Apex Activated

Principal Porter: The Real Deal

Okay...real talk. Staying hopeful, as a teen, feels like trying to vibe on 3 hours of sleep during finals week...definitely not 67! (if you know, you know)
But some awesome educators are showing up bringing big heart, big leadership and big "I've got your back" energy and today we sit and talk to one of those amazing peeps!
Principal Micah Porter walks the halls of Arvada West High School and his take on how our teens are doing these days is all positive! From hyping his students, saddling up next to his teachers, and building real connections, Micah is the real deal!
Tune in to hear what teens are thinking and doing, how to build trust and a community within schools and you to lift up the young people in your world.
Make sure you follow, like, comment...basically all the things so you don't miss an episode!

Software, Surfing and Uber?

Ever wondered what happens when two friends take a random idea, sprinkle in some chaos, caffeine, and fun, and somehow turn it into one of the fastest-rising stars in recreation technology?
Or how two former Uber teammates managed to navigate the startup world without losing their minds or their friendship and build Rec Technologies from scratch?
 
Birju and Rachel dive into all this and more in our newest Apex Activated Podcast episode—out today, Thursday, November 21.
 
Listen to this episode if you:
 
-Want to hear how two friends went from Uber to founding Rec Technologies?
 
-Want a behind-the-scenes look at building one of the most up-and-coming recreation tech platforms?
 
-Want to learn how innovators balance ambition, creativity, and real life while scaling a startup? (And by real life, we mean one getting married and one having a baby and one of the SURFS...could they be any cooler?)
 
Tune in starting today, November 21, on Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
 
And don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and download!

Man on the Street-Mini Mic-Florida Style

New Episode Out Now – Apex Activated Podcast
We took the mic to the floor at this year’s NRPA Conference in Florida and captured the energy firsthand. From reconnecting with past guests like the incredible Kristine Stratton, President of NRPA, to meeting new voices in the parks and recreation world, this episode is full of spontaneous moments, laughter, and real talk about the power of community and public service.
It’s a fast-paced, feel-good listen that highlights the passion driving today’s leaders in parks and rec.
🎧 Streaming now on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Podbean, and wherever you get your podcasts.
👍 Don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and download—your support keeps this mic rolling.
Brought to you by the National Recreation and Park Association.

From Colorado Roots to Capitol Hill: Representative Brittany Pettersen

In this inspiring and candid episode, we sit down with U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen to talk about her journey that led her from her upbringing in Colorado to walking and serving in the halls of Congress. With honesty and a huge heart, she opens up about how her family shaped her work, the pivotal moments that led her into public service, with the help of our own Katie Groke, and the passion behind what fuels her work in Washington today.
We dive into her legislative priorities, her hopes for the future, what being a mom on Capitol Hill looks like and why she is more energized that ever to serve the people she represents.
This is one powerful conversation that you do not want to miss, filled with resilience, purpose, and the kind of hope we are all looking for.
Whether you are all about policy, looking for an uplifting story, or are a mama raising babies like Rep. Pettersen, this episode will leave you feeling ready to hit the ground running.
Listen NOW on Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts.
And don’t forget to follow, like, comment and download!

Leading with Commitment and Purpose with Author of Leadership by Design Annie Frisoli

Last year our team met with Annie Frisoli about becoming intentional leaders and wow did it speak to us and change our mindset!
Listen in as you hear Annie talk about her journey to where she is now, how parks and recreation helped lead her here and what becoming an intentional leader means and how to become just that.
There is not a one size fits all model for being a great leader and Annie will help you find your perfect approach all while inspiring you, making you laugh and being the girl you want in your corner!
You do not want to miss this one!

Women Leading Women with Lakita Frazier

Apex Activated is coming in hot with one of our fave people, Lakita Frazier.
 
Lakita is a Senior Consultant at Barry Dunn where she leads strategic planning and facility construction. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and was inducted into the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration in 2020.
 
But there's more...she is a mama, a grandma and she started Women in Parks and Recreation (WiPAR) and is bringing amazing women from across the globe together for yearly retreats and talks and inspiring us to get in the board rooms, get on the trails, and be movers and shakers.
 
Our conversation with her was inspiring, but also so gentle and you feel her kindness and love for people come through as you get to know her!
 
Grab your phone and find your favorite place outside and listen to this awesome chat with Lakita!

Coffee Talk with Karen

We are bringing back one of our faves for a little coffee tawk!
We love anytime we get to hang with this girl who is not only wicked smart about parks and recreation, people, leading and all the things, but she is down to earth, kind, and a true girls girl!
Karen joins us at Katie's kitchen table as we chat about food, dating, meditation and more. 
Grab a chair, a great cuppa whatever wets your whistle and get to know the latest in meditation gadgets and a little behind the scenes action with Karen O'Donnell!
 

Park and Rec Chat and Challenges with Ali Rhodes

Welp, this one ended differently than any of our others! 
 
We love chatting with our good friend, City of Boulder Director of Parks and Recreation Ali Rhodes! She inspires us with her go get 'em attitude, her amazing team she leads and how much she puts into her community! We could have talked for hours with this one, until she threw in some challenges (which we accepted...what were we thinking?) and now we are doing the Bolder Boulder! WHAT???
 
We cannot wait for you to hear from our awesome friend and be ready to hit the trails!
 

From Heartbreak to Healing in Parks and Rec with Marisa Kouba

Join us as we talk to Marisa Kouba, the Active Adult Recreation Coordinator at the City of Thornton, about her journey to her amazing position. Between love and loss, this girl is one tough cookie! She teaches us how to handle grief and loss and how to keep going and celebrate each day.
 
We are so thankful that Marisa came into our lives, what she has taught us and how big her heart is!
 
 

Break Stuff!

Break Stuff!
 
Yep, you got it right! We are breaking bottles and breaking through our barriers of what is holding us back in the latest episode of Apex Activated.
 
On location at Emotion with Owner Erica Valenzuela, who is teaching us to show ourselves and others grace as we navigate emotions and life. (Speaking of showing grace...the sound was a bit off due to breaking things, moving around room to room and all the things, so throw some grace our way as you listen.)
 
Listen to this excellent episode, then book a session at Emotion! You will feel lighter and be ready to head into next week with grace and some goodness.