Voices of Pueblo
“Voices of Pueblo: Digging Deeper” is a local podcast from the Pueblo Star Journal, hosted by Gregory Howell, Andy Koen, Bree Pappan, Molly Cotner, and Jocelyn Martinez, alongside local reporters and content creators from our diverse newsroom. Our mission is to deliver meaningful local news and storytelling while recognizing that today’s audiences gather information from many different sources. This podcast is our way of digging deeper, bringing the Pueblo community thoughtful conversations, in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and fresh perspectives that go beyond the headlines. Each month, we expand on the stories featured in the Pueblo Star Journal, sharing firsthand accounts and authentic voices from neighborhoods across the Steel City. From lifestyle, entertainment, sports, food, investigative reporting, the environment, culture, and the social safety net, we explore the people, issues, and ideas shaping Pueblo today. Through interviews, community conversations, and original storytelling, Voices of Pueblo: Digging Deeper serves as your audio and video guide to understanding local news and why Pueblo is at the heart of it all.
“Voices of Pueblo: Digging Deeper” is a local podcast from the Pueblo Star Journal, hosted by Gregory Howell, Andy Koen, Bree Pappan, Molly Cotner, and Jocelyn Martinez, alongside local reporters and content creators from our diverse newsroom. Our mission is to deliver meaningful local news and storytelling while recognizing that today’s audiences gather information from many different sources. This podcast is our way of digging deeper, bringing the Pueblo community thoughtful conversations, in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and fresh perspectives that go beyond the headlines. Each month, we expand on the stories featured in the Pueblo Star Journal, sharing firsthand accounts and authentic voices from neighborhoods across the Steel City. From lifestyle, entertainment, sports, food, investigative reporting, the environment, culture, and the social safety net, we explore the people, issues, and ideas shaping Pueblo today. Through interviews, community conversations, and original storytelling, Voices of Pueblo: Digging Deeper serves as your audio and video guide to understanding local news and why Pueblo is at the heart of it all.
Episodes

Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
1hr 5 min
In the premiere episode of the Pueblo Star Journal's new series, Historic Places, Living Stories, host Gregory Howell welcomes Laurel Campbell and Brad Bowers of Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation, Inc. for a conversation about one of Pueblo's most treasured historic landmarks—the Charles Goodnight Barn.
More than just a historic structure, the Goodnight Barn serves as a gateway to the story of the American West, ranching in southeastern Colorado, and the people whose vision helped shape the region. The discussion explores the barn's connection to Charles Goodnight, the importance of historic preservation, and how heritage tourism, storytelling, and adaptive reuse can contribute to Pueblo's economic future.
The episode also examines the organization's upcoming transition to ownership of the barn and surrounding property, what that means for the future of the site, and how community members can help preserve and share this remarkable piece of Colorado history.
Join us as we launch a series dedicated to discovering how Pueblo's historic places continue to connect the past, present, and future.
Guests: Laurel Campbell and Brad Bowers | Goodnight Barn: https://goodnightbarnpueblo.org/
Host: Gregory Howell
Series: Historic Places, Living Stories
Produced by: Pueblo Star Journal – Voices of Pueblo Podcast
#HistoricPreservation #GoodnightBarn #CharlesGoodnight #PuebloColorado #HeritageTourism #VoicesOfPueblo #HistoricPlacesLivingStories #Storytelling #EconomicDevelopment #ColoradoHistory

May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
25 min
75 Years Under the Stars: The Mesa Drive-In Anniversary
The Pueblo Star Journal presents State of Art, a production of the Voices of Pueblo podcast. This episode celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Mesa Drive-In and features new owners Chris and Kelly Lally.
The episode was produced and narrated by Bree Pappan.
Thanks to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for their support. To learn more and to support nonprofit local news in Pueblo, Colorado, visit pueblostarjournal.org.

May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
39 min
Bree on a Budget – May 2026 Episode Description
Second Hand Showcase Featuring the Assistance League and the Bargain Box
In this special Second Hand Showcase episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree Pappan sits down with Eileen Feret and Theresa Hart to spotlight the incredible work of the Assistance League of Pueblo and its beloved thrift store, the Bargain Box.
The conversation explores how the Assistance League supports the Pueblo community through volunteerism, fundraising, and local outreach programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of area residents. Bree and her guests also discuss the history and mission of the Bargain Box, sharing how secondhand shopping can support both sustainability and community service.
Viewers will also learn more about the organization’s exciting Wedding Dress Raffle, a unique fundraiser that combines style, generosity, and community spirit. From hidden thrift treasures to giving back locally, this episode celebrates the power of secondhand shopping with purpose.

