Episode 74 – Brewing Boldly with Angie Grenz of Verboten Brewing
Fort Collins Fellas Podcast with Patrick & Chris
In this second installment of a two-part spotlight on women-owned breweries in Northern Colorado, the fellas sit down with Angie Grenz, owner of Verboten Brewing. Originally rooted in Loveland, Verboten recently expanded into Fort Collins, taking over the former Black Bottle Brewery location—a major move for the already beloved craft brewery.
Angie shares the story behind Verboten’s founding, how she and her team built a loyal following, and what inspired them to grow into the Fort Collins market. The conversation also dives into the challenges and triumphs of running a brewery, the evolving craft beer scene, and what sets Verboten apart in a town full of incredible beer.
Whether you’re a hop head, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love supporting local businesses, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Cheers to good beer and great conversations!
Episode 73 – Brewing Community with Natalie Yoder of Stodgy Brewing
In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with Natalie Yoder, co-owner of Stodgy Brewing, one of Fort Collins’ standout breweries. Opening its doors in September 2020 in the former Forney Industries space on Laporte Avenue, Stodgy quickly became a local favorite—thanks to its commitment to using locally grown ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and one of the best patios in town.
Natalie shares the story behind launching a brewery in the midst of a pandemic, how her passion for craft beer led her to co-found Stodgy, and what it’s been like to be part of the growing movement of women in the brewing industry. The conversation also touches on Natalie’s deep ties to the local community and her efforts to support other small businesses in Fort Collins.
Whether you're a beer lover, a small business supporter, or just want to hear from someone making a real impact in Fort Collins, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Episode 72 – Growing Roots with Jesse Eastman of Fort Collins Nursery
In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris welcome Jesse Eastman, President of Fort Collins Nursery, a beloved local institution with deep roots in the community. Originally founded in the early 1930s as Kinghorn Nursery, Fort Collins Nursery has been helping gardeners grow and thrive for generations—and Jesse is carrying that legacy forward with passion and expertise.
The conversation takes listeners on a journey through the nursery’s rich history before diving into Jesse’s wealth of gardening wisdom. From seasonal planning tips to common mistakes to avoid, Jesse shares actionable advice for green thumbs of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll walk away inspired and ready to get your hands in the soil.
If you love gardening, Fort Collins history, or hearing from local leaders making a difference, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Episode 71 – Championing Sustainability with Tellus Outdoors
In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with Joe and Melissa Basta, the inspiring husband-and-wife team behind Tellus Outdoors, a Fort Collins-based outdoor apparel company with a bold mission: to lead the industry in sustainability. Founded in 2022, Tellus is setting a new standard by using at least 75% recycled materials in all their products and donating 100% of their net profits to environmental initiatives that fight climate change.
Joe and Melissa share the personal motivations that led them to start Tellus and open up about the challenges—and rewards—of building a purpose-driven company from the ground up. The conversation covers everything from sourcing sustainable materials to supporting the local economy and creating real impact in their community and beyond.
If you're passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, or simply love hearing about local entrepreneurs doing big things, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Episode 70 – The Timeless Grit of Vortic Watches with R.T. Custer
In this inspiring episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with R.T. Custer, Co-Founder of Vortic Watches—a local Fort Collins company turning heads in the global watch community. From breathing new life into vintage American timepieces to landing on the wrists of Hollywood celebrities, Vortic’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
R.T. shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a business in Fort Collins, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and how the company battled—and won—a major legal challenge that nearly shut it down. It's a powerful conversation about perseverance, innovation, and what it really takes to turn a bold idea into a nationally recognized brand.
Whether you're a watch enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
In Episode 69 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Justin Clapp, Executive Director of KRFC 88.9 FM, Fort Collins’ beloved community radio station. With a decade of experience at KRFC and a deep passion for local music, Justin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how the station operates, its mission, and its role in uplifting Northern Colorado’s music scene.
The conversation dives into KRFC’s impressive roster of over 75 DJs, the station’s unique commitment to local programming, and how Fort Collins and its vibrant arts community collaborate with KRFC to support and showcase homegrown talent. Whether you're a local music lover or curious about how community radio helps shape Fort Collins culture, this episode delivers an inspiring look into the power of grassroots media.
Episode 68 – The Return of Commercial Flights to Northern Colorado (with John Kinney)
In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with John Kinney, Director of the Northern Colorado Regional Airport, to talk about something locals have been waiting on for years—the return of commercial air travel to the region. The good news? There’s real momentum, and commercial flights could be landing (and taking off) from Northern Colorado sooner than you think.
John shares insights into the newly completed terminal building that officially opened at the end of 2024, what needs to happen next, and how he’s working with national carriers to determine who will be the first airline to bring service back to the area. From infrastructure to logistics to economic impact, this episode gives a full breakdown of the path ahead—and why the days of driving to DIA may finally be numbered.
If you're curious about the future of travel in Northern Colorado, this is a must-listen.
Fort Collins Fellas Podcast – Episode 67
Guest: Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer for Fort Collins
In this episode, Patrick and Chris sit down with Jacob Castillo, Fort Collins’ Chief Sustainability Officer—yes, you heard that right! What exactly does a Chief Sustainability Officer do for the city? With a team of 50 and a $15 million budget, Jacob plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Fort Collins.
The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from the local political climate to the challenges of affordable housing and sustainability initiatives. Jacob shares insights into how his department tackles economic resilience, environmental policy, and social equity, all while navigating the realities of city governance.
It’s an eye-opening discussion about the work happening behind the scenes to make Fort Collins a more sustainable and livable city. We hope you enjoy this fascinating episode!
Patrick and Chris sit down with long time city council member from District 5, Kelly Ohlson.
Kelly Ohlson is a long-serving Fort Collins, Colorado, City Council member representing District 5, which covers the west-central part of the city. A resident since 1973, when he moved to attend graduate school at Colorado State University, Ohlson has deep roots in the community. He holds a degree in Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University and a master’s in education from CSU. Over his career, he’s been a public school teacher, historic building renovator, and a three-term Larimer County Public Trustee appointed by the governor. Ohlson’s political tenure includes serving as Fort Collins mayor in the mid-1980s, mayor pro tem for four terms, and council member across multiple stints (1983-1987, 2005-2013, and elected again in 2021). Renowned for his conservation efforts, he’s led eight campaigns to protect over 75,000 acres of open space and natural areas in Fort Collins and Larimer County, earning him the inaugural Kelly Ohlson Natural Areas Conservation Award in 2022. Married to Linda Stanley, a CSU senior research scientist, Ohlson is known for his pragmatic, compassionate leadership and commitment to public service, though he announced in November 2024 that he won’t seek reelection when his current term ends in 2025.
Episode 65: Building a Digital Marketing Powerhouse with J.B. Kellogg
In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with J.B. Kellogg, Co-Founder and CEO of Madwire, a leading digital media technology company headquartered in Fort Collins. Founded in 2009, Madwire specializes in providing business management and marketing solutions tailored for small businesses and franchises through its flagship platform, Marketing 360.
The conversation covers a range of topics, including J.B.'s journey in building a successful digital marketing company right here in Northern Colorado, the challenges and strategies of hiring top talent in the region, and the evolving role of AI in the marketing industry. From entrepreneurship to innovation and the future of digital marketing, this episode is packed with insights for business owners, marketers, and anyone interested in the local tech scene.
Tune in for an engaging discussion and get inspired by J.B.'s story and expertise!
Patrick sits down with Lorenda Volker, County Manager for Larimer County.
As of February 2025, Lorenda Volker serves as the County Manager for Larimer County, Colorado, a position she has held since July 2022. Prior to this role, she dedicated 14 years to the county, beginning in 2008 as the Director of Human Resources before advancing to Assistant County Manager. In these capacities, Lorenda led various departments, including Internal Services, Human Services, and Economic Development, and played a pivotal role in initiatives such as behavioral health and rural broadband expansion.
Before her tenure in Colorado, Lorenda amassed 15 years of experience in Florida, overseeing human resources, collective bargaining, and public works for two municipalities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida State University and a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Known for her compassionate leadership and collaborative approach, Lorenda has cultivated strong relationships with local municipalities and community organizations. Her commitment to innovation and efficiency continues to drive Larimer County's mission to serve its residents effectively.
In episode 63 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with John Kefalas, Larimer County Commissioner for District 1. They dive into key topics impacting Fort Collins and the broader Larimer County community, including insights from the November election ballot. John shares his vision for addressing critical issues such as affordable housing, the rising cost of childcare, and transportation infrastructure. This engaging conversation is perfect for listeners looking to deepen their understanding of the local political landscape and the efforts shaping the future of Fort Collins.
In Episode 62, Chris flies solo and sits down with Jim Hewitt, owner of The Cupboard, an iconic family-owned business in downtown Fort Collins. Established in 1972 by Jim’s father, Carey Hewitt, The Cupboard has become a staple in the community for high-quality kitchenware, gifts, and home goods.
Jim shares insights into the journey of this second-generation business, reflecting on how his father’s vision shaped The Cupboard’s legacy and how he’s building on it to meet the evolving needs of Fort Collins. Chris and Jim discuss the importance of family-run enterprises in shaping local culture, the challenges of maintaining a brick-and-mortar store in today’s retail landscape, and the deep connections The Cupboard has forged with the Fort Collins community over the decades.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this beloved downtown shop so special, from its history to the values that continue to drive its success. Whether you’re a Fort Collins local or someone who loves supporting small businesses, this episode is a celebration of entrepreneurship, tradition, and the spirit of community.
