April 21, 2021
April is Month of the Military Child. On Wednesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias talked to guests about ways to support, celebrate and advocate for military children. Guests Justin Schmitt, AVP of Corporate Responsibility with USAA and Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families talked about the resources available, ways civilians and military parents can find ways to support these children, and the results of the Blue Star Families' 2021 Military Family Experience Survey. More information and resources can be found at BlueStarFam.org/survey. This week, wear purple to show your support and post on social media with the hashtag #PurpleUp! Also, a giveaway is underway to help the cause; military children and families can enter for a chance to win an Xbox at jomygosh.com.
April 20, 2021
On Tuesday's "The Extra", we’re almost halfway through with this year’s legislative session for the state of Colorado. Today, guest Rachel Beck, Vice President of Government Affairs with the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, joined the show to talk about proposed ballot measures and legislative priorities at the state level and the impact they might have on our local economy and business community. More information can be found at CSCEDC.com
April 19, 2021
On Monday's "The Extra", a special journey: Three countries, 10,000 miles, a pieced-together bicycle, and one incredible mission to save the monarchs—and the environment. Guest Sara Dykman, an outdoor educator and field researcher, shares her experience which became the basis for a book BICYCLING WITH BUTTERFLIES, available anywhere books are sold. You can find out more about Dykman here.
April 16, 2021
Marc Mager, Consumer Advocate and co-host of the ‘Tom Martino Toubleshooter Show’ joined Andrew Rogers on ‘The Extra’ to discuss the latest issues going on that consumers need to be aware of, advice for homeowners with Spring/Summer projects approaching, the latest with COVID related scams, unemployment, housing rentals, etc. and Marc provided advice to become a smarter consumer and the benefits of referrallist.com.
April 15, 2021
On Thursday's "The Extra", guests Sam Cole, Safety Communications Manager and Michelle Peulen, Region 2 Communications Manager, both with CDOT, discussed the Spring DUI Enforcement push, scheduled to take place from now through May 10th. Also, Cole described the purposes of campaigns aimed at cutting down on distracted driving, motorcycle safety and marijuana impairment. More information on motorcycle fatality numbers can be found at CSP Skills map. Peulen discussed project updates for the I-25 Gap, including overnight closures happening in the area of County Line Road. Motorists can get text alerts on that project by texting "I25GAP" to 21000.
April 15, 2021
On Wednesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias was joined by Jonathan Liebert, CEO of Better Business Bureau Southern Colorado, and Adah Rodriguez, VP for BBB Southern Colorado, to talk about the idea of vaccine passports, the increase in home improvement projects as it trends during the pandemic, and scam alerts. More information can be found at bbb.org.
![Wiedner Field - April 12, 2021 - The Extra with Shannon Brinias]()
April 12, 2021
Guests on Monday's "The Extra" were Doug Price, CEO and Exec. Dir. of VisitCOS, and Laura Neumann, of Wiedner Field joined host Shannon Brinias. We are approaching the nine-year window since developing the vision for the City for Champions projects, including Weidner Field. As the opening of Weidner Field quick approaches, it’s clear it has vast potential to make a major impact on our city. Not only will the stadium attract more sports-related events to the region, but it will bring more awareness of Olympic City USA as a key destination for sports and performances. The Grand Home Opener at Weidner Field is set for May 21 as the Switchbacks take on New Mexico United in the first USL Championship game in Downtown, Colorado Springs.The opportunities inside of Weidner Field will bring an array of events and celebrations to downtown. Weidner Field will offer indoor and outdoor event spaces for special events ranging from 20-12,000 attendees. More information at: switchbacksfc.com/news and at weidnerfield.com.
April 9, 2021
Greg Coopman, host of SeniorTalk, looks at how the last year has been in the senior care business.
