

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

Dec 29, 2025 • 49min
Dec. 29, 2025: Colorado's bet on gambling and the impact on addiction; A doctor's journey with cancer
The expansion of gambling in Colorado means added temptations for problem gamblers. It’s led the state to invest millions of dollars to treat gambling addictions. We look at the changes to gambling in Colorado and talk with a therapist and a Denver man in recovery. Then, he dedicated his career to treating patients with lung cancer and never expected that one day, he too would be diagnosed with the same disease. Dr. Ross Camidge shared his story with Andrea in October.

Dec 26, 2025 • 49min
Dec. 26, 2025: A Kwanzaa extravaganza and a singer who lives the principles everyday!
Seneku Donald, founder of Denver's Iwaday drumming ensemble, shares her journey connecting African drumming to community healing during Kwanzaa celebrations. She discusses the ensemble’s role in fostering unity and preserving culture. Seneku reflects on the guiding principles of Kwanzaa, especially creativity. Additionally, singer-songwriter Such reveals how her nursing experiences in Haiti propelled her musical career, emphasizing the healing power of art and her community-focused aspirations, all while navigating multiple career paths.

Dec 25, 2025 • 56min
Dec. 25, 2025: Celebrate the season with the 10th Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza!
A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you!

Dec 24, 2025 • 48min
Dec. 24, 2025: On Christmas Eve, a musical extravaganza spanning ten years!
We're counting down to the 10th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza with some of our favorite musical artists over the past decade. Like Hazel Miller and Claire Dunn. Plus a centuries-old classic played on a massive pipe organ inside the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver.

Dec 23, 2025 • 48min
Dec. 23, 2025: Spreading laughter and cheer with the Holiday Extravaganza!
Laughter is fundamental to the holidays. After all, "Ho Ho Ho" is one of Santa's favorite expressions. Which is why comedians have always had a place in our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. As we celebrate ten years, we've assembled those acts for a special filled with good cheer and memories.

Dec 22, 2025 • 49min
Dec. 22, 2025: An extravaganza of Hanukkah stories, music and connection!
In the darkness of winter, a celebration comes along to lighten homes, and moods. And in that bright space, enjoy music and conversation about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, compiled from our previous Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas.

Dec 19, 2025 • 56min
Dec. 19, 2025: The 10th Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza
A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you!

Dec 18, 2025 • 49min
Dec. 18, 2025: Deck the halls with 'Garland'
Today, Colorado musicians pay homage to Judy Garland, who inspired our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. The CPR tradition began after Sr. Host Ryan Warner watched Garland's 1963 Christmas special. Enjoy covers by Isaac Slade, Neyla Pekarek, Beth Malone, and Ryan himself (cringe).

Dec 17, 2025 • 49min
Dec. 17, 2025: Chances low for a white Christmas on Front Range; Dating apps may have enabled a rapist
A scary puzzle comes together today: We've had the warm piece, the dry piece, and now wind. We also ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo about the chances for a white Christmas. Plus, Colorado ski resorts rely on human-made snow. Also, women sue a dating app company for allegedly enabling a rapist. Later, Colorado's state historian on the sesquicentennial. And new holiday music from Denver pianist Annie Booth, with a nod to Charlie Brown.

Dec 16, 2025 • 49min
Dec. 16, 2025: Aging Matters: From the gift of time to decluttering, avoiding scams and the love of letters
In this Aging Matters special, if you have an older person in your life, or you’re just stumped in general about what to give a loved one this holiday season, have you considered the gift of time? Then, how to avoid scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Later, when it comes to downsizing, how do you get rid of decades of stuff? Plus, "Love for our Elders" relieves loneliness through letter writing.