Apr 24, 2026
Apr 24, 2026
41 min
Episode 3 of Soul Fresh, Soul Clean features Jocelyn Martinez and Gregory Howell discussing how community, constructive criticism, and personal connection shape Pueblo. They explore the harm of online negativity, the value of everyday kindness, and practical steps to rebuild trust and engagement.
The hosts introduce "Jocelyn in the Wild" farm visits, offer a listener challenge to meet someone new and use their name, and share an update on Jocelyn's cookbook as part of fostering local food connections.
Website: https://www.soulsmilehealthandwellness.com/

Apr 5, 2026
Apr 5, 2026
52 min
Life Inside the Childcare Gap, Episode 2: Babies Down, Bottles Up
In Episode 2 of Life Inside the Childcare Gap, part of the Voices of Pueblo podcast series, Gregory Howell and Molly Cotner sit down with Terrin Landry, co-founder of Babies Down, Bottles Up.
The conversation continues the investigative series’ focus on how childcare systems function in Pueblo and where gaps persist for families. Landry shares how Babies Down, Bottles Up was created by blind mothers to center real-life experiences of parenting while blind and to challenge common misconceptions about disability and care.
Through candid discussion, the episode explores the realities families face outside formal childcare systems, the importance of advocacy, and the need to amplify voices often left out of policy conversations. Landry also discusses how the platform has grown into a space for storytelling, resources and community connection.
Listeners will gain insight into the intersection of disability, parenting and childcare, and the broader conversation about access, equity and support for families in Pueblo and beyond.
About Babies Down, Bottles Up LLCBlind Parenting. Real Stories. Unfiltered.
New episodes are released weekly wherever podcasts are available.
Website: bdbupod.comEmail: info@bdbupod.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Follow on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTubeSupport on Patreon

Apr 4, 2026
Apr 4, 2026
49 min
Bree on a Budget: Taking the Leap and Creating a Career in Vintage
In the latest episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree sits down with Melissa Maestas to discuss her journey from the corporate world to building a career in the vintage industry.
Maestas shares how she made the transition, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way. The conversation focuses on what it takes to take a leap of faith and turn a personal passion into a sustainable and rewarding career.
Listeners will gain insight into finding purpose in their work, embracing change, and creating opportunities that align with what they love to do. The episode offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone considering a new path or looking to redefine their professional journey.

Apr 4, 2026
Apr 4, 2026
39 min
State of Art Podcast: Celebrating Film in Pueblo
In the latest episode of the State of Art Podcast, part of the Voices of Pueblo series, host Bree explores the growing film scene in Pueblo with guests Billie Pacheco of the Rising Star Film Festival and Chili Cilch of the Pueblo Film Fest.
The conversation highlights the Rising Star Film Festival, which provides a platform for high school filmmakers to showcase their work across categories including drama, comedy, documentary, horror and animation. The festival, held April 10 at the Rawlings Library, supports emerging youth storytellers and connects them with industry professionals and community audiences.
The episode also looks ahead to the Pueblo Film Fest, which continues to build a regional and international platform for filmmakers while fostering community engagement and cultural exchange through cinema.
Cilch also discusses his involvement in the Colorado 150 celebrations and efforts to bring film screenings and programming to Pueblo as part of the statewide anniversary.
Together, the guests reflect on the importance of film as a storytelling tool, the growth of Pueblo’s creative economy, and the opportunities being created for the next generation of filmmakers.
For more information and tickets please visit the following websites:
Rising Star Film Festival
Pueblo Film Fest

Mar 19, 2026
Mar 19, 2026
1hr 36 min
Soul Fresh Soul Clean – Episode 2Theme: Food, Community & Local Sustainability
In this episode of Soul Fresh Soul Clean, hosts Jocelyn Martinez and Gregory Howell explore the powerful connection between food, community, and local sustainability in Pueblo, Colorado.
We begin with an inside look at the SoulSmile Cookbook Project, where recipes are more than just meals. They are stories, traditions, and living pieces of community history. Jocelyn and Gregory share updates on the growing excitement, the voices being gathered, and why preserving these food stories matters now more than ever.
The conversation then expands into the heart of the episode, how food systems shape our local economy, health, and sense of belonging. From sourcing local ingredients to supporting farmers and makers, this episode highlights how everyday choices, what we eat and where we spend, directly impact the strength of our community.
A major focus is the Sun Soil Water Summit, now in its 5th year, bringing together farmers, food producers, entrepreneurs, and community members to explore real solutions for a resilient local food system. With a makers market, local vendors, and conversations around food economics and sustainability, the summit represents a powerful gathering of people committed to Pueblo’s future.
We also spotlight SoulSmile as a Colorado Proud business, and the importance of building meaningful partnerships with local farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women leading innovation in Colorado’s food economy.
Throughout the episode, we explore:
Why local food systems matter
How local spending strengthens communities
The connection between healthy food and community wellbeing
The role of storytelling in preserving culture and identity
Call to ActionIf you believe in supporting local food, community health, and sustainable futures:
✔ Subscribe to Soul Fresh Soul Clean✔ Share your ideas for future episodes✔ Support local farmers, makers, and food producers
Learn more and get your tickets for the Sun Soil Water Summit from March 20 to 22 at Pueblo Community College. Visit pueblofoodproject.org. To connect with Jocelyn: jocelyn@pueblostarjournal.org. To connect with Gregory: gregory@pueblostarjournal.org.





