
Colorado Matters
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Latest episodes

Jul 4, 2025 • 49min
July 4, 2025: For the Fourth of July, bald eagles, buffalo, Johnny Appleseed, and America the Beautiful
Happy Fourth of July! Today, how the bald eagle finally became the nation's bird after nearly 250 years and the return of the bison to Colorado. Plus, a Fort Collins horticulturalist is preserving the legacy tree of Johnny Appleseed, and the Colorado inspiration for "America the Beautiful."

Jul 3, 2025 • 49min
July 3, 2025: For this Colorado Centenarian, connection is key; The impact of 'forever chemicals'
For 101-year-old Harold Berger, connecting with people is just one key to longevity and enjoying life. Then, the clean up continues in Galeton, Colorado where there was a massive oil spill two months ago. Also, understanding the impact of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS with climate reporter and author Sharon Udasin. Plus, we revisit how robotics are revolutionizing liver transplants. And Denver funk band Lettuce collaborates with the Colorado Symphony. Lettuce is back in Denver for a show at Cervantes, backing GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, on July 4.

Jul 2, 2025 • 49min
July 2, 2025: Traffic and history collide at this Colorado Springs intersection; Whiskey with a purpose
At the most recognizable intersection in Colorado Springs, where crashes have been frequent, a statue of a man on a horse will remain. So will people's strong feelings. Then, two brothers who never imagined they'd be farming rye for whiskey. Plus, the Sky Sox are back in Colorado Springs, at least for now. Later, a meaningful hike along Fountain Creek with author Jim O'Donnell. Also, Colorado College's new president, a callout to federal workers and potential new spots for immigrant detention.

Jul 1, 2025 • 49min
July 1, 2025: How being outside can shape learning, life skills, and leadership; Tracking use of force stalls
"Give Outdoor Learning" is a first of its kind, statewide campaign that creates nature-based outings for the public. And because many programs are at risk due to budget cuts, it's also a fundraising campaign similar to Colorado Gives Day. CPR's Jenny Brundin speaks with an organizer from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and two young adults who share how nature has changed them. Then, five years after a state law took effect, why is it still a challenge to track use of force by Colorado law enforcement? And later, sorting out senior living options with Aging Matters.

Jun 30, 2025 • 29min
June 30, 2025: Water problems in West go deeper than Colorado River; Asian chefs in Presidential history
Water problems in the West go deeper than the Colorado River. Beyond reservoir levels, diminishing groundwater is now an important consideration according to new research. Then, Denver's "soul food scholar" delves into the history of Asian chefs who served U.S. presidents, often on the high seas.

Jun 27, 2025 • 49min
June 27, 2025: AG Weiser on birthright citizenship ruling; Challenges facing conservation under Trump
With Colorado's attorney general, we decipher an important Supreme Court ruling today related to birthright citizenship. Then, we take the pulse of conservation under President Trump with Salida journalist Ben Goldfarb. Later, we sit down with the CEO of Colorado's hometown burger chain, Good Times. Thank goodness we had napkins. And new music from Arvada artist Holly Lovell, who was recently featured in the Local 303.

Jun 26, 2025 • 49min
June 26, 2025: Phillip Bailey and the 'Reasons' behind his, and Earth, Wind and Fire's, lasting success
It’s the falsetto that’s captured the hearts of music lovers for more than 5 decades now -- and the long list of awards and accolades behind his name affirms that his fandom comes for, well, good "Reasons." A talk with Denver native and East High School graduate Philip Bailey as he reflects on his life and legacy as lead singer of Colorado’s adopted hometown band, Earth, Wind and Fire. Also, each year thousands of Coloradans visit the U.S. Capitol, hoping to catch the attention of the state's Congressional delegation. Recently, a lot of those lobbying efforts visits have been about Republicans’ huge tax and spending package.

Jun 25, 2025 • 49min
June 25, 2025: Is there a 'Goldilocks' amount of rain?; Douglas County voters reject home rule
Too much rain fosters growth of grasses and underbrush, and not enough rain makes everything dry out, raising the risk of wildfires. So, is there a "Goldilocks" amount of rain that's just right? That's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our regular conversation. Plus, a Western Colorado University student on the challenges of forecasting weather in Gunnison. Also, Douglas County voters reject home rule. Then, what it takes to become a confidential voter in Colorado. Plus, the Boulder Comedy Festival, how to find Indie films in movie theaters, and celebrating Pride with the Local 303.

Jun 24, 2025 • 50min
June 24, 2025: Black Pride Colorado marks 5 year milestone; Was Captain Kidd really a notorious pirate?
June is Pride Month, centered on acknowledging the accomplishments and the experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community. And for one Colorado nonprofit, it’s also time to celebrate a big milestone and focus on the work left to be done. Then, Colorado author and history buff Samuel Marquis sets the record straight about his ninth-great-grandfather, the notorious pirate Captain Kidd, who was not at all the pirate legend might have you believe.

Jun 23, 2025 • 49min
June 23, 2025: How Iran might retaliate after US bombing; The debate over home rule
The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend in what our guest calls “a watershed moment.” Now what? And how did we get here? Key questions Ryan asks the head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, Micheline Ishay. Then, Purplish explores the debate over home rule as Douglas County holds a special election Tuesday. Plus, Denver's tall, zigzagging yellow sculpture celebrates 40 years; we revisit a Colorado Wonders question asking how it came to be.