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

Photo shows a man in a blue long-sleeve shirt with a full beard and grey white air looking toward the left with his arms bent and hands extended. On the right is a large projection screen showing a historic building in Denver.

Oct. 31, 2025: DenverFright terrifies at The Bug Theatre

A Halloween haunting with Denverite’s third annual DenverFright. Local writers gather on stage at The Bug Theatre to send chills down your spine, including Stephen Graham Jones and Teague Bohlen. Denver historian Phil Goodstein takes us to a cursed block Uptown. And the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s scariest resident shambles in!
king-pettus

Oct. 30, 2025: The past, present and future as the Voting Rights Act turns 60; In-person voting for inmates

As the Supreme Court deliberates changes, the Voting Rights Act turns 60. We look at its past, present and future with local political analysts — this after Colorado took action in its last legislative session to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Colorado state law also requires all county jails to offer in-person voting for eligible individuals — we explore how the process is working in Jefferson County.
Father with two daughters

Oct. 28, 2025: A lung cancer doctor shares the same path as his patients; Purplish explores capitol history

A Colorado doctor was diagnosed with the same lung cancer he’s researched and treated all his life. He only recently decided to share his story when chemotherapy made him horribly sick. Dr. Ross Camidge talks about sharing the same path as his patients, and how he views death and what comes next. Then, from artwork to hidden history on the walls, Purplish explores the many stories the state capitol has to tell. Plus, just in time for Halloween, a Colorado haunting… and a reimagining of Ichabod Crane.
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Oct. 27, 2025: Innovating a ‘sexy walker’ to break stigma; An Indie 102.3 soundtrack for autumn

A lot of people risk falling rather than use a walker; there’s just too much stigma around them. Today in Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, we visit a lab where they’re developing a so-called “sexy walker,” but the project is about far more than vanity: it’s frankly life or death. Then, food banks prepare for a rush as SNAP benefits run dry. Plus, our colleagues at Indie 102.3 help score the season with local musicians to add to your autumn playlist.
Denver area resident and food assistance recipient Dawn Washington, center, speaks with reporters

Oct. 23, 2025: What’s next in the government shutdown? ‘Make A Circle’ looks at early childhood development

The government shutdown will hit federal workers hard tomorrow as they miss their first paychecks. What will it take to find a solution? We’ll check-in with our Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim. Then, the cost of child care can often rival college tuition. At the same time, child care workers have traditionally been underpaid and undervalued. A new documentary, “Make A Circle,” challenges the system to change. Also, we continue the series “Wired, Wired West,” and celebrating 20 years of roller derby action in Colorado Springs!
Two man kneeling on football field

Oct. 22, 2025: Historical context for this moment in politics; Finding unity across the divide

We continue “If you can keep it,” our series to get historical context about this moment in presidential politics; political scientist Seth Masket from the University of Denver joins us. Then, a Denver man hopes to create a brand for unity in America to show people are less divided than it seems. Later, will Halloween be a trick or a treat this year? It’s just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our monthly weather and climate chat. And the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new director talks about elevating local artists and his vision for the Denver institution.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse