Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, you'll meet Carousel of Happiness Board President, Charles Wood. Charles has been involved with the carousel for 12 years now, and has had pretty much every single job in this place. In addition to serving on the board, Charles has been a volunteer, he’s worked the front desk, he’s been an operator, and briefly he served as the interim Executive Director. Charles tells me about what it was like growing up in Houston, how meditatio...
Jun 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 26
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner guides you through a carousel-themed meditation. Find a cozy spot, quiet your mind, and see what's possible when you are present with questions from the Wonder Box! Did you get a great idea? Follow up on an exciting impulse? Click the link below to send a quick text message to Allie. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicate...
Jun 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 25
Welcome the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we talk about what happened on the podcast last week, how it relates to the carousel, and how we’re going to move forward together on the podcast. Host Allie Wagner tells you about a text she got from a friend, as well as one she got from Scott about last week’s episode. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to inspiring happiness, well-bei...
Jun 10, 2025•17 min•Ep. 24
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we see what happens when we throw the playbook out the window. Join host Allie Wagner as we rumble (and ramble) off the rails slightly in this improvisational episode about creativity, compassionate empathy, and the power of the present moment. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to inspiring happiness, well-being, and service to other...
Jun 03, 2025•24 min•Ep. 23
Welcome the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we celebrate a peaceful transition of power at the Carousel of Happiness. Madam Piglet Eunice Stardust becomes the 2025 Mayor of the Carousel. We hear details about the election, Allie shares an idea in a book she read on vacation, and we'll explore the power of asking the question "what if?" Want to hear more about Ron Francis? Check out the Peace, Love and Moto Podcast . Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carouse...
May 27, 2025•18 min•Ep. 22
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today’s episode we’re going to hear the story of Pat Craig and the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Did you know over 30,000 acres in the state of Colorado is home to over 950 lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic animals? We’ll find out how this came to be, what the captive wildlife crisis is, and how compassionate empathy can change the world. Check out the Wild Animal Sanctuary here: https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/ . Don't forget to vote for Mayor ...
May 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 21
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today’s episode, we’re taking a quick break to celebrate and reflect on how far we’ve come together on the podcast. Host, Allie Wagner, tells you about a camping trip she's planning, and we’ll explore why it makes sense to celebrate “what is” on your way to accomplishing "what's next." Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting ends May 26! Learn more about the Mayor Election and the perks of voting! (https://carouselofhappiness.org/m...
May 06, 2025•18 min•Ep. 20
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today’s episode, we continue the conversation about the creative process by focusing on the Muse. How do Muses inspire creativity? Who was Scott’s Muse? Host, Allie Wagner, introduces you to the Twirling Girl and the other “hitchhikers” of the carousel – animals who’ve hitch a ride on the carousel in the wooden sweeps and metal supports above. Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting ends May 26! Learn more about the Mayor Election ...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min•Ep. 19
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today’s episode, you'll meet Carousel Operator, Burt Rashbaum. He’s one of only a handful of people who have the distinct privilege of operating the carousel, something he has done since September 2010. In addition to operating a carousel, Burt is a multi-hyphenate artist who has spent his entire life soaking up the details of his life, and processing them through his work. You’ll hear about his creative process, why he loves the carousel, and how...
Apr 23, 2025•22 min•Ep. 18
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. As many of you know, Elephant was reported missing in the local Mountain Ear newspaper a couple of weeks ago. But, we at the Carousel of Happiness, need to set the record straight on a few things. Turns out they got some details wrong. On today’s episode, you’ll hear the true story of Elephant’s disappearance and what actually happened that night. Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting ends May 26! Learn more about the Mayor Election...
Apr 15, 2025•23 min•Ep. 17
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host, Allie Wagner sits down with JoLee Wingerson, a Boulder-based animal communicator with almost 25 years of experience. For more than two decades, JoLee has communicated with animals on behalf of humans, and vice versa, and has some powerful things to say about our spiritual relationship with animals. You’ll learn what animals really want us to know, and how we can support them best. Plus, Allie tells the story of when her husb...
Apr 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 16
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, you'll meet gift shop manager and social media maven, Pat Hagberg. Pat was the original “girl boss” before that was even a term, and upon retirement, she found her way to the carousel in 2012. Chances are, whether you are young or old, if you’ve walked through the carousel doors, you’ve had the opportunity to experience Pat’s healing presence. Through Pat, we’ll learn about the power of compassionate listening, and how she’s liter...
Apr 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 15
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's show, you'll meet Boulder County Open Space Ranger, Kevin Grady, and his "Miracle Dog," Dottie. You'll learn about how they started working together, and how a mysterious accident caused them to deepen their bond and connection to one another. Take a listen for your daily dose of miracles, and for a story about the healing power of unconditional love. Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting ends May 26! Learn more about the...
