Colorado Matters

Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Airs Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. & 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Latest Episodes

Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what’s next

School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We’ve invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we’ve seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It’s a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it takes to convert a vacant office building into homes in the Denver Tech Center. And a pet project takes sixth graders from the classroom to Fountain Creek.
Governor Polis speaks at a Colorado Matters interview at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction

Sept. 12, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 2: Vaccines, housing, wildfires, and water

Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this second part of the conversation, they discuss RFK Jr. and changing vaccine guidance, addressing the high cost of housing, the impact of wildfires, negotiations for water from the Colorado River, and transportation infrastructure.
Governor Polis speaks at a Colorado Matters interview at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction

Sept. 11, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 1: ICE, healthcare, and Tina Peters

Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and nationally. In this first part of the conversation, they discuss “Governor’s Safeguarding Democracy,” the use of the National Guard, immigration enforcement, convicted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and the pardon power, healthcare, and balancing the state budget.
Wolverine Protections

Sept. 10, 2025: Bringing wolverines back to Colorado; A temple comes to Grand Junction

First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado’s planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We’ll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what happens to the invasive smallmouth bass when the fish is caught. Finally, the 89-year-old at the heart of Vail’s Oktoberfest.
A vast blue sky and fruit orchard

Sept. 8, 2025: Conserving land on the Western Slope; Retracing family history 80 years after WWII

A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado’s Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers’ and grandfathers’ journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a Grand Junction church that offers free health care amid growing need. Later, we say good-bye to a familiar voice on CPR News; Mike Lamp is stepping away from the mic on Friday. And later, new music from ChuckJay.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix

Sept. 5, 2025: Broncos’ season hopes are a mile high; ‘Soles of a Survivor:’ escaping horror amid hope

The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, “Soles of a Survivor” recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Englewood. The book has just been published in paperback.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse