Ryan Warner

Colorado Matters Senior Host

@CPRWarner[email protected]

Ryan Warner is senior host of Colorado Matters, the flagship daily interview program from CPR News. His voice is heard on frequencies around the state as he talks with Coloradans from all walks of life — politicians, scientists, artists, activists and others. Ryan's interviews with Colorado's governor now span four administrations. During his tenure, Colorado Matters has consistently been recognized as the best major market public radio talk show in the country. He speaks French, geeks out on commercial aviation, adores and tolerates his tuxedo cat Bob, and owns too many shoes.

Professional background:
Ryan came to CPR from WGCU in Fort Myers, Fla. He was the founding host of that station's daily call-in talk show, Gulf Coast Live. Ryan served as assistant news director and local host of NPR's "All Things Considered" and filed stories for NPR during Hurricane Charley in 2004. Ryan previously hosted "Morning Edition" on WYSO Public Radio in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and co-created a weekend news magazine there. Prior to that, he served as news director of KOPN Community Radio in Columbia, Missouri. For two years, Ryan left public radio to report and anchor weekend news at KTIV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa.

Education:
Bachelor's degrees in political science and French, University of Missouri-Columbia; Master's degree in broadcast journalism, Boston University.

Awards:
Ryan has won numerous awards from Public Media Journalists Association for his interviews. He's also been honored by The Associated Press. Westword named Ryan the Best Talk-Radio Host for 2021, and the editors of 5280 Magazine voted him Top Radio Talk Show Host of 2009.

An audience listens to a conversation between Science Friday host Ira Flatow and CPR Southern Colorado reporter Dan Boyce at CPR News.
Colorado Matters

Jan. 3, 2025: Talking science at the dinner table — a conversation with Science Friday’s Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow wants to turn science…into dinner conversation. The host and creator of Science Friday has spent a career quenching our curiosity, and his, and making science accessible. But amidst the fun are serious issues, like water shortages, climate change, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. We replay a conversation from August, when Flatow was in Colorado and spoke with CPR Southern Colorado Reporter Dan Boyce in front of an audience.
By Ryan Warner
Congress
Colorado Matters

Jan. 2, 2025: Looking ahead to the new Congress; Pollsters on Coloradans’ political engagement

The 119th Congress convenes Friday with new members from Colorado and a busy agenda. Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim has a preview.  Then, pollsters look at Coloradans’ political engagement and explain how polling helps a Democracy function. Also, Jimmy Carter’s Colorado connections. Plus, 10 years ago acute flaccid myelitis was a mystery; a mom and daughter share their journey navigating the illness.
By Ryan Warner
FOLDING-BICYCLE
Colorado Matters

Jan. 1, 2025: Start the New Year with stories of second chances and positivity

On New Year’s Day, stories of second chances. Like a Ukrainian couple who fled the war and resettled in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. And a barbershop in Denver where former inmates offer a shave and a haircut. Plus, migrant farmworkers who hope their children don’t toil in the fields as they have. Education is key, and there’s a program in Colorado planting those very seeds.
By Ryan Warner
Traffic on Interstate 25 south of Denver
Colorado Matters

Dec. 30, 2024: No more driving while holding a cell phone; Colorado Springs’ high-rise debate

When the ball drops on New Year’s, you’ll need to drop your phone when you’re behind the wheel. Meet an attorney who fought for the state’s new hands-free law. Plus, Colorado Springs has grown out more than up, so there’s resistance to a proposed skyscraper. Then, remembering the “Children of the Storm” caught in a horrible blizzard on the Eastern Plains in 1931. And later, finding the beauty in snowflakes.
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza 2024
Colorado Matters

Dec. 25, 2024: Celebrate the holidays with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza!

Relax and escape from your everyday hustle and bustle with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! Recorded at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver, this year’s tradition includes headliner Kayla Marque, a Denver singer/songwriter; Joshua Danger Emerson, a Dine’ Navajo comedian and regular at the Comedy Works who founded the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoom Comedy; Scott O’Neil, former Colorado Symphony resident conductor who hosts “Behind the Baton” on CPR Classical; poet, artist and entrepreneur Confidence Omenai of Aurora; and Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel in Denver with an original song for Hanukkah.
By Ryan Warner
Passengers head down to the trains, after security at Denver International Airport
Colorado Matters

Dec. 23, 2024: Airport chief on traffic, trains and construction; An inventor’s new period product

Colorado entrepreneur Drew Jarvis co-founded Sunny, which makes a menstrual cup and applicator; the Broomfield startup just won a big grant from the state. Then, ahead of the legislative session young people stage a “Policy Shark Tank” to share their ideas. Plus, the bald eagle is finally poised to become the nation’s bird. Later, as holiday travel hits its peak, DIA chief Phil Washington updates us on getting to – and through – the airport.
By Ryan Warner
\Rep. Jason Crow, right, listens as Task Force chairman Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa.
Colorado Matters

Dec. 16, 2024: Rep. Crow on revamping Secret Service focus, culture; Colorado books for gift giving

The Secret Service is spread too thin. That’s one of the findings of a congressional panel that looked into the attempted assassinations of Donald Trump while he was a presidential candidate. We talk with Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who was the ranking Democrat on the task force. Then, investigating the turnover in RTD’s leadership. Plus, books by Colorado authors to consider as holiday gifts. And a special project creates pillows that provide more than the usual comfort.
By Ryan Warner