The Sundance Film Festival will bring thousands of people to the Flatirons and much of Metro Denver, too. Nicole Nicoletta, who runs Rocky Mountain Women’s Film based in Colorado Springs, says that’s a good thing. Millions in state funds are going to the festival, which is expected to grow in size during its time in Boulder, and at least one state lawmaker, Democrat Bob Marshall from Douglas County, is unhappy about the public spending. However, Governor Jared Polis and Eve Lieberman, executive director of the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, say the festival is well worth the investment.

RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver7’s Micah Smith.

On this episode of RealTalk we honor the service and sacrifices of our armed services members, sharing their stories of what this holiday means to them.

Hope Szypulski is a retired Army nurse and the MSU Denver dean of the College of Health and Applied Sciences. Santasia Jovel is an MSU Denver social work student and Navy veteran. And Marine Corps veteran Zach Tidwell, along with Wounded Warrior Project vice president James Herrera, address mental health challenges for veterans and resources available to help.

RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

Mother’s Day is a celebration filled with love. But it’s also layered with loss, complexity and transformation. On this episode we explore the origins of Mother’s Day as a moment for peace. And Robin Sweet, a mom and therapist based in Castle Pines, explores the challenges of being a mom and why it’s ok to not always be “perfect.”

Then we hear from Cenece Dixon, who knows first-hand the hope and heartbreak of fertility struggles, about her journey to come to terms with not being able to give birth to a child — and choosing to adopt. Plus, Denver resident Melissa Mincic talks about those who are not mothers but motherly. She’s a motherly figure to her friend’s and family’s kids, and even though she does not have children of her own, her heart remains full.

RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.