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.
706episodes
Episodes
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March 19, 2026: Colorado's Italian connections; Kids kicking nicotine; Warm weather birding
Mar 1900:49:24Summary readyIf you think "The Godfather" only happened in New York, you might need to think again. A new historical novel, "The Descendant" by Linda Stasi, reflects on how Sicilian immigrants helped shape Colorado, from miners to the mafia. Then, one of the founders of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver talks about keeping Italian heritage alive in our state today. Also, kicking the nicotine habit can be tough; we visit a school that's trying to help kids who are hooked. Plus, a lawsuit challenges the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, in Boulder. And, the warm weather this winter has one classroom of kids wondering if it's affecting birds.
SummaryMarch 18, 2026: The state of friendship in the US; Breaking the 'starving artist' stereotype
Mar 1800:49:20Summary readyThere’s a loneliness epidemic. Yet the vast majority of people report having a friend. What gives?! We ask friendship expert Natalie Pennington, assistant professor at Colorado State University and co-founder of the American Friendship Project. Then, families of children with developmental disabilities brace for state budget cuts. Also, Western Slope artist Pavia Justinian on life as a professional artist ten years and counting. And a gift of bison with deep cultural and historical significance.
SummaryMarch 16, 2026: When does surveillance tech cross the line?; Ryan tries out the state's first robot massage
Mar 1600:49:09Summary readyThe technology's supposed to make Colorado safer but it comes with concerns about privacy and misuse. Flock cameras, and other license plate readers, are installed across the state. In Purplish, CPR's Bente Birkeland and Denverite's Andrew Kenney dig into the evolution of surveillance tech and efforts to restrict it. Then, Ryan saw a sign the other day for a "Robot Massage" and had to check it out.
SummaryMarch 13, 2026: SAVE America Act likely can't be saved; Summit FC kickoff; Bye-bye beloved Boulder bar
Mar 1300:48:43Summary readyThe SAVE America Act is supposed to ensure the integrity of your vote, but President Trump also wants it to eliminate mail-in ballots which are widely popular in Colorado. Our Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim updates the chances Congress will take action. Also, what's the impact if after-school funding is cut in Colorado? Then, Colorado's new women's soccer team, the Denver Summit, kicks off its inaugural season. Later, she grew up in Crested Butte, met Philip Seymour Hoffman in New York, and became a Hollywood producer whose film is up for 13 Academy Awards on Sunday. Plus, the lack of snow puts cross-country ski spots on edge, and a memory-filled goodbye to a long-standing community gathering place in Boulder, the World Famous Dark Horse.
SummaryMarch 12, 2026: Amache survivors worry; Renee Good remembered; How special actors are helping doctors
Mar 1200:49:33Summary readySurvivors of the Amache internment camp in southeastern Colorado worry history could repeat itself. It's why they want to tell their stories, especially now. Then, friends remember Renee Good, who grew up in Colorado and was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Later, as a new hotel oxygenates its rooms in Telluride, it appears to be part of a trend in the high country. Plus, how special actors are helping medical students and doctors test their skills at CU Anschutz. Also, state lawmakers debate restrictions on AI chatbots. We check-in ahead of tomorrow's semifinals with Team USA's Paralympic Sled Hockey team which trains in Superior and features Colorado athletes. And share in the delight of a singing telegram in Denver.
SummaryMarch 11, 2026: Changing worry about climate change into action; Colorado's plan for NFTs to celebrate 150th
Mar 1100:48:16Summary readyTwo-thirds of Americans say they're worried about climate change, but far fewer actually do something about that concern. We speak with climate and atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe about solutions. Then, Colorado plans to auction NFT art to help celebrate its 150th birthday. And a film about Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson, "Come See Me in the Good Light," is nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature. The Oscars are Sunday night.
SummaryMarch 10, 2026: Pivotal time for environmental law; Flu season check-up; A fly fishing sisterhood
Mar 1000:49:25Summary readyThe Trump Administration has revoked the cornerstone greenhouse gas decree. The Endangerment Finding said methane and carbon are a threat to our health. Meanwhile, fossil fuels are intertwined with military interventions in Venezuela and Iran. We get perspective from Chris Winter, executive director of the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment at CU Law. Then, a Colorado oil and gas company drills for geothermal energy. We also get a check-up on flu season ahead of Spring Break. And the outdoor adventuring group "Sisters on the Fly" marks 25 years.
SummaryMarch 9, 2026: Neonics protect crops but at what cost to pollinators?; Meet Denver Paralympic curler Dan Rose
Mar 900:49:23Summary readyFor many farmers, insecticides known as neonics are a game changer for protecting crops. But they're also blamed for killing pollinators and there's concern about their impact on people. We'll explore the debate with Purplish. Then, getting college credit for work experience. Plus, Dan Rose of Denver is competing in his first Paralympics on the mixed wheelchair curling team.
SummaryMarch 6, 2026: Legislative check-in; DU Middle East expert on Iran; 'Raise the Curtain' with Annie Barbour
Mar 600:49:20Summary readyWhether you consider it half over, or half started, there's still a lot to tackle in the legislative session, from agriculture to AI. We get a halftime check-in from our public affairs team. Plus, ensuring the "Colorado Proud" label isn't abused. Then, there are no fewer than four fronts to the war in the Middle East, says Micheline Ishay, the director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver. We talk with her about what could be next for the region. And we "Raise the Curtain" with second generation actor Annie Barbour, currently starring in "Brooklyn Laundry" at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder.
SummaryMarch 5, 2026: CSU Pueblo offers solutions for nursing shortage; A sensory fine arts experience in Colorado Springs
Mar 500:49:17Summary readyThe idea of a nursing shortage may be a little scary to those in need of health care. But the head of CSU Pueblo's school of nursing is offering solutions for what has become a national problem. Then, alleged malfeasance in Aguilar, Colorado. Also, textile artist and painter Ana Maria Hernando has opened a new show in Colorado Springs that provides a fabric dreamscape. And, with the prestigious Michelin Guide going statewide, there’s a chance Colorado Springs will see the inspectors who grant stars.
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