Carousel of Happiness Podcast
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast! It all starts with Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran, who channelled his grief into art by hand-carving and restoring a 1910 Charles Looff-designed carousel that actively spins today. On the podcast, you'll hear stories about how the carousel came to be and how it found an unusual home 8,000 feet above sea level in the quirky mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. The Carousel of Happiness Podcast is your weekly hub of positivity where we'll spin yarns and tell tales about the carousel itself, the people who keep it spinning, and the over 1 million visitors who are fundamentally changed as a result of their visit. Not sure how a $3 ride ticket can change your life? We'll show you how on the podcast. In the meantime, take care. Be well. And don't delay joy. We'll see you next time around.
Episodes
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today's episode, you'll meet Carousel of Happiness Board President, Charles Wood. Charles has been involved with the carousel for 12 years now, and has had pretty much every single job in this place. In addition to serving on the board, Charles has been a volunteer, he’s worked the front desk, he’s been an operator, and briefly he served as the interim Executive Director. Ch...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today's episode, host Allie Wagner guides you through a carousel-themed meditation. Find a cozy spot, quiet your mind, and see what's possible when you are present with questions from the Wonder Box!
Did you get a great idea? Follow up on an exciting impulse? Click the link below to send a quick text message to Allie.
Welcome the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we talk about what happened on the podcast last week, how it relates to the carousel, and how we’re going to move forward together on the podcast. Host Allie Wagner tells you about a text she got from a friend, as well as one she got from Scott about last week’s episode.
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today's episode, we see what happens when we throw the playbook out the window. Join host Allie Wagner as we rumble (and ramble) off the rails slightly in this improvisational episode about creativity, compassionate empathy, and the power of the present moment.
Do you have a story to share? Leave us a message!
The Carousel of Happiness is a nonprofit arts & culture organizat...
Welcome the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today's episode, we celebrate a peaceful transition of power at the Carousel of Happiness. Madam Piglet Eunice Stardust becomes the 2025 Mayor of the Carousel. We hear details about the election, Allie shares an idea in a book she read on vacation, and we'll explore the power of asking the question "what if?"
Want to hear more about Ron Francis? Check out the Peace, Lo...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today’s episode we’re going to hear the story of Pat Craig and the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Did you know over 30,000 acres in the state of Colorado is home to over 950 lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic animals? We’ll find out how this came to be, what the captive wildlife crisis is, and how compassionate empathy can change the world.
Check out the Wild Animal Sanctuary here: https:/...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today’s episode, we’re taking a quick break to celebrate and reflect on how far we’ve come together on the podcast. Host, Allie Wagner, tells you about a camping trip she's planning, and we’ll explore why it makes sense to celebrate “what is” on your way to accomplishing "what's next."
Don't forget to vote for Mayor of the Carousel – voting ends May 26!
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today’s episode, we continue the conversation about the creative process by focusing on the Muse. How do Muses inspire creativity? Who was Scott’s Muse? Host, Allie Wagner, introduces you to the Twirling Girl and the other “hitchhikers” of the carousel – animals who’ve hitch a ride on the carousel in the wooden sweeps and metal supports above.
Don't forget to vote for Mayor of th...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast.
On today’s episode, you'll meet Carousel Operator, Burt Rashbaum. He’s one of only a handful of people who have the distinct privilege of operating the carousel, something he has done since September 2010. In addition to operating a carousel, Burt is a multi-hyphenate artist who has spent his entire life soaking up the details of his life, and processing them through his work. You’l...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. As many of you know, Elephant was reported missing in the local Mountain Ear newspaper a couple of weeks ago. But, we at the Carousel of Happiness, need to set the record straight on a few things. Turns out they got some details wrong. On today’s episode, you’ll hear the true story of Elephant’s disappearance and what actually happened that night.
Don't forget to vote for Mayor of t...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host, Allie Wagner sits down with JoLee Wingerson, a Boulder-based animal communicator with almost 25 years of experience. For more than two decades, JoLee has communicated with animals on behalf of humans, and vice versa, and has some powerful things to say about our spiritual relationship with animals. You’ll learn what animals really want us to know, and how ...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, you'll meet gift shop manager and social media maven, Pat Hagberg. Pat was the original “girl boss” before that was even a term, and upon retirement, she found her way to the carousel in 2012. Chances are, whether you are young or old, if you’ve walked through the carousel doors, you’ve had the opportunity to experience Pat’s healing presence. Through Pat, ...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's show, you'll meet Boulder County Open Space Ranger, Kevin Grady, and his "Miracle Dog," Dottie. You'll learn about how they started working together, and how a mysterious accident caused them to deepen their bond and connection to one another. Take a listen for your daily dose of miracles, and for a story about the healing power of unconditional love.
...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we learn more about the Warrior Storyfield project in Longmont, and how a veterans are being healed and shaped by a 16 ft. dragon, an 18 ft. phoenix, and the space in between. Join us for an exploration of the healing power of working with metal and fire.
Today's episode is sponsored by the fire-breathing folks over in the Dragon’s Lair.
Don't forget to ...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner shares a recent visit she took to the local Tail of Two Cities animal sanctuary just outside Nederland. You’ll hear stories of sassy pigs, baby yaks, and sneaky dogs, and we’ll talk about the power of radical love and acceptance of all.
This episode is sponsored by the Porcine Party to Elect Pig for Mayor.
Don't forget to vote for Mayor of t...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, we are beginning our Mayoral Election Coverage for 2025. For the next 7 weeks, we will join together to strengthen our love and compassion muscles, all while raising money for the carousel in the process. You'll be inundated with warm, fuzzy, uplifting stories, adorable animals, and lots and lots of puns.
Each week, there will be opportunities for you to sh...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner answers some of your carousel-related questions from the Wonder Box. Like “why is the fish so small?” and “how fast is the cheetah?” You'll also learn how many riders we see each day, as well as how the music in the carousel works. Plus, we’ll explore what the fish and cheetah can teach us about how to accomplish our goals with ease and gr...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode, host Allie Wagner digs into the Wonder Box, and fishes out some of your questions and musings about life, love, joy, and peace. We’ll discuss the healing power of wonder and awe – how it connects us to one another, the world around us, and something larger than ourselves. We’ll learn how awe improves our physiology, our communities, and our overall well-being. W...
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, today’s episode is all about love and the heart. But not a love made of paper hearts, but one that is being circulated throughout the carousel community through a new addition to the roof. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about the electromagnetic field of the carousel, the anatomy of the human heart, and the power of living a heart-centered life.
Welcome to the Carousel of Happiness Podcast. On today's episode we meet carousel operator, admin, and painter Rebecca Linn. For the last year, she's been offering community-based acupuncture at the Carousel of Happiness. You'll hear about the origins of this treatment, how Rebecca found acupuncture after her life took an unexpected turn, and we'll talk about the complexities of the human body. If you're lo...
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