
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 15, 2023 • 52min
Aug. 15, 2023: Changes to ‘Red Flag’ law; Elevating achievements of blind Coloradans
Until recently, only police officers or close relations could ask a judge to take someone's guns away if they're a threat to themselves or others. A change to that state law expands who's allowed to do that, but is it making a difference? Then, the "Blind History Lady" elevates achievements of visually-impaired Coloradans. Plus the culture of bicycling and ways to stay safe while riding.

Aug 14, 2023 • 50min
Aug. 14, 2023: A mother’s journey to raise awareness about CMV; Music store hits final note
When a Wheat Ridge mother gave birth to her second child, it set off a series of events that would lead to years of research about congenital diseases. She's now written a book, "Remedies for Sorrow," to raise awareness about CMV. Then, how the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action is affecting medical schools in Colorado. Also, teen boys learn to open up about life's challenges. And Kolacny Music is closing after nearly a century.

Aug 11, 2023 • 52min
Aug. 11, 2023: Sharing John Fielder’s life’s work; What the firefly says about ecosystems
Landscape photographer and conservationist John Fielder donated his life's work to the people of Colorado earlier this year, and now, thousands of those images are online through History Colorado which also just opened a new Fielder exhibit. Plus, what the elusive firefly in Colorado says about the health of ecosystems. And turn the page with Colorado Matters with author Shelley Read and "Go as a River."

Aug 10, 2023 • 51min
Aug. 10, 2023: Ensuring transparency in the Capitol; Unity through poetry
Just how transparent are the workings inside the state capitol? Despite having one of the most stringent Open Meetings Law in the country, lawmakers still manage to do a lot out of the public eye and it’s led to lawsuits. Then, achieving unity through poetry. Also, why knowing your breast density could save your life. And a troll is moving into the hills west of Pikes Peak.

Aug 9, 2023 • 50min
Aug. 9, 2023: Working to ensure water equity; ‘Denver Star’ preserves Colorado history
When it comes to water, Lorelei Cloud says Indigenous tribes like the Southern Ute don't just use water; they protect it and treat it with reverence. As the first Indigenous member of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, she is hopeful about ensuring equity in water rights. Then, a pest is threatening one of Colorado's most beloved crops. And preserving history with "The Denver Star."

Aug 7, 2023 • 52min
Aug. 7, 2023: What’s next for sexual abuse cases after ruling; A violinist’s journey back from broken
Survivors of sexual abuse are figuring out their next steps after the state supreme court struck down part of a law meant to help them. Then, she was on track to be a professional violinist until debilitating performance anxiety put a wrench in her dreams. Her journey Back from Broken. Plus, love is in the air at the Renaissance Festival! And a rare bloom in Boulder.

Aug 4, 2023 • 49min
Aug. 4, 2023: Five ways to help end homelessness; The benefits of brown noise
Today, understanding why homelessness has gotten worse across metro Denver, the core systemic causes, and tangible ways to find solutions Then, answering a Colorado Wonders question about Lady Moon.

Aug 3, 2023 • 50min
Aug. 3, 2023: ‘Project Play’ aims to expand access, equity for kids in sports
The recent Project Play summit in Colorado Springs focused on how to get more kids, especially those from underserved communities, into organized sports. Among the participants, Special Olympics Colorado which serves 20,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Aug 2, 2023 • 52min
Aug. 2, 2023: Why home insurance is exorbitant; Ethiopian tastes; Rockin’ at Red Rocks
What power do homeowners have in the face of rising insurance rates and shrinking options amid severe weather and wildfires driven by climate change? Then, an eviction case raises questions about access to help. Also, the Taste of Ethiopia is back, highlighting community through food. And the rockin' legacy of Red Rocks.

Aug 1, 2023 • 52min
Aug. 1, 2023: Celebrating Colorado Day with Colorado Wonders
It's Colorado Day, celebrating statehood in 1876. So we thought we'd revisit some of the many wonders in our state that you've asked about over the years.