"Debbie is a rare find. Compassionate. Hard-working. Always prompt. You’ll never wonder where things stand. Her expertise in business law is exceptional. Contracts, agreements, complex legal matters— handled with precision and confidence. She’s a trusted partner and an invaluable asset to any business. If you want the best business attorney, Debbie delivers."
-Abbey Van Horn
Your most significant assets aren't just in your portfolio. They are your home, your business, and your family’s future. At Johnson & Ytterberg, we don’t just practice law; we provide the architecture for your peace of mind. From sophisticated estate planning to complex real estate and business counsel, we protect the wealth you’ve spent a lifetime building.
to protect what matters most?
to get to know our Broomfield Attorneys.
Deborah A. Ytterberg
In Motion
Some communities talk about change. Others build it. And you can feel the difference in the ones that don’t stand still.
This month, we’re highlighting where that momentum is unfolding right here in Broomfield.
It looks like a man who spent decades building a successful business and is now channeling that same drive into something new, creating momentum through unique fundraising partnerships and a deep commitment to the people around him.
It looks like a local auto shop that has never relied on the easy button, instead choosing to build trust the long way. Conversation by conversation. Decision by decision. The kind of consistency that doesn’t spike, but compounds.
It looks like a team preparing to climb a 14er with added weight on their backs, turning awareness into action. Every step up the mountain tied to something bigger, bringing visibility to the realities many families carry every single day.
And it looks like a neurosurgeon who understands that even in the most complex environments, progress isn’t a single breakthrough moment. It’s built in the small, repeated actions that move things forward over time.
Different stories. Same force.
In this month’s Men’s Issue, it shows up in the way these men build, carry, and keep things moving forward.
Because the truth is, meaningful change rarely happens all at once. It moves forward through people who choose to keep going. Who stay engaged. Who take what they’ve been given and use it for good.
Sarah Schierkolk | sarah.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Walker | julie@wordstellastory.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Dawn Photography sarah@sdawnphotograohy.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Walker, Kevin Getz, Sarah Schierkolk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bal Swan Children's Center, eliseclairemedia.framer.website
SARAH SCHIERKOLK, PUBLISHER DIRECTOR @BROOMFIELDLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
LUXURY OUTDOOR
Elevate your outdoor kitchen with a professional gas line upgrade for your built-in BBQ. No tanks, no refills—just effortless, elegant entertaining at the turn of a knob. Discerning homeowners trust Kerwin Plumbing for flawless, code-compliant installations.
inside the issue
A
Power in Showing Up
How
A
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Bal Swan Children’s Center: Bal Swan’s 4th Annual Tiny Tot Town brought big imagination to Broomfield as local businesses stepped in to build a charming, kid-sized community from the ground up. Each station reflected the heart behind these businesses, giving little ones a chance to explore real-world roles through hands-on, playful experiences. From proud smiles to nonstop giggles, the space was filled with connection, creativity and community spirit. It was a beautiful reminder that our local businesses don’t just serve this community, they help shape it. This beloved event, presented by Arrow Dental, Canvas Credit Union and Broomfield Early Childhood Council continues to create meaningful moments for families while bringing our community together in the most thoughtful way.
Photography by Bal Swan Children’s Center
Want to be seen in the magazine?
8-14: The Broomfield Home Expo, hosted by Robbin Merta of RE/MAX Elevate, turned one afternoon into a hub of inspiration, expert advice, and fresh ideas for every home. Homeowners met face-to-face with trusted local pros, swapping ideas, asking questions, and finally taking those “someday” projects off the list. From design and remodeling to landscaping and solar, every corner sparked a new vision. Swag bags, giveaways, and real conversations kept the energy high, but it was the connections that made it stick. One afternoon turned into countless next steps for homes across our community. Missed it this year? Trust us… you’ll want to be there next time.
Photography by eliseclairemedia.framer.website
New Broomfield Area Chamber Members to Support!
The Broomfield Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members. Blue Bird Windows and Doors, Burke Allstate Agency, Five Keys Community Management, Kidd Roofing, Mile High Health Brokers, New Parent Law, Reum Lending - Mortgage Broker, Rooted in Strength, The Skin Spot MedSpa, Tiff's Treats, & Wildflower Orthodontics. Please consider these businesses first when the need arises! For a full list of local businesses, head to broomfieldchamber.com.
