
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

Dec 3, 2024 • 49min
Dec. 3, 2024: Aging Matters: 'Change Makers' helps navigate life's next chapter; Avoiding real estate scams
People approaching retirement often face many challenges, such as how to manage finances and healthcare. But they also often grapple with questions about identity, self-worth and, ultimately, what to do next with their lives. Change Makers, a new program offered at the University of Colorado Denver, offers older adults and others a way to navigate those important questions. Plus, a reminder about how to avoid real estate scams.

Dec 2, 2024 • 49min
Dec. 2, 2024: A doctor’s calling shifts to medical aid in dying; Colorado Mesa's big rainforest win
Five years after she was fired from her hospital system in a dispute over medical aid in dying, Dr. Barbara Morris runs a non-profit that educates people about, and advocates for, the practice. Then, a team from Colorado Mesa University won $5 million for its work to save the rainforest. And, the hidden history of Denver’s longest-running fire station emerges.

Nov 29, 2024 • 48min
Nov. 28, 2024: 'Wonder Year' teaches families how to use the world as a classroom
Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the U.S. for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with co-author Julie Frieder in August, as well as a Denver family who took up the adventure.

Nov 27, 2024 • 49min
Nov. 27, 2024: Indigenous chef on embracing food and family at Thanksgiving; Ensuring Western Slope water
At the first Thanksgiving, there were Native Americans and there were colonists. That story’s predominantly been told from the European point of view. Today: We hear from restaurateur Ben Jacobs, a member of the Osage Nation of northeast Oklahoma, who co-owns Tocabe in Denver. His goal – not just on the holiday – is to share the stories of his community through food. Then, why an aging power plant in Glenwood Springs is key to water security on the Western Slope. Plus, farmers celebrate the change of seasons. And, the Roaring 20s at the Kirkland Museum.

Nov 26, 2024 • 48min
Nov. 26, 2024: A new app aims to stop food waste; An arts innovator leaves MCA Denver
An engineer in Denver has created an app called the HungreeApp to help people give, and receive, food as a way to build community and keep perfectly good food out of landfills. Then, heading into the holidays, we re-share "Lasagna Love." Plus, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver says goodbye to a visionary who helped shape Colorado's arts scene.

Nov 25, 2024 • 49min
Nov. 25, 2024: Pay equity breakthrough at CU; Colorado nominee for energy secretary
The University of Colorado Boulder will pay $4.5 million to female faculty members after a class action lawsuit. We speak with one of the plaintiffs and her attorney. Then, Denver energy executive Chris Wright has been nominated to be the next energy secretary. Wright owns the world’s second-largest fracking company. And, young people offer their take on age and civic leadership in the “Youth on Rewind,” podcast produced by Youth on Record in Denver.

Nov 22, 2024 • 49min
Nov. 22, 2024: Envisioning Colorado's transportation future; Charlie Burrell on life at 104
To help the climate, the Governor Jared Polis wants to coax you out of your car with better alternatives. Our transportation reporter breaks down his new plan. Then, only weeks after the election, two state senators resign; now there are calls for vacancy reform. Plus, our regular climate chat with Denver7's Mike Nelson. On the cusp of a new Administration, he has high hopes for the power grid. Later, for Aging Matters, Colorado classical and jazz icon Charlie Burrell reflects on his love for music and making the most out of life at the age of 104. And remembering Jim Bishop, who built a castle in Colorado.

Nov 21, 2024 • 49min
Nov. 21, 2024: Denver City Council considers a flavored tobacco ban; How hard is it to quit smoking?
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing about 1 in 5 of all deaths; the rate is similar in Colorado. During the Great American Smokeout -- when the American Cancer Society encourages people who smoke to make a plan to quit -- we look at a proposal in Denver’s city council that aims to address the issue, calling for an end to the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the city to protect kids and advance health equity. Then, we speak with a vape shop owner. Also, quitting smoking is hard, but there are health benefits to be found with success, and the impact of menthol cigarettes on communities of color.

Nov 20, 2024 • 49min
Nov. 20, 2024: Why parents are stressed out, and ways to cope
The U.S. Surgeon General says almost half of American parents report feeling completely overwhelmed by stress. He now calls it an "urgent public health issue." To get perspective, we asked three parents to join us: Craig Knippenberg of Denver is a dad and family counselor, Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya is a mom and the chief operating officer at local corporation, and Jess Pramov is also a mom and a telecom executive. Special thanks to producer Michelle P. Fulcher. This episode originally aired September 10, 2024.

Nov 19, 2024 • 49min
Nov. 19, 2024: Colorado begins racial equity study; Will recreational cannabis come to Colorado Springs?
The state is launching a racial equity study to research whether systemic harm has been done to Black Coloradans. We hear from state Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, who co-sponsored the bill to create a new commission to carry out that work, and from advocate Sade Cooper, executive director of C.H.I.C., the Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities. Then, the debate continues after voters allow the sale of recreational cannabis in Colorado Springs. Plus, the benefits, and pressure, of the Michelin guide. And the Swans of Harlem on their dancing legacy.