This special live episode of It Takes A Village Podcast was recorded at the Gunnison Arts Center, a place that holds deep history for two of our hosts, Megan and Brieanna, who once worked within its walls and helped shape its creative community. Returning to the GAC not just as organizers, but as storytellers, felt like coming home with a new purpose.

The room was full in the best way: parents, kids, friends, and neighbors gathered together, with little voices and shifting chairs welcomed rather than silenced. Instead of feeling disruptive, the presence of children felt like proof of the very thing this podcast stands for: that community doesn’t require perfection or quiet, just honesty and belonging.

Each audience member who stepped up to the microphone asked a thoughtful, brave question, turning the live recording into a shared conversation rather than a performance. With Lana Athey of Gunnison Tough as our special guest, the dialogue moved between strength and vulnerability, personal stories and collective resilience, weaving a powerful reminder of what it means to show up for one another.

And then, as the evening continued, the community stayed together for the screening of Butterfly in a Blizzard. Watching the film in the same space, surrounded by the same people who had just shared stories and questions, made the experience even more profound. It was a night of connection, courage, and community, a living example of what it truly means to say: it takes a village.

Resources Mentioned

1. Gunnison Tough "How to Get Help" - https://gunnisontough.com/how-to-get-assistance/
2. Gunnison Tough Programs - https://gunnisontough.com/programs/
3. Living Journeys Support Groups - https://livingjourneys.org/assistance/
4. GVH Cancer Screening Access Fund - https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/cancer-care/cancer-screening-access-fund/
5. Women's Wellness Connection for women over 50 - https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/260/Womens-Wellness-Connection

Join It Takes A Village Podcast for a special community-centered day at the Gunnison Arts Center on January 16th. The afternoon begins with a live podcast recording at 4 pm, featuring honest conversation, shared stories, and a little audience interaction, because this Village believes in learning and growing together. We’re thrilled to welcome special guest Lana Athey from Gunnison Tough, bringing her perspective, experience, and voice into the conversation. This live recording is pay-what-you-can (or free) with first-come, first-served seating.

In the evening at 7 pm, stay for a screening of Butterfly in a Blizzard, a powerful and deeply personal film that explores resilience, connection, and lived experience. The podcast is proud to co-sponsor this screening in support of storytelling that sparks empathy and dialogue. Film tickets are $10.

Attend one event or join us for the full day. However you choose to participate, you’re invited to show up, connect, and be part of the Village.

Movie Tickets: https://www.gunnisonartscenter.org/film-screening-events

For our final episode of It Takes a Village season one, we’re taking a deep breath, looking back on everything we’ve shared, and laughing our way through what it really takes to keep the magic alive, especially during the holidays. From the sugar rush of Halloween to the cozy chaos of Christmas, we unpack the highs, the heaviness, and the heart of motherhood during a time when moms seem to hold the whole season together.

We talk about the traditions that bring our families joy, and what this past year of conversation and connection has meant to us. Plus, we hear from some of our incredible listeners; your stories, your moments, and your reminders that none of us are doing this alone.

Join us as we wrap up season one with gratitude, laughter, and maybe a little exhaustion left over from Halloween. Here’s to the village we’ve built, the magic we’ve made, and everything still to come. We'll see you in season 2!

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Louise Perry:

The Grove in Gunnison, CO - https://www.thegrovemotherwellness.com/

Mother Sage Motherhood Therapy - https://www.mothersagetherapyservices.com/

Kelsey Weaver:

Mountain Mamas Cafe - https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/obstetrics/family-birth-center/support-for-new-parents

Katie Thomas:

Project Hope - https://www.hope4gv.org/

Jessica Ekhardt:

Google Scholar Search: Jessica Eckhardt

• Integrating Sociological Perspectives into Obesogenic Research