Shows
Backpacker RadioFascinating Colorado Outdoor Recreation Stories with OutThere Colorado's Spencer McKee (BPR #314)In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Spencer McKee, the Director of Content and Operations for OutThere Colorado. If you’ve been to Colorado and have Instagram, you’ve likely already come across Spencer’s videos - he’s mastered the art of packaging interesting Colorado news stories, culture, and fun facts into short form video content through OutThere’s social media channels. Spencer shares some of his favorite standout outdoor rec stories from the great state of Colorado with us, including what's underneath C...2025-07-143h 22
The OutThere Colorado PodcastSigns you're a 'true Coloradan'; Big upgrades on a tiny ski hill; Where are the guardrails at?; Wild West towns; & More...In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer and Seth chat about the 'tell-tale signs' you're a 'true Coloradan,' big upgrades to a local ski hill in southwest Colorado, why there aren't a ton of guardrails on Colorado's infamous mountain roads, towns that exemplify the 'Wild West,' and more. Hosts: Spencer McKee & Seth Boster Producer: Tim Page2025-02-1047 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastStunning gorge of icy waterfalls; 2 controversial topics; More wolves in CO; Frigid temps; & More...In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer McKee and Seth Boster chat about Spencer's recent raccoon problem, a stunning gorge filled with frozen waterfalls, a snow sculpture competition, more wolves being added to Colorado, recreational shooting on National Forest land, the E-bike debate, & more. Produced by Tim Page2025-01-2246 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastColorado cannibal innocent?; Epic new venue; $5,000 fine for off-trail travel?; Everest rescue; & More...In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer McKee and Seth Boster chat about Alferd Packer's potential innocence, Spencer's trip to an awesome new music venue, a pro athlete facing a potential fine for cutting a switchback, how an Everest mishap landed a young mountaineer in Colorado, the upcoming ski season, Colorado-based horror movies, and more. Question? Comments? Concerns? Shoot us an email at info@outtherecolorado.com.2024-10-241h 11
The OutThere Colorado PodcastHow the 10th Mountain Division forever changed combat and outdoor recreationIn this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer McKee chats with Christian Beckwith, veteran alpinist and climbing historian, about the US Army's iconic 10th Mountain Division. Topics discussed range from how the 10th's need for mountain combat gear influenced a lot of the outdoor recreation gear still used today to how a seemingly impossible 10th Mountain Division mission in treacherous terrain changed the course of World War II. Christian Beckwith is the host of the Ninety-Pound Rucksack podcast, which provides a deeper dive into the topic of the 10th Mountain Division. Listen to Christian's podcast through all major p...2024-10-2354 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastWildfire arson case; Crime sprees at national parks; Wolves, wolves, wolves; & more...Welcome to the revamped OutThere Colorado Podcast. This one is all about a recent wildfire arson case, two scary crime sprees that took place in national parks, a drop in fourteener use (plus most crowded and least crowded peaks), and updates on Colorado wolves. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Ideas? Contact us at info@outtherecolorado.com Hosts: Spencer McKee & Sam Schoenecker2024-09-1331 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastWhat nuclear war might mean for ColoradoThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a dive into what it means for Colorado to be part of the country's 'nuclear sponge.' It also covers the extinct Colorado cheetah and how this species' lasting impact can still be seen today. Written by: Spencer McKee Produced by: Sam Schoenecker2022-09-2913 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe largest living organism is more fragile than you thoughtThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast dives into two different stories about the state's largest living organism – the aspen. First, we look at Colorado's claim of being home to the largest living aspen grove, thus largest living organism, on the planet. Next, we look at how these stunning trees are so fragile. Hosted by Spencer McKee Written by Seth Boster Produced by Sam Schoenecker2022-09-2214 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastSPECIAL: An Interview with GandhiIn this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, host Spencer McKee chats with Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, about how his grandfather might view the world today. Also discussed are Gopalkrishna's views on conservation, the Colorado River, and more. Hosted by Spencer McKee Produced by Sam Schoenecker2022-09-1543 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastClimbing Colorado's most dangerous 14erThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast covers the host Spencer McKee's climb up what's considered to be Colorado's most dangerous standard fourteener route. It also digs into how many fourteeners there are and why the answer to that question isn't as straightforward as it seems. Written and hosted by Spencer McKee Produced by Sam Schoenecker2022-09-1323 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastSurvival at the Cost of AmputationIn this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, Spencer McKee interviews Nick Noland about his recent fight for survival on Colorado's 14,231' Mount Shavano. Lost overnight on the snowy peak, Noland's experience would result in him losing his feet. Noland Family donation page: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/3qn8e1 Intro & outro music: "I Get Up" (Acoustic Instrumental version) by John Isaac If you've got any questions about this episode or an idea for our next one, reach out to info@outtherecolorado.com2019-11-051h 03The OutThere Colorado PodcastChasing Gators & Grizzlies in ColoradoThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about gators and grizzlies – wrestling gators and trying to determine if grizzlies are still present in the Centennial State. Written, hosted, & produced by: Spencer McKee Intro & outro music: "I Get Up" (Acoustic Instrumental version) by Jon Isaac If you've got any questions about this episode or an idea for our next one, reach out to info@outtherecolorado.com2019-10-2826 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastA Hotel Haunting and the Colorado CannibalThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about a haunted hotel and an expedition that went horribly wrong. Written by: Stephanie Earls and Cate Terwilliger Hosted and produced by: Spencer McKee Intro & outro music: "I Get Up" (Acoustic Instrumental version) by Jon Isaac If you've got any questions about this episode or an idea for our next one, reach out to info@outtherecolorado.com2019-10-1425 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastHow the Garden of the Gods was FormedThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about the Garden of the Gods, from how this stunning natural Colorado Springs destination was formed to how it's played a role in local history and culture to a few of the oddities that can be found at the park. Written, hosted, and produced by Spencer McKee Intro & outro music: "I Get Up" (Acoustic Instrumental version) by Jon Isaac If you've got any questions about this episode or an idea for our next one, reach out to info@outtherecolorado.com2019-10-0117 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastWhat's Turning Colorado's Deer into Zombies?This episode of The OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about a deadly threat that Colorado's cervid populations face, including deer, elk, and moose. Could the future be grim for Colorado's deer? It might be. Written & Hosted by: Spencer McKee Sound Mixing: Ambrose Boswell If you have any questions about this episode or an idea for our next one, please reach out at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-09-2316 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Dangerous Hunt for Treasure in Colorado's MountainsThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about treasure hunting in the Centennial State, starting with the tale of Forrest Fenn's treasure hunt and continuing to cover riches that remain on one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners. Written by: Spencer McKee, Seth Boster Hosted by: Spencer McKee Audio Mixing by: Ambrose Boswell If you're got questions about this podcast or an idea for our next one, we can be reached at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-09-1622 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Great Wolf (Reintroduction) DebateIn this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, I tackle the controversial topic of wolf reintroduction in Colorado, taking an unbiased look at the support for both sides of this debate, as well as the history of the wolf in the state. Produced, written, and hosted by: Spencer McKee If you've got questions about this show or an idea for our next one, we can be reached at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-09-0319 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThere's Something Odd Happening Above the San Luis ValleyThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about the UFO sightings that keep being reported in the San Luis Valley. Written, hosted, and produced by: Spencer McKee If you've got questions about this show or an idea for our next episode, you can reach us at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-08-1215 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastRemembering Colorado's Deadliest Natural DisasterThis OutThere Colorado Podcast episode takes a look at Colorado's deadliest natural disaster, which killed more than one hundred people in 1976. Written and produced by: Spencer McKee If you've got questions about this episode or ideas for our next one, we can be reached at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-08-0510 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Eternal Struggle in Colorado's Largest SandboxThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at the phenomenon behind the Great Sand Dunes, diving into how they formed, how they stick around, and whether or not they'll be disappearing any time soon. Written and produced by: Spencer McKee If you've got any questions about this episode or have an idea for our next one, we can be reached at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-07-0114 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Bodies Beneath Denver's Cheesman ParkThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at one Denver public space with a past that many find disturbing – Cheesman Park. While the former use of this land might be a bit eerie, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Written & hosted by: Spencer McKee If you've got any questions about our podcast, feel free to reach us at info@outtherecolorado.com. 2019-06-0512 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Plight of the Mighty Pika and Lessons Learned from Tiny ThingsIn this episode, we'll take a look at three tiny animal species in Colorado, including the pika. They're remarkably quick, undeniably cute, and their future might be bleak. Also discussed: Lessons learned from honey ants and the disappearance of Colorado's bees. Written by: Spencer McKee, Seth Boster, and Debbie Kelley Hosted and produced by: Spencer McKee Contact us at info@outtherecolorado.com with questions or comments about this piece.2019-05-2028 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastWhere the Wild West Hangs OnWhile many of Colorado's tiny towns have faded away with passing time, others are still quite alive, still able to tell their story. Written by Seth Boster Hosted by Spencer McKee2019-05-1320 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastWhere the Wilderness Fights BackThere are two kinds of wilderness: wild places that have always been wild, and wild places where civilization fought to chip a foothold but the land proved too tough. This place is the second type. Written by: Dave Philipps Host: Spencer McKee2019-05-0621 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastAncient Carvings and a Hidden CaveThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about caves – two caves specifically. One cave has ancient carvings that have yet to be explained. The other has been sealed to the public for decades, holding clues to the past of Colorado Springs. Written by: Dave Philipps Host: Spencer McKee2019-04-1516 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Haunting Hike to an Aircraft Crash SiteDecades ago, more than 300 planes crashed into the Colorado Front Range over a two-year period. The wreckage of these planes and many others can still be found around Colorado's rugged terrain. Today, hunting these sites down has turned into a hobby for an adventurous few. Written by: Lance Benzel & Dave Philipps Hosted by: Spencer McKee2019-04-0820 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastAuthentic Colorado Found in Steamboat SpringsThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about Steamboat Springs and its one-of-a-kind vibe. Can the town hang on to what makes it so unique amid changing times? Host: Spencer McKee2019-04-0117 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastWhen Mother Nature Strikes in ColoradoThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast is all about natural disasters in the Centennial State, from relentless blizzards to pounding hail to raging wildfires. Three stories from three disasters capture the human struggle that occurs when the sheer power of Mother Nature is revealed. Reporters responsible for these amazing stories include Tom Roeder, Stephanie Earls, and Seth Boster. Hosted by Spencer McKee2019-03-2531 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Devil's Bridge, A Cliffside Climb, and One Man's Watchful EyeThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at three of the most unique hikes around Colorado, digging into what makes them so different, from the route itself to the people behind the experience. Written by Spencer McKee and Seth Boster Hosted by Spencer McKee If you've got questions about this show, please contact us at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-03-1324 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Mountain Town KilldozerIn this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, we travel to the tiny town of Granby for a quick look at the infamous rampage that put this outdoor recreation destination in the national spotlight. Host: Spencer McKee If you've got questions about this podcast, please shoot us an email at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-03-0514 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Tale of Two Towns, One "Toxic" and One "Great"In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, we take a look at two Colorado towns that are now a shell of what they once were. One has become a toxic ghost town and the other is known as "the last great place" in the state. Reporter: Seth Boster Host: Spencer McKee If you've got any questions about this podcast, feel free to shoot us an email at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-02-2515 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Black Cloud Over the San Luis ValleyThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast will take you to the Orient Mine of the San Luis Valley for a deeper look at Colorado's largest bat colony and how they might be essential to the local agricultural industry. Reporting and writing done by Dave Philipps Hosted and lightly edited by Spencer McKee If you've got any questions about this podcast, please contact us at info@outtherecolorado.com. 2019-02-1815 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastAre There Too Many Moose in Colorado?In this episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast, we cover the topic of moose in Colorado. Recently reintroduced to the state, their numbers are booming and that may cause big problems down the road. Thankfully, one team is working to proactively help the situation. Reporter: Liz Forster Host: Spencer McKee If you've got any questions about this podcast, we can be reached at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-02-1113 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Allure of Colorado's Deadliest MountainThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at Longs Peak, perhaps the most iconic mountain in Colorado, digging into what the climb is like and what makes it so dangerous. Hosted & Written by: Spencer McKee2019-02-0418 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastTwo Dark Days in ColoradoThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast digs into two dark moments of Colorado's history. First, it looks at the Ludlow Massacre – an 1914 raid by the Colorado National Guard on a disgruntled mining camp. Next, it covers the Sand Creek Massacre – an 1864 calvary raid on a group of Native Americans that left many mutilated and hundreds dead. Reports by: Lance Benzel (Ludlow Massacre) and Liz Forster (Sand Creek Massacre) Host: Spencer McKee2019-01-2815 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastWill the Internet Destroy the Great Outdoors?This episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at how the Internet has impacted outdoor recreation, making once-hidden spots widely visible to the masses. It also looks at why this reality doesn't have to be a tragedy, as well as how posting on social media can be done responsibly. Hosted by Spencer McKee If you've got any questions about this podcast, feel free to reach out to us at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-01-2416 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastThe Night Vail Resort Went Up in FlamesThis episode of The OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at the 1998 ecoterrorism attack that occurred at Vail Resort, peeking into what happened, why it happened, and lasting effects. Host: Spencer McKee If you've got questions, comments, or concerns about this podcast, please contact us at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-01-2107 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastCreations Cause Controversy at Denver International AirportDenver International Airport is no stranger to controversy, from conspiracy theories to alleged corruption to odd artwork spread around the complex. This episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast takes a look at the latter of these buckets, diving deep into two art displays that seem to raise the most eyebrows. Produced by: OutThere Colorado Host: Spencer McKee If you've got questions or concerns about this podcast, feel free to reach out to us at info@outtherecolorado.com.2019-01-1714 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastMurdered on a Mountain BikeThis episode of the OutThere Colorado Podcast looks at the death of Tim Watkins, a Colorado mountain biker that vanished while on a ride. Tim's body was later found trailside in a shallow grave. Reporting by: Jakob Rodgers & Lance Benzel Host: Spencer McKee2019-01-1523 minThe OutThere Colorado PodcastCould this Ancient Tree Prove Climate Change?A rare sign of life on a barren Colorado ridge line, this 2,000 year old Bristlecone pine tree may hold the answers everyone's been seeking about climate change. Reported by: Dave Philipps Hosted by: Spencer McKee2019-01-0914 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastAre There Grizzlies in Colorado?This episode of The OutThere Colorado Podcast questions whether or not grizzly bears inhabit Colorado, looking at their history in the state, how sightings are reported, and the future of the species. Produced by: OutThere Colorado Narrated by: Spencer McKee2019-01-0410 min
The OutThere Colorado PodcastInside the San Luis Valley's Gator PitThis episode of OutThere Colorado Podcasts takes a look at the alligator wrestling class that's offered in the shadows of Colorado's 14,000 foot Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the San Luis Valley. Learn why and how this exists, along with what it's like to climb into the wrestling pit. Produced by OutThere Colorado Narrated by Spencer McKee2019-01-0310 min