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Humans have always had a complicated relationship with weather. Ancient cultures prayed and made offerings to gods in hopes of receiving conditions conducive to growing crops. Adverse weather, then, w…
Humans have always h…
Humans have always had a complicated relationship with weather. Ancient cultures prayed and made offerings to gods in hopes of receiving conditions conducive to growing crops. Adverse weather, then, was often interpreted as displeasure on behalf of those same beings—a punishment for failing to observe proper rituals. It doesn’t take a history scholar to understand this impulse. Weather, now as then, is both an enemy and ally. On one hand, it provides everything from the raw material for food—sunlight driving photosynthesis, wind the primary method of plants spreading their seeds—to …
Sometimes, writing about art and theater feels a lot like falling down the proverbial rabbit hole as I try to find the angle to write about wandering through a haunted-theater immersive experience, ge…
Sometimes, writing a…
Sometimes, writing about art and theater feels a lot like falling down the proverbial rabbit hole as I try to find the angle to write about wandering through a haunted-theater immersive experience, getting splashed in a Halloween horror show in the basement of a spaghetti emporium, sweating through a DIY D&D in a comic shop, savoring (har har!) Sweeney Todd’s enraged high notes, and trying to quiet my howling dog in a public house. I’ve found myself in some odd and awkward scenarios. To update the metaphor, writing this column is a lot like drunk-clicking through an endless algorithm o…
Jessie Hanson
January 8, 2020
In Boulder, where the mountains stand as silent witnesses to the resilience of nature, a similar strength is found in the hearts of those who seek healing. Ellie Grey Ashton, a Colorado local with an …
In Boulder, where th…
In Boulder, where the mountains stand as silent witnesses to the resilience of nature, a similar strength is found in the hearts of those who seek healing. Ellie Grey Ashton, a Colorado local with an MS in Psychology, PhD candidacy in Psychology/Developmental Psychology, and an alphabet list of healing certifications, is a testament to this. From Adversity to Empathy Ashton identifies himself as an empathetic leader who earned a “full-ride” NCAA DI football scholarship at the Virginia Military Institute. In his own healing journey, Ashton earned certifications in advanced herbalism, a…
Brenna Bray
March 24, 2024
In Boulder, we’re known for our forward-thinking community and the inspiring natural beauty that surrounds us. It’s the perfect setting for envisioning a brighter future and taking the steps to ma…
In Boulder, we’re …
In Boulder, we’re known for our forward-thinking community and the inspiring natural beauty that surrounds us. It’s the perfect setting for envisioning a brighter future and taking the steps to make it a reality. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, professional achievements, or a more fulfilling lifestyle, the journey begins with a clear vision of your future self. This column will guide you through a simple yet powerful exercise adapted from ancient Hawaiian Healing techniques to help you bridge the gap between your current self and the person you aspire to be. Ready to start?…
Brenna Bray
March 23, 2024
As Boulder’s own remarkable matron, Chris Bray, LP, MA, PhD, approaches her 75th birthday, we take a moment to step back into the pages of her past, which read like an adventure novel. In…
As Boulder’s own r…
As Boulder’s own remarkable matron, Chris Bray, LP, MA, PhD, approaches her 75th birthday, we take a moment to step back into the pages of her past, which read like an adventure novel. In 1973, Bray and her newlywed husband, Tim, embarked on a year-long odyssey that would see them traverse the globe on a shoestring budget, a testament to their adventurous spirits and setting the standard for living bolder before it became Boulder’s way of life. Go On, Take the Money and Run In April, 1973, the newlywed couple Chris and Tim Bray made a bold decision to trade their weddi…
Brenna Bray
March 21, 2024
Feline Elegance on the Catwalk Strutting down the runway of life with unparalleled grace and a wardrobe that would make any fashionista purr with envy, Petunia Adams is not just any feline—she’…
Feline Elegance on t…
Feline Elegance on the Catwalk Strutting down the runway of life with unparalleled grace and a wardrobe that would make any fashionista purr with envy, Petunia Adams is not just any feline—she’s Boulder’s next top model and our adored “Cat of the Week.” From Foster Care to Forever Home Petunia’s rise to fame began in the cozy confines of Payton Adams’ heart and home. Payton, a former cat foster parent, has a history of caring for cats with compelling backstories, from Mauna Kea with her musical namesake to Don Juan, the sneezing romantic. Yet, it was Petunia who stole th…
Brenna Bray
March 19, 2024
As Boulder dons its festive hues of green, St. Patrick’s Day brings a fresh take on tradition with a focus on cabbage, a leafy powerhouse that’s stealing the show from corned beef. The Humble…
As Boulder dons its …
As Boulder dons its festive hues of green, St. Patrick’s Day brings a fresh take on tradition with a focus on cabbage, a leafy powerhouse that’s stealing the show from corned beef. The Humble Cabbage: A St. Patrick’s Staple Cabbage has long been associated with St. Patrick’s Day, often served alongside corned beef in a meal that’s become a tradition in the United States. The corned beef and cabbage tradition became a St. Patrick’s Day staple in America as Irish immigrants substituted the more affordable corned beef for their traditional Irish bacon, pairing it with cabbage …
Brenna Bray
March 17, 2024
Nestled among the majestic peaks of Boulder, Colorado, lies a verdant treasure trove: dark leafy greens. These emerald wonders thrive in our crisp mountain air, offering a wealth of health benefits y…
Nestled among the ma…
Nestled among the majestic peaks of Boulder, Colorado, lies a verdant treasure trove: dark leafy greens. These emerald wonders thrive in our crisp mountain air, offering a wealth of health benefits year-round. Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or any ordinary day, let’s explore how these greens can elevate your well-being. The Nutritional Powerhouses Dark leafy greens are like nature’s secret handshake—a promise of vitality and nourishment. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot on your plate: Vitamins Galore: Boulder’s kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens de…
Brenna Bray
March 17, 2024
In the quaint town of Boulder, where history buffs and feline aficionados often cross paths, a curious caper unfolded at a local tea party that has since become the talk of the town. The culprit? None…
In the quaint town o…
In the quaint town of Boulder, where history buffs and feline aficionados often cross paths, a curious caper unfolded at a local tea party that has since become the talk of the town. The culprit? None other than Prince Eugene, an 11-pound American shorthair cat with a penchant for pastries and a name steeped in military prowess. A Tea Party with a Historical Twist Angela Naus, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) by day and a history enthusiast by night and weekend, decided to throw a costume-optional tea party to celebrate her love for the Napoleonic Era. The table was set with…
Brenna Bray
March 16, 2024
In Boulder, a city that champions holistic health, residents find solace in the embrace of nature and the community’s commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this s…
In Boulder, a city t…
In Boulder, a city that champions holistic health, residents find solace in the embrace of nature and the community’s commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this sanctuary is Naropa University, a hub of contemplative education inspired by the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Here, the Buddhist concept of “Brilliant Sanity” offers a profound perspective on inner healing and self-compassion. Understanding Brilliant Sanity Brilliant Sanity suggests that beneath our psychological distress lies an untouched core of clarity, compassion, and wisdom.…
Brenna Bray
March 15, 2024
In the heart of Boulder, where health and wellness are as much a part of the city as the Flatirons, soy has taken its rightful place as a nutritional powerhouse. This humble bean, often enjoyed as eda…
In the heart of Boul…
In the heart of Boulder, where health and wellness are as much a part of the city as the Flatirons, soy has taken its rightful place as a nutritional powerhouse. This humble bean, often enjoyed as edamame, is not only a complete protein but also a rich source of vitamins and minerals essential for our well-being. "Edamame is one of my favorite staple super-foods," Boulder super-athlete Brenna Bray, PhD says, "it's nutritious and delicious!" Edamame: The Complete Protein Edamame (AKA soybeans) punches above its weight, much like Boulder itself. They’re packed with protein, provid…
Brenna Bray
March 13, 2024
Welcome to the world of plant-based nutrition, where health meets taste and every meal is an opportunity for nourishment. Whether you’re an athlete, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about plan…
Welcome to the world…
Welcome to the world of plant-based nutrition, where health meets taste and every meal is an opportunity for nourishment. Whether you’re an athlete, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about plant-based eating, let’s explore three super-sources of complete protein (protein sources that contain all nine (9) essential amino acids that our body needs to build our muscles and tissues but can’t produce on its own). As a plant-based ultra-marathon runner, health coach, and health and wellness researcher and professor, I make my health a priority and these three complete proteins are key…
Brenna Bray
March 12, 2024
The "Boulder Skyline Traverse" is one of Boulder's iconic mountain running trails that summits each of the 5 mountain peaks that etch the Boulder skyline. At 35 miles and 10,500 ft vertical gain, the …
The "Boulder Skyline…
The "Boulder Skyline Traverse" is one of Boulder's iconic mountain running trails that summits each of the 5 mountain peaks that etch the Boulder skyline. At 35 miles and 10,500 ft vertical gain, the out-and-back traverse provides a long day of physical and emotional ups and downs -- not unlike life itself. As a health coach, I find my tools for achieving success on ultra-marathon mountain runs like the Boulder Skyline Traverse apply equally well to life's often challenging and trying ups and downs. AboutBoulder ultra-marathon mountain runner and health coach, Brenna Bray, PhD, asc…
Brenna Bray
March 10, 2024
Boulder is known for its vibrant tech scene, where entrepreneurs and innovators create cutting-edge solutions for the world’s problems. But what happens when we need to step out and unplug? Meet Ar…
Boulder is known for…
Boulder is known for its vibrant tech scene, where entrepreneurs and innovators create cutting-edge solutions for the world’s problems. But what happens when we need to step out and unplug? Meet Ara Howard, founder of Dojo4, one of Boulder's first start-up software companies, which recently closed its doors after nearly 15 years of success. Ara (pronounced Ae-Rah) is not your typical tech mogul. He grew up off-grid in Palmer, Alaska, where he learned to appreciate the beauty of art, nature, and “honest, simple living.” Howard (left), co-founder of one of Boulder's first start-up…
Brenna Bray
March 9, 2024
Boulder is known for its vibrant and active community, with many people who enjoy outdoor activities and sports. But did you know that there is a simple and delicious way to boost your athletic perfor…
Boulder is known for…
Boulder is known for its vibrant and active community, with many people who enjoy outdoor activities and sports. But did you know that there is a simple and delicious way to boost your athletic performance and health? The answer is beets, the humble root vegetable that has amazing benefits for your body and mind. Beets' Antioxidant Boost: Betalains Beets are powerhouse sources of antioxidants as well as a variety of additional vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to inflammation, aging, and chronic…
Brenna Bray
March 6, 2024
If you live in Boulder, Colorado, you probably know someone who follows a vegan or ketogenic (keto) diet. Maybe you are one of them. But do you know how these diets affect your immune system and your …
If you live in Bould…
If you live in Boulder, Colorado, you probably know someone who follows a vegan or ketogenic (keto) diet. Maybe you are one of them. But do you know how these diets affect your immune system and your health? We all worry that vegan diets are protein-deficient and keto diets can clog arteries, but is this true? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)1,2 reveals some surprising insights into how switching to a vegan or a keto diet rapidly impacts your immune system, metabolism, and gut microbiome in just 2 weeks. Study Design The study involved 20 healthy volunteer…
Brenna Bray
March 5, 2024
There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. And for good reason! The caffeine and antioxidant content in coffee g…
There are three thin…
There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. And for good reason! The caffeine and antioxidant content in coffee give it some big health benefits that make it a no-brainer for Boulder's biohacking health-centric community. To be fair, coffee can have some doppio-sized disclaimers - compromised sleep, enhanced anxiety, gut agitation, and exposure to cancer-causing toxins in the beans, water, and to-go cups. But overall, the research shows that daily coffee consumption can save you years of healthy, high-qual…
Brenna Bray
March 5, 2024
In Boulder, we’re fortunate to have a health-centered community that supports us in breathing through life's ups and downs. Boulder is a place where the mountains meet the sky, and the air itsel…
In Boulder, we…
In Boulder, we’re fortunate to have a health-centered community that supports us in breathing through life's ups and downs. Boulder is a place where the mountains meet the sky, and the air itself seems to offer healing. This was especially true for me during a recent personal challenge that shook me deeply. I found solace in the support of Callie Taylor, a friend and local health coach, who helped me find my way back to my path, one breath at a time. Callie shared a breathing exercise that brought immediate relief to my heart, helping me release the grief I was carrying. It was a powerf…
Brenna Bray
March 3, 2024
In Boulder, the idea of having fun without alcohol isn’t just a possibility—it’s a lifestyle many embrace. Whether it’s to sharpen their edge in sports, boost overall health, or simply enjoy l…
In Boulder, the idea…
In Boulder, the idea of having fun without alcohol isn’t just a possibility—it’s a lifestyle many embrace. Whether it’s to sharpen their edge in sports, boost overall health, or simply enjoy life’s moments more fully, Boulderites are finding that sober fun can be even more rewarding than the alternative. Here’s the how and why (in reverse order). Why Go Sober in Boulder? Memorable Moments: Being sober means being present. You’ll remember the laughs, the conversations, and the stunning views without the haze of alcohol. It’s about truly experiencing the moment and being …
Brenna Bray
March 2, 2024
There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. But do those three things go together? The answer is not as simple a…
There are three thin…
There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. But do those three things go together? The answer is not as simple as choosing dark or light roast, as coffee has both benefits and risks, depending on how much you drink, how you brew it, what you add to it, when you drink it, how you metabolize it, and - most importantly - which outcome(s) you focus on. Coffee's "Big Shots" Coffee is more than just a delicious morning beverage; its caffeine and antioxidant content give it some big health benefits that make…
Brenna Bray
March 2, 2024
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