April 7, 2021
On Wednesday's "The Extra", guests Sam Clark, Executive Director, Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation and Steve Posey, Community Development Division Manager, City of Colorado Springs, discussed the subject of affordable housing and the challenges faced by those seeking solutions. The Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation was created to help address some of the problems caused by the region's housing gaps, and the need for collaboration between public, private and philanthropic sectors. One innovative partnership recently launched is the Workforce Housing Fund, created to provide bridge loans for early stage development of affordable housing projects. More information can be found at PPCF.org/PPREF This is in keeping with the city of Colorado Springs' goal of creating or preserving 1,000 affordable housing units annually as part of its HomeCOS plan, a goal that was met and exceeded in its first year. More information can be found at Coloradosprings.gov/homecos .
April 6, 2021
On Tuesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias and guests focused on National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Guests were Amber Biss, Children, Youth and Family Services Manager, El Paso County Department of Human Services; and Hilary Bridges, Assistant Executive Director, Kids Crossing. Discussion topics included how the community plays a role in preventing child abuse and neglect and how the pandemic created new pressures and stressors in the home. Listeners seeking information can call the Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline: 1-844-CO4KIDS or 1-844-264‑5437. Other resources can be found at KidsCrossing.com.
April 2, 2021
Rob Daugherty, the CEO of James Irwin Charter School, and PTEC joined Andrew Rogers on ‘The Extra’ to discuss the impact the COVID-19 impact had on the Educators and Schools, the difference between charter and public schools, and the role vocational education is playing.
April 1, 2021
Get your "arts" on! On Thursday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias was joined by Idris Goodwin, Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, to talk about ways the orgnization is looking forward to opening up the activities and programs in the months ahead. Goodwin talked about the City as a Venue program, and the 3x3 Projects. More information can be found at FAC.coloradocollege.edu.
March 31, 2021
Pueblo Zoo Camp is the wildest way to spend the summer! Kids will enjoy a full range of the Pueblo Zoo camp activities, learn about our new animals, find out about local critters in the wild, and explore our Plant. Grow. Fly. garden. On Wednesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias talked with some of the zoo's experts about that program and many others, how they've adapted curriculums during the pandemic, and what zoogoers can expect this spring. More information can be found at pueblozoo.org.
March 30, 2021
On Tuesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias discussed estate planning with Catherine Hammond, founder of the Hammond Law Group about her concept: The Complete Life, which means, fully living your legacy, instead of just leaving it. She also told how listeners can learn more by attending one of the firm's free webinars:
Wednesday 3/31 at 4:00 pm
Tuesday 4/6 at 2:00pm
Next live workshops: April 13th and 17th
Register online ColoradoEstatePlan.com or call their office 719-520-1474
March 29, 2021
Humans spend nearly a third of their lives asleep, and although the evolutionary purpose for sleep remains elusive, current sleep habits are the consequence of the industrial revolution and development of artificial light. Evidence suggests that losing sleep can cause problems with memory, particularly working memory, the process that allows people to hold information in an easily accessible way while working out a problem. People who are sleep-deprived also struggle with choosing what to pay attention to and regulating their emotions. On Monday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias discussed the issue of sleep with Dr. Hazem Ubaissi of Optum. To book an appointment with Dr. Ubaissi for Sleep Medicine services contact our team at 719-866-6627 or visit cosprings.optum.com.
March 26, 2021
Justin Hermes, host of 'Real Estate Realities' joined Andrew Rogers on 'The Extra' talking about the latest in the real estate market across the Pikes Peak Region, they were also joined by Bret Helton, owner of Happy Tap about the upcoming Hops for Hospitality Fundraiser and efforts to give back to the Boulder Community after the tragic mass shooting in Boulder.
March 25, 2021
The calendar may say spring, but there is still cold weather ahead for our region. We know some families may be struggling to pay bills, especially for utilities, and there is a program to help. It's called LEAP - Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Kristina Iodice, Public Information Officer for the El Paso County Department of Human Services joined Andrew Rogers on 'The Extra' to discuss that and much more.
