Podcast
Colorado Matters
Hosted by Colorado Public Radio · EN
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
641episodes
Episodes
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May 13, 2026: In-depth with gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser ahead of Democratic primary
Yesterday00:49:22Summary readyThe state's top attorney wants to be its next chief executive. Democrat Phil Weiser is running for governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Weiser is our guest today. Tomorrow: his opponent in the Democratic race, Senator Michael Bennet. We'll ask both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.
SummaryMay 12, 2026: How do you break the cycle of homelessness if someone doesn't want help?
2d ago00:49:25Summary readyHow do you help someone break the cycle of homelessness, if they don't want help? Denverite's Kyle Harris shares one woman's story that raises bigger questions about finding solutions to an issue that can divide communities. Then, a new state law puts portable solar panels within reach, especially for renters. Also, amid drought and water restrictions, one homeowner fights to re-use water. Plus, a "Sex and the City" star has a message for CU-Boulder graduates, CPR's new host of Morning Edition, Bazi Kanani, talks about her journey in journalism, and Aging Matters puts the focus on fitness; it can be as simple as going for a walk.
SummaryMay 11, 2026: A Colorado Iranian shares her dad's life in war; Gardening in a drought; The art of tattoos
3d ago00:49:18Summary readyAs much as we hear about Iran, there's a lot we don't know about daily life and politics there. Shideh Dashti is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. She speaks regularly with her father, who lives in Iran, and spoke with Andrea Dukakis, about what he's experiencing. Then, we meet Sam Nilsson, head grower at Phelan Gardens in Colorado Springs, to talk about planting in a drought amid water restrictions. And, a new exhibit at the Pioneers Museum celebrates the art and history of tattoos.
SummaryMay 7, 2026: New rules of the road for young Colorado drivers; Moms dance their way to better mental health
1w ago00:49:06Summary readyThere are new rules of the road for Colorado teens as a new state law requires more training before young drivers can get a permit. There are also new rules for background checks for instructors. Then, hundreds of Colorado moms are dancing their way to better mental and emotional health. We talk with the founders of the Mom Dance Party, back with their 4th annual Mother's Day event on Friday, May 15. Also, it's peak real estate season in Colorado but it's getting harder for home sellers to find buyers. Meanwhile, local colleges and universities are sending graduates out into the world. We're featuring the words of wisdom they hear as they depart: today, a returning graduate at Regis. And, a new wheelchair rugby force to be reckoned with calls Denver home.
SummaryMay 6, 2026: Sundance is coming to Boulder. What will it be like?
1w ago00:49:22Summary readyThe Sundance Film Festival relocates to Boulder January 21-31, 2027. What will it be like? Who is welcome? Will there be enough popcorn? At this year's CU Conference on World Affairs, Colorado Matters previewed Sundance and discussed its year-round mission, in front of a live audience. Our guests are director Lulu Wang ("The Farewell"), producer and Sundance Institute trustee Gigi Pritzker, and CU-Boulder student filmmaker Kate Yezzi.
SummaryMay 5, 2026: Celebrating and reflecting on Asian American diversity and community in Colorado
1w ago00:49:39Summary readyMay is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Today, we talk with the head of one publication that’s been telling stories of that community here in Colorado for two decades. We’ll also discuss some recent big milestones in our state and the challenges that persist. "Asian Avenue Magazine" is part of CEME, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange, a coalition focused on elevating the voices of diverse and often underserved communities. Annie Guo VanDan is the magazine co-founder and president. Nga Vương-Sandoval is featured on the May cover. She is receiving the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award, largely for her extensive work as the founding executive director of "Refugees + Immigrants United," a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to “empowering, advocating for, and celebrating the voices of refugees and immigrants.” And, we revisit the effort to make sure Denver's Chinatown is not lost to history.
SummaryMay 4, 2026: Colorado's complicated pushback against ICE; 'Salvation' by Gunnison's C. William Langsfeld
1w ago00:49:27Summary readyState democrats want Colorado to push back against ICE, but how is still up for debate. Purplish explains why coming up with a unified approach has proven to be challenging. Then, Gunnison author C. William Langsfeld's debut novel, "Salvation," explores the feelings that unspool after a murder in a small Colorado town, the pitfalls of westerns masculinity, and isolation. And, Colorado Wonders about the lakes in Denver's City Park.
SummaryMay 1, 2026: ICE impact on criminal cases in Colorado; Flying into rain bombs; Untold stories of '12 Tablecloths'
2w ago00:49:26Summary readyICE deportations mean criminal suspects in Colorado are not always held accountable. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry shares her investigation. Then, Denver Health serves people across the state as a "safety net" hospital, which makes it particularly vulnerable to federal cuts. Plus, how an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University is keeping us safe from "rain bombs." And “12 Tablecloths” by artist Chloé Duplessis tells stories long overlooked of labor, resilience and survival. It's now at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center through May 30.
SummaryApril 14, 2026: Questions to prevent deadly domestic violence; Denver Center Theatre Company's picks for the season
Apr 1400:48:40Summary readyEleven questions could save a life. That's the idea behind a bill in the state legislature right now. It would require law enforcement officers to ask the questions to determine if someone is at risk of dying at the hands of a domestic abuser. We'll explore the issue with Purplish. Then, Denver Center Theatre Company announces its new season. We get a glimpse into how those choices are made with artistic director Chris Coleman us for our series "Raise The Curtain," about Colorado's vibrant theater scene.
SummaryApril 13, 2026: 'If You Can Keep it' on declining democracy; Colorado Ballet's Gil Boggs on taking chances
Apr 1300:49:24Summary readyDemocracy in the United States is deteriorating according to three studies. We ask about it in "If You Can Keep It," our series about unprecedented presidential policy. Then, the state budget proposal heads to the senate after some drama in the house. Plus, the Republicans hold their state assembly to determine who's on the primary ballot. And, Gil Boggs marks 20 years as the artistic director of Colorado Ballet. He reflects on the challenges he's faced and overcome, and the evolution of ballet productions and outreach in an age of increased competition for entertainment dollars.
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