals and nature. Recorded in the serene environment of Nathrop, Colorado, Ana Maria shares her transformative life journey from losing everything in the 2008 recession to discovering her unique connection with nature and her role as an animal communicator.
Join in to hear about her encounter with a wise tree that set her on the path to understanding the interconnectedness of all life. From tales of manifesting love intentionally to her work with global clients, Ana Maria’s story is one filled with surprising revelations, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Colorado's landscapes.
The episode also sheds light on practical ways to connect with nature's energies, whether through grounding, earthing, or the creation of sacred spaces like medicine wheels. Dive into this soulful storytelling that explores personal transformation and the power of nature's unseen communication.
And as always subscribe and rate the podcast. More information on this episode and the podcast can be found here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstoriespodcast
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
The eXposed Storytelling Series
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Do you have a story to tell that you've never really told anyone because it was traumatic, devastating or humiliating? These stories can eat away at us sometimes if they don't come out. eXposed Storytelling gives folks an accepting place to do this and it is intense! Join Mama Jill for an enlightening conversation with founder Josie Nixon and peer, Cooper Braun. More info about each podcast can be found here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstories
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Cipriano Ortega: LoLo House
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Cipriano Ortega is a longtime Northsider in Denver with deep roots. During this episode we discuss his newly released album, LoLo House as well as all of his creative activity.
We have discussions on home and how the changes in Colorado have affected us. You'll be treated to a performance of one of his new songs from his album, playing his custom-built two-string bass toward the end. Enjoy!
More info on each podcast can always be found here: https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/coloradosoulstories
Please subscribe and if you would like to donate or promote your organization as a sponsor, visit that same link. Thanks! Mama Jill
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Introduction to Colorado Soul Stories
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Meet your host for Colorado Soul Stories, Mama Jill.
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Exposed 2.0: JoJo Reads a Story
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
After you listen to the Exposed Storytelling, Episode 2, listen how JoJo Elmquist found the Exposed open mic in Northeast Denver, which led her to join that crew at their performance at the Bug Theatre this past May. She tells one of her stories.
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Muddy's Coffee House: Culture, Civility and Refuge
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
In the early 1970s when Denver was a much more isolated city, Muddy's Coffee House emerged out of a vacant building and provided an oasis of culture, civility and refuge for folks from all walks of life. Check it out!
And for extra info about what we talked about go here:
https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/muddyscoffeehouse
To donate or become a sponsor go here:
https://www.jillcarstenswriter.com/about-3-1







