The Love FoCo Show

The Love FoCo Show celebrates the heart and soul of Fort Collins through conversations with the people who make our city extraordinary. Host Jeff Faust sits down with local leaders and changemakers to discover what they love most about Fort Collins and how they're giving back to make it even better. Join us each week as we share impactful stories of loving our city one life at a time.

20 episodes

25d ago latest

fortnightly cadence

English language

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Episodes 20

Curt Bear: Championing Local Business Through LoCo Think Tank
25d ago · 1:03:52
Love local businesses, confront the dragons of leadership, and build community that actually transforms lives—Curt Bear shares how LoCo Think Tank empowers Northern Colorado entrepreneurs to lead with courage, generosity, and a hyper-local heart for Fort Collins.
Brad Jensen: How Refugee Oasis Welcomes Migrants with Language, Community, and Faith
2mo ago · 47:31
Refugee Oasis founder Brad Jensen shares how local churches in Fort Collins and across Europe are welcoming refugees with free language classes and deep relationships that point people to hope and belonging.
Jen McLain: The Compassion Behind Alpha Center’s Sexual Health Services and After-Abortion Support
2mo ago · 1:09:58
What if sexual health care and after-abortion support felt safe, loving, and shame-free? In this Fort Collins conversation, Jen McLain shares how Alpha Center walks with people toward healing and wholeness.
Adam Vander Sande: From Busboy to CEO in Fort Collins’ Restaurant Scene
3mo ago · 54:23
Adam Vander Sande went from a chaotic youth and getting carjacked at 20 to leading some of Fort Collins’ most beloved restaurants. In this episode, he opens up about rock-bottom moments, second chances, and the surprising role community, faith, and hard work played in reshaping his life and career.
Jamal Skinner: Building Safe, Brave Spaces for Black Youth at Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins
3mo ago · 1:01:35
In this episode of the Love FoCo Show, Jamal Skinner traces his path from aspiring pro soccer player and New York investment banker to a Fort Collins community leader, unpacking redlining, belonging, and why creating dedicated spaces for Black teens matters in Northern Colorado.
Gloria Kat: Advocacy and Support for Families and Kids at La Familia
3mo ago · 49:43
In this episode of the Love FoCo Show, Gloria shares her journey from La Familia parent to executive director, the challenges families face in accessing quality childcare, and how Mi Voz is empowering residents in local mobile home communities to raise their voices and shape policy.
Brian Kingsley: 9 Out of 10 Fort Collins Families Choose PSD — Here's Why
3mo ago · 42:07
Jeff sits down with PSD Superintendent Brian Kingsley for a candid conversation about his life’s calling in education, uncertainties of funding and enrollment, the teacher pipeline, and why he still walks into kindergarten classrooms on his hardest days. This one's for every Fort Collins parent, educator, and community member who wants to know what's happening in our schools.
Jaymi Anderson: The Genesis Project's Holistic Approach to Empowering Single Moms
4mo ago · 54:58
When single mothers face addiction, domestic violence, or financial crisis, a few months of help isn't enough. Jaymi Anderson, Executive Director of The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado, explains why her organization walks alongside families for up to five years—providing fully furnished housing, weekly counseling, career development, and community support. In this episode, Jaymi shares her unexpected journey from small-town Montana teacher to nonprofit leader, reveals why stabilization must come before job training, and explains the "ALICE" trap (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employe
Andy Smith: Revitalizing Fort Collins One Neighborhood at a Time
5mo ago · 53:47
Andy Smith, Redevelopment Manager for the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority, joins host Jeff Faust to share his journey from growing up in Arvada to making Fort Collins home for more than 30 years, his unexpected path to CSU, and the story of how he met his wife. In this episode, Andy unpacks what urban renewal really means, how the URA is tackling blight one neighborhood at a time, and why the North College corridor is such a critical focus for the future of our city. He and Jeff talk about engaging residents in redevelopment, building a shared vision instead of just chasing resources, and
Carl Pratt: Community-First Hospitality at The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins
5mo ago · 56:15
Carl Pratt is the General Manager of the Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins, where he leads operations while championing community engagement and hospitality excellence. With a background in health and wellness, Carl previously spent 17 years at Canyon Ranch, a renowned wellness destination resort, where he served in multiple leadership roles. His career has spanned independent resorts, college-town hospitality, and senior living operations across New England and Arizona. At The Elizabeth, Carl integrates his passion for service, arts, and community impact into a hotel experience rooted deeply in
Sean Godbey: Building Old Town Spice Shop through Community Collaboration
6mo ago · 43:43
Sean Godbey is the owner and operator of Old Town Spice Shop, a specialty spice retailer based in Fort Collins, Colorado. A Colorado State University graduate, Sean originally pursued a degree in recreation and tourism before stepping into the family business and transforming it into a thriving local institution. Under his leadership, Old Town Spice Shop has grown into a trusted supplier for home cooks, restaurants, breweries, and Colorado State University dining services. Known for his commitment to integrity, collaboration, and community involvement, Sean continues to blend entrepreneurship
Mayor Emily Francis: Affordability, City Identity, and Community as Fort Collins Grows
6mo ago · 1:01:47
Emily Francis is the Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, where she focuses on affordability, equity, and values-driven leadership. Born and raised in Fort Collins, she attended Laurel Elementary, Lesher Middle School, and Fort Collins High School before earning her degree from Colorado State University and a master’s in public health from Portland State University. Before entering public service, Emily worked in nonprofit leadership, including community organizing with mobile home park residents and senior nutrition programs. She was first elected to City Council in 2019 and became Fort Collins
Craig Chesson: Race, Family, and Finding Home in Fort Collins
6mo ago · 50:50
Craig Chesson is Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Colorado State University. Originally from New York City, Craig moved to Fort Collins in 1992 and has since become a key figure in student support and campus inclusion. At CSU, he champions initiatives that address food insecurity, student mental health, and first-generation college success. Beyond campus, Craig is deeply engaged in community-building efforts that help make Fort Collins more welcoming for all.
Kelly DiMartino: Keeping Fort Collins Affordable, Connected, and Thriving
6mo ago · 52:18
Kelly DiMartino is the City Manager for the City of Fort Collins. She began her career in communications and rose through multiple leadership positions over two decades in the city government. DiMartino is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to community engagement, transparency, and public service. A Nebraska native, she’s passionate about building a thriving Fort Collins where residents of all ages can live, work, and play.
Brian Villers: From Addiction to Advocacy at Celebrate Recovery
7mo ago · 1:07:28
Brian Villers is the leader of Celebrate Recovery in Fort Collins, a faith-based program helping people find freedom from “hurts, habits, and hangups.” After battling high-functioning alcoholism and experiencing profound personal loss, Brian committed to a life of sobriety and service. He now facilitates recovery support groups, mentors individuals, and partners with organizations like Love FoCo to facilitate recovery. Brian’s journey from pain to purpose is a testament to the power of vulnerability, faith, and community.
Nathan Shaw: Fighting Food Waste and Feeding Fort Collins
7mo ago · 36:22
Nathan Shaw is the Executive Director of Vindeket Foods, a nonprofit organization dedicated to food rescue and distribution in Northern Colorado. Forty percent of all food the United States produces ends up in a landfill. The Vindeket team is rescuing this food before it reaches the trash and providing it to the community. Nathan’s hands-on leadership style reflects his deep belief in restoration, sustainability, and community-powered change.
Roxene Tines: Keeping children safe and families together in Northern Colorado
7mo ago · 57:47
Roxy Tines is the Chapter Director of Safe Families for Children Northern Colorado, a nonprofit that surrounds families in crisis with caring support networks. Based in Fort Collins, Roxy draws on her extensive background in child protection, social work, and her personal experience as a single mom. She previously worked for Larimer County Child Protection for eight years, where she saw the need for preventative intervention and relational support. Her leadership is driven by faith, empathy, and a lifelong passion for helping families thrive before they fall into crisis.
Kevin Unger: From PVH Delivery Room to UCHealth C-Suite
7mo ago · 53:53
Kevin Unger is the President and CEO of the North Market for UCHealth. A Fort Collins native, he was born at Poudre Valley Hospital—one of the hospitals he now leads. Unger holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Change from CSU and has overseen transformational growth at UCHealth, guiding innovation in access, technology, and community care. His leadership emphasizes team collaboration, community impact, and evolving healthcare to meet the needs of Northern Colorado.
Greg Hodsden: How Christ Clinic Provides Free Healthcare for Fort Collins’ Uninsured
8mo ago · 1:15:57
Greg Hodsden joins us for the season one finale of The Love FoCo Show! Greg is the Executive Director of Christ Clinic, a nonprofit providing free primary healthcare to uninsured and under-insured residents in Fort Collins. A fifth-generation native of the city, Greg has deep roots and a rich background in coaching, pastoring, and nonprofit leadership to his role. His leadership brings compassion, practical service, and a commitment to empowering others.
Ian Hargis: Building Belonging for Young People with Disabilities in Fort Collins
8mo ago · 1:11:57
*Jeff’s audio isn't perfect on this episode, but the conversation with Ian is GOLD! Thanks for your patience as we improve. Ian Hargis is the Director of Young Life Capernaum in Fort Collins, Colorado, a ministry that serves youth and young adults with disabilities through friendship and inclusive community. Ian's journey from a single semester at CSU to leading this transformative work has shaped the last decade of his life. Outside of his professional calling, Ian is a new dad, an avid runner, and someone who seeks to remain interruptible for those who need him most.

