

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

Jul 18, 2024 • 51min
July 18, 2024: How big a concern is the bird flu?; Opening the great outdoors to Colorado preschoolers
The headlines may sound alarming: at least six human cases of bird flu in Colorado. We'll get some context about what that means. Then, Colorado is unique in the nation when it comes to teaching preschoolers outdoors. We'll hear why that can improve their ability to learn. Plus, embracing wellness at a farmer's market that works to eliminate food deserts. And we go on a stravage to benefit the body and the mind.

Jul 17, 2024 • 51min
July 17, 2024: Democratic voters on Biden’s future; A flight to figure out smog; A divine piano
As Republicans move forward with Donald Trump as their nominee, Democrats remain in disarray over their presidential pick. CPR’s public affairs team has been listening to Coloradans. We'll share what they've heard. Then, the political divide inspired a Denver man to visit every U.S. county. Plus, researchers go airborne to get a better grasp on summer smog. And how one particular piano inspired Lumineer Jeremiah Fraites.

Jul 16, 2024 • 50min
July 16, 2024: CU Boulder’s new chancellor on challenges, opportunities; A Winter Park jazz tradition
The University of Colorado Boulder has a new chancellor for the first time in 15 years. Justin Schwartz talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead at the state's flagship university. Then, three players with ties to Colorado lead Team USA's 3X3 Men's Basketball team. And the 41st annual Winter Park Jazz Festival is back! We revisit how it's become a multi-generational summertime tradition.

Jul 12, 2024 • 51min
July 12, 2024: Immigrant recipes from El Salvador to Ethiopia; Paonia author Paolo Bacigalupi’s Italian fantasy
You'll often hear that some immigrants arrive in the U.S. with nothing. But a new cookbook, Cocina Libre defies that, brimming with recipes from Venezuelan, Ukrainian, Afghan and Ethiopian immigrants in Colorado. Then, why the Southern Ute tribe is suing Colorado over sports betting. And, Paonia author Paolo Bacigalulpi takes a break writing about climate change to focus on a fantasy novel, "Navola." Plus, preserving Dearfield, and finding friends through Denverite's Classifieds.

Jul 11, 2024 • 51min
July 11, 2024: Maintaining health, envisioning cooler neighborhoods amidst Colorado’s extreme heat
As extreme heat grips parts of Colorado, we'll ask the state climatologist if triple-digit temperatures are the new norm. And we'll break down the many ways heat can impact our health -- like the difference between heat stress and heat stroke as well as rethinking the way neighborhoods and cities are built to keep them cooler in the future. Also, saving dinosaur ridge and Colorado Wonders about turquoise.

Jul 10, 2024 • 50min
July 10, 2024: Connections between healthcare and Indigenous values; Encounters with Rock ‘n’ Roll royalty
The Cora are an Indigenous people from Nayarit in western Mexico. Gunnison is home to one of their largest populations abroad. A new study looks at considerations they face with health care. And we speak with Marisela Ballesteros-- the first Cora member of Gunnison’s city council. Then, we get context about the ethics violation of a top Democratic lawmaker. Plus, meeting Rock 'n' Roll royalty with music journalist G. Brown.

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."