The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

The historic Aurora Fox Theater is an iconic space in the heart of the Aurora Cultural Arts district. More than a venue, The Aurora Fox Theater Center promotes arts advocacy, provides a dynamic space for artists to grow, and also serves the community through performing arts education.

Aurora is home to The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, which transforms every holiday season into a showplace like no other. From larger-than-life sculptures of ICE! Featuring A Christmas Story, Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, and so much more. The splendor of the holiday season can be found in your own backyard. Don't miss what has become a Colorado holiday tradition.

Lieutenant Kathleen Hancock, the highest-ranking black female firefighter in the history of Aurora Fire Rescue, shares her journey, gives us insight into life as a first responder, and the importance of mentoring a future generation of women leaders.

Founded by former Denver Broncos Quarterback Brian Griese and his wife, Brooke, Judi's House in Aurora provides research-based care to grieving children and their families at no cost. CEO Jessica Maitland-Mayo discusses her journey through grief & how Judi's house is providing invaluable support to our community.

The City of Aurora's Global Fest is a multicultural experience bringing the sights, sounds, and flavors of nations worldwide to celebrate the diverse people and communities that call Aurora home. Aurora’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Minsoo Song, & the Chair of the Colorado Ethiopian Community Organization, Samuel Gebremichael, give us insight into the tenth edition of this marquee Aurora event.

As the only beachfront celebration within 1500 miles, Aurora Pride is among the most unique events in the country. More than just a party, Aurora Pride provides safe spaces, educational resources, medical resources, & more to the Front Range's LGBTQIA community. Zander Oklar serves as Aurora Pride's Executive Director and is a vocal community advocate.

Can you imagine looking forward to going to the dentist? The Dental Bar is doing just that by taking a modern, chic, comfortable approach to dentistry. Dr. Kha Nguyen & Dr. Lynn Doan are merging their dental expertise with an innovative and fun concept that will redefine the oral health experience in Aurora and beyond.

A legacy spanning three generations, Sam's Meat and Deli has served Aurora for more than 40 years. Through sourcing high-quality meats & maintaining a sense of community with her customers, Debbie Sam has carried on her father's dream while leading a new generation to helm this important institution.

Aurora native Lewis Warren is a testament to taking your passion & making it a career. Monkey Paw Toys, located on Havana Street, is a wondrous shop filled with rare comics, contemporary art, and collectible toys, drawing global attention from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

Nestled inside Aurora’s Elevation Christian Church, you’ll find Milly’s Community Café, a cozy and creative space specializing in locally sourced coffee beverages and freshly baked and crafted menu items. Through attention to detail and fostering an environment of community, owner Stacey Miller has created one of the most highly-rated eateries and cafés in the city.

By offering an array of services from a talented & diverse team, The Hair Fetish Experience has become one of the highest-rated salons in the greater metro area, owned by third-generation entrepreneur and cosmetologist Precious Czeczok, who carries the legacy of her family & a spirit of service in everything that she does.

In the heart of the Aurora Cultural Arts District, you’ll find La Victoria Healing Kitchen, created by the vision of Architect Katie Goldman. This community space was created as a small business incubator, supporting chefs, bakers, and makers who craft products that promote health & wellness while seeking to uplift community well-being.

Social entrepreneur Betsy Lay is a co-founder of Lady Justice Brewing. This women-owned, minority-owned, & LGBTQ+ owned business in the Colfax arts district of Aurora also serves as an important community gathering space. Almost all of their profit benefits organizations that serve women and girls in Colorado.

More than 18,000 fast-pitch softball players representing over 1100 teams across the country descend on the Aurora area for the Colorado 4th of July tournament. This marquee event is run by Triple Crown Sports tournament director and accomplished former pitcher Stephanie Klaviter.

Aurora resident for nearly 30 years, Poonam More is the co-star of "Rico To The Rescue" on HGTV. She also owns Poonam's By Design, an interior design firm that offers beautiful home remodeling and home design services based in the Southlands Lifestyle Center.

Veteran Master Sergeant James Grevious created Rebels in The Garden to teach the children in his family how to cultivate food in their own backyard. That ambition evolved into Rebel Marketplace, a bi-monthly farmer's market at Aurora's Del Mar Park that provides a vital community space for local growers & vendors and teaches valuable business skills to future generations.

Kim Stuart has served as the Communications & Marketing Director for the city of Aurora for more than 30 years. Her department's initiatives include Access Aurora, AuroraTV, & The Aurora Eats Guide, which features nearly 300 authentic, specialty restaurants representing countries on almost every continent.

A burgeoning community arts scene is emerging on historic Colfax avenue in Aurora. The People's Building offers a space where artists of all disciplines can explore, educate, & perform. Similarly, The Colfax Canvas Mural Festival adds world-class art to the heart of Aurora's Arts District, giving voice to the artists of our diverse community. At the helm of these institutions is Aaron Vega, a talented artist in his own right.

One of the gems of Aurora is The Plains Conservation Center, a nature preserve & educational space that showcases pioneer and indigenous life from the late 1800s. It encompasses over 1100 acres of short grass prairie with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Biologist & Natural Resource Specialist, Fendi Despres, explains why this ecosystem is so vital.

At over one million square feet of retail & entertainment space, Town Center at Aurora is a cornerstone in the heart of Aurora. This fully enclosed regional shopping destination, home to over 130 stores and eateries, is leaving behind the notion of the traditional mall & transforming into a vital community space.