Rick Waters

Jo Ann looks back on Season 4 conversations with a comedian/podcaster, a homeless man, a man who counsels unhoused people, two interracial couples, an LGBTQ-Plus community leader, a Native American community leader, a Black champion bull rider, a substance abuse survivor, and a retiring teacher. She also looks ahead to what's next for the podcast. See photos for each episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.  

Jo Ann is a regular guest on City Cast Denver which focuses on everything about The Mile High City from the arts to zoning issues. On a recent episode, she joined Bree Davies, Paul Karolyi and Peyton Garcia to gab about vacant office space downtown, the mayoral runoff candidates, and cultural happenings around the city. See their photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com And check out https://denver.citycast.fm  

Gun violence has become commonplace in America. People directly and indirectly affected by it are increasingly finding it tough to cope with mass shootings. Dana is a teacher who sees the effect that school shootings have on students, educators and staff. She describes the stress felt inside school buildings where active shooter drills are as important as learning English and math.  See photos for this episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

We talk about addiction and substance abuse more readily today as overdose deaths continue to rise.  Betty Jo started drinking and using drugs in middle school to deal with a mental health issue that she was unaware of for years. She's in recovery now and hopes that sharing her story will be of benefit to more addicts who are struggling. Photos for this episode are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com   

World Champion Bull Rider Charlie Sampson talks about being a kid from Watts who became the first African American to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His many championship rides paved the way to his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Charlie attributes his success to hard work, determination, and the unsung Black cowboys who blazed the trail before him. See photos of Charlie at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Also visit https://charliesampson.com    

Educator, community activist and cultural leader Rick Waters, Executive Director of the Denver Indian Center, talks about growing up in Oklahoma, Indian terminology, important moments in Native history, appropriate land acknowledgements, and more. See photos for the episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com Denver Indian Center website is https://denverindiancenter.org First Americans Museum website is https://famok.org       

While Caitlyn Jenner, Elliot Page and RuPaul may be accepted, many more trans people are ridiculed, attacked and murdered over their gender expression. Activists say transphobia is being codified in some states by the growing number of anti-trans laws. Jo Ann explores gender expression and trans rights with Sable Schultz and Mia Yamamoto. This episode is dedicated to those killed and injured at Club Q and The Pulse, and everyone who has suffered because of gender identity or gender diversity. https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com  

Fred and Linda and Brian and Joanne celebrate The 1967 Landmark Supreme Court ruling, Loving v. Virginia, which struck down state laws that prohibited interracial marriage. The couples talk about their lives over the past 50 years, including raising mixed race children and dealing with closed-minded people. They also offer advice to young couples about being true to themselves. Photos of the couples and their families are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

Jo Ann talks with William, a man who lives on the streets of Denver, about what his day-to-day life is like. And she speaks with Johnny, a man who works to provide services to homeless people. Jo Ann also offers ideas for helping, without judgment, people in dire need. Episode photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.   

Marc joins Jo Ann on the premiere of Season 4 to talk about how he became a podcasting pioneer, why stand-up comedy remains his first love, where acting fits in his world, and how he's living his best life as a person and a performer. See photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com