Voices of the Past: Lessons from the Rails (Part 1)

Voices of the Past: Lessons from the Rails (Part 1)

Author: The Local NEWS Network July 15, 2026 Duration: 3:24
Jeff Johnson's connection to Durango began with a single train ride in 1973, when a family vacation turned into a lifelong calling. That trip aboard the narrow gauge to Silverton set him on a path of decades-long devotion to Colorado railroad history, from the earliest push of the Denver and Rio Grande down through Walsenburg, Alamosa, and Chama into Southwest Colorado, to the mining boom in Silverton that the rails were built to chase. In this episode, Jeff traces the routes, the resources, ...

There's always more to the story than what fits in a bulletin or a column inch. Beyond the Headlines, from The Local NEWS Network, is a podcast that explores the human creativity and cultural texture behind the events shaping our area. We move past the initial facts to examine how local arts and community expression are intertwined with the news of the day. Each episode is a conversation that connects the dots between a city council decision and a mural project, or between a development plan and the fate of a historic theater. You'll hear from the artists, organizers, and everyday residents whose lives and work are directly impacted, providing context that transforms a simple headline into a richer narrative. This isn't just about what happened; it's about why it matters on a personal and cultural level, and what it reveals about the character of our community. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded look at the forces and the faces that define where we live, finding the unexpected connections and artistic spirit that often go unreported in the daily rush.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 46

Beyond the Headlines
Podcast Episodes
Voices of the Past: A Different Perspective (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:12
How do we get to where we are — and how important is every little story? Native historian Johnny Valdez reminds us that we are each the product of a hundred generations, and that any one of those stories going differentl…
Beyond the Headlines: Karen & Camille [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:49
Karen Tarango and Camille Kropf run an Instagram page dedicated to documenting their quest to eat at every restaurant in the Four Corners.
Beyond the Headlines: Rotem Ishay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:48
Rotem Ishay is a multiple-time cycling National Champion. Now retired, he's passing down his years of professional experience to the next generation.
Beyond the Headlines: Tami Graham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:22
Tami Graham is the Executive Director at KSUT Public Radio in Ignacio, Colorado. KSUT is one of the radio stations joining the NPR lawsuit of the Trump administration over the President's order to freeze funding to the C…
Alpine20: Fun Center [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:25
Pete Tabor and Joe Washburn own Fun Center Cycles in Durango, Farmington and Cortez. Fun Center specializes in power sports of all kinds, from on & off road motorcycles, to snowmobiles, watercraft and more!
Beyond the Headlines: Charles Leslie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:07
Under Charles Leslie’s leadership, world class artists like Terrance Blanchard and Christian McBride have graced the FLC Community Concert Hall stage in recent years. The concert hall opens its new season in June.
Alpine20: Advantage Physical Therapy & Wellness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:30
Amy & Michael Testa opened Advantage Physical Therapy & Wellness with the goal of giving patients better care. 21 years later they are succeeding in their mission with the help of Alpine Bank.
Alpine20: Durango Outdoor Exchange [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:19
Since 2011, Durango Outdoor Exchange has been the hub for second hand outdoor gear in Durango. Owners Jen & Chase Lacroix have prioritized giving back to local non-profit organizations that contribute to the vitality of…
Alpine20: College Cafe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:40
The College Drive Cafe is a Durango institution. Aaron Seitz and Leah Evers purchased the restaurant in 2011. Soon they'll move the cafe to Historic Downtown Durango and change the name to College Cafe.