He’s not asking for anything, but he deserves everything. This Father’s Day, go beyond the expected with a piece that reflects his style, his presence, and his story. Discover refined, understated luxury at Jewelfire Diamonds of Broomfield, where craftsmanship meets intention. Visit Khristy and her team for a personalized experience designed to help you find something truly meaningful. Because the best gifts aren’t just given, they’re chosen with purpose and meant to last a lifetime.
Scan to read more
Summer Starts Here: The Broomfield Swim & Tennis Lifestyle
At Broomfield Swim & Tennis Club, summer is just the beginning. From sun-soaked pool days and competitive tennis matches to family-friendly events and social gatherings, the club brings community to life all year long. Members enjoy a welcoming, active lifestyle where kids play, friendships grow, and every season offers something to look forward to. Dive into a place where connection, fun, and tradition come together effortlessly. Schedule your tour today at broomfieldswimandtennis.com
Scan to read more
Kelsi Tesone Mathews, MSP
A
Goodbye Begins with Trusted Care
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Most Men Don’t Talk
To
After the Broomfield Rotary Police & Fire Golf Tournament on July 20th, there will be a Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser. From the top of a firetruck aerial ladder, numbered golf balls are dropped onto a putting green. If your numbered ball lands closest to or in the hole, you win cash prizes up to $2,500! Need NOT be present to win!
BUILT ON TRUST
A sit-down with Stang Auto Tech, where passion, personal investment, and a people-first approach set independent auto care apart
Most people don’t think about their mechanic… until something goes wrong. And in that moment, what you’re really looking for isn’t just a repair, it’s someone you can trust.
There’s something reassuring about having a place to go when your car needs attention, somewhere you’re known, your concerns are heard, and you’re not just another ticket in the system. In a world of large dealerships and national operations,
truly independent automotive shops offer something different: relationship, transparency, and trust built over time.
For decades, Stang Auto Tech has been part of the fabric of Broomfield, quietly serving generations of drivers with a commitment to doing things the right way. We sat down with owner Robert Blaes to talk about what sets independent service apart, and why where you go matters just as much as what gets done.
ARTICLE BY SARAH SCHIERKOLK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Robert Blaes
Q: For those who may not know, what defines an independent automotive shop?
A: An independent shop is typically owned and operated by an individual or family who has built the business through years of hands-on investment, where the success of the shop is directly tied to the owner’s personal commitment and values. The owner is involved day to day and understands every role, from technician to advisor.
That level of involvement creates strong relationships with both staff and customers. You’re not just another number, you’re someone we know. Independent shops are also deeply connected to their communities, with a real sense of ownership in how they serve.
Q: You’ve been doing this for decades. What has kept you committed to staying independent?
A: It comes down to people. Staying independent allows me to focus on doing the right thing for customers instead of just the bottom line.
It also allows me to stay directly engaged with both my team and our customers, making decisions in real time based on what’s right for them, not just what a system or structure might dictate. There’s a level of passion and personal investment in independent shops that you simply don’t find in larger corporate operations. It may not always be the most efficient or profitable way to operate, but it’s allowed us to build long-term relationships that truly matter.
Q: Many people feel intimidated walking into a repair shop. How do you build trust from the start?
A: For many, visiting a repair shop feels like going to the dentist: there’s uncertainty around time, cost, and what’s actually wrong. The key is relationship. People want to do business with someone they know and trust. That comes from conversation,
transparency, and taking the time to understand their situation rather than just jumping to a repair.
That trust is reinforced by the culture and environment we’ve built within our shop, which is always evolving. When our team feels supported and aligned, it naturally carries over into how we care for our customers.
Q: What’s one of the biggest misconceptions about auto repair today?
A: A common misconception is that a mechanic can just look at a car or plug in a tool and instantly know what’s wrong.
In reality, modern vehicles are incredibly complex. The tools may point us in a direction, but it takes training, testing, and experience to accurately diagnose the root cause.
Q: How do you help customers understand what’s needed versus what can wait?
A: It starts with understanding the customer, their vehicle, their goals, and their budget. From there, it becomes a conversation.
