Colorado Matters

Episodios

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  September 16, 2026: In depth with the candidates for the Secretary of State 16.09.2026 49m

  The general election is coming fast, and, today, Colorado Matters kicks off our signature interviews with candidates. We begin with the candidates who want to run your elections and register your businesses -- the contenders for Secretary of State. Republican James Wiley envisions a return to in-person voting, on election day. He'd make vote-by-mail the exception. Democrat Amanda Gonzalez, meanwhile, is focused on maintaining what she believes is a solid system. 
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  September 15, 2026: 'No Contract' with Alzheimer's; Is table tennis a losing bet for gambling addiction? 15.09.2026 49m

  Dementia and caregiving are at the center of the new one-woman show called “No Contract." It opens Thursday at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Playwright and performer Kirsten Wilson spoke with Andrea Dukakis about the deep bond she has with her mother and how their relationship evolved as her mother developed dementia. Then, betting on table tennis generates near a million dollars everyday in Colorado. Ben Markus explains why that's raising concerns about gambling addiction. And a century-old venue in Colorado Springs is brought back from the brink. 
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  Sept. 14, 2025: Inside the Broncos ahead of season opener; Denver Water outlook; Michelin recognition! 14.09.2026 49m

  He embedded with the Broncos; today, what ESPN's Seth Wickersham learned about Sean Payton and how it could impact the new season. Then, climate change will force lifestyle and cultural change, says Alan Salazar, the head of Denver Water. Plus, Michelin awards a Denver restaurant with a coveted star while recognizing restaurants in other parts of the state for the first time. 
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  Sept. 11, 2026: The first images of ground zero came from Colorado photographers 11.09.2026 49m

  We visit "Remember the Love: Resilience After 9/11" on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The exhibition features images from FEMA photographers Michael Rieger and Jim Chesnutt. Before it was safe for the news media to enter ground zero, a Colorado-based team brought the world some of the first images of the aftermath. The show runs through September 27th at the CU Denver Experience Gallery. 
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  Sept. 10, 2026: 'InsideU' helps kids understand emotions; Aurora's Jeremiah Daniels heads to NYC 10.09.2026 49m

  Pixar's "Inside Out" inspired a Colorado psychologist to create "InsideU" to help children understand and navigate emotions. Then, the future of the Colorado River may end up before the Supreme Court, and ongoing water worries after wildfire in the town of Beulah. Later, 14-year-old Jeremiah Daniels will see himself on the jumbotron in Times Square for a National Down Syndrome Society event Saturday. We catch up with the Aurora teen and his parents about representation and inclusion. And a world premiere for the Colorado Children's Chorale at Carnegie Hall! 
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  Sept. 9, 2026: Colorado author sees ‘The Dog Stars’ turned into a movie 09.09.2026 49m

  Denver and Paonia author Peter Heller says he’s often been moved to tears seeing his 2012 novel “The Dog Stars” turned into a major motion picture. Jacob Elordi stars and Ridley Scott directed. Heller discusses the ‘transmogrification” with Ryan Warner at the Denver Press Club. 
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  Sept. 8, 2026: Colorado sues over gender affirming care; Buc-ee's clears hurdle; Where do the potatoes go? 08.09.2026 49m

  Colorado's joined another lawsuit against the Trump Administration, this time over gender affirming care for children. Then, a proposed Buc-ee's along I-25 at Monument Hill is moving forward after months of debate. We'll get context on what's next and how it got to this point with Purplish. Plus, a Colorado Wonders question about potatoes grown in the San Luis Valley. 
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  Sept. 4, 2026: United's commitment to Denver, sustainable fuel; Downtown Denver vacancies, strategy 04.09.2026 48m

  We mean business today. First, the airline business. Scott Kirby, the CEO of United, Colorado's largest carrier, sits down Ryan Warner to talk about the carrier's growth here, where airfares are headed, greener aviation fuel, and AI. But as United expands in Denver, why are other companies leaving downtown? J.J. Ament, the president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, lays out problems, and possible solutions.
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  Sept. 3, 2026: Aging Matters: Caring for the Caregivers 03.09.2026 49m

  Caring for an aging loved one can be one of life’s greatest honors, and one of its toughest challenges too. Close to a million people in Colorado are caregiving every day. In a special Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, we get a reality check on caregiving in Colorado, from who's doing it to ways to make it easier, and the joy that comes with it too. Chandra Thomas Whitfield leads a panel discussion at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center that features Kristine Burrows, Colorado’s senior specialist on aging; Sara Schueneman, director of AARP Colorado; Cameron Crawford, a caregiver and owner of Next Step Senior Placement; and Gerri Gomez Howard, a caregiver and owner of Gomez Howard Communications.
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  Sept. 2, 2026: Immigration rights activist Jeannette Vizguerra; Colorado's 'Roman Holiday' connection 02.09.2026 49m

