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.
699episodes
Episodes
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August 5, 2026: At age 97, Roy Romer says he's humbled as he reflects on Colorado, state of politics today
3d ago00:49:26Summary readyColorado just tuned 150. Roy Romer jokes he's been alive for most of that time. The former three-term governor is 97 and just donated his papers to Metropolitan State University of Denver. We ask him to look back, and to look forward, along with MSUD's provost and historian Matt Makley. Then, an Aurora Police Officer is indicted in the shooting death of a Black man during a traffic stop. CPR's Ava Kian speaks with the driver's family. Also, the drought is taking its toll on Colorado's fish, and anglers, as river levels continue to drop. And Colorado bands join in a celebration of Julia Louis Dreyfest.
SummaryAugust 4, 2026: Celebrating 5 years with 'The Cause' at CU Boulder with music that helped shape history
4d ago00:49:25Summary readyDr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder (CAAAS), widely known as "The Cause," joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield to discuss the Center's fifth anniversary and his work as a scholar and author. The author of the books, The Funk Movement and Black Feminist Funk, Dr. Rabaka shared his reflections (and playlist) that he says trace the cultural and political power of Black music and its role in shaping history.
SummaryAugust 3, 2026: Meet the independent candidate in CD-1; La Veta, Colorado is desiccated
5d ago00:49:21Summary readyIn his first interview since qualifying for the ballot, unaffiliated candidate Dr. Shimon Blau introduces himself to Denver voters. He got into the congressional race after Melat Kiros secured the Democratic nomination. Then, it's dry times in La Veta, Colorado. The mayor and town manager discuss life under draconian water restrictions. And ski towns beef up their summer offerings after paltry snowfall.
SummaryJuly 31, 2026: Celebrate Colorado's 150th with comedy, current affairs and quizzes
1w ago00:49:26Summary readyOur state is turning 150. We celebrate with "Colorado Saves The World." The new podcast inspired by "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me." That means comedians, headlines and quizzes. They were kind to make Colorado Matters part of their first episode.
SummaryJuly 30, 2026: Searching for Jobie with an end of life doula; Apple tree once thought extinct rediscovered
1w ago00:49:26Summary readyIf death is universal, why is it so hard to talk about? Today, in our series "Searching for Jobie," a conversation with a woman who cares for the dying about her efforts to make the subject of death less taboo. Also, what she’s witnessed that makes her believe death is not an end. Then, a new medical school in northern Colorado could help with a nationwide doctor shortage. And, doctors can now use an innovative wound care option thanks to a Colorado School of Mines professor. Plus, an apple thought to be extinct is rediscovered in southern Colorado. Also, she's running the length of the Colorado River to highlight its water crisis in a search for solutions.
SummaryJuly 29, 2026: Polis on Peters; A Colorado horoscope
1w ago00:49:30Summary readyGovernor Jared Polis joins us for the first time since he freed convicted clerk Tina Peters, since deadly wildfires broke out, and since U.S. News & World Report named Colorado #1 in education. Then, for Colorado's 150th birthday, we got the state an astrological reading. Born August 1st, the state is a Leo. And, The Centennial State's long, bumpy road to statehood.
SummaryJuly 28, 2026: A Portrait in Aging: She never gave up; A rising Colorado Rapids soccer star
2w ago00:49:23Summary readyShe hoped to escape Vietnam and reuniting with her mother in Colorado. It led Sister Sen Nguyen to a life of service and a love of learning. For Portraits in Aging, her story about never giving up. Then, multiple award-winning photojournalist Kevin Hartfield reflects on his career milestones and the state of journalism today as he retires as chief photographer from CBS Colorado. And we speak with rising Colorado Rapids soccer star Lucas Herrington, just back from the World Cup playing for his home team of Australia.
SummaryJuly 27, 2026: The mental toll on wildland firefighters; Denver Art Museum reimagines its Indigenous galleries
2w ago00:49:22Summary readyThe deadly fire on the Colorado/Utah border has claimed the life of a fourth firefighter. 43-year-old Nathan Matthews, of Lincoln, Nebraska, had been hospitalized since the Snyder fire burnover June 27. Also this season, a helicopter pilot died fighting the Gold Mountain fire. How does this affect the mental health of their fellow firefighters? Then, a new exhibit featuring works by the Denver Art Museum's Indigenous artists-in-residence opens Saturday. We speak with two artists whose intricate beadwork reimagines traditional designs.
SummaryJuly 24, 2026: Monsoon hopes; peculiar cemetery stories
2w ago00:49:28Summary readyDrought and wildfire mean hopes are high for monsoon (from the Arabic word for "season"). Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo returns for our regular climate and weather conversation. Then, among the headstones at Fairmount, we meet the authors of "Historic Cemeteries of Denver." Plus, innovations in water conservation, and a poll takes Coloradans' pulse at our state's sesquisemiquincentennial.
SummaryJuly 23, 2026: SafeSport repairing relationships with athletes; Legendary women of the outdoors
2w ago00:48:26Summary readyThe Denver-based SafeSport is supposed to protect Olympians and Paralympians from sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Its new CEO, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, a gold medal Olympian herself, acknowledges it's had its share of challenges. Now, it's striving to repair its relationships with athletes and the public. Then, Durango author Heather Hansman is back on the shelves with “Fierce Country: The Untold Story of Three Women Who Ignited America’s Love For The Wild,” a new book that profiles three women who are legends of the outdoor world.
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