Our job is to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and what the options are. Ultimately, it’s their decision. We just make sure they have the information to make the right one for their situation.
Q: What really sets an independent shop apart from a dealership or larger chain?
A: Dealerships are necessary for things like factory warranties, but beyond that, the biggest difference is the relationship.
In an independent shop, you’re working with people who are directly invested in both the business and the customer experience. That allows for more flexibility, more honest conversations, and a more personalized approach.
Q: Can independent shops truly keep up with today’s technology?
A: Absolutely. Today’s vehicles require advanced tools, ongoing training, and access to extensive data, no matter where you go.
A strong independent shop invests in all of that, but also builds a culture that motivates technicians to do their best work. Technology matters, but attitude and accountability matter just as much.
Q: You mentioned “doing the right thing.” What does that look like in real life?
A: It starts with integrity. A vehicle is often one of the largest investments a person makes, and properly taking care of it protects that investment.
Doing the right thing means understanding the customer’s needs and communicating honestly, even when it’s not the most profitable option. It’s about long-term trust, not short-term gain.
Q: What are the signs someone has found a shop they can truly trust?
A: A good shop communicates proactively. They help you plan for maintenance ahead of time instead of surprising you.
They provide clear documentation, stand behind their work with a strong warranty, and take the time to explain what was done and why. You should leave feeling informed, not confused.
Q: You often talk about serving families, not just fixing cars. What does that mean?
A: Our role goes beyond the vehicle. It’s about helping people keep their cars safe, dependable, and valuable.
But it’s also about being an influence for growth and development, not just for our customers, but within our team as well. We want to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.
Through our internship and apprenticeship programs, mentorship has become a core value that extends across our entire staff and ripples out into the community.
Q: If you could give every car owner one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: Build a relationship with a trusted shop before you need a major repair.
When trust is already there, the process becomes much less stressful, and you can make better decisions with confidence.
Q: At the end of the day, what do you want customers to feel when they leave?
A: That they were cared for. That they understand what was done, and that they received real value for their time and money.
At the end of the day, caring for your car isn’t just about parts and repairs—it’s about trust. It’s about knowing the person on the other side of the counter is looking out for you, not just your vehicle.
In a fast-moving world, there’s something powerful about a business that stays rooted in relationships, integrity, and community. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.
Khristy Nash Owner
Behind on taxes? Facing an audit? Struggling to maintain your books? El Dorado Tax Solutions negotiates directly with the IRS and State agencies to resolve tax debt, provides expert audit representation, and delivers accurate, dependable bookkeeping. Clear answers. Real solutions. Peace of mind.
Tax Resolution (IRS + State)
Audit Support + Representation
Bookkeeping + Compliance
Sean Gouran
POWER IN SHOWING UP
HOW ONE BROOMFIELD RESIDENT TURNED A LIFETIME OF WORK INTO A LEGACY OF GIVING
ARTICLE BY KEVIN GETZ
Remarkable cities attract remarkable people. Broomfield is that kind of place, and Ben Vagher is that kind of citizen.
Born and raised in rural southeastern Colorado, Ben often visited Broomfield, where his uncle lived. After graduating from the University of Southern Colorado on a basketball scholarship in 1975, he moved to the area to begin his career as a math teacher. He soon married his wife, Katherine, at Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church, bought their first home nearby, and started a family.
“You don’t have to change the whole world… just someone’s world.”
During the summers, Ben worked at a road paving company where his uncle was employed. By 1981, he was offered a full-time position as an estimator, launching a career in construction.
“I asked the school for a year off to give the new job a chance,” Ben remembers. “I liked the challenge and enjoyed forming relationships with customers. Turns out those math skills came in handy, too.”
That one-year leave turned into a new career path. In 1995, Ben and Katherine started their own construction company. “We ran it out of our home for the first ten years until we were able to move into a commercial space,” he says.
Even in the busiest seasons, Ben made time to give back, volunteering as an assistant coach for the Broomfield High School girls’ basketball team, where he spent 22 years coaching, including his two daughters, and winning five state championships.
In 2018, Ben and Katherine sold their business and shifted their focus toward giving back, investing their time in philanthropic and fundraising efforts throughout the Broomfield community. “It’s been a fun and rewarding experience,” Ben says with a smile.
