NoCo Voices

About NoCo Voices

Conversations with neighbors strengthening Northern Colorado. In each episode, Kristin Todd talks with thought leaders from Northern Colorado.

Publisher

NoCo Foundation

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Mar 2026

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Business as a Force for Good: Philanthropy at Every Scale in Northern Colorado

   About This Episode What happens when giving back becomes part of how a business operates, not an occasional add-on, but a shared commitment woven into company culture? In this episode of NoCo Voices, host Kristin Todd welcomes Tim and Carol Cochran of Horse & Dragon Brewing Company and Amy Hoback of The Group Real Estate and GroupGives. Together, they explore how businesses of different sizes can use their resources, relationships, and influence to strengthen Northern Colorado. Horse & Dragon was recognized as Colorado’s Outstanding Small Business at National Philanthropy Day (https://community.afpglobal.org/afpcocoloradochapter/npd48/new-item) in 2022. The Group Real Estate received the Outstanding Large Business honor in 2025. Their approaches reflect the character of their organizations, but both demonstrate that authentic business philanthropy goes far beyond writing a check. It grows through employee participation, volunteerism, community partnerships, thoughtful grantmaking, and a willingness to keep showing up. The guests also discuss how businesses can sustain generosity during uncertain economic times, why community investment strengthens company culture, and how any business can begin regardless of its size or budget. Listeners Will Hear About How philanthropy became part of the identity of Horse & Dragon and The Group The ways employees and business partners participate in giving and volunteerism How each organization chooses causes and opportunities to support What statewide recognition for philanthropy meant to these Northern Colorado businesses How companies can remain generous while navigating economic uncertainty Practical first steps for building a genuine culture of giving About the Guests Tim and Carol Cochran are the founders of Horse & Dragon Brewing Company in Fort Collins. The brewery’s guiding principles include treating people ethically, reducing its environmental impact, and being a proactive member of the community. Horse & Dragon supports local organizations through partnerships, events, product-based giving, volunteerism, and the gathering space it creates for community efforts. Amy Hoback is Vice President of Marketing and Technology at The Group Real Estate and chair of the GroupGives board of directors. GroupGives, a fund of the NoCo Foundation, focuses the collective generosity of The Group’s partners, engages their families and customers, and helps ensure the company’s tradition of charitable giving and volunteerism continues. Resources Learn about Horse & Dragon Brewing Company (https://www.horseanddragonbrewing.com/) Learn about GroupGives (https://thegroupinc.com/group-gives/) Explore the NoCo Voices podcast (https://nocofoundation.org/noco-voices-podcast) About NoCo Voices NoCo Voices features conversations with neighbors across Northern Colorado who are building connections, strengthening community, and creating meaningful change. Each episode highlights the people and ideas shaping our region and reminds us that when we work together, we make more possible.

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Growing with Intention: Small-Town Leadership in a Changing Northern Colorado

   About This Episode What does it take to grow a town while preserving the character and connections that make it feel like home? In this episode of NoCo Voices, host Kristin Todd sits down with Matt LeCerf, town manager for the Town of Johnstown, and Patti Garcia, town administrator for the Town of Wellington. Both are experienced municipal leaders guiding communities through a season of significant growth, opportunity, and change. Johnstown and Wellington have deep agricultural roots and strong small-town identities. Today, they are also welcoming new residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. With that growth comes increasing demand for water, wastewater treatment, roads, broadband, emergency response, parks, trails, recreation, and other public services. Matt and Patti offer a candid—and lively—look at the decisions happening behind the scenes. They discuss how town leaders balance immediate needs with long-term planning, navigate competing priorities, communicate difficult tradeoffs, and create space for both longtime and newer residents to shape their community’s future. The conversation also explores the value of regional relationships. Through the NoCo Foundation’s Growing Communities Collaborative, municipal leaders from eight Northern Colorado communities meet regularly to exchange ideas, share lessons, and support one another through the daily realities of managing growth and change. Listeners Will Learn More About - The opportunities and pressures facing Northern Colorado’s growing towns - How communities preserve small-town character while welcoming new residents - Why water, wastewater, broadband, roads, and emergency services must be planned years ahead - How leaders balance essential infrastructure with parks, trails, recreation, and other community amenities - What thoughtful leadership looks like when every choice involves tradeoffs - How trusted regional relationships help communities learn and plan together Our Guests Matt LeCerf is the town manager for the Town of Johnstown. He leads the Town’s daily operations, implements the priorities established by the Town Council, and coordinates municipal programs and services during a period of continued growth and investment in Johnstown’s future. Patti Garcia has served as town administrator for the Town of Wellington since December 2020. She brings more than 20 years of local government experience and expertise in municipal processes, organizational efficiency, and community engagement. In 2026, she earned the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association. Resources - Town of Johnstown: https://johnstownco.gov/ - Town of Wellington: https://www.wellingtoncolorado.gov/ - Johnstown planning and development: https://johnstownco.gov/225/Planning- Development - Wellington town master plans: https://www.wellingtoncolorado.gov/607/Town-Master- Plans NoCo Voices: Conversations with neighbors strengthening Northern Colorado is a podcast from the NoCo Foundation featuring the people, partnerships, and ideas helping our region thrive.

3. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Childcare

   Childcare

4. 

   6 Aug 2026

   Rural Roots, Regional Impact: The Northeast Colorado Intersections Report

   What can we learn when we listen deeply to rural communities? In this episode of NoCo Voices, host Kristin Todd sits down with John Chapdelaine, Vice President of Eastern Colorado at the NoCo Foundation, to explore the newly released Northeast Colorado Intersections Report. Developed in partnership with Colorado State University Engagement and Extension, the report brings together data, community voices, and lived experiences from Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties. Together, they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and strengths shaping Northeastern Colorado and what those insights mean for the future of our entire region. John shares his perspective on rural philanthropy, community leadership, and why investing in relationships is essential to strengthening communities. The conversation explores how the report can help guide future partnerships, inform philanthropic investments, and elevate the voices of residents who know their communities best. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of: • The purpose and findings of the Northeast Colorado Intersections Report • What rural philanthropy looks like in practice • Emerging opportunities across Northeastern Colorado • The role of local leadership in creating lasting change • Why Eastern Colorado's success is connected to the future of Northern Colorado Whether you're a community leader, donor, nonprofit professional, or simply curious about the people and places that help shape our region, this conversation offers valuable insight into the power of listening, collaboration, and community-driven solutions. Resources • Read the Northeast Colorado Intersections Report: https://nocofoundation.org/necointersections  (https://nocofoundation.org/necointersections%20) • Learn more about the NoCo Foundation's Eastern Colorado work: https://nocofoundation.org/communities-served/eastern-colorado/  (https://nocofoundation.org/communities-served/eastern-colorado/%20%E2%80%A8) • Learn more about the NoCo Foundation: https://www.nocofoundation.org (https://www.nocofoundation.org) About NoCo Voices NoCo Voices features conversations with neighbors across Northern Colorado who are building connections, strengthening community, and creating meaningful change. Together, we're exploring the ideas, partnerships, and people shaping our region's future. https://nocofoundation.org/noco-voices-podcast  (https://nocofoundation.org/noco-voices-podcast%20)

5. 

