In this episode of State of Art, Bree Anne Pappan sits down with artist, creative, and producer James Beck for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence and the future of creativity. Building on her June story about AI, Bree explores the implications of this rapidly evolving technology for artists, storytellers, cultural workers, and the broader creative community. Together, they discuss both the promise and the uncertainty of AI, from new tools for production and imagination to deeper questions about authorship, originality, ethics, and what it means to create in a changing world.

State of Art, a Voices of Pueblo podcast, explores the people, ideas and creative forces shaping the cultural life of our community.

In this episode, Bree Anne Pappan leads a conversation about a remarkable new chapter for Pueblo: the opening of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, a project that connects southern Colorado to audiences, ideas and cultural conversations around the world.

The featured guest is Dr. Sara Taglialagamba, an internationally recognized Leonardo scholar whose work has helped bring the museum’s vision to life. The conversation explores the museum’s opening, its significance for Pueblo, and what it means for the city to become part of a global conversation about creativity, education, art and discovery.

State of Art: “Leonardo da Vinci Museum Opens Pueblo to the World” — a conversation with Dr. Sara Taglialagamba.

In this special episode of the Voices of Pueblo podcast, the Pueblo Star Journal marks the opening of the new Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America and STEAM Center in downtown Pueblo.

Producer and narrator Andy Koen takes listeners inside the story of how a world-class cultural attraction, featuring exhibits created by the renowned Artisans of Florence, found its North American home along Pueblo’s Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. Guests Joe Arrigo and Craig Eliot Cisney share the vision, partnerships and persistence behind the museum’s creation, as well as its promise to inspire curiosity, creativity and hands-on learning for students and visitors across Southern Colorado.

The episode also features original Renaissance-inspired music created with the innovative AI platform Suno.com, designed to evoke the sound and spirit of Leonardo da Vinci’s time.

Guests: Joe Arrigo and Craig Eliot Cisney | Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America | https://davincisteam.org/

Host: Andy Koen Presented by: Pueblo Star Journal's Voices of Pueblo Podcast Series

As the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise, from groceries and gasoline to housing and healthcare, many Pueblo families are feeling the strain of making ends meet. In this episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree Ann Pappan welcomes Luanne Maes, Kevin Harris, and Chris Segura from United Way of Pueblo County to discuss the new Financial Empowerment Center, a community resource designed to help individuals and families build financial stability and confidence.

At the Pueblo Star Journal, the guiding message behind Bree on a Budget has always been simple: "Pueblo, we've got your back." The Financial Empowerment Center reflects that same commitment by offering free financial coaching, practical tools, and personalized support to help residents navigate today's economic challenges.

This conversation highlights one of Pueblo's greatest strengths: people and organizations coming together to support one another. When we work together, we build community. When we watch out for each other, we create opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Join us to learn how the Financial Empowerment Center is helping Pueblo residents take control of their finances and why this new partnership is another example of what Pueblo does best.

Guests: Luanne Maes, Kevin Harris, and Chris Segura | United Way | https://www.pueblounitedway.org/fec

Host: Bree Ann Pappan

Presented by: Pueblo Star Journal's Bree on a Budget Podcast Series

Pueblo. We've got your back.

In the premiere episode of the Pueblo Star Journal's new series, Historic Places, Living Stories, host Gregory Howell welcomes Laurel Campbell and Brad Bowers of Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation, Inc. for a conversation about one of Pueblo's most treasured historic landmarks—the Charles Goodnight Barn.

More than just a historic structure, the Goodnight Barn serves as a gateway to the story of the American West, ranching in southeastern Colorado, and the people whose vision helped shape the region. The discussion explores the barn's connection to Charles Goodnight, the importance of historic preservation, and how heritage tourism, storytelling, and adaptive reuse can contribute to Pueblo's economic future.

The episode also examines the organization's upcoming transition to ownership of the barn and surrounding property, what that means for the future of the site, and how community members can help preserve and share this remarkable piece of Colorado history.

Join us as we launch a series dedicated to discovering how Pueblo's historic places continue to connect the past, present, and future.

Guests: Laurel Campbell and Brad Bowers | Goodnight Barn: https://goodnightbarnpueblo.org/

Host: Gregory Howell

Series: Historic Places, Living Stories

Produced by: Pueblo Star Journal – Voices of Pueblo Podcast

#HistoricPreservation #GoodnightBarn #CharlesGoodnight #PuebloColorado #HeritageTourism #VoicesOfPueblo #HistoricPlacesLivingStories #Storytelling #EconomicDevelopment #ColoradoHistory

75 Years Under the Stars: The Mesa Drive-In Anniversary

The Pueblo Star Journal presents State of Art, a production of the Voices of Pueblo podcast. This episode celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Mesa Drive-In and features new owners Chris and Kelly Lally.

The episode was produced and narrated by Bree Pappan.

Thanks to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for their support. To learn more and to support nonprofit local news in Pueblo, Colorado, visit pueblostarjournal.org.

Second Hand Showcase Featuring the Assistance League and the Bargain Box

In this special Second Hand Showcase episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree Pappan sits down with Eileen Feret and Theresa Hart to spotlight the incredible work of the Assistance League of Pueblo and its beloved thrift store, the Bargain Box.

The conversation explores how the Assistance League supports the Pueblo community through volunteerism, fundraising, and local outreach programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of area residents. Bree and her guests also discuss the history and mission of the Bargain Box, sharing how secondhand shopping can support both sustainability and community service.

Viewers will also learn more about the organization’s exciting Wedding Dress Raffle, a unique fundraiser that combines style, generosity, and community spirit. From hidden thrift treasures to giving back locally, this episode celebrates the power of secondhand shopping with purpose.

Episode 3 of Soul Fresh, Soul Clean features Jocelyn Martinez and Gregory Howell discussing how community, constructive criticism, and personal connection shape Pueblo. They explore the harm of online negativity, the value of everyday kindness, and practical steps to rebuild trust and engagement.

The hosts introduce "Jocelyn in the Wild" farm visits, offer a listener challenge to meet someone new and use their name, and share an update on Jocelyn's cookbook as part of fostering local food connections.

Website: https://www.soulsmilehealthandwellness.com/