Right away, Ben joined the Broomfield Rotary Club, whose motto, “Service Above Self,” reflects his heart for serving others. That mission is reflected in signature events like the Police and Fire Golf Tournament, where the Rotary Club gathers the community in support of Broomfield’s first responders. It’s more than a fundraiser; it’s a moment of recognition, connection, and collective generosity for those who serve on the front lines.
For years, the group also hosted bingo nights to raise funds for the community. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, those events came to a halt.
The pandemic left both emotional and financial strain, especially for seniors. As a longtime board member and current president of Senior Resources of Broomfield, Ben knew charitable fundraising was more important than ever.
As costs continued to rise, a new and creative way to give was needed. Ben was up to the challenge.
How about a sweepstakes?
No, we’re not talking about buying a magazine subscription in hopes of becoming a millionaire. It’s about helping those in need with the possibility of receiving a very special “Thank you!”
Take the Broomfield Rotary Club’s current 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS 396 classic muscle car sweepstakes. An entry into the sweepstakes is free to anyone over eighteen years of age living anywhere in the United States. Additional entries are available by donating to the Broomfield Rotary Charitable Foundation; the number of entries increases with the size of the donation. On June 26th, one ticket will be drawn to win the beautiful black Chevy Nova valued at $90,000!
All net proceeds go directly to the Broomfield Rotary, supporting local charities such as Senior Resources of Broomfield (SRB) and Broomfield FISH.
It’s more than a giveaway. It’s an opportunity to spotlight the work being done in Broomfield, rally support where it’s needed most, and create one unforgettable win along the way.
Ben is also spearheading the Bal Swan Children’s Center sweepstakes for a new 2026 Winnebago EKKO Sprinter RV valued at over $200,000, for those who can see themselves heading off the grid in state-of-the-art style and comfort.
Ben’s work with the Broomfield Rotary Club, Senior Resources of Broomfield, and the Bal Swan Children’s Center is a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures, but from showing up, again and again, for the people around us.
“There are so many ways to help in your community,” Ben shares. “Sometimes it’s as simple as looking around or asking where you’re needed.”
And maybe that’s the beauty of it. You don’t have to change the whole world…just someone’s world.
Ben Vagher
What Does Rotary Do?
Support local heroes through the Police & Fire Fund!
Broomfield Rota r y Club is proud to TAKE ACTION for those who protect us, providing a vital safety net for first responders and their families during times of hardship. J Join busi
ays at 6pm,
“Support for our first responders is one of the most impactful ways we serve, and one of the first things I tell people when they ask me about what the Broomfield Rotary Club does.”
— Justin Schierkolk, Broomfield
Rotarian
Outgrown your home’s layout or style? J&P Services reimagines Broomfield homes with thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and a seamless process from concept to completion. You’ll see what’s possible—and love where you live all over again.
This message proudly sponsored by:
Traditional
Manifest
Secure your financial future with compassionate support and guidance
“Kristin helped me through a hard time, now I have a financial plan I feel good about ” ~ MH
“I didn’t know where to star t when it came to money. Kristin showed me a successful path ” ~ CL
A local team takes on a 14er to bring visibility to the burdens many families carry every day
ARTICLE BY JULIE WALKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Imagine hiking a 14er with an extra 50 pounds on your back… Every step, every rock to climb over, every breath already takes effort. Now add the weight of a packed suitcase or a small child as you push toward a 14,000+ foot summit.
That’s exactly what James Anderson and 10 others will be doing using weighted vests or packs. James, an adaptive fitness coach with Better Everyday Fitness, focuses on helping people of all abilities build strength, confidence and independence.
On July 10th, James will lead the team up Quandary Peak, one of Colorado’s many 14ers. Rising to 14,265 feet, this 7-mile hike has an elevation gain of around 3,400 feet and is steep, steady and relentless. This isn’t just any hike though—James and the team are raising funds to support FRIENDS of Broomfield, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for connection, growth and inclusion for individuals with I/DD and their families.
So why make an already difficult climb even harder?
To bring the challenge to life, the team will carry extra weight in their packs to represent the daily physical, emotional, social and financial burdens many individuals with I/DD and their families face. The more money they raise, the more weight each team member will carry, giving each step a physical reminder of the challenges so many families carry each day. To learn more or follow along, visit friendsofbroomfield.org
“We’re choosing to carry physical weight to represent the invisible weight that people with disabilities carry every single day—they have challenges that most people don't have to think about in their everyday life,” James explained.