   9 Jul 2026

   When Disaster Strikes: Preparedness, Recovery, and the Long Road Forward

   In this episode of NoCo Voices, host Kristin Todd welcomes Lori Hodges, Director of the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management, and Hally Strevey, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, for a conversation about disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience in Northern Colorado. Together, they explore what happens before, during, and long after a wildfire, flood, or other natural disaster. Lori shares how emergency managers help communities prepare for emergencies and coordinate response efforts when disaster strikes. Hally discusses the lasting impacts disasters can have on watersheds and natural systems, and why environmental recovery is deeply connected to community recovery. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration among public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and residents. It also explores how philanthropy can help fill critical gaps during long-term recovery, supporting both people and places long after emergency response efforts have ended. Listeners will learn about: • How communities can prepare before disaster strikes • What happens during the first hours and days of an emergency • The realities of long-term disaster recovery • The connection between watershed health and community resilience • The role philanthropy plays in supporting recovery efforts • How partnerships are helping strengthen wildfire resilience across Northern Colorado This episode is a reminder that recovery isn't a moment, it's a process. And building resilient communities requires all of us working together. Resources Emergency Alerts • Sign up for Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) emergency alerts:  https://www.leta911.org/  (https://www.leta911.org/%20) • Learn about emergency preparedness resources: https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/2023/em_prep_guide_final_04.26.2023.pdf (https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/2023/em_prep_guide_final_04.26.2023.pdf) Organizations Featured in This Episode • Larimer County Office of Emergency Management:  https://www.larimer.gov/emergency (https://www.larimer.gov/emergency) • Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed: https://www.poudrewatershed.org/ (https://www.poudrewatershed.org/) Support Recovery Efforts • Learn more about the NoCo Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund:  https://nocofoundation.org/noco-disaster-recovery-fund/ • Make a donation to support long-term disaster recovery efforts in Northern Colorado:  https://cfnc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3013 (https://cfnc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3013) Preparedness Resources • Build an emergency kit https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/2017/lcdhe-72-hour-emergency-kit.pdf  (https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/2017/lcdhe-72-hour-emergency-kit.pdf%20%E2%80%A8) • Create a family communication plan • Know your evacuation routes • Stay informed through local emergency notification systems About NoCo Voices NoCo Voices features conversations with neighbors across Northern Colorado who are building connections, strengthening community, and creating meaningful change. Together, we're exploring the ideas, partnerships, and people shaping our region's future. https://nocofoundation.org/noco-voices-podcast  (https://nocofoundation.org/noco-voices-podcast%20)

6. 

   25 Jun 2026

   More Than a Meal: Connection, Community, and the Power of Intersections

   In this episode of NoCo Voices, Kristin Todd explores the NoCo Foundation’s Intersections work, an approach to understanding how complex community challenges are connected across Northern Colorado. She’s joined by Jeff Pomranka, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Loveland Berthoud, to share how their work goes far beyond delivering meals. From reducing social isolation to creating job training opportunities, Meals on Wheels is a powerful example of how connection, care, and opportunity intersect to strengthen a community.

7. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Cracking the Housing Puzzle: Regional Solutions in Action

   Housing is one of the most urgent challenges facing Northern Colorado, and one that requires regional solutions. Kristin Todd is joined by Ann Hutchison and Brooke Cunningham to explore how cross-sector collaboration, new funding tools, and regional thinking are shaping the future of housing across Larimer and Weld Counties.

8. 

   14 May 2026

   How to Be a Philanthropist (Hint, You Already Are)

   Philanthropy isn’t just about big gifts, it’s about how we show up for our communities every day. In this episode, Kristin Todd talks with two participants in the NoCo Changemakers program about redefining philanthropy, learning through collective giving, and taking meaningful action in Northern Colorado.

9. 

   9 Apr 2026

   The State of the Nonprofit Sector in Northern Colorado

   As Northern Colorado’s nonprofit sector faces rising demand, funding pressures, and shifting expectations, this episode explores how organizations are adapting in real time. Kristin Todd is joined by three leaders who share candid insights on resilience, innovation, and the evolving role of nonprofits as essential partners in community well-being.

10. 

    26 Mar 2026

    From Greeley to Fort Collins: A Conversation on Regional Strength

    What does it take to build a stronger region across different communities, perspectives, and priorities? Former mayors John Gates and Jeni Arndt join Kristin Todd to reflect on leadership, regional collaboration, and the relationships that make progress possible across Weld and Larimer Counties.

11. 

    12 Mar 2026

    Conversations with Neighbors Strengthening Northern Colorado

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of NoCo Voices. Host Kristin Todd, President of the NoCo Foundation, is joined by Board Chair Nick Roe and Board Member Nicole Staudinger to introduce the purpose behind the podcast—and the role of the NoCo Foundation in strengthening Northern Colorado. Together, they explore why local stories matter, how philanthropy fuels community impact, and what listeners can expect from future conversations.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact NoCo Voices

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.