

Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 14, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 14, 2025: Can an old hotel & conference center solve homelessness?; Thanksgiving wine picks with no snobbery
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer accommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony.

Nov 13, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 13, 2025: Is Colorado heading toward a 'silent recession?'; Helping overcome food insecurity
Colorado’s economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, "Silent Recession," looking at the numbers driving the state's economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits -- including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!

Nov 12, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 12, 2025: Colorado's midterms mean new statewide leadership; Gasoline Lollipops break genre stereotypes
Soon enough, Colorado will have new leadership. In 2026, top seats are wide open for the first time in eight years. From the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer to the U.S. Congress, we take stock of the midterm election with Purplish. Then, new music from the Gasoline Lollipops, which defies musical genres.

Nov 11, 2025 • 49min
November 11, 2025: On Veterans Day, stories of battle, of reflection, and of unexpected friendship
He survived the battle of Iwo Jima; 100 year old Jim Blane of Denver reflects on this pivotal moment in World War II and how it affected his life. Then, walking in the victorious footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division which trained in Colorado. Also, veterans with brain injuries and PTSD from combat often have stomach problems too; now researchers in Colorado are exploring new treatment options. And later, the Fall of Saigon fifty years ago shapes an unexpected friendship.

Nov 10, 2025 • 49min
Trust Matters: A community conversation about record-low levels of trust in the press
According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative.

Nov 7, 2025 • 49min
November 7, 2025: Rep. Crow on air travel, ICE and gerrymandering; Coors archaeological dig
We ask Jason Crow, who represents Colorado's 6th Congressional District -- one of the country's most diverse -- if flight reductions will become an incentive to end the government shutdown. Plus, his views on ICE crackdowns and gerrymandering as a political power strategy. Then, Jefferson County's sheriff lobbies for changes she hopes will prevent future mass shootings. Plus, we explore a redevelopment site that's unearthing artifacts of Coors history.

Nov 6, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 6, 2025: The first Native American in space describes a 'very humbling feeling'
Growing up in Colorado, John Herrington fell in love with rock climbing. Little did he know that would start his climb to the stars. A citizen of the Chickasaw nation, Herrington is the first Native American to go into space. Then, the impact of federal energy cuts on innovation in Colorado. Also, training and retaining nurses in rural areas. And, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.

Nov 5, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 5, 2025: From school meals to a 'vibrant' Denver, what's next after election?; ICE facility in Walsenburg?
Colorado voters said yes to propositions LL and MM in Tuesday's election, to pay for school meals for all; cafeteria workers and local farmers will benefit too. We talk through what's next with Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado. Plus, Denver voters keep a ban on flavored tobacco in place and say yes to a $950 million bond package to create a "vibrant" Denver. Also, will a shuttered private prison in Walsenburg reopen as an ICE facility? Later, Colorado's film industry tries to get a foothold at the same time a Colorado town celebrates filmmakers.

Nov 4, 2025 • 49min
November 4, 2025: Lawsuit asserts ICE is not following federal law; Colorado's grey wolves heading south?
ICE agents can detain someone without a warrant under certain conditions. Now a judge will decide if agents are flaunting federal law in Colorado. Then, a noteworthy development with the reintroduction of grey wolves in Colorado. Plus, a farm that honors Native American heritage at the site of much pain. Also, Purplish explores uncovered history hidden inside the state capitol. Second graders in Grand Junction embrace the power of a single act of kindness. And music from Littleton artist Conrad Mata, with a little help from his dad!

Nov 3, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 3, 2025: Why young Coloradans are considering public service; Loveland sculptor's tribute to Josephine Baker
Who gets into public service these days? We're at Colorado State University to find out from students in a leadership program. Then, it's been a century since performer and civil rights champion Josephine Baker left the U.S. for France. In Loveland, a sculptor lovingly captures her in clay. And later... one part ska. one part punk. one part pirate?! Music from the Fort Collins band, "The Swashbuckling Doctors."


