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

Nov. 14, 2025: Can an old hotel & conference center solve homelessness?; Thanksgiving wine picks with no snobbery

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer acommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony.
Lasagna Love

Nov. 13, 2025: Is Colorado heading toward a ‘silent recession?’; Helping overcome food insecurity

Colorado’s economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, “Silent Recession,” looking at the numbers driving the state’s economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits — including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!

Nov. 11, 2025: On Veterans Day, stories of battle, of reflection, and of unexpected friendship

He survived the battle of Iwo Jima; 100 year old Jim Blane of Denver reflects on this pivotal moment in World War II and how it affected his life. Then, walking in the victorious footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division which trained in Colorado. Also, veterans with brain injuries and PTSD from combat often have stomach problems too; now researchers in Colorado are exploring new treatment options. And later, the Fall of Saigon fifty years ago shapes an unexpected friendship.
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow holds a town hall in Aurora

Nov. 7, 2025: Rep. Crow on air travel, ICE and gerrymandering; Coors archaeological dig

We ask Aurora Democrat Jason Crow, who represents Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, if flight reductions will force an end to the government shutdown. Plus, his views on ICE crackdowns and gerrymandering. Then, Jefferson County’s sheriff lobbies for changes she hopes will prevent future mass shootings. Plus, we explore a redevelopment site in Golden that’s unearthing Colorado history.
Astronaut John Herrington, in a full space suit, waves to the camera as he floats outside a space craft.

Nov. 6, 2025: The first Native American in space describes a ‘very humbling feeling’

Growing up in Colorado, John Herrington fell in love with rock climbing. Little did he know that would start his climb to the stars. A citizen of the Chickasaw nation, Herrington is the first Native American to go into space. Then, the impact of federal energy cuts on innovation in Colorado. Also, training and retaining nurses in rural areas. And, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
ELECTION DAY LL MM RESULTS

Nov. 5, 2025: From school meals to a ‘vibrant’ Denver, what’s next after election?; ICE facility in Walsenburg?

Colorado voters said yes to propositions LL and MM in Tuesday’s election, to pay for school meals for all; cafeteria workers and local farmers will benefit too. We talk through what’s next with Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado. Plus, Denver voters keep a ban on flavored tobacco in place and say yes to a $950 million on bond package to create a “vibrant” Denver. Also, will a shuttered private prison in Walsenburg reopen as an ICE facility? Later, Colorado’s film industry tries to get a foothold at the same time a Colorado town celebrates filmmakers.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse