
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

Jan 26, 2024 • 52min
Jan. 26, 2024: ‘Western Journeys’ explores immigration; Hooked on vaping?
What does it mean for an immigrant to be at home? That's one of the themes Denver author Teow Lim Goh explores in her book, "Western Journeys." Plus, join us for our next Turn the Page with Colorado Matters discussion February 7 in Loveland! Later, is the next generation getting hooked on vaping?

Jan 25, 2024 • 49min
Jan. 25, 2024: A shortage of sex offender therapists; Veterans find art therapy through photography
There's a shortage of people qualified to treat convicted sex offenders in Colorado. We'll talk about the reasons for the shortage, its impact, and efforts to find solutions. Then, photographs, taken by veterans, via a program that creates community and support. And, Chandra and her family take a trip to the ice castles in Cripple Creek.

Jan 24, 2024 • 50min
Jan. 24, 2024: Temple Grandin on different kinds of thinkers; Transform with ‘The Butterfly Affect’
There are different kinds of thinkers. Temple Grandin is adamant about that. And the renowned CSU animal scientist says we must help kids understand what sort of thinkers they are. Then, getting students out of the classroom for hands-on learning. Plus, getting rid of plastic bags in Colorado stores. And "The Butterfly Affect" is a transformative way to overcome climate anxiety.

Jan 23, 2024 • 50min
Jan. 23, 2024: Cannabis health warnings; Culture and connection with Caribbean cooking
Mold prompts health warnings about some cannabis, but Colorado growers say the recalls are not fair. We'll get context on the concern. Then, Denver-based SafeSport wants athletes to take part in a survey about abuse and misconduct. Also, a Colorado Wonders question about solar panels. And sharing culture and connection with "Caribbean Paleo."

Jan 19, 2024 • 52min
Jan. 19, 2024: A market to help migrants; The challenges finding a new Aurora police chief
People coming to Colorado from the southern border tell us they want to find work and build a better life. A market in Aurora is helping them do that. Then, the challenges of finding a new police chief in Aurora. Plus, we take you back inside Casa Bonita with its new head chef. And Denver's blind bowling league.

Jan 18, 2024 • 50min
Jan. 18, 2024: Aging in place in Colorado; Colorado Wonders where does lottery money go?
Colorado is aging faster than most other states, and there's a need to ensure aging in place -- older people living wherever they want, regardless of health conditions or disabilities. There's a new program from Metropolitan State University of Denver designed to meet that need in many different ways. And, have you ever bought a lottery ticket and wondered where all that money goes? You're not alone. Colorado Wonders has answers.

Jan 17, 2024 • 50min
Jan. 17, 2024: A COVID-19 checkup; Arctic blast amid climate change
Four years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we know it. We get a checkup on the virus now and reflect on what's been learned about treatments and vaccines. Then, we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson about the recent arctic blast in a time of climate change. And later, we go on a literary road trip across Colorado. Plus, Turn the Page with Colorado Matters!

Jan 16, 2024 • 52min
Jan. 16, 2024: The Silicon Valley of Colorado; Pueblo’s Mayoral Runoff Candidates
Move over Silicon Valley. Colorado Springs is home to more and more tech business, including one that's set to triple its production of microchips. Then, the Pueblo mayoral runoff election is one week away; we talk with incumbent Nick Gradisar and challenger Heather Graham. Plus muralists launch a festival of empowerment in Off the Walls.

Jan 15, 2024 • 51min
Jan. 15, 2024: She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; how his legacy still influences her today
When Minister Glenda Strong Robinson of Longmont skipped class in 1968 to march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there were many things that she couldn’t have foreseen.

Jan 12, 2024 • 50min
Jan. 12, 2024: Beyond the State of the State, Gov. Polis on migration and more
Governor Jared Polis never said the word "migrant" in his State of the State speech, despite arrivals that've left cities struggling to provide. So, we asked about it and other issues shortly after he addressed lawmakers. Plus, reaction from a Republican House leader. Also, Turn the Page returns, and Denver's musical connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.