For info on LEAP visit colorado.gov/CDHS/LEAP or call 1-866-432-8435
To apply for LEAP or other programs, visit Colorado.gov/PEAK
For more information and to contact the El Paso County Department of Human Services, call 719-636-0000
March 24, 2021
Disasters don’t wait for us to be ready, so preparing now makes sense. One big part of that is getting a financial first aid kit together. The Pikes Peak Office of Emergency Management is hosting some free, online training to help you prevent financial issues from making a disaster worse. Fro more info, go to PPROEM.COM under the “Ready and Resilient Neighborhoods” button.
March 23, 2021
On Tuesday's "The Extra," host Shannon Brinias talked to Kim Forrest, Senior Editor for WeddingWire. March 1st is considered, National Wedding Planning Day, as it marks the end of Proposal Season and the start of many newly engaged couples wedding planning journeys. It’s also the perfect day for couples who put plans on hold or postponed in the midst of COVID-19, to start planning once again. Forrest offers advice for couples in securing vendors, setting timelines, the value of a wedding planner and other hot topics for the newly-engaged. More information can be found at weddingwire.com.
March 22, 2021
Monday, Amy Saxby and Shanna Miller with the Junior League of Colorado Springs joined Andrew Rogers on 'The Extra' to discuss what is the Junior League of Colorado Springs is, what the Junior League do for the community, and how Junior League of Colorado Springs is switching gears and instead of touching trucks at Southern Colorado’s favorite Touch-A-Truck Weekend, they’ll be fostering fitness with their new event, Race through the Rockies – a virtual 5k, 10k and Fun Run which benefits the League’s mission to empower women to be agents of change.
For info on Race through the Rockies, visit racethroughtherockies.com
For info on The Junior League of Colorado Springs, visit jlcoloradosprings.org
March 19, 2021
4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen joined Andrew Rogers on the Extra discussing the latest as he approaches his first 90 days in office, the process to clear out a backlog in court cases due to COVID, the latest state/metro crime rates and efforts in the legislature when it comes to criminal justice reform. Allen also helps to educate the public when it comes to the structure of County/District Court divisions.
March 18, 2021
On KRDO's "The Extra" Thursday, guest Michelle Peulen, CDOT Region 2 Communications Manager, introduced listeners to Janet Bonnema, CDOT engineer and women’s rights advocate. In honor of Women's History Month, Peulen shared the legacy of how Bonnema fought to become a Colorado Department of Highways (CDH) engineer working at the Eisenhower Johnson Tunnel in 1970, eventually going to court to be able to pursue the employment position. She persevered and continued to work in the tunnel, collecting samples and taking measurements, until the first bore's completion in 1973. Peulen also gave updates on the I -25 Gap Project, the US 50 and Purcell Interchange Project, as well as other updates impacting drivers in the region. For drivers needing travel information, she suggested they go to COtrip.org and for project updates, codot.gov/projects.
March 17, 2021
Venetucci Farm has been a beloved community icon for decades. From pumpkin giveaways to farm stands, those who have lived in the Pikes Peak region certainly have created many memories at the Farm. But starting in 2016, changes have been underway at the Farm. On "The Extra"
March 12, 2021
Jay Garvens, host of the Jay Garvens Show joined Andrew Rogers on the Extra to discuss the latest in the Colorado Springs Housing Market, the continued need for development in the area, and the latest on the mortgate market.
March 11, 2021
On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 health emergency a global pandemic, following Governor Jared Polis declaring a State of Emergency the day prior. The events started ushering in drastic changes designed to curb the spread of covid-19. The growing health emergency would lead to the shutdowns, restrictions, mask mandates and other changes to come. The Governor's declaration came at a time when there were fewer than two dozen cases statewide. One year later, the number of cases statewide has grown to more than 440,000 and more than 6,000 Covid 19 deaths statewide. Guests for Part 2 of our two-part special, "Colorado's Covid Emergency: One Year Later" included Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, El Paso County Public Health's Communicable Disease Program Manager, Kimberly Pattison and VisitCOS CEO and Executive Director Doug Price.
