

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

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.

Jul 21, 2022 • 50min
July 21, 2022: Remembering WWII Army nurse Leila Morrison; Rattlesnake Kate’s legacy on stage
We remember Leila Morrison who lived in Windsor. She treated soldiers on the frontlines of World War II and saw the horrors of concentration camps. She reflects on the high cost of freedom. She passed away July 16, just a week after her 100th birthday. Later, the Colorado Theatre Guild applauds the creative effort to bring the legacy of Rattlesnake Kate to the stage.

Jul 20, 2022 • 49min
July 20, 2022: Ten years later, honoring the lives of the Aurora shooting victims
Ten years ago today, the world watched in horror after a man opened fire at a movie theater in Aurora. A memorial garden ensures that those whose lives were affected, aren’t forgotten. Organizers also hope the memorial will give strength to other families whose loved ones died or were injured in mass shootings.

Jul 19, 2022 • 51min
July 19, 2022: Preventing fentanyl deaths; Award-winning chef shares her comfort food
Fentanyl deaths in Colorado are 10 times higher than they were even a few years ago. We talk with three people working to stop the trend. Then, CU's waiting game with the Pac-12. Plus, award-winning Aurora chef Caroline Glover talks about her love of cooking and shares some comfort food. Also, remembering those lost in the Aurora theater shooting t10 years ago.

Jul 18, 2022 • 49min
July 18, 2022: A COVID-19 Checkup; Colorado history a reflection of diversity
From variants to fall boosters, Dr. Anuj Mehta from Denver Health gives us a checkup on COVID-19 in Colorado. Then, outgoing state historian Nicki Gonzales reflects on her mission to learn about Colorado's diverse history. Plus, a mapping project highlighting Japanese Americans in Five Points. And, Judy Collins returns to her Colorado roots.

Jul 15, 2022 • 50min
July 15, 2022: Sen. Bennet on SCOTUS, inflation, reelection; Diversifying top culinary prize
Incumbent U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is gearing up for a tough reelection campaign. He answers questions about the Supreme Court, abortion access, the filibuster, President Biden's leadership, and inflation. Then, an innovative effort to save water. Plus, working to diversify the prestigious James Beard Awards. And, a special bond over violins.

Jul 14, 2022 • 50min
July 14, 2022: Psychedelic treatment for PTSD; Astonishing images from space
It's illegal. And a party drug. But MDMA., also known as Ecstasy and Molly, is showing revolutionary promise as a way to treat PTSD. Then, a Colorado company that wants to remove greenhouse gasses. And, dancing galaxies are just some of the cosmic marvels spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope. Also, local artists on the eve of the Underground Music Showcase.

Jul 13, 2022 • 49min
July 13, 2022: Dispatching resources, not police; Colorado In Depth in Estonia
The STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) Program is designed to help people in crisis, without involving Denver police officers. A new study suggests it's working. Plus, Colorado In Depth features CPR's Caitlyn Kim's trip with the Colorado National Guard on its mission to Estonia. And a summer camp that's helping kids catch up on learning.

Jul 11, 2022 • 51min
July 11, 2022: Colorado’s AG on Supreme Court rulings; CPR’s new podcast, ‘¿Quién Are We?’
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser calls recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court “destabilizing.” He says he'll protect abortion access and he’s prepared for challenges to the state's red flag gun law. Then, CPR’s new podcast asks, ¿Quién Are We?

Jul 8, 2022 • 48min
July 8, 2022: ‘Woman of Light’ celebrates generations of Hispano & Indigenous women
National Book Award finalist Kali Fajardo-Anstine sets her new novel "Woman of Light" in both Southern Colorado and Denver. Many of the characters are based on her ancestors. Fajardo-Anstine joined Colorado Matters in front of an audience at the Tattered Cover Book Store.