
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 31, 2023 • 50min
July 31, 2023: Colorado’s divided GOP considers ending its primary; Colorado ‘Postcards’
Colorado Republicans may do away with their primary election, meaning unaffiliated voters could no longer take part. Then, “Colorado Postcards” explore little-known stories of the state. And, almost 50 children from 17 countries recently became U.S. citizens.

Jul 28, 2023 • 50min
July 28, 2023: Indigenous civil rights champion; Noodle Kugel, a ‘Great American Recipe’
John Echohawk, founder of the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder, will receive a national civil rights award. Then, a "Great American Recipe" chef rethinks the Noodle Kugel. Also, should fixed anchors be allowed in national parks? And remembering music pioneer Max Morath.

Jul 26, 2023 • 50min
July 26, 2023: ‘Parched’ explores what’s in peril at the end of the Colorado River
Travel with our “Parched’’ podcast team to the end of the Colorado River, where the ecosystem and the cultures that have long depended on it are in jeopardy – and people are working on solutions. Then, what will happen to Colorado’s deer and elk herds when wolves come back to the state?

Jul 25, 2023 • 49min
July 25, 2023: Taking a stroll down Welton Street; A ‘Mo’ Betta’ Green Marketplace
The historic Five Points neighborhood in Denver is known for its legacy of jazz music. But it's also a vibrant business and entertainment district with a longstanding spirit of entrepreneurship. Then, the future for a Gathering Place for some of the area's most vulnerable people. And, a Mo' Betta farmer's market.

Jul 24, 2023 • 50min
July 24, 2023: Court blocks ‘Kansas Two-Step’; Slavery as family history
A federal judge has ruled a law enforcement tactic called the “Kansas Two-Step” unconstitutional. The Kansas Highway Patrol allegedly targeted drivers from states where marijuana is legal without reasonable suspicion. Then, the history of slavery is family history. And, how the Rockies came to Colorado. Plus, swing music from the Flatirons Jazz Orchestra.

Jul 21, 2023 • 49min
July 21, 2023: Whither Colorado’s wacky weather; growing food with less water
If Colorado's weather this summer has left you bewildered, you're not alone. Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson is back for our regular conversation about climate and weather, discussing two phenomena that occurred this week. Also, In the latest episode of CPR's "Parched," meet an Indigenous farm manager who's setting an example by growing food with much less water.

Jul 20, 2023 • 49min
July 20, 2023: Sunny days are nice, but for people of color and skin care, the outlook isn’t always so kind
If you’ve spent any length of time in Colorado, you probably love the mountain views, the outdoor recreation, the low humidity and the daily sunshine. But the latter is often not so kind to the largest organ on the body, our skin. And people of color say they struggle even more with the effects of the arid air. Here’s what a Denver woman did to address the problem.

Jul 19, 2023 • 50min
July 19, 2023: What can be done about Colorado’s record-high teacher turnover?
Three years after the pandemic, Colorado and other states face record teacher turnover. Chalkbeat’s national reporter, Matt Barnum, talks causes and solutions. Then, Xcel tests hydrogen to clean up its natural gas system. And, a Colorado family creates a liquer that numbs your mouth, but enhances flavors. Finally, the Susan Lucci of the Colorado Book awards.

Jul 18, 2023 • 51min
July 18, 2023: Key congressional races; Colorado’s new soccer superstar!
The 2024 election is still a year away, but races in two of Colorado's most competitive Congressional districts are already taking shape. Plus, Denver's new mayor, Mike Johnston, shares his vision for the city. Then, America's next World Cup star might be Colorado's Sophia Smith. Chandra speaks with her parents, Mollie and Kenny, at their home in Windsor.

Jul 17, 2023 • 52min
July 17, 2023: Prop HH may do more than impact property taxes; Ken Felts marries at 93
Voters statewide will decide Proposition HH this November. The idea is to ease property taxes, but it may do more than that. Then, Ken Felts marries at the age of 93, three years after his coming out story was shared around the world. Also, rethinking school lunches. Plus, preserving a heritage language.