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.
Listen On
Two quote marks talking into a center microphone.

Latest Episodes

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.
SEXY-WALKER-CU-ANSCHUTZ-20251013

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.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen at the CPR News studios in Denver

Oct. 21, 2025: Pettersen on federal cuts to mental, behavior health care; Honoring Demaryius Thomas

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat who represents the state’s 7th Congressional District, is concerned that federal layoffs, furloughs, and funding cuts to grants, will have a devastating effect on mental and behavioral health services, including helping people trying to break addiction. Then, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we re-share a discussion about the importance of knowing breast density. Plus, the “Wired, Wired West” explores the impact of A.I. on water. And the late Demaryius Thomas is inducted into the Denver Broncos’ Ring of Fame.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROPS MM LL

Oct. 20, 2025: Two statewide ballot measures on the menu; Authors at odds with AI settlement

There are two statewide ballot issues in the November election. Voters will decide the future of Colorado’s “Healthy School Meals for All” program; Purplish explains both related measures. Then, Colorado authors respond to a massive settlement with an A.I. company that’s been using their work. Plus, the “Wired, Wired West” explores the power needed to support Artificial Intelligence. Then, Coloradans join in the “No Kings” protest, and music from Littleton’s Conrad Mata.
Senator John Hickenlooper

Oct. 17, 2025: Where Hickenlooper won’t budge; Remembering Susan Stamberg

Democratic U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper is a holdout on re-opening government until there’s a plan to keep health insurance premiums down. We ask about paths for compromise and his frustration with cuts to green energy. Then, we remember NPR founding mother Susan Stamberg. Plus, Pueblo-born musician and composer Mary D. Watkins on honoring the Black experience in America. And Wonderbound’s Rock Ballets.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse