Ever wondered how a spinal injury in eighth grade football could transform someone's entire life direction? That's exactly what happened to Dr. Morgan Oaks, who now brings 21 years of chiropractic expertise to his practice, Ascend Chiropractic.

Dr. Morgan shares his fascinating journey from mechanical engineer to chiropractor, explaining how his personal experience with injury recovery showed him the profound impact of spinal health on overall wellbeing. Rather than just focusing on in-office treatments, his approach mirrors the dental industry model – providing excellent care during visits while empowering patients with knowledge they can apply at home. "The biggest gift I give is teaching you the things you can do at home to stay healthy," he explains, noting that often just 5-10 minutes of daily attention can transform your health.

The conversation tackles common misconceptions, particularly the myth that chiropractic creates dependency. Dr. Morgan laughs this off, comparing it to other beneficial health routines – people continue because they experience tangible benefits in sleep quality, immune function, and even digestion. While he specializes in treating active Coloradans who enjoy outdoor pursuits, he points out our evolutionary mismatch with modern work environments: "We were designed to be hunters and gatherers. We weren't designed to be office dwellers." This sedentary lifestyle creates unique challenges that proper chiropractic care can effectively address.

Perhaps most compelling is Dr. Morgan's candid reflection on nearly failing during his first year in practice. This humbling experience taught him to seek specialized help and support – a philosophy that now informs his approach to patient care. As he puts it, "I was the glass ceiling I was bumping into." Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or simply want to optimize your body's function, Dr. Morgan's patient-centered approach at Ascend Chiropractic might be exactly what you need. Check out https://www.drmorganoaks.com/chiro to learn more about how simple daily practices could transform your health journey.

The loneliness epidemic has reached staggering proportions in America, with 60% of people reporting significant periods of isolation — a health impact comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes daily. But what if our neighborhoods themselves could be redesigned to heal this modern crisis?

Michael Gornik, co-founder of Polestar Gardens, shares a compelling vision for community-centered living that challenges how we think about home, neighborhood, and belonging. Founded 25 years ago as an educational nonprofit focused on holistic development, Polestar Gardens has evolved through remarkable challenges—including a son's cancer battle and the complete loss of their Hawaii campus to volcanic eruption in 2018. Rather than surrender their mission, these hardships became catalysts for transformation.

Now, Polestar Gardens is creating an innovative "intentional neighborhood" on the former Happy Heart Farm in Fort Collins—Colorado's first CSA. This 144-unit development integrates co-housing principles with new urbanism to create a walkable, car-optional community where meaningful relationships can flourish naturally. From micro-units to single-family homes, the development is designed to foster diverse, multi-generational connections that Michael believes humans are fundamentally wired to need.

Reflecting on Polestar's origins in youth programming, Michael reveals how watching children thrive in community settings—surrounded by mentors, peers, and opportunities to care for others—demonstrated the profound impact our social environment has on human potential. This inspired a lifelong mission to create accessible spaces where the "web of relationship" that nurtures our best selves can be woven into everyday life.

As Americans increasingly recognize the costs of isolation, Polestar Village offers a thoughtful alternative. Could reimagining how we design our living spaces be key to addressing our loneliness crisis? Visit https://www.polestarvillage.com/ to explore this vision for community-centered living and discover what happens when we design neighborhoods with human connection as the foundation.

Ever dreamed of creating something amazing but lacked the tools, space, or know-how to make it happen? That's exactly where Ellen Pickman found herself six years ago, scrolling through YouTube videos of beautiful epoxy river tables and thinking, "I could make that"—if only she had access to thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

Enter Fort Collins Creator Hub, a 6,400-square-foot volunteer-run nonprofit makerspace that transformed Ellen from complete novice to organization president. This episode takes you inside a thriving community workshop where 200+ members share professional-grade equipment including full wood and metal shops, laser engravers, electronics stations, and 3D printers. Ellen explains how the Hub operates entirely through volunteer effort, providing 24/7 access to members after proper training while maintaining some of the most affordable rates among Colorado makerspaces.

Beyond the impressive arsenal of tools, what truly distinguishes Creator Hub is its culture of mentorship and community engagement. Members freely share knowledge and skills, helping newcomers navigate equipment they've never used before. The organization extends its mission through STEM-focused summer camps for youth ages 11-16, teaching everything from rocket building to welding. Whether you're a seasoned maker, a curious beginner, or somewhere in between, this conversation highlights a valuable community resource where creativity, learning, and connection flourish under one roof. Ready to unleash your inner maker? Visit fortcollinscreatorhub.org to book a free tour and discover what you might create.