
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

Nov 9, 2023 • 52min
Nov. 9, 2023: Growth challenges in Colorado; Doctor returns home from Gaza
Colorado is growing, but at what cost? As people move here the state demographer talks about the challenges, the trade-offs and the trends. Then, Dr. Barbara Zind was in Gaza on a humanitarian mission when *Hamas* launched its surprise attack on Israel. Now, a month later, the Grand Junction pediatrician has returned home. Also, environmental education and "Coal Country" in Boulder.

Nov 8, 2023 • 51min
Nov. 8, 2023: What’s next now that voters rejected Prop HH?; A Club Q survival story of a life forever changed
A complicated measure designed, at least in part, to tamp down property taxes, failed at the ballot box. Now that voters rejected Prop HH, what comes next? Then, John Arcediano survived the attack on Club Q, but his life has forever been changed. And later, a chance to see a relic from the U.S.S. Arizona in memory of the Coloradans killed at Pearl Harbor.

Nov 7, 2023 • 51min
Nov. 7, 2023: Reaction to second Elijah McClain verdict; Psychological film ‘Soft Liquid Center’
After the latest verdict came down Monday afternoon, juries in Adams County has found two of the three officers who forcibly stopped Elijah McClain not guilty, with a third convicted of lesser charges. A discussion whether Elijah McClain has received justice, and what these verdicts mean for policing in Colorado. Then, the "reddest" part of Colorado. Plus, a psychological thriller, "Soft Liquid Center" is being shown at the Denver Film Festival.

Nov 6, 2023 • 50min
Nov. 6, 2023: Murals tell the history, stories of community; The fight for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District
Street art, history and neighborhoods feature in the new podcast “Off the Walls,” from CPR and Denverite. Then, the fight to represent Colorado’s Third Congressional District is intensifying. And, singer/songwriter Antonio Lopez draws inspiration from his Indigenous roots in the San Luis Valley.

Nov 3, 2023 • 50min
Nov. 3, 2023: The case for and against Trump on the ballot; ‘Dear Alana’ on faith and sexual identity
The hearing into whether Donald Trump should be off the Republican primary ballot in Colorado is wrapping up. We'll get an update on testimony and what happens next. Then, the podcast "Dear Alana" explores the sometimes fraught relationship between religion and sexual identity.

Nov 2, 2023 • 50min
Nov. 2, 2023: Officer charged in McClain’s death takes the stand; ‘Deconstructing Karen’ challenges white supremacy
Nathan Woodyard, the officer accused in the death of Elijah McClain, takes the stand in his own defense. We'll hear some of his testimony. Then, difficult, uncomfortable conversations about dismantling white supremacy with "Deconstructing Karen." Later, the first run of the ski season is an annual challenge for two friends. Plus, Colorado's lost ski resorts.

Nov 1, 2023 • 50min
Nov. 1, 2023: Denver’s new leader on climate action; A Club Q survival story
Denver has a new climate boss; it's not a role very many U.S. cities have. We asked Liz Babcock to meet us somewhere especially vulnerable to climate change. Then, we share another survival story a year after the attack at Club Q. Also, hear from the three candidates for Aurora mayor. And a new honor for the nation's first prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief.

Oct 31, 2023 • 51min
Oct. 31, 2023: Politicizing school board races; A culinary celebration of Día de los Muertos
Election Day is a week away and some local school board races have become a focal point in the political divide. CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin reports. Then, Día de los Muertos is a time of remembrance and a celebration of life. Food is a central part of it. Chef Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack joins us. Plus, a scary Halloween story from D.L. Cordero.

Oct 30, 2023 • 52min
Oct. 30, 2023: An evening of ghost stories from Colorado horror writers
From the weeping phantom La Llorona, who haunts Denver's Northside, to a suburban foothills ghost, Colorado Matters is posessed today.

Oct 27, 2023 • 51min
Oct. 27, 2023: Effort to keep Trump off Colorado’s ballot moves forward; Bookstores rally back
The case to keep Donald Trump off the Colorado primary ballot gets its day in court Monday. Then, people experiencing homelessness form a union in Colorado Springs. Also, Colorado's attorney general talks about the state's lawsuit against Meta. Plus, independent booksellers are finding success. Then, the weird and wacky Manitou Springs coffin races, and embracing the history and artistry of colcha embroidery.