March 10, 2021
On March 10th, 2020, Governor Jared Polis declared a State of Emergency due to the Covid-19 health crisis, ushering in drastic changes designed to curb the spread of covid-19. The growing health emergency would lead to the shutdowns, restrictions, mask mandates and other changes to come. The Governor's declaration came at a time when there were fewer than two dozen cases statewide. One year later, the number of cases statewide has grown to more than 440,000 and more than 6,000 Covid 19 deaths statewide. Guests for Part 1 of our two-part special, "Colorado's Covid Emergency: One Year Later" included Dr. Bill Plauth, Chief Medical Officer of Penrose St. Francis Health Services and Renee Elwell, Chief Nursing Officer at Pueblo's Parkview Medical Center.
March 9, 2021
On Tuesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias spoke to Rachel Beck, VP of Governmental Affairs with the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC about local and state legislative topics. At the local level, Colorado Springs voters are soon being asked to decide Issue 1, a ballot measure that would remove the 30-word limit to explain city ballot measures in the future. At the state level, Beck discussed the millions of dollars in state aid that have been left on the table, and why that may have happened. Also, transportation funding, to-go cocktails and home office tax credits are being contemplated by state lawmakers. For more information, go to coloradospringschamberedc.com.
March 8, 2021
VisitCOS CEO Doug Price and Matt Mayberry, City of Colorado Springs Manager of Cultural Services and Pioneers Museum Director joined Andrew Rogers Monday on 'The Extra' as 2021 marks Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial, and this year we’re truly going back to our roots as a wellness destination.
March 5, 2021
Ramsey personally and bestselling author Dr. John Delony joined Andrew Rogers on ‘The Extra’ to discuss his book, Redefining Anxiety, along with “all things anxiety, ”what it is, what it’s not, and how to get your life back.
March 5, 2021
This is a historic year for avalanches and the season isn’t even close to being over. On KRDO's "The Extra" Thursday, host Shannon Brinias and her guests discussed avalanche safety and realities, as well as gear and educational resources available in the region. Guest Elaine Smith, co-owner of Mountain Chalet spoke about the backcountry introduction and gear. Mt Chalet is the oldest backcountry outfitter in Colorado, having been in business around 52 years. For more information: mtnchalet.com The other guest, Becca Hedley, is an ER nurse and avalanche rescue specialist who represents the Friends of Berthoud Pass. This group conducts classes on safety, and while this year has involved educating via Zoom; in a normal year, they present each season at Mountain Chalet, too. More info is at berthoudpass.org
March 2, 2021
Our interview with Colorado Springs Fire Chief-elect Randy Royal about his strategies and priorities moving into the years ahead. Host Shannon Brinias talked with Royal about his background, his reasons for pursuing the position, wildfire mitigation efforts, tiered response and other related subjects.
February 26, 2021
On KRDO's "The Extra" Friday, the FILMharmonic is a unique partnership by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Rocky Mountain Womens' Film, that marries music and film. Think of it as a film festival you can watch in the comfort of your own home! All the movies in the series bring elements of music as plot points or subject matter. Host Shannon Brinias talked about all aspects of the FILMharmonic with guests Linda Broker, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Womens' Film; Nathan Newbrough, President and CEO, Colorado Springs Philharmonic; and Catherin Crapon, Vice President of Advancement for the Philharmonic. More information can be found at rmwfilm.org/film-harmonic/. The first movie in the series, for view February 26th and 27th, is "Itzhak", a look at the life, work and religious heritage of violinist Itzhak Perlman.
February 25, 2021
On Wednesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias tapped into a local arts institution as a place to experience multicultural activities, especially significant during Black History Month. Guests Idris Goodwin, Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and Nathan Halvorson, Associate Director of Performing Arts, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, told listeners how they could experience the arts with Black History Month programming, a blockbuster exhibition of Chicano art from the collection of Cheech Marin, creative classes, and more. To find out out current and upcoming events and programming, go to FAC.coloradocollege.edu. Idris Goodwin also has created an animated public service announcement airing on Nickelodeon celebrating Black History Month. To watch the video, go here .
