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

In this episode of It Takes a Village, we sit down with Jessica Eckhardt, a researcher whose work explores the intersections of maternal health, rural healthcare systems, and shifting cultural trends around parenting and birth.

Jessica shares how she first became interested in women’s health and paints a candid picture of the changing landscape of maternal and infant care in rural communities. We dive into hospital closures, gaps in prenatal care, and the lingering impacts of historical misconceptions, like “female hysteria”, on modern medicine. Jessica also sheds light on why midwifery is often seen as a gold standard of care, and the promising grassroots and policy efforts working to bridge maternal health disparities.

The conversation then takes a thoughtful turn toward declining birth rates and the complex web of factors influencing family planning today, from climate change anxiety to economic pressures and shifting gender norms. Jessica unpacks global parenting trends, policy strategies, and cultural changes that shape how families are built and supported in today’s world.

This episode is an insightful look at where we are, how we got here, and what it will take to create a future where families and rural communities can truly thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• Contact Your Local Colorado Officials
• Sora Midwifery Community - Home Birth & Midwife Services within 80 Miles of Salida, Colorado
• The Black Birth Collective
• Grand Junction Birth Collective
• Gunnison Mentors
• Brothers Helping Brothers
• Gunny Bike Bus
• Meal Train
• Gunnison Valley Humanity Posse
• Robert Putnam, Author

Read More From Jessica:

Google Scholar Search: Jessica Eckhardt

• Integrating Sociological Perspectives into Obesogenic Research
• Race, Environmental Inequality, and Physical Health

Episode 9 – Building a Village with Project Hope

In this episode of It Takes a Village, we sit down with Katie Thomas, Advocacy Director of Project Hope of Gunnison Valley. Together, we talk honestly about the realities of abuse and stalking, and the critical resources available right here in our valley for those affected. Katie shares the signs of abuse to look out for, how friends and loved ones can offer meaningful support, and what it really looks like to walk through the doors of Project Hope.

This conversation is all about breaking silence, building safety, and reminding our community that no one has to navigate abuse alone.

Resources Mentioned:

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

Gunnison Valley Food Pantry:

Men's Group - Brothers Helping Brothers: https://gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org/

Project Hope is at the Hikers' Center in Lake City once a month!

Gunnison Rec Center: https://www.gunnisonco.gov/departments/parks___recreation/index.php

In this episode, we sit down with local lactation consultant Kelsey Weaver to talk about the real journey of keeping a baby fed, whether that's through breastfeeding, pumping, formula, or some combo of all three. Kelsey shares her expertise and lived experience, reminding us that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to feeding your baby. We explore the pressure new parents feel, the myths that still linger, and why supporting moms in finding what works for them is truly what’s best for baby. This one is all about ditching the guilt and embracing what feels right for you and your family.

Resources Mentioned

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

Charlotte Briel Wombs of the World: https://www.wombsoftheworld.com/

Modela Pumps: https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping

Meal Train: https://www.mealtrain.com/

In our very first interview episode, we sit down with Louise Perry, motherhood therapist and owner of The Grove in Gunnison, Colorado, for a powerful and validating conversation. Together, we explore what it really means to name what mothers are going through so we can properly meet their needs. Louise shares insight into how other cultures support parents, and what we can learn from them as we rebuild our own village. We also dive into how to work with your partner through the constantly shifting expectations of modern parenthood. This episode is honest, hopeful, and a must-listen for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful world of parenting.

Resources Mentioned:

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

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

How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn - https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Your-Husband-After-Kids/dp/0316267104

Dr. Aurelie Athan - https://www.matrescence.com/

Chelsea Robinson - https://www.mamasmodernvillage.com/

Caregiver Conversations - https://www.gunnisoncountylibraries.org/events/

The Good Mother Myth: Unlearning Our Bad Ideas About How to Be a Good Mom by Nancy Reddy - https://www.amazon.com/Good-Mother-Myth-Unlearning-Ideas/dp/1250336643/

Mindfulness for Kids Classes at The Grove - https://www.thegrovemotherwellness.com/events

Let’s get real about feeding our babies. In this raw and honest episode, Megan, Liberty, and Brieanna open up about the pressures moms face around breastfeeding, formula feeding, pumping, and everything in between. We talk about the emotional and physical toll of feeding a newborn, how to shut out the noise of “doing it right,” and ways partners can actually be helpful (hint: it’s more than washing bottles). If you’re nursing, mixing formula, exclusively pumping, or somewhere in the messy middle, this conversation is for you.

Links for Resources mentioned in the episode:

Earth Mama - https://earthmamaorganics.com/collections/breastfeeding-support/products/organic-nipple-butter

Lanolin - https://lansinoh.com/collections/nipple-creams-care

Legendairy Milk on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legendairymilk