Don't miss this heartfelt conversation highlighting one of Fort Collins’ treasures!
Episode 61: Planning Fort Collins' Future with Caryn Champine
In this insightful episode, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Caryn Champine, the Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation for the City of Fort Collins. Caryn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Fort Collins is preparing for a growing population and discusses the city's strategies for sustainable urban growth. Listeners will learn about new initiatives, infrastructure plans, and community-centered projects designed to support Fort Collins' evolution while preserving its unique character. Caryn also dives into the challenges and opportunities the city faces as it plans for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Fort Collins' growth, city planning, or just the future of our community!
Episode 60 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast is a nostalgic and insightful ride! Chris and Patrick sit down with Cynthia Eichler, President and CEO of Visit Fort Collins, who brings a wealth of local knowledge and passion to the mic. Cynthia shares stories from her time as the GM of the iconic Foothills Fashion Mall—a beloved hangout spot for kids in the '90s. They chat about Visit Fort Collins’ fresh new location in Old Town and dive into all the ways the organization is working to keep Fort Collins a top-notch community. From promoting local events to supporting small businesses, Cynthia offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this city special.
Podcast Summary - Episode 59: "Transportation Talk with Jim Kelly from CDOT"
In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas, hosts Chris and Patrick are joined by Jim Kelly from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to dive into some of the most pressing transportation issues and developments in Northern Colorado. As the region continues to grow, the discussion covers a range of topics critical to keeping the area connected and mobile.
Key points from the episode include:
The Future of the Front Range Passenger Rail: Jim shares exciting updates on plans to develop a reliable passenger rail system along the Front Range, connecting key cities from Pueblo to Fort Collins, and how this could ease congestion and improve transportation options.
What is the Bustang?: The fellas get into what Bustang is, CDOT's intercity bus service, which has become a vital public transportation option for commuters and travelers across Colorado, including its routes and future plans for expansion.
I-25 Expansion: Jim discusses the current expansion of I-25, particularly between Fort Collins and Denver. The project aims to relieve traffic congestion, improve safety, and accommodate the growing population in the region.
CDOT’s Future Plans for Northern Colorado: The conversation wraps up with a look at what CDOT is planning in the future, including improvements to public transit, road infrastructure, and sustainable transportation solutions to keep Northern Colorado moving efficiently.
Whether you're a commuter or someone interested in the future of transportation in the area, this episode is packed with insightful information on the direction Northern Colorado is heading when it comes to mobility.
In Episode 58 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Travis Storin, the CFO of Fort Collins, for a deep dive into the city's financial landscape. With a budget exceeding $900 million, there's a lot of money talk this week! Travis breaks down how the city allocates funds, where the revenue comes from, and how the budget benefits residents. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability in managing funds for public projects. If you're interested in how city finances work or just curious about how Fort Collins operates, this fascinating conversation is a must-listen!
In episode 57 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with Dawn Downs, a candidate running for District Attorney for Larimer and Jackson counties. Dawn is breaking new ground as the first female and the first unaffiliated candidate to run for this position in the 8th Judicial District. The conversation delves into her campaign, focusing on the three pillars she is running on: Safety, Justice, and Accountability. If you're interested in understanding how the DA's office in Fort Collins operates and what changes Dawn Downs aims to implement, this episode is a must-listen.
In episode 56 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris take a deep dive into the current state of the housing market. Chris kicks things off with a detailed analysis of inflation numbers, CPI data points, and new single-family home sales, providing insightful charts that illustrate current trends and potential future scenarios for housing and mortgage rates. Patrick then delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the new NAR real estate broker commission rules that went into effect on August 17th, discussing their implications for real estate agents, how they can prepare for these changes, and effective strategies for communicating with clients. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the housing market and real estate industry!
In this episode of Fort Collins Fellas, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Don Overcash, the President of Overcash Consulting and a seasoned Loveland city council member with over eight years of experience. Don has also served as the Mayor pro tempore for Loveland, making him an expert on the Northern Colorado political landscape.
During this insightful conversation, Don shares his deep knowledge about the Fort Collins-Loveland Airport's ongoing efforts to expand its services. As a member of the airport committee, he provides an in-depth breakdown of the current status and the anticipated timeline for the return of commercial air travel to Northern Colorado.
Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative efforts between Fort Collins and Loveland, and what these developments mean for the region's future. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with valuable insights from one of Northern Colorado's most knowledgeable political figures.