In this episode, Metaphorically Speaking hosts Joe Dudeck and Shannon Jirik reminisce on the podcast's inception and evolution over nearly three years, including the show's inaugural seasons on sharing your small business story and experiencing fear in life and work and the interim "COS in COVID" series.

Mostly, they wind down the year by sharing memories, notable moments, and laughs from a collection of their favorite interviews with local Colorado Springs small business owners or entrepreneurs.

Listen to the best of COS recap and visit the episode library to enjoy the whole collection of inspiring stories.

Alicia Klausmeier is the founder and president of Dream Accounting Solutions, a full service bookkeeping firm in Colorado Springs. With a passion for serving small business owners, the Dream team also provides process and payroll management, one-on-one support, and training.

In this episode, Alicia shares how her entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving mentality led her to address a major stressor for small business owners: money management and cash flow.

Listen to our conversation to hear how one woman’s dream allows so many others to realize theirs. For more inspiring entrepreneurial stories, visit our full library.

Daniel Byrd is the executive director of Kids on Bikes, a non-profit organization bringing joy and freedom to kids and families in the Colorado Springs community “one bike, one ride, and one mile at a time.” With a mission to inspire and empower all kids to lead healthy, active, and happy lives, Kids on Bikes sets out to combat childhood obesity, encourage friendships and wellness, and foster a love for the outdoors by providing access to bikes, education, and cycling opportunities.

In this episode, Daniel talks all things kids, including growing up in Colorado Springs, working with homeless youth, and applying his background as a coach, counselor, and social worker to his current role.

Listen to our conversation for a fresh perspective on the power of pedaling. For more inspiring stories, visit our full library.

Lauren McKenzie is the owner of REN Creativ, a Colorado Springs creative studio that offers branding, web design, and photography services. Armed with "contagious creativity and boundless originality," Lauren's stamp can be found in bars, breweries, and other small businesses across the local landscape. In this episode, hear how Lauren's journey of self-discovery led her to become a brand champion for the little guys. Listen to our conversation for talks on following your gut, being a female business owner, and finding your own definition of success.

For more local entrepreneurial stories, visit our full library.

Nikki McComsey is the founder of Gather Mountain Blooms, an urban flower farm on the historic Venetucci Farm in Colorado Springs. Together with her sisters, Leah Remacle and Abby Remacle, a mission to "promote community, creativity and healing in a field of beautiful flowers" is cultivated. Nature lovers can flock to the farm to pick fresh blooms, purchase bouquets and vintage goods, or enjoy a private event.

In this episode, hear how a life-changing concussion and COVID quarantine sparked the start of this sister-owned business.

Listen to our conversation for a reminder to stop and smell the sunflowers. For more inspiring entrepreneurial stories, visit our full library.

Lisa Tsarowitz is the founder and owner of Epicentral Coworking, a shared space for working nomads, including freelancers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and commuters. With two locations in Colorado Springs, members can access meeting rooms, private offices, and a range of amenities. At Epicentral, "Work Hard, Do Good" means more than sitting at a desk for the day; it's a challenge for do'ers and thinkers to become change makers. In this episode, hear why Lisa felt Colorado Springs was lacking energy around entrepreneurship and what inspired her to meet a need for community through coworking. Listen to our conversation for a reminder that collaboration is a powerful conduit to creation. For more encouraging stories, visit our full library of interviews.

Timothy (T.H.) Gillis is a managing partner at KPMG accounting firm in Washington D.C. and a two-time self-published poet. Despite a successful professional career in accounting and tax law, Tim sought an outlet for self-discovery, mindfulness, and contemplation, eventually trying his hand at poetry as a way to process life and preserve experiences.

In this episode, Tim discusses his latest book, Eyesight: What I Saw, and shares how poetry has become central to his personal and professional well-being — encouraging listeners to step into a space of vulnerability and transparency and attempt the discipline for themselves.

Listen to our conversation for a meaningful reminder to seize big and small moments, inhale your surroundings, and find joy in everything. For more inspiring stories, visit our full library of interviews.