

Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio
Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 5, 2025: From school meals to a 'vibrant' Denver, what's next after election?; ICE facility in Walsenburg?
Colorado voters said yes to propositions LL and MM in Tuesday's election, to pay for school meals for all; cafeteria workers and local farmers will benefit too. We talk through what's next with Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado. Plus, Denver voters keep a ban on flavored tobacco in place and say yes to a $950 million bond package to create a "vibrant" Denver. Also, will a shuttered private prison in Walsenburg reopen as an ICE facility? Later, Colorado's film industry tries to get a foothold at the same time a Colorado town celebrates filmmakers.

Nov 4, 2025 • 49min
November 4, 2025: Lawsuit asserts ICE is not following federal law; Colorado's grey wolves heading south?
ICE agents can detain someone without a warrant under certain conditions. Now a judge will decide if agents are flaunting federal law in Colorado. Then, a noteworthy development with the reintroduction of grey wolves in Colorado. Plus, a farm that honors Native American heritage at the site of much pain. Also, Purplish explores uncovered history hidden inside the state capitol. Second graders in Grand Junction embrace the power of a single act of kindness. And music from Littleton artist Conrad Mata, with a little help from his dad!

Nov 3, 2025 • 49min
Nov. 3, 2025: Why young Coloradans are considering public service; Loveland sculptor's tribute to Josephine Baker
Who gets into public service these days? We're at Colorado State University to find out from students in a leadership program. Then, it's been a century since performer and civil rights champion Josephine Baker left the U.S. for France. In Loveland, a sculptor lovingly captures her in clay. And later... one part ska. one part punk. one part pirate?! Music from the Fort Collins band, "The Swashbuckling Doctors."

Oct 31, 2025 • 49min
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!

Oct 30, 2025 • 49min
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.

Oct 29, 2025 • 49min
Oct. 29, 2025: At last a memorial to Flight 629; Before Gaga, there was Carl Bean's 'I Was Born This Way'
The bombing victims of United Flight 629 will be memorialized after seven decades. It was the first attack on a US commercial airliner. Atop Denver's old control tower, we speak with a woman who lost her parents. Then, a new film about musician and AIDS activist Carl Bean, who sang what's considered the first gay anthem.

Oct 28, 2025 • 49min
October 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.

Oct 27, 2025 • 49min
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.

Oct 24, 2025 • 49min
Oct. 24, 2025: A man who considers all things; AI and air quality; The musical family behind BRŪHA
All Things Considered Host Ari Shapiro, who has just left NPR after 25 years, came to Denver to receive a prestigious award. We spoke at this year's Damon Runyon dinner. Then, the disproportionate toll domestic violence takes on children. Plus, how your Google search affects the air you breathe. And Denver band BRŪHA is a family affair.

Oct 23, 2025 • 49min
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!


