Soul Fresh Soul Clean – Episode 2 Theme: Food, Community & Local Sustainability

In this episode of Soul Fresh Soul Clean, hosts Jocelyn Martinez and Gregory Howell explore the powerful connection between food, community, and local sustainability in Pueblo, Colorado.

We begin with an inside look at the SoulSmile Cookbook Project, where recipes are more than just meals. They are stories, traditions, and living pieces of community history. Jocelyn and Gregory share updates on the growing excitement, the voices being gathered, and why preserving these food stories matters now more than ever.

The conversation then expands into the heart of the episode, how food systems shape our local economy, health, and sense of belonging. From sourcing local ingredients to supporting farmers and makers, this episode highlights how everyday choices, what we eat and where we spend, directly impact the strength of our community.

A major focus is the Sun Soil Water Summit, now in its 5th year, bringing together farmers, food producers, entrepreneurs, and community members to explore real solutions for a resilient local food system. With a makers market, local vendors, and conversations around food economics and sustainability, the summit represents a powerful gathering of people committed to Pueblo’s future.

We also spotlight SoulSmile as a Colorado Proud business, and the importance of building meaningful partnerships with local farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women leading innovation in Colorado’s food economy.

Throughout the episode, we explore:

• Why local food systems matter

• How local spending strengthens communities

• The connection between healthy food and community wellbeing

• The role of storytelling in preserving culture and identity

Call to Action If you believe in supporting local food, community health, and sustainable futures:

✔ Subscribe to Soul Fresh Soul Clean ✔ Share your ideas for future episodes ✔ Support local farmers, makers, and food producers

Learn more and get your tickets for the Sun Soil Water Summit from March 20 to 22 at Pueblo Community College. Visit pueblofoodproject.org. To connect with Jocelyn: jocelyn@pueblostarjournal.org. To connect with Gregory: gregory@pueblostarjournal.org.

State of Art Podcast – 2-Year Anniversary Special

This episode of the State of Art Podcast, part of the Voices of Pueblo podcast series, celebrates two important milestones. It marks the two-year anniversary of the State of Art column and the one-year anniversary of the companion podcast.

Host Bree marks the occasion with a lively conversation featuring three guests who are true movers, shakers, and doers in the Pueblo community. Joining the discussion are Bernice Barnes, David C. Russell, and Marc Sabatella, individuals whose work and leadership continue to shape Pueblo’s creative and civic landscape.

Together they reflect on the evolving role of the arts, the power of community collaboration, and the energy driving Pueblo’s cultural momentum. Through personal stories and thoughtful insights about creativity, leadership, and civic engagement, this anniversary episode highlights the people and ideas helping to define the state of art in Pueblo today.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about art, community, and the visionaries helping Pueblo thrive.

The Thrill of Thrift Featuring Jai of Pueblo Drip | Celebrating 6 Months of Bree on a Budget

In this special episode of The Thrill of Thrift, host Bree Pappan celebrates the six month anniversary of her popular Pueblo Star Journal column Bree on a Budget. To mark the occasion, Bree sits down with Jai, owner of Pueblo Drip, one of Pueblo’s most unique thrift and consignment spaces.

Located at 416 N. Santa Fe Dr., Pueblo Drip is more than a thrift store. It is a community shared space dedicated to supporting local artists and helping marginalized members of the community. The shop is Latinx, nonbinary, and queer owned and its mission goes far beyond resale by creating programs that directly support people in need.

In this episode, Bree and Jai talk about:

• The thrill of discovering one of a kind vintage and thrift treasures

• How consignment and donation programs support local vendors and artists

• The Drip free store, which redistributes donated items to help Pueblo’s unhoused community

• Community initiatives including a women’s only Friday program that offers services such as showers, haircuts, hot meals, bike repair, and more

• How thrifting can help people stretch their budgets while strengthening community connections

Pueblo Drip welcomes walk in donations of clothing, shoes, personal hygiene products, and nonperishable food. Items in good condition may receive store credit while other items are redistributed through the free store to support those in need.

This episode also celebrates the March issue of the Pueblo Star Journal, which features a special four page pullout section called the Bree on a Budget Savings Guide, packed with tips to help readers stretch their dollars while supporting local businesses.

New items arrive at Drip every day. That means every visit is a treasure hunt. The fun of thrifting is never knowing what you will discover next, whether it is a vintage jacket, a unique gift, or something that perfectly fits your style.

Visit Pueblo Drip 416 N. Santa Fe Dr. Pueblo, Colorado

Listen in and discover why the thrill of thrift is not just about saving money. It is about building community.