Square State - podcast cover

Square State

Michelle Jacksonsquarestate.libsyn.com
So why create a podcast about all things Colorado? I realized that there weren't enough of us sharing our Colorado experience. I wanted to dig beneath the surface and share what it's like to live in Colorado. I also wanted to share the amazing people, cool things we're doing, and yes, even share our dirty laundry in an effort to improve life in our state.
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Episodes

A Review of Denver's 16th Street Mall Reopening (2025)

Disclosure: * In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here. * Episode Synopsis A few weeks ago, downtown Denver had its official "Reopening" experience. I attended and I wanted to share thoughts about the experience, what I think the City of Denver could do better in regards to communication...

Jun 23, 202520 min

Should You Visit Denver's 16th Street Mall

Do you live in Denver? Are you planning on visiting Denver, Colorado sometime soon? Are you thinking about what places you'd like to visit and are wondering about downtown Denver? In this episode I'm spilling some tea about Denver's 16th Street Mall, should you visit and some food for thought. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/should-you-visit-denvers-16th-street-mall

Mar 18, 202515 min

Denver's Union Station Refresh: A Review

The other week Denver's Union Station's most recent refresh was revealed. In this podcast episode, I share my impressions and opportunity lost and more. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denvers-union-stations-newest-facelift-an-honest-review

Jul 23, 202416 min

Is Denver Overrated?

This question often gets asked about different cities that have somehow generated good or bad buzz. "Is Denver Overrated?" Is something that has been asked and I thought I would try my hand at asking and reflecting on this question. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/is-denver-overrated

Jul 09, 202424 min

Is Colorado the Florida of the Rocky Mountain West

For the past couple of years I've pondered the following question "Is Colorado the Florida of the Rocky Mountain West?" In this podcast episode I make my case and I think it's pretty compelling. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/is-colorado-the-florida-of-the-rocky-mountain-west

Feb 06, 202410 min

CU Boulder and Coach Prime are a Match Made in Heaven

By now you've likely seen or heard about CU Boulder's decisive win over TCU. I have some thoughts about what is happening with the football program, academics and needing to respect HBCUs. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/cu-buffs-and-coach-prime

Sep 05, 202310 min

10 Things that I Love About Downtown Denver

I share some of my favorite experiences and spaces in downtown Denver. I also talk about some of the challenges impacted Denver's city center. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/10-things-that-i-love-about-downtown-denver

Aug 11, 202320 min

RTD Is Free for Two Months: My Thoughts About Zero Fare for Better Air

In this episode I share my thoughts on the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative of 2023. Here's what I like, what's not working and what could make it better. Are you enjoying this initiative? I know the Swifties did! Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/rtd-is-free-for-two-months

Aug 01, 202315 min

How Car Free Events Can Transform the Denver Tourist Experience

I'm so excited about the ¡Viva Streets Denver! Event and in this episode I share my experience, why I think car free events are a draw for tourists and building community. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/how-car-free-events-can-transform-the-denver-tourist-experience

May 17, 202315 min

You Experience Denver and Visit Philly-Hear Me Out

Let's be clear, I love Denver and I love Philly...but as a visitor you're going to experience these cities differently. In this podcast episode I share my thoughts on why that is and I wonder if you agree? Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/you-experience-denver-and-visit-philly

Apr 19, 202312 min

Should Black People Move to Denver

When I travel outside of Colorado, people are always surprised to learn that I'm actually from Colorado. What I've also noticed is that there has been increasing interest from African-Americans in moving here or recreating here. In this podcast episode I reflect on the following question: Should Black People Move to Denver. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/should-black-people-move-to-denver...

Mar 30, 202319 min

Is Downtown Denver a Hellscape?

In this podcast episode I break down some of the issues happening in downtown Denver, I share why I'm so irritated with how the conversation is being framed and share some perspective. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/is-downtown-denver-a-hellscape

Mar 08, 202319 min

21 Best Denver Coffee Shops of 2023

I am a HUGE coffee and tea drinker. I spend an unreasonable amount of time drinking coffee and one of my favorite activities is checking out new shops. Here are my top 21 Best Coffee Shops in Denver. Also, I mention some bonus shops and one of them is 2914 Coffee (I said 2014 accidentally) Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/21-best-denver-coffee-shops

Feb 22, 202322 min

87 Things to Do In Denver (By a Long Time Local)

There are so many things to do in Denver that sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed. And, post COVID, Denver has lost some long-time favorite spaces/events and even communities. The following list of 87 Things to Do in Denver includes a number of activities that haven't made it onto the top lists that we normally see. Do we live in the same city? Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/things-to-do-in-denver-by-a-local...

