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.

Crews respond to the Stone Canyon fire.

Aug. 2, 2024: Town shows its grit in the face of wildfire; New state law will help protect pollinators

A late-night donation highlights the spirit of community in the town of Lyons amidst the nearby Stone Canyon fire. Lyons Mayor Hollie Rogin joins us. Then, both sides position their arguments in the trial of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Also, a new state law will help protect pollinating insects and rare plants. And the Taste of Ethiopia celebrates 10 years!
Alexander Mountain fire aircraft

Aug. 1, 2024: Governor Polis on the wildfire fight; What smoke does to the human body

Does Colorado have what it needs to fight so many wildfires at once? Governor Jared Polis discusses the three current blazes and how federal funds could help in combating them. Then, fire’s effect on the air we breathe is significant. And as climate change supercharges the season, health effects become a bigger and bigger concern, says pulmonologist Dr. David Beuther. Also, a new superheroine whose tag line is, “transforming disabilities into SUPERabilities.” And, celebrating Colorado Day.
John Register stands on one leg with arms outstretched in front of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

July 29, 2024: Why a Paralympian ultimately embraced inspiration; Forest Corps seeks young people who love trees

As Olympic athletes compete in Paris, Paralympians prepare. Today, meet an Army veteran and former Paralympian who hated the word “inspirational,” until an unexpected encounter. His journey begins a special series leading up to the Paralympics. Then, the new Forest Corps. is looking for young people who love trees. Plus, grants to help fight climate change. And where are Colorado’s ghost towns?
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a podium on the South Lawn of the White House at a navy podium with the President of the United States seal on front with two mics attached. Behind her are 11 visible college athlete. The White House is barely visible behind the students.

July 26, 2024: Advocate says Harris is energizing women voters; A hot, dry summer continues

Stubborn heat will be with us for a while. Today, our regular chat about weather and climate with Denver7’s Mike Nelson and why the Front Range is so prone to heat and smog. Then, a prominent Black political organizer on how women are rallying around Kamala Harris. Plus, a player talks about rebuilding Team USA’s 3X3 Men’s Basketball just in time for the Olympics. Also, why some books and authors are more likely to be banned. And Marble welcomes rock sculptors.
AFRICAN GRILL AND BAR

July 23, 2024: Bennet hopeful as Harris gains support; African Grill serves fufu, jollof rice and big smiles

Colorado’s top Democrats are lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris after Joe Biden announced he’s leaving the presidential race. That includes U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, who joined Ryan Warner in-studio Monday afternoon. Then, African Grill in Lakewood cooks up 20 years of cuisine, culture, and camaraderie. Later, ensuring a pivotal moment in Colorado and U.S. history is not forgotten, nor repeated.

July 22, 2024: A Colorado DNC delegate looks forward; Former Olympian on eating disorders, body image

Colorado’s top Democrats have high hopes for Kamala Harris. We speak with Erik Clarke, a delegate from Denver who’ll be at the convention, about the path ahead. Then, as he marks one year in office, is Denver Mayor Mike Johnston fulfilling his campaign promises? And a former Olympian, in recovery from an eating disorder, has advice for commentators and spectators.
A crowd of people facing away from the camera with a few holding up TRUMP VANCE signs.

July 19, 2024: What a week in Milwaukee tells us about the GOP; We invented a holiday. 719 Day!

With Donald Trump’s first post-assassination speech, the Republican National Convention is a wrap. There was much to learn away from the main stage this week, says University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket. Then, we celebrate Southern Colorado with 719 Day! And Denver is home to one of the country’s only treatment centers for elite athletes with eating disorders.