By Jennifer Austin Hughes
VOICES Radio Hour
Three years ago, as we embarked on the journey of VOICES Radio Hour, I would have been hesitant to predict the longevity and success we’ve achieved. It may sound dramatic, but the initial commitment felt monumental. MinTze Wu, Cassidy Wiley and I were united by a shared passion — a deep-seated desire to amplify the diverse narratives of our community through a new and accessible format. Yet, the reality of our busy lives (as three incredibly committed but time-strapped women) loomed large. The logistics were daunting: securing three to five compelling guests per month, and then coordinating recordings around the demanding performance schedules of both VOICES and SoL Theatre.
However, the moment we started, the overwhelming support from our community became our anchor. This network of encouragement provided the momentum we needed, and before we knew it, we were off and running. Our partners, KDNK, The Sopris Sun and Sol de Valle, have been absolutely indispensable, demonstrating unbelievable support and flexibility. Their willingness to adapt when our schedule inevitably shifted or when unexpected changes arose allowed us to take a confident leap. With all these crucial pieces in place, we started the show and, honestly, we have never looked back. Except, of course, to take a moment now to reflect on how far we’ve come!
This past year has been nothing short of beautiful, a transformative journey that has unfolded in ways we never fully envisioned at the outset. I believe this capacity for organic evolution, this openness to wherever the format guides us, is precisely what keeps us moving forward, perpetually curious and engaged.
When the year began, our nation, and by extension our local community, felt profoundly divided. We were faced with an environment where people were understandably guarded, not always eager to sit across a table from one another and share their deepest convictions. In response, we intentionally created a space for healing and authentic dialogue. By the end of the year, we had successfully facilitated powerful, heartfelt conversations that spanned difficult, yet vital, topics — from the intricacies of religion and the sharp edges of political discourse to the shared work of healing from past personal and collective traumas.
We had the privilege of hearing stories that illustrated the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable obstacles, including loss and death, offering profound testament to the human spirit. We were also honored to lift up queer voices within our community, celebrating inspiring coming-out stories from beloved neighbors, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and pride.
Beyond our studio conversations, we were able to capture and broadcast the vibrant tapestry of experiences from across our valley through live recordings. We shared the deeply personal journeys of storytellers who bravely navigated immigration to the United States, and highlighted the powerful narratives of women overcoming significant barriers to achieve their professional and personal dreams and goals. Furthermore, we proudly dedicated airtime to shine a bright, celebratory light on our vibrant Latino community during Hispanic Heritage Month, sharing stories that reflect their rich culture and profound contributions.
Today, we are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, what once felt like the most challenging aspect of this entire venture has now become what I cherish most: the continuous, rewarding work of finding the voices we are privileged to amplify. The discovery process is an ongoing honor, unearthing the individuals right here in our community who possess a story that needs to be heard, who have something crucial to say and who simply need a welcoming, trustworthy platform to share it.
This job is a responsibility I will never take for granted. I remain deeply honored to be a part of this production, alongside my dedicated partners, and I will continue to work tirelessly to bring these essential, compelling stories to you. We are committed to this mission for as long as you all keep listening, keep reading and, most importantly, keep yourselves open. Open to the voices of those around you, no matter how different their lived experience or perspective may be from your own. Our collective journey relies on that openness.
Catch VOICES Radio Hour airing on KDNK this Friday at 6pm and archived at www.voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour