

Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2022 • 50min
Aug. 5, 2022: Psychedelic mushrooms on the ballot; Inside the walls of Frank Lloyd Wright
The state GOP has filed a campaign finance complaint against Gov. Jared Polis over letters included with TABOR refund checks. Then, mushrooms will be on the November ballot. Plus, we explore "Frank Lloyd Wright: Inside the Walls" at the Kirkland Museum. Also, we talk with B.A. Parker from "Code Switch" which now airs on CPR News, Sundays at 11 am. Finally, dork dancing for your mental health.

Aug 4, 2022 • 51min
Aug. 4, 2022: Gov. Polis on TABOR refunds, monkeypox, & wolves; Hopeful dystopian novel
Ryan Warner's regular conversation with Governor Jared Polis covers everything from TABOR tax refund checks to monkeypox, homelessness, and back to school. Then, tracking heat in urban areas. Plus, author Olivia Chadha's award-winning dystopian novel, "Rise of the Red Hand." And, the debate over a bronze bust of Christopher Columbus in Pueblo.

Aug 3, 2022 • 48min
Aug. 3, 2022: Afghan refugees face deadline to stay; ‘Tell Me Everything’ highlights landmark case
Afghan refugees who came to Colorado after the withdrawal of U.S. troops face a deadline if they want to stay. Then, a private investigator on a landmark sexual assault case opens up in the book "Tell Me Everything." Plus, working to upgrade a detour around Glenwood Canyon without making it too inviting.

Aug 2, 2022 • 50min
Aug. 2, 2022: Sen. Hickenlooper on inflation, monkeypox; A lava love affair
Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper joins us to answer questions about the Inflation Reduction Act, abortion access, and monkeypox. Then, a couple shares a love for one another and a love for volcanoes. And, taking the Palisade Plunge now comes with calls for caution.

Aug 1, 2022 • 52min
Aug. 1, 2022: How to use Narcan to save a life; Supporting Latino business entrepreneurs
Given the numbers in Colorado, it's not a stretch to say that a drug overdose has occurred, or will occur, in your circles. Today we learn how to use Narcan to reverse an overdose and save a life. Then, a new business accelerator to help Latino-owned businesses. Later, a Black-owned truck driving school is working to diversify the trucking industry.

Jul 28, 2022 • 51min
July 28, 2022: Understanding monkeypox; New Western Colorado University president
The World Health Organization declared monkeypox, and its spread, a global emergency. In Colorado, there were 28 cases of the disease in July -- after just six the month before. We speak with a local a scientist who has dedicated her career to pox viruses. Then, the new president of Western Colorado University. And, an explainer on the TABOR refunds.

Jul 27, 2022 • 52min
July 27, 2022: Election deniers go door-to-door; Denver Mayor Hancock on mental health outreach
Election deniers are going door-to-door to look for potential voter fraud. Then, a check-in on what could influence people's votes this fall. Plus, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock hopes to destigmatize mental health issues, especially among Black men. And "Rattlesnake Kate" nabs top honors from the Colorado Theatre Guild.

Jul 26, 2022 • 52min
July 26, 2022: Detecting and treating children’s pain; Denver’s vanishing landmarks
In our ongoing series, "On Pain," we focus on diagnosing and treating chronic pain in young children and teenagers. Then, landmarks that have disappeared from Denver. And, remembering a man who worked to preserve and empower historic communities of color in Denver and Colorado Springs. Later, Jim Thorpe gets his long overdue Olympic recognition.

Jul 25, 2022 • 51min
July 25, 2022: Colorado’s growth is slower than you might think; ‘Saving Yellowstone’
Roads are crowded, housing is tight. Demographer Elizabeth Garner says don’t blame population growth. Then, homelessness is increasingly visible in Douglas County. And, the latest on Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Plus, shifting to electric appliances can challenge folks on a tight budget. Finally, the tale – and the toll – of Yellowstone exploration.

Jul 22, 2022 • 51min
July 22, 2022: Explaining Colorado’s record heat; New ways to assess school violence threats
As Colorado swelters in record heat, we talk with Denver7 Chief meteorologist Mike Nelson about the connection to climate. Then, Montrose emerges as a leader in preventing school violence. Plus, a man who’s spent nearly 40 years helping people experiencing homelessness. Also, how Black barber shops are helping with health. And, remembering Clela Rorex, a pioneering Boulder County Clerk.