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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May 5, 2026: Celebrating and reflecting on Asian American diversity and community in Colorado
May 500:49:39Summary 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
May 400:49:27Summary 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'
May 100:49:26Summary 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.
SummaryApril 10, 2026: Snow-starved Breckenridge strategizes for summer; Colorado Springs bagelry in the national spotlight
Apr 1000:49:12Summary readyBusiness in Breckenridge is borderline after a lack of snow this past winter. And planning for the future of a ski town is tricky business. We speak with the town manager about tax revenue and diversification, whether it's wildflowers or the arts. Plus, we get a read on just how little snow did fall in high country. Then, plans for a train between Denver and northern Colorado cities may be back on track. And a Colorado Springs bagel shop will represent our state at a big bagel competition this weekend. A chat amid the morning bagel bustle at Bella's.
SummaryApril 9, 2026: A historical mystery in Grand Junction; The appeal of Colorado's most diverse city
Apr 900:48:39Summary readyState officials want to find a troubling piece of history. But they need help. We'll update the yearslong effort to find a cemetery on the grounds of a former Indian Boarding School in Grand Junction. Then, from a new approach to policing and helping the unhoused, to honoring student athletes and everyday heroes, there's a lot going on in Aurora, Colorado's most diverse city. We speak with the editor of the Aurora Sentinel which is part of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange. Plus, a new state law requires schools in Colorado to have policies in place by July about what's allowed for students when it comes to cell phones; some students have thoughts about what to do. And, a pair of sisters from Grandview High School help win the women's college basketball national championship!
SummaryApril 8, 2026: Head of Colorado clerks on elections executive order; A picker's paradise on the Western Slope
Apr 800:49:18Summary readyA man who tried to overturn a free and fair election now positions himself as the safeguard. Today, we get reaction to President Trump's vote-by-mail executive order from Matt Crane, the head of the Colorado County Clerks Association. Then, some of Grand Junction's streets are lined with garbage these days, on purpose. It's a picker's paradise! And, an Oscar-winning Colorado filmmaker profiles the singer of what's considered the first gay anthem. Carl Bean would become a minister and a foot solider in the fight against AIDS. The movie, "I Was Born This Way" screens at the Boulder International Film Festival with a panel discussion on Thursday, April 9.
SummaryApril 7, 2026: A noisy debate at the State Capitol; DU professor and jazz artist wins first Grammy!
Apr 700:49:22Summary readyState lawmakers are turning up the volume, so to speak, on noise limits at venues. How much is too much? And how much say should local communities have? We'll get into the debate with Purplish. Then, what's it like to win a Grammy? Just ask first-time winner and University of Denver professor Remy Le Boeuf! The jazz musician and composer talks about the moment he realized he won, his twin brother who's also a Grammy winner, and what it’s like to see his young daughter experience jazz.
SummaryApril 6, 2026: Move premiere deeply personal for Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland
Apr 600:49:26Summary readyA premiere at the Boulder International Film Festival this Sunday will be deeply personal for Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland. "See You When I See You" is based on his book, "Tragedy + Time." It recounts the suicide of his younger sister, Lydia, his struggle to come to terms, and the stigma around mental health. Ryan Warner spoke with Cayton-Holland in front of an audience at the Newman Center in Denver when the book hit shelves in 2018.
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