
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 21, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 21, 2025: More wolves released in Colorado; Ripple effect of wildfires on insurance rates
Colorado has released more wolves to the Western Slope, this time in Eagle and Pitkin counties, but the effort to reintroduce the endangered species continues to divide. Then, how the wildfires in California could have a ripple effect on home insurance in Colorado, which is already outpacing the national average. Plus, how a small Colorado business is bracing for tariffs. And former Denver Nugget and NBA superstar, the late Dikembe Mutombo, is honored for his humanitarianism.

Jan 17, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 17, 2025: How new immigration policies could affect Colorado; New priorities for a new Congress
Donald Trump's inauguration Monday marks a new era. And of all the ways it could affect Colorado, the most immediate might be immigration. Then, Purplish looks at the changing face of Colorado's congressional delegation and the priorities ahead for Congress. Plus, a Colorado Springs violin maker crafts a 300-year legacy with his instruments.

Jan 16, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 16, 2025: Colorado firefighters in California; A 'Road to Recovery' from chronic homelessness
The wildfires in California are a haunting reminder of the firestorm that swept through Boulder County here in Colorado. We'll talk about lessons learned as Colorado firefighters respond to help our neighbors in the west. Then, creating "Roads to Recovery" to help people experiencing chronic homelessness. Also, artist Kristopher Wright's new exhibit is all about community. And, a new literary arts organization based in Colorado Springs.

Jan 15, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 15, 2024: Robotic surgery a game changer for organ transplants; The evolution of 'norm violations'
For a long time, liver donors could expect a big scar and a three-month recovery from surgery. Now, Colorado doctors are using robots to retrieve organs from living donors for transplant. We'll hear why it's a game changer. Then, a new look at old political norms. Plus, how teachers are grappling with cell phones in school. And how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to hear one of his favorite hymns for the first time in Colorado.

Jan 14, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 14, 2025: Healing Centers mark new era for psilocybin; Colorado's new judicial district
Colorado is once again on the forefront of legalizing another federally-controlled substance: psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms. CPR's Molly Cruse and Alejandro Alonso Galva talk about what's in store with "The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, Colorado gets a new judicial district for the first time in 60 years. Plus, Purplish looks at how the legislative session is shaping up. Also, a new directory will be a health resource for Black Coloradans. And commemorating the MLK Holiday in Colorado.

Jan 13, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 13, 2025: Longtime ski executive is 'disillusioned' with corporate sustainability
Americans are "swapping revolution for sorting plastic bottles," writes Auden Schendler in his new book, "Terrible Beauty." For decades, Schendler has led sustainability efforts at Aspen One, formerly known as Aspen Skiing Co. He became disillusioned and lays out a more effective course in his new release, including a blueprint to sue ExxonMobil over climate change.

Jan 10, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 10, 2025: Gov. Polis on housing, immigration; CPR News bids a legendary journalist farewell
From increasing Colorado's stock of starter homes to how the state will cooperate with -- or buck -- the incoming Trump Administration, Governor Jared Polis goes in-depth after his State of the State speech. Then, a drought of more than 3,000 days ends as the Denver Broncos return to the NFL playoffs. A former player rates their chances. Also, Colorado Wonders about cowboy boot etiquette. And, Colorado Matters says adieu to a legendary journalist. Michelle P. Fulcher is retiring.

Jan 8, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 8, 2025: Help for war widows in Ukraine; New uses for Electroconvulsive therapy
Since the war in Ukraine began, thousands of women have lost their spouses. A Colorado counselor just wrapped up a four-day retreat for the women to learn to cope with their grief. Then, a mother’s story about how Electroconvulsive therapy brought her son back. Also, a Colorado Wonders about culling Denver geese and local comedians on avoiding political jokes.

Jan 7, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 7, 2025: Exploring senior housing options; ‘Purplish’ previews the legislative session
Many seniors want to stay in their homes. But what happens if aging in place doesn’t work anymore? Expert advice on our series, Aging Matters. Then, the legislature returns to work facing a budget shortfall of more than $600 million. Our public affairs podcast, Purplish, looks at the impact – and what lawmakers still hope to accomplish. Also, a Western Slope university helps first-generation students stay in school.

Jan 6, 2025 • 49min
Jan. 6, 2025: Furniture bank helps families put their feet up; Finding the punchline to Denver's 'Joker'
You've likely heard of a food bank, but a furniture bank? We sit on a donated sectional with the founder. Then, a sports journalist seeks to make Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić less enigmatic. Plus, making homes less vulnerable to wildfire. And host Ryan Warner is "Mortified."