Mountain Goat on Quandry Peak
That “invisible weight” shows up in ways many people never see. Individuals with I/DD may have a harder time understanding instructions, learning new skills or gaining independence without consistent support. Social challenges are just as significant.
“Adults with I/DD are often treated like children,” James said. “They’re not spoken to in a way that reflects their actual age.”
Over time, those assumptions can shape outcomes. When people expect less, individuals aren’t always pushed or given opportunities to grow. Without those chances, progress can stall, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
But when expectations shift, so can outcomes.
James has seen that firsthand through his work teaching adaptive fitness classes for the last two years at FRIENDS of Broomfield, where he’s built a program helping participants build strength, balance and confidence. James shared a story of a young woman in a wheelchair he worked with to improve her leg strength, and she can now move independently in a pool. Progress happens because someone believed more was possible, and he wants to continue reaching as many individuals as possible through the fundraising effort.
That same philosophy applies to James himself. As his clients push their limits, he’s doing the same in preparation for the July hike. He trains with a weighted vest while hiking or walking on a steep treadmill incline to simulate the challenge.
“It’s noticeably harder with the extra weight, he said. “The second I take it off, it feels like wow—it's so easy to hike right now!”
And that’s the difference—James can take the weight off when the hike is over. For many individuals with I/DD, those challenges don’t simply come off at the end of the day.
Justin Schierkolk is one of the team members joining James on the hike. When Justin learned about the mission and saw James’s genuine desire to inspire others to support FRIENDS, he was immediately on board.
“This hike means showing people that we cannot just empathize, but take action to bring meaningful help and connection,” Justin said. “It also means drawing attention to the outstanding work of Gina Coufal and the entire crew at FRIENDS as they serve people with I/DD and give them opportunities to live to their fullest potential with many of the freedoms we take for granted each day.”
During the July hike, James will carry with him the individuals he’s come to know through his work at FRIENDS. He plans to bring a banner bearing their names to the summit as a way to include them.
James expects to be humbled by the hike, both physically and emotionally, but also to be proud of himself for accomplishing it and what it represents.
“I want to use this experience to help further my message that people with disabilities are carrying this extra burden every day, and it’s even harder than we think it is.”
Because some weights aren’t meant to be carried alone.
L-R: Justin Schierkolk, Dr Italia, James Anderson & Tim Lee
Sail the Wild British Isles on a 14-day journey aboard Nieuw Statendam with Holland America Line. Departing from Dover, explore Amsterdam, Scotland’s storied Highlands, and the rugged coasts of Ireland and Northern Ireland. From Edinburgh to Galway, this immersive voyage blends rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and refined onboard experiences.
The Rhythm of Precision
Neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Talbot balances surgery, music, and mindset, leading with intention in every arena
ARTICLE BY JULIE WALKER
“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”
This quote by Mahatma Gandhi is more than a philosophy for Dr. Christopher Talbot—it’s how he lives his life, both in and out of the operating room. Whether he’s mentoring young physicians, guiding patients through recovery or moving through everyday routines at home, the principle remains the same. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once—you just have to do something.
A neurosurgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group specializing in complex spine surgery, Dr. Talbot treats patients across the full spectrum of neurological conditions, from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructions. Ask him how he approaches his work or his life, and he won’t start with technical expertise— it’s this philosophy of taking small, consistent actions that guides him.
For Dr. Talbot, that may mean exercising in the kitchen while cooking or stretching while watching TV with family. Or it may mean encouraging a patient to focus on one action to improve their health, like drinking more water throughout the day. “It doesn’t matter what the things are, it’s about always pushing forward.”
This mindset is especially apparent in his relationship with music, which has been a steady influence since he was young. A lifelong musician, Dr. Talbot plays guitar and several other instruments. With such a busy and stressful profession, music is his “daily meditation.” And that’s why even 30 seconds on his guitar in the evening is therapeutic.
