Cruising the Past: Westminster Mall Memories and Colorado's Costly Living with Larry Ulibarri, Jake Salazar and Producer WIGNZ

03/25/24 • 21 min

In the latest podcast episode of I’m From Denver, Larry Ulibarri, Jake Salazar, and Producer WIGNZ invite listeners on a heartfelt journey through memory lane as they reminisce about the beloved Westminster Mall. Sharing personal stories and quirky experiences, the trio paints a vivid picture of the mall's heyday, from hanging out with friends to indulging in favorite treats like Orange Julius.

But amidst the laughter and nostalgia, the hosts tackle a more serious topic: the soaring cost of living in Colorado. With candid conversations and relatable anecdotes, they explore the challenges faced by locals in coping with rising expenses, especially in cities like Denver and Boulder.

Yet, true to their style, Larry, Jake, and Producer WIGNZ infuse the episode with plenty of humor and lighthearted moments, from spoofing movie trailers to reminiscing about wild nights at Rock Island. So, whether you're craving a trip down memory lane or just in need of a good laugh, this episode promises to deliver. Tune in, hit that subscribe button, and join the trio for an entertaining and humanly relatable experience.

Key Takeaways:

[00:02:10] Discussion on the impact of online shopping on malls.

[00:06:41] Fond memories of the Westminster Mall.

[00:09:22] Fast food restaurant memories.

[00:12:16] Rising cost of housing in Colorado.

[00:15:32] Nostalgic throwback to Rock Island and Hollywood legends clubs.

Memorable Quotes:

Oh my God. Shoes are so expensive now. I thought they were expensive back then, but you really could get 69 bucks. You got a sweet kicks. [00:07:14] – Producer WIGNZ

Whoever came up with the idea of setting up an outdoor mall in Colorado must have had some serious vision. Like, "Hey, let's put some stores outside in a place where half the time it's freezing cold or snowing, and see how that goes. [00:10:45] – Jake Salazar

Connect with I'm From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver

Key Takeaways:

[00:02:10] Discussion on the impact of online shopping on malls.

[00:06:41] Fond memories of the Westminster Mall.

[00:09:22] Fast food restaurant memories.

[00:12:16] Rising cost of housing in Colorado.

[00:15:32] Nostalgic throwback to Rock Island and Hollywood legends clubs.

Memorable Quotes:

Oh my God. Shoes are so expensive now. I thought they were expensive back then, but you really could get 69 bucks. You got a sweet kicks. [00:07:14] – Producer WIGNZ

Connect with I'm From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver

Previous Episode

Breaking Down Denver: Crime Rates, Community, and Casa Bonita Memories with Larry Ulibarri, Jake Salazar and Producer WIGNZ

Hey, Denver fam! Ready for another epic episode of the I'm From Denver podcast? We've got Larry Ulibarri and Jake Salazar with Producer WIGNZ in the house, bringing you all the latest buzz straight outta Colorado. From dissecting the retirement of our beloved weatherman Mike Nelson to unveiling the top 10 hiding spots burglars wish you didn't know about, we're diving deep into the local scene with our signature blend of humor and insight.

But hey, it's not all serious business on the show. We're here to sprinkle some laughter into your day, reminiscing about those classic Colorado snow days and sharing a few chuckles about the quirks of being a local celebrity. Plus, we're getting interactive with our massive Facebook community, swapping stories about grilling in the snow and jamming out at Red Rocks concerts. And let's not forget about the food! We're serving up some serious Colorado cuisine talk, from the various styles of green chili that'll make your taste buds dance to the mouthwatering memories of breakfasts at Casa Bonita. So if you're craving some good company and a hefty dose of Denver pride, hit that subscribe button and join us for the ride. Can't wait to share more laughs and memories with you all. #IMFROMDENVER

Key Takeaways:

[00:03:10] Mike Nelson's retirement in 2024.

[00:11:19] Not so secret hiding places.

[00:20:51] Green chili variations.

[00:24:40] Community involvement and engagement.

[00:27:36] Engaging with the Denver community.

Memorable Quotes:

When we're talking about somebody that's that desperate that they're going to try to break into somebody's home, they're obviously not like the biggest brain on campus.

[00:07:19] – Jake Salazar

In this city, Denver, it's a well-known fact that longevity and success in your career, especially in the public eye, are not just about your professional skills or the accolades you accumulate. It's deeply rooted in the kind of person you are, and how you interact with the community around you. [00:04:00] – Larry Ulibarri

Connect with I’m From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver

Next Episode

Diving into Denver's Music Scene with Brad Roulier: A Tale of Beats, Bounces, and Business

Brad Roulier, a prominent figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, talks with the #IMFROMDENVER podcast. Roulier has made significant contributions to EDM as a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur. As part of the DJ duo Manufactured Superstars, he performed internationally and produced tracks for artists like Katy Perry and David Guetta. Roulier co-founded Beatport.com, a leading online music store for DJs, and founded Beta Nightclub in Denver, renowned as one of the best in the world. Currently serving as the Chief Entertainment Officer for Bounce Empire, Roulier continues to impact the entertainment industry with his innovative approach and dedication to creating memorable experiences.

Key Takeaways:

[00:03:14] Unveiling the creative genesis of beatport.

[00:06:34] Brad's early career evolution and dive into club ownership.

[00:11:08] Shifting from music to the popcorn industry.

[00:19:19] Touring adventures and iconic moments with industry giants.

[00:20:09] Tiesto's Vegas show anecdote unpacked.

[00:40:08] Confronting the hurdles of a fresh entertainment venture.

Memorable Quotes:

Imagine a vibrant haven where everyone's phones are forgotten, and the joy of interaction reigns supreme. It's the ultimate blend of excitement and connectivity, where every moment is infused with pure, unadulterated fun. [00:39:23] – Brad Roulier

My ultimate mission was to immerse them in the world of house music. And the key? It's all about the slice and dice. Chop it up, layer it with killer vocals, and always serve up those signature deadmau5 beats like clockwork. [00:14:22] – Brad Roulier

Connect with I’m From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver