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

Keylonie Fenery (left to right), Dennis Crowley and Veronica Seabron

April 1, 2025: A mother’s search for answers; Is film project in Boulder a sign of things to come?

Her adult son was shot seven times in the back by a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy. Today, a mother’s search for answers. Then, as Boulder prepares to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, could a film production there be a sign of things to come? Plus, Colorado Wonders why the school year is shorter than other states’. Also, Colorado will be getting 15 new judges. And a chance to celebrate the artistry and legacy of Selena.

March 31, 2025: Deals get made at Sundance; Arctic adventurer goes ‘Into the Thaw’

What to expect from the Sundance Film Festival, courtesy of the town that lost it. From Park City, insight into the minuses and pluses from an art film owner. Then, an Oscar-winning filmmaker in Boulder who helped lure the event. Later, former Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD, gets candid about mental health. Plus, a frozen world that’s no longer frozen. Arctic adventurer and author Jonathan Waterman, of Carbondale, on the rapid changes facing wildlife, plants, and people.
Photo shows author standing by a microphone reading from her book in front of a large window next to a plant.

March 28, 2025: How to become a changemaker; Snow shoveling programs help both seniors, volunteers

Denver author and entrepreneur Danaya Wilson wants to create change. Her book is “Changemakers Wanted: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact and Ethical Change.” Then, March and April are two of the snowiest months of the year, so as part of Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, now’s the time to sign up for free snow shoveling, before the next storm. And it turns out the programs benefit not only the recipient, but the volunteer too!
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March 27, 2025: Bennet on ‘wanton destruction’ of federal government; Colorado’s homegrown burger

Colorado’s senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, is angry at his own party as the Trump administration undertakes what Bennet calls the “wanton destruction” of the federal government. Then, why hot springs operators are concerned about Colorado’s energy future. Plus, the CEO of Good Times talks about tariffs, trends and competition with big burger. And, a Colorado Springs family marks Ramadan.
Adam Cayton-Holland mimics a statue of a lion drinking from a beer stein.

March 26, 2025: ‘Cruelty’ of HIV/AIDS cuts; Adam Cayton-Holland returns to his comedic birthplace

A pediatrician explains how federal funding cuts could undo decades of progress in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, at home and abroad. Then, in a special out Friday, Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland marks 20 years of stand-up where his career began, at Lion’s Lair Lounge. Plus, “Colorado Wonders” why seatbelt use lags here. And a Ukrainian family faces further uncertainty as they try to make a life in Boulder.
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March 25, 2025: Local vs. state control over housing; Sanora Babb’s journey from Dust Bowl to author

The state wants to ease the housing crunch by having cities allow more homes in less space and with less parking. But not everyone agrees it’s the right approach. We’ll explore the debate and how some cities are pushing back with Purplish. Then, from her challenging years on a southern Colorado broomcorn farm to the hills of Hollywood, the story of author Sanora Babb, “Riding Like the Wind.”
Canadian flag flies at state capitol

March 24, 2025: Colorado-Canada trade connection; Natural medicine’s Indigenous roots in ‘The Trip’

Colorado gets important things from Canada, like gas and lumber, and, when it comes to U.S. tariffs, Canada’s Consul General in Denver is perplexed. Then, “The Trip,” CPR’s series about Colorado’s journey to legalize psychedelics. This time, the long view: the Indigenous view of plant-based medicine. Then, Colorado Wonders why the Front Range is sometimes colder than higher elevations. Plus, long-time CPR Classical host Jean Inaba signs off.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse