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Colorado Matters

Latest episodes

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Dec 11, 2024 • 49min

Dec. 11, 2024: Syrian-American restaurateur has high hopes post-Assad; Mike Nelson forecasts his future

At Syrian-owned Shish Kebab Grill in Denver, it's as if a weight has been lifted. One man's hope for a country whose future remains in flux. Then, a farewell in Fahrenheit to longtime Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Later, blood medics are coming to four more Colorado counties. And a homecoming for Michael Trent of "Shovels & Rope." 
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Dec 10, 2024 • 48min

Dec. 10, 2024: Password posting investigation; Aging Matters with the gift of time

An investigation into passwords posted online by the secretary of state's office is finished. We talk through recommendations to keep it from happening again. Then, when Bev Marsh gave her father a calendar last Christmas he was a bit confused, until he realized it truly was the gift of time. Plus, Sheridan Guerin, the first Black dancer in Colorado Ballet history to perform as Clara in the Nutcracker, one again takes on the role in the holiday classic. We revisit Chandra Thomas Whitfield's interview with Guerin and young dancers of color. 
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Dec 9, 2024 • 49min

Dec. 9, 2024: Blindness cure in the works; Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey turns 20

Kia Washington, a surgeon at CU Anschutz, discusses groundbreaking advancements in eye transplants aimed at restoring vision for those affected by blindness, tackling challenges like immunosuppression and optic nerve regeneration. Justin Aiden, head blender at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, reflects on two decades of distilling excellence, highlighting the unique processes that create their American single malt. The conversation also touches on the importance of the local environment in whiskey production and celebrates the distillery's rich heritage.
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Dec 6, 2024 • 49min

Dec. 6, 2024: Trauma of Indian Boarding Schools forever changed lives

"A blot on American history" is how President Joe Biden described Indian boarding schools as he formally apologized for them in October. For survivors of these institutions, designed to assimilate Indigenous children, it may be too little, too late. CPR's Elaine Tassy spoke with three people who endured  boarding schools, Beverly Granger, Amanda Kee and Ruby Left Hand Bull Sanchez, about how their lives were forever changed. Then, re-envisioning an unused rail line between Boulder and Erie. And, what a Denver man who visited very county in the U.S. learned about embracing differences. 
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Dec 5, 2024 • 49min

Dec. 5, 2024: For Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae, a tattoo represents much more than art

Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art. They spoke on April 11, 2024. 
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Dec 4, 2024 • 49min

Dec. 4, 2024: Tracking money for mental health; ER dogs bring comfort; Josh Blue's 'Freak Accident'

Denver taxpayers have spent millions on mental health, but how's that money invested? CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has answers. Then, dogs are becoming a powerful resource in medical settings to bring calm and comfort amid anxiety and uncertainty. Plus, Denver comedian Josh Blue reflects on life and comedy in anticipation of his new special, "Freak Accident." 
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 

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