
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 9, 2024 • 49min
July 9, 2024: Helping older Coloradans stay in their homes; Creating connection through a simple call
As people get older, many want to stay in their homes and age in place. But with the high-cost of housing and the unexpected turns life can take, it can be a challenge. "The Golden Girls" project helps women 50 and older in Mesa County. And Housing Resources of Western Colorado works to help people stay in their homes. Plus, how a phone call overcomes the loneliness that can come with aging.

Jul 8, 2024 • 52min
July 8, 2024: A Colorado man ascends to the Olympics; ‘Hymn of Wild Things’ brings nature to song
Colorado climber Colin Duffy competes in the Olympics this month; why a skin-care regime is key to his success. Then, Denver faces challenges to a key element of its climate policy. And, singer/songwriter Natalie Spears’ new album transports listeners to the wild. Plus, Colorado Wonders what’s up with speeding in toll lanes, and how state troopers clock speeders from the air.

Jul 6, 2024 • 49min
July 5, 2024: Hannie Schaft killed Nazis. It put her on Hitler’s most-wanted list
Hannie Schaft, a member of the Dutch resistance, bombed Nazi assets and assassinated high-level collaborators. She is the inspiration for "To Die Beautiful," a painstakingly-researched work of historical fiction. Boulder author Buzzy Jackson spoke with Ryan Warner at The Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver for the novel's release in June, 2023. The book won "Best Historical Fiction" at the recent Colorado Book Awards.

Jul 4, 2024 • 49min
July 4, 2024: American history through trees; The artistry of Tuskegee pilot Clarence Shivers
On this Fourth of July, from George Washington to Johnny Appleseed, horticulturist Scott Skogerboe of Fort Collins is rooted in American history through the living legacy of trees. Then, celebrating the artistry of Tuskegee airman Clarence Shivers. The exhibit in Colorado Springs closes July 6. And Colorado's connection to "America the Beautiful."

Jul 3, 2024 • 52min
July 3, 2024: Aurora police under scrutiny again after shooting; ‘Painting the plains’ one mural at a time
Police in Aurora are under scrutiny again for the killing of an unarmed Black man. Kilyn Lewis was fatally shot by an officer in May. Then, meet "Some Girls and a Mural," who are brightening Colorado's eastern plains. Later, Colorado's big investment in quantum technology. And a new roof for Trinidad's historic Temple Aaron.

Jul 2, 2024 • 50min
July 2, 2024: A hot and smoggy summer; Denver’s own Prince celebrates The Artist’s 40-year milestone
Denver just experienced its second-hottest June on record, and that's led to poor air quality. It's likely a sign of things to come this summer. Then, Phillip Lamar is the founder and front man of Colorado's premiere Prince tribute band; he reflects on The Artist's legacy on the 40th anniversary of the iconic Purple Rain. And Aging Matters revisits scams and how to avoid them.

Jul 2, 2024 • 16min
Film shines light on one school’s struggle to accommodate flood of new immigrants
McMeen Elementary knows first-hand what it's like to absorb some of the thousands of Venezuelan and other new immigrants who arrived in Denver this schol year. A new film, “McMeen in the Middle, Denver’s Migrant Crisis,” profiles the real-life challenges for these new students and their families and the burden felt by teachers.

Jul 1, 2024 • 46min
July 1, 2024: You’ll never look at the moon the same way again
An hour of lunar exploration with Colorado Springs author Rebecca Boyle. In "Our Moon," she explains how the moon has guided evolution on earth. Boyle visits moon rocks in a special storage facility. Plus, a conversation about resource extraction and lunar preservation. This episode of "Turn The Page with Colorado Matters" was recorded on a stage at Colorado College.

Jun 28, 2024 • 50min
June 28, 2024: Indian Citizenship Act prompts reflection, not celebration; Elephants name each other
Strange as it seems, Native Americans became U.S. citizens only 100 years ago. Southern Ute leaders here say the milestone is reason to reflect, rather than celebrate. Then, Colorado researchers find that elephants seem to have names for one another, much like humans. Also, meet the boys who found a rare junior T-Rex fossil. Plus, an award-winning literary road trip with "Reading Colorado." And Hanging Lake comes back from the brink.

Jun 28, 2024 • 5min
The kids who unearthed ‘Teen Rex’
Three young explorers who found bones from a young T-Rex were recently at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where the fossils are part of an exhibit called "Discovering Teen Rex." 12-year-old Jessin Fisher, his nine-year-old brother Liam and their 11-year-old cousin, Kaiden Madsen made the extremely rare discovery on a hike with their dad two years ago in North Dakota.