
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

Aug 30, 2024 • 52min
Aug. 30, 2024: What the special session means for property taxes; Denver opens up its architecture
We'll talk about what the compromise deal reached by state lawmakers in a special session means for homeowners in Colorado. Then, a new music venue draws crowds, and noise complaints, in Colorado Springs. Plus, "Doors Open Denver" lets you explore the city's architecture, past, present and future. Later, training for climate change healthcare. And the legacy of women in mining in Colorado.

Aug 29, 2024 • 52min
Aug. 29, 2024: State historian wants Coloradans to think about democracy; Protecting butterflies and bees
Newly-appointed state historian William Wei says Democratic governments are facing the worst crisis since the 1930s. And he hopes to get Coloradans thinking about threats to democracy at home and abroad.

Aug 29, 2024 • 18min
New state historian wants to get Coloradans thinking about America’s democratic roots
Colorado's newly-appointed state historian, William Wei, says democratic governments are facing the worst crisis since the 1930's and he hopes to get Coloradans thinking about threats to democracy at home and abroad.

Aug 28, 2024 • 50min
Aug. 28, 2024: COVID & flu shots – what to know
The flu shot and a fresh round of COVID vaccines are coming. What's the ideal timing to get them? How much protection can we expect? We ask Dr. Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, a leading family physician in Aurora. We also discuss long COVID, which is personal to him. Plus, the journey of an opera singer back to the stage after she, too, got long COVID. And as the Paralympics begin in Paris, we re-share the story of a veteran who led the way for other athletes.

Aug 27, 2024 • 48min
Aug. 27, 2024: Worldschooling encourages families to use the world as a classroom
Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the country 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, as well as a Denver family who took up the adventure.

Aug 26, 2024 • 51min
Aug. 26, 2024: Lowering property taxes at heart of special session; State GOP in flux
State lawmakers begin a special session today to try to lower property taxes in order to keep two related measures off the November ballot. Then, who's in charge of the Colorado Republican Party after a weekend vote to remove the chairman? Plus, the Paralympics begin this week in Paris and feature events unique to the Games, like goalball.

Aug 23, 2024 • 52min
Aug. 23, 2024: Colorado DNC attendees on what’s next; How’s autumn shaping up?
Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic nomination for president, we'll ask two Coloradans who were at the convention about her message, and what's next. Then, critics of the state Republican party chair will try again this weekend to remove him. Plus, how will the hot, dry summer impact the fall and winter? Later, a PGA championship returns to Colorado for the longest course in its history. And Colorado's spotlight on Earth, Wind and Fire at the DNC.

Aug 22, 2024 • 52min
Aug. 22, 2024: Aging and mental health; A healthcare victory for veterans who served at K2
As people age, physical health is often top of mind, and mental health is overlooked. For "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we'll talk about ways to cope with the Colorado Gerontological Society, a nonprofit that offers support programs for older adults including free mental health counseling. Then, what's it like to be a Colorado delegate at the DNC? And, victory for veterans fighting for medical benefits after serving at the K2 military base in Uzbekistan. And a unique trail of dinosaur tracks!

Aug 22, 2024 • 23min
A Colorado Springs veteran helps win the long fight for expanded medical benefits
A huge victory this month for veterans fighting for expanded medical benefits after being exposed to toxic chemicals while serving at an Army base known as K2 in Uzbekistan. Troops say they experienced serious health conditions as a result. And after a decades-long fight, the VA has finally removed barriers to them receiving treatment.

Aug 21, 2024 • 51min
Aug. 21, 2024: Innovation and tech evolution highlight 10 years of patents in Colorado
Coloradans are inventive. The state’s in the top 10 for patents filed per capita. Denver is home to one of four U.S. Patent and Trademark Outreach offices outside of Washington, D.C., and it is marking 10 years. Molly Kocialski is the regional director and Cyndi Bray is an inventor who's obtained multiple patents. Later, young readers are likely to see themselves reflected in "Control Freaks," now available in paperback.