Music is also very much a part of Dr. Talbot’s work in the operating room, where it helps set the tone for the team. He enjoys putting together playlists for the operating room (OR) that have different vibes. Drawing on his time working at a radio station in college, where he had a show and eventually ran the station, he learned that not everyone wants to listen to the same music as you. He takes that to heart for his OR playlists, as his team has a wide array of interests. “For longer surgeries, I have a mix of 90s R&B, alt rock and hip hop plus 1970s Motown and more,” he shared. “For shorter surgeries, I have quite an array of high-energy songs.” He monitors the mood, playing fun music when things are going well and cutting the tunes if necessary.
When Dr. Talbot moved to Colorado last August, he was intentional about choosing a place where he could get outside quickly for another type of meditation: exercise. A Maine native, Dr. Talbot grew up doing outdoor activities. An avid athlete, he enjoys endurance sports like Nordic skiing and hiking. His wife of nearly 10 years, whom he met in college, and their 5-year-old son spend free time exploring trails together. His wife, a family physician, is set to begin practicing in Colorado later this year. Their son is already an impressive hiker, regularly completing moderate hikes at altitude with a little encouragement along the way. “He passes the time by talking. He’ll talk for a mile straight,” Dr. Talbot said with a laugh. “Just whatever’s on his mind.”
Intentionality has shaped Dr. Talbot’s path in medicine, where he found his calling in neurosurgery during medical school, a field he truly loves. When choosing where to train, he focused on environments that would expose him to a wide range of complex cases. “I wanted to be comfortable with anything that came in the door, so that I could contribute to and elevate the care of wherever I ended up practicing in my career.”
That path led him to a high-volume trauma center at University Hospital in Newark, where he often handled extreme patient cases. “It was intense, but it reinforced that this is where I wanted to be—caring for the sickest patients when it matters most.”
Taking his knowledge outside the hospital, that same sense of purpose expands into the community, where he’s spent time educating K–12 students about brain health, helmet safety and injury prevention—work he hopes to expand in Colorado. As an athlete himself, he understands both the risks and the importance of staying active, and he’s exploring opportunities to support local teams and organizations as a neurotrauma consultant.
With such a demanding profession, Dr. Talbot relishes the quiet moments, like savoring a cup of coffee in the morning or exploring new developments in AI and its role in healthcare. Even then, his mindset stays the same: you don’t have to change everything at once—just do one thing better.
JUNE 10TH, 17TH, 24TH - JULY 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH
Broomfield Summer Concert Series
Midway Park & Anthem Community Park | 6:00 PM
Enjoy free, family-friendly evenings of live music at Broomfield’s Summer Concert Series. Held on select summer nights at Midway Park and Anthem Community Park, this community favorite features local and touring musicians, opening acts, and lively outdoor settings. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy the perfect midweek summer vibe with friends and family.
JUNE 14TH, JULY 12TH & AUGUST 2ND
Summer Sunday Festivals
Brunner Farmhouse - 640 Main St, Broomfield, CO 80020 | 4:00 PM
Enjoy a beloved Broomfield tradition at the Summer Sunday Festivals, hosted by Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities. This family-friendly series features food trucks, booths, crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and performances from 4–6pm, followed by a lively outdoor concert from 6–8pm. Admission is complimentary, with a suggested $5 donation per family greatly appreciated. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for a relaxed evening under the summer sky.
JULY 23RD
Bites & Brews
Blue Sport Stable - 1 Superior Dr, Superior, CO 80027 | 4:30 PM
Savor the best of Broomfield at Bites & Brews, a lively community tasting event featuring local restaurants, caterers, and breweries. Enjoy a wide variety of bites and beverages, vote for your favorites, and connect with local businesses and nonprofits. With something for every taste, it’s a fun, all-ages evening that brings the community together. Tickets available at broomfieldchamber.com.
Custom Kitchens in North Denver
Contact us to create the home of your dreams.
www.kitchensbybloom.com (303) 997-5224
Your Local Specialists for Back Pain Relief
Your spine and joints hold you up, help you move and give you strength and agility. When pain slows down your life, you need expert orthopedic care. Whether you’re experiencing chronic pain or recovering from an injury or surgery, AdventHealth’s orthopedic specialists are here to fully support you with treatments ranging from total knee and hip replacements to sports medicine and physical therapy. It’s the care you need to move toward renewal — so you can feel whole again.