Feb 22, 20237 min

A Letter to Denver's Mayoral Candidates

I hope that the candidates give this episode a listen. I have some thoughts about what's happening in Denver and what we need to do better. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denvers-next-mayor

Jan 31, 202321 min

10 Best Coffee Shops in Denver and a Few Honorable Mentions

One of my favorite things to do is to try out and visit amazing coffee shops. I do this where ever I go. Luckily, Denver is an incredible coffee town. Here's my list of the top 10 coffee shops in Denver. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/best-coffee-shops-in-denver

Jan 24, 202220 minEp. 19

10 Hotels in Colorado Similar to The Jane Motel from Motel Makeover

I'm a huge fan of Motel Makeover on Netflix and The Jane Motel that is featured in the show. In fact, I love it so much that I thought I would do an episodea about The Jane Motel with a twist. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/the-jane-motel

Jan 24, 202214 minEp. 19

The Truth About Denver's Weather

One of Denver, Colorado's best kept secrets is its weather. In this episode, I spill the tea and I'm fully expecting no one to believe me. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/what-is-denvers-weather

Jan 24, 20227 minEp. 19

How to Make Friends in Denver When You're Over 30

Moving to a new town is so exciting. But, one thing that can feel a little overwhelming is how on earth do you make new friends? I share some quick and easy tips on how to make new friends when you're over 30 in Denver. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/how-to-make-friends-in-denver

Sep 13, 20219 min

What's Wrong with the 5280 Top of the Town List

I love 5280 Magazine but I think it's time to talk about how impactful the yearly Top of the Town list is and why now is a great time to rework it. I'm a huge fan of 5280 have thought about the issue that I'm going to discuss in the show for awhile. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/5280-top-of-the-town

Aug 23, 202132 min

How Global Warming May Impact Your Colorado Vacation

Global warming is here and it's not going away anytime soon. Not only is the impact being experienced by citizens of the places you would like to visit but also by tourists. In this episode I break down how global warming may impact your upcoming Colorado vacation. It's a must listen. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/global-warming-affecting-colorado

Aug 16, 202111 min

Adrian Miller The Soul Food Scholar

If you like bbq as much as I do than Colorado food expert, Adrian Miller, should be on your radar. I had a wonderful conversation with him about being from Colorado, food, and being Black from Colorado. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/adrian-miller

May 31, 202123 min

Josh F. from Travel Crested Butte

Crested Butte, Colorado is my favorite mountain town. It's one of the towns that truly reminds me of Colorado before it became popular. Josh F. founder of Travel Crested Butte about why Crested Butte is so amazing. If you're looking for an off the beaten path trip listen to the following show. Show Notes: https://squarestateco.com/crested-butte

May 24, 202132 min

Blackpackers Founder Patricia Cameron

Sometimes it frustrates me when people joke about how Black and Brown people don't enjoy the outdoors. Nuanced conversations around accessibility, generational trauma and affording the outdoors is often lost in the mix. Patricia Cameron, founder of Blackpackers, is mission driven to change that narrative. She provides the tools, resources and experiences that connect underrepresented and underserved Coloradans to the outdoors. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/blackpackers...

May 19, 202136 min

A Conversation About the Digital Green Book

What if I told you that there was a time when motorists of color needed and used a resource to help them travel safely around the US? Would you believe me? In today's episode we're going to talk about the newest iteration of this tool. The Digital Green Book is a resource that is being designed in Denver, CO. Do we still need this type of resource? Listen on and decide for yourself. Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/digital-green-book...

May 17, 202159 min

Denver You're Getting a Little Sloppy

Everyone has that slightly sloppy friend who's always up for anything, will listen to you when you're drunk, and loves to experiment. Well, there are towns like that too. Amsterdam, Beirut, Nashville, Barcelona and Denver come to mind. In this short episode I share my thoughts on how Denver is getting a little sloppy. To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/denver-sloppy

Oct 05, 202012 sec

Crush Walls Was the Perfect Event During COVID

Colorado has an incredible number of murals in almost every single city and town that you visit. From Denver, to Salida, Boulder and beyond the chance to enjoy Colorado's murals is a wonderful way to spend the day. I share my experience enjoying this year's Crush Walls event. Crush Walls is an annual event held in the RINO/Five Points Neighborhood. To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/crush-walls

Sep 28, 20205 min

8 Things That Aren't Working During COVID Here in Denver and Colorado

Last week I shared 9 changes in Denver and Colorado that I would like to keep after COVID is GONE. This week I share 8 things that aren't working during COVID here in Denver and Colorado that we need to deal with. To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/what-is-not-working

Sep 23, 202010 min

9 Changes Made During COVID in Colorado That We Should Keep

COVID sucks, am I right? So, I decided to try and find something good that has happened as a result of dealing with this mess. I found 9 changes are Colorado specific situations that I would like to have continue after COVID is finally gone! To Access the Show Notes https://squarestateco.com/changes-that-colorado-should-keep-after-covid

Sep 17, 202016 min
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