
Podcast Hub
Illuminating the voices, stories, and ideas shaping our community.
Spotlight El Paso County Podcast
Illuminating the voices, stories, and ideas shaping our community.
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Hosted by PPDC President Shirley Martinez and UCCS Black Student Union representative Teiona Dantzler, Spotlight El Paso County is a collaborative audio series dedicated to highlighting the people and grassroots movements driving meaningful change across our region. Produced in partnership with Studio 809 Podcasts, we share lived experiences, foster cross-cultural understanding, and explore what it truly means to show up for one another.
Featured Episode: Reshaping Our Communities with "Hey Neighbor"
In our inaugural episode, co-hosts Shirley Martinez and Teiona Dantzler sit down with Hey Neighbor Executive Director Kelly Bull. Together, they discuss the inspiring shift from traditional, rigid neighborhood associations to an inclusive, people-centered model.
Discover how simple acts of neighborliness, shared responsibility, and initiatives like 150 Tables Across Colorado Springs are actively transforming El Paso County neighborhoods into vibrant spaces of trust and true belonging.
Why It Matters: Participation is ninety percent of community building. When we choose to see, hear, and support our neighbors, we create a resilient network where everyone—regardless of background, age, or experience—has a seat at the table.
Meet Your Hosts
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Shirley Martinez | Co-Host & PPDC President : Bringing years of hands-on leadership in regional equity, education advocacy, and community empowerment, Shirley bridges the gap between local grassroots organizing and structural change.
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Teiona Dantzler | Co-Host & UCCS BSU Representative : Representing the vibrant energy and forward-thinking perspective of the UCCS Black Student Union, Teiona focuses on illuminating emerging student voices and cultural synergy.
PPDC in Podcasts

Learn about some of the other Studio 809 podcasts, and discover what both Manitou and Colorado Springs are doing to aid mobility – in this continuation of a conversation recorded live on Bike to Work Day. This is from the second hour of our live stream from the Studio 809 Podcasts breakfast station at The Next Us on June 24, 2026.

Books have been written and movies made on the history of Fannie Mae Duncan with her, all people welcome, iconic Cotton Club operating in Colorado Springs from 1948-1975. Hear from JJ Frazier who, at 17, sang with the orchestra at the Club. Today, JJ continues her legacy of service in the region. Next to share is Shirley Martinez, who is also making history – bringing Martin Luther King Jr.’s granddaughter to keynote the annual All Peoples Breakfast hosted by the MLK Legacy Preservation Society on 2026 Martin Luther-King Jr. Day.
The League of Women Voters is celebrating 105 years of Empowering Voters & Defending Democracy. On February 16, 2025 we gathered for Love the League 2025, Honoring Women Making A Difference! This is our annual fundraising event. We’re proud to share a replay in this episode.