Mar 25, 2025•24 min•Ep. 14
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we learn more about the Warrior Storyfield project in Longmont, and how a veterans are being healed and shaped by a 16 ft. dragon, an 18 ft. phoenix, and the space in between. Join us for an exploration of the healing power of working with metal and fire. Today's episode is sponsored by the fire-breathing folks over in the Dragon’s Lair. Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting ends May 26! Learn more about the Mayo...
Mar 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 13
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner shares a recent visit she took to the local Tail of Two Cities animal sanctuary just outside Nederland. You’ll hear stories of sassy pigs, baby yaks, and sneaky dogs, and we’ll talk about the power of radical love and acceptance of all. This episode is sponsored by the Porcine Party to Elect Pig for Mayor. Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting begins March 13! Learn more about the Mayor Election...
Mar 12, 2025•22 min•Ep. 12
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we are beginning our Mayoral Election Coverage for 2025. For the next 7 weeks, we will join together to strengthen our love and compassion muscles, all while raising money for the carousel in the process. You'll be inundated with warm, fuzzy, uplifting stories, adorable animals, and lots and lots of puns. Each week, there will be opportunities for you to show your love and spread some carousel energy throughout your community. Joi...
Mar 04, 2025•26 min•Ep. 11
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner answers some of your carousel-related questions from the Wonder Box. Like “why is the fish so small?” and “how fast is the cheetah?” You'll also learn how many riders we see each day, as well as how the music in the carousel works. Plus, we’ll explore what the fish and cheetah can teach us about how to accomplish our goals with ease and grace. * Check out the cheetah and the fish on our website here . Do you have...
Feb 25, 2025•18 min•Ep. 10
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner digs into the Wonder Box, and fishes out some of your questions and musings about life, love, joy, and peace. We’ll discuss the healing power of wonder and awe – how it connects us to one another, the world around us, and something larger than ourselves. We’ll learn how awe improves our physiology, our communities, and our overall well-being. We’ll explore how we’re wired for it, and how it propels our evolution ...
Feb 19, 2025•25 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, today’s episode is all about love and the heart. But not a love made of paper hearts, but one that is being circulated throughout the carousel community through a new addition to the roof. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about the electromagnetic field of the carousel, the anatomy of the human heart, and the power of living a heart-centered life. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of H...
Feb 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 8
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode we meet carousel operator, admin, and painter Rebecca Linn. For the last year, she's been offering community-based acupuncture at the Carousel of Happiness. You'll hear about the origins of this treatment, how Rebecca found acupuncture after her life took an unexpected turn, and we'll talk about the complexities of the human body. If you're looking for permission and encouragement to feel your feelings, this episode is for you. Do ...
Feb 04, 2025•24 min•Ep. 7
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode we explore joy and its relationship to the creative process. Are they related? How? Aren't all artists supposed to be tortured? Plus, host Allie Wagner, shares a big mistake she's already made on the podcast. If you're looking for a permission slip to follow your bliss, this episode's for you. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to insp...
Jan 28, 2025•22 min•Ep. 6
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we try to explain the town of Nederland. A town the size of 1.6-square miles, with no stoplight, and a population of around 1,500 miners, hippies, and other assorted mountain folk. You'll learn what miners, dead guys, and Elton John have to do with Nederland's beauty and the Carousel of Happiness. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to...
Jan 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 5
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we learn how a 1910 Charles Looff-designed carousel frame makes its way to Nederland from Salt Lake City. And, with it, a legacy of inclusion that has an impact on those who visit to this day. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to inspiring happiness, well-being, and service to others through stories and experiences. If you enjoy the ...
Jan 14, 2025•19 min•Ep. 4
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we’ll discuss the role animals can play in the healing of human beings. Plus, you'll hear the story of Rabbit the First, the first animal Scott Harrison carves for the carousel, and Scott's first teacher. Want to learn more about the rest of the carousel animals? Check out Scott's new book, Carousel Soul (https://carouselofhappiness.org/product/carousel-soul-inside-the-carousel-of-happiness/). Do you have a story to share? Leave u...
Jan 07, 2025•15 min
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode we explore the relationship between dark and light. How do challenging moments in our lives become the catalyst for some of our most joyful contributions to this world? What can we learn from the Carousel of Happiness that teaches us about our sadness? Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to inspiring happiness, well-being, and service t...
Jan 07, 2025•21 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we'll share the origin story of the Carousel of Happiness located in Nederland, Colorado. You'll hear how carousel creator and carver, Scott Harrison, was first called to the idea of a carousel, and how the carousel itself has impacted the lives of thousands. Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message! The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organization dedicated to inspiring happiness, well-being, and s...
Jan 07, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast! It all starts with Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran, who channelled his grief into art by hand-carving and restoring a 1910 Charles Looff-designed carousel that actively spins today. On the podcast, you'll hear stories about how the carousel came to be and how it found an unusual home 8,000 feet above sea level in the quirky mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. The Carousel of Happiness Podcast is your weekly hub of positivity where we'll spin yarn...
Nov 12, 2024•6 min•Ep. 1