February 22, 2021
On Monday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias chatted with Emily Schuman, director, of the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, about the Center, who it serves, the history and resources it offers. Did you know the importance of keeping ADA access for parking spaces and sidewalks during snow season? How the vaccine roll out has impacted people with disabilities was also discussed. For more information, go to rockymountainada.org or call (719) 444-0268.
February 19, 2021
Terrell Brown with Hillside Connection talks about everything they do to help kids in Southern Colorado Springs.
February 18, 2021
Connecting our senior community with information about the COVID vaccine and connecting them with one of the many vaccine providers in the Pikes Peak Region is key to protecting our community from COVID and overcoming this pandemic. On Thursday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias was joined by:
- Dr. Robin Johnson, Medical Director, El Paso County Public Health
- Dr. Michael Roshon, Chief of Medical Staff for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
- Eric Barnett, Call Center Manager, Pikes Peak United Way 211
More resources are available at centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information, ElPasoCountyhealth.org, texting "vaccine" (English) or "vacuna" (Spanish) to 667873, or by calling 2-1-1. Centura’s Vaccination Registration & Information on your website? The number is 866.414.1562 – services are available in English and Spanish.
![The Extra with Shannon Brinias - Ent Center for the Arts - February 15, 2021]()
February 15, 2021
On Monday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias talked with Caitlin Lowans, Artistic Director, Theatreworks, UCCS Ent Center for the Arts, and Daisy McGowan, Director & Curator, UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art. The guests talked about upcoming/current events and exhibits, with inventive ways to experience live theater, immersive sculpture and more at the Ent Center for the Arts and GOCA Downtown. Running for two weekends only, February 19 -21 and 26-28, a Theaterworks production of "The Mitten", told through puppeteers will be offered in an outdoor setting to socially-distanced audiences. Tickets can be found at theaterworkscs.org or by calling the Box office at 719-255-3232. Also, you can enjoy a hike with art outdoors – the Windmill Project by Colorado artist Patrick Marold is an immersive experience that is free and available to all and on view through October, 2021. Just a short walk north of the Ent Center for the Arts, in Pulpit Rock Open Space, the project is part of GOCA’s Art WithOut Limits public sculpture program. More information can be found at GOCAdigital.org.
February 12, 2021
Join race fans from around the world this summer as the 99th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill revs up on America’s Mountain on June 27th. There’s much that’s new this year, including an exciting field of competitors. Joining hosts Shannon Brinias and Andrew Rogers Friday morning with information on everything you need to know about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, are Alex Feeback and Lisa Haight, event coordinators with the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. More information about schedules and plans can be found at ppihc.org.
February 10, 2021
On Wednesday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias was joined by Adah Rodriguez, VP Marketing with the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado and Paul Meyers-Bennett, VP Development and Operations for the BBB of Southern Colorado. They discuss how unemployment scams are just one of the many forms of identity theft that is on the rise. The FTC reports 1.4 million identify theft claims for 2020, double compared to 2019. Also, the BBB warns against sharing COVID-19 vaccination cards publicly because of risks of fraud, and be wary of "romance scams" as we near Valentine's Day. More information can be found at
February 8, 2021
On Monday's "The Extra", host Shannon Brinias talked about how 2021 will be the start of recovery for Colorado Springs, and expectations that outdoor adventure will continue to be a big driver of tourism in the region as people still feel safest in their cars and outdoors. Guests today were Doug Price, VisitCOS; Todd Marts, El Paso County Parks; and Susan Davies, Trails and Open Space Coalition. A special program is aimed at helping people mark the 50th anniversary of El Paso County Parks. More information can be found here: elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation. You can also find out about the "Get Out, Spread Out" program designed to alleviate overcrowding in public spaces and on trails. More information is available here: trailsandopenspaces.org.
February 5, 2021
Bob McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, talks about all that Mt. Carmel does to help out veterans as they celebrate 5 years.