Episodes

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The Love FoCo Show

Episodes 20

Curt Bear: Championing Local Business Through LoCo Think Tank

Brad Jensen: How Refugee Oasis Welcomes Migrants with Language, Community, and Faith

Jen McLain: The Compassion Behind Alpha Center’s Sexual Health Services and After-Abortion Support

Adam Vander Sande: From Busboy to CEO in Fort Collins’ Restaurant Scene

Jamal Skinner: Building Safe, Brave Spaces for Black Youth at Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins

Gloria Kat: Advocacy and Support for Families and Kids at La Familia

Brian Kingsley: 9 Out of 10 Fort Collins Families Choose PSD — Here's Why

Jaymi Anderson: The Genesis Project's Holistic Approach to Empowering Single Moms

Andy Smith: Revitalizing Fort Collins One Neighborhood at a Time

Carl Pratt: Community-First Hospitality at The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins

Sean Godbey: Building Old Town Spice Shop through Community Collaboration

Mayor Emily Francis: Affordability, City Identity, and Community as Fort Collins Grows

Craig Chesson: Race, Family, and Finding Home in Fort Collins

Kelly DiMartino: Keeping Fort Collins Affordable, Connected, and Thriving

Brian Villers: From Addiction to Advocacy at Celebrate Recovery

Nathan Shaw: Fighting Food Waste and Feeding Fort Collins

Roxene Tines: Keeping children safe and families together in Northern Colorado

Kevin Unger: From PVH Delivery Room to UCHealth C-Suite

Greg Hodsden: How Christ Clinic Provides Free Healthcare for Fort Collins’ Uninsured

Ian Hargis: Building Belonging for Young People with Disabilities in Fort Collins

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Episodes 20

Curt Bear: Championing Local Business Through LoCo Think Tank

Brad Jensen: How Refugee Oasis Welcomes Migrants with Language, Community, and Faith

Jen McLain: The Compassion Behind Alpha Center’s Sexual Health Services and After-Abortion Support

Adam Vander Sande: From Busboy to CEO in Fort Collins’ Restaurant Scene

Jamal Skinner: Building Safe, Brave Spaces for Black Youth at Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins

Gloria Kat: Advocacy and Support for Families and Kids at La Familia

Brian Kingsley: 9 Out of 10 Fort Collins Families Choose PSD — Here's Why

Jaymi Anderson: The Genesis Project's Holistic Approach to Empowering Single Moms

Andy Smith: Revitalizing Fort Collins One Neighborhood at a Time

Carl Pratt: Community-First Hospitality at The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins

Sean Godbey: Building Old Town Spice Shop through Community Collaboration

Mayor Emily Francis: Affordability, City Identity, and Community as Fort Collins Grows

Craig Chesson: Race, Family, and Finding Home in Fort Collins

Kelly DiMartino: Keeping Fort Collins Affordable, Connected, and Thriving

Brian Villers: From Addiction to Advocacy at Celebrate Recovery

Nathan Shaw: Fighting Food Waste and Feeding Fort Collins

Roxene Tines: Keeping children safe and families together in Northern Colorado

Kevin Unger: From PVH Delivery Room to UCHealth C-Suite

Greg Hodsden: How Christ Clinic Provides Free Healthcare for Fort Collins’ Uninsured

Ian Hargis: Building Belonging for Young People with Disabilities in Fort Collins