  Even in ICE detention, immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra found a way to help others struggling with their status. She's unafraid to take on the president. Time magazine recognized her work. A Denver church provided her sanctuary. Today, Vizguerra in her own words, as detention centers swell and Colorado fights for oversight. Then, a classic film with deep Colorado ties. Ryan joins the podcast "Did That Age Well?" to talk about one of his favorite movies, "Roman Holiday" and the iconic Audrey Hepburn. 
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  Sept. 1, 2026: 'Searching for Jobie' through science; Schools rethink cellphones; Colorado's Black history 01.09.2026 49m

  When someone dies, what happens to their energy? Some scientists theorize that consciousness could survive physical death. For our series, "Searching for Jobie," Andrea Dukakis asks an experimental quantum physicist about the possibilities. Then, more schools in Colorado are implementing cell phone bans. Plus, a student bicycles more than 2,000 miles to college. Also, as Colorado marks 150 years, we revisit a museum that preserves the legacy of Black pioneers. And a neurosurgeon takes adaptive sports to the racetrack. 
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  August 31, 2026: Working toward calm amid election chaos; 'Raising the Curtain' on Noelia Antweiler 31.08.2026 49m

  For now, ballots in Colorado will be mailed out per usual, despite moves by the Trump administration. But county clerks have learned to prepare for the extraordinary. Plus, what third party candidates hope to achieve this election cycle. Also, taking stock of Colorado's glaciers and rafting a record-low Arkansas River. And we "Raise the Curtain" on local actor Noelia Antweiler, now starring in two shows at Creede Repertory Theatre. 
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  August 28, 2026: Search for light in 'The Wild Dark' of the night sky with a Colorado Book Award finalist 28.08.2026 49m

  Eighty percent of the world's population can't see the Milky Way. Light pollution interferes. Author and adventurer Craig Childs, of Norwood, Colorado, writes about a trek from light to dark in his book, "The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light." It takes readers from the incandescence of Las Vegas to the spangled skies of rural Nevada. It was named a finalist this month for a Colorado Book Award in creative nonfiction. Childs spoke with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte in May of 2025 after the book's release. 
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  August 27, 2026: Colorado at center of federal lawsuits; Celebrating Colorado's 150th milestone with music 27.08.2026 49m

  Colorado has joined 23 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service tied to a presidential executive order targeting mail-in ballots. This comes as the state celebrates a settlement with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, over concerns about how it hooks children. Then, wild horses are an iconic image of the American West, but the ability to roam free comes at a cost. Plus, Indie 102.3 marks Colorado's 150th anniversary with music, and we remember the legendary musician and philanthropist, Dolly Parton. 
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  August 26, 2026: Patty Calhoun on 50 years of Westword; Inmates find sense of self, pride in performing 26.08.2026 49m

  Trailblazing journalist Patty Calhoun talks about what she’s most proud of, what she regrets, and the state’s crankiest politician as the publication she founded, Westword, turns 50. Then, a youth corps picks up chainsaws to keep wildfires at bay. Plus, how performing in a play is helping people incarcerated in the Limon Correctional Facility. And researching the connection between a healthy gut and PTSD. 
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  August 25, 2026: Aging Matters: Getting the upper hand on scammers; When is it time to give up the car keys? 25.08.2026 49m

  A new state law took effect this month to protect older Coloradans from fraud. Older Coloradans are especially at risk for scams. In an Aging Matters special, we'll explore the effort to stay one step ahead as scammers get more sophisticated. Plus, it's one of the toughest decisions we face: when to stop driving. We'll talk through what to look for and how to have what can be a hard conversation within the family. 
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  August 24, 2026: Stalemate over health inspection at GEO facility; James Beard winner Penelope Wong flying high 24.08.2026 49m

  There's a stalemate between Colorado and the federal contractor running the Aurora immigration detention center over a case of tuberculosis. CPR health reporter John Daley explains the bigger issue it raises. Then, Denver chef Penelope Wong is flying high after winning the James Beard award and landing a deal with United Airlines. Plus, exploring the Borderlands with Ken Salazar, and the nose knows: what should Colorado's state smell be?
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  August 21, 2026: From a hot summer to a warmer fall?; Rebuilding Glenwood Canyon; 'Roam' with wildlife 21.08.2026 49m

  Do the math, and this summer's been a sizzler in Colorado and nationwide. We look back, and forward, with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, the long restoration of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon after wildfire and floods. Plus, the reason bear encounters are up. And author Hillary Rosner, a Colorado Book Award finalist for "Roam," on stitching together wildlife habitat. Plus, take a test ride in a Waymo.
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  August 20, 2026: What dogs can teach us about dementia; 'Moments that Made Us' 20.08.2026 49m

  Dementia is not limited to people. Dogs get it too. Breakthroughs for one species may benefit another. Andrea Dukakis visits a canine lab at Colorado State University for our series Aging Matters. Then, if you're 65 or older, NPR wants you to take on their first Senior Podcast Challenge! Later, CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus explains how the suicide of a man at DIA highlights the state's failure to keep up with the number of people found incompetent to stand trial. Plus, we visit a once-in-a-lifetime assemblage of artifacts in Colorado, including George Washington's spurs and a tape recorder that changed the course of history. They are "Moments That Made Us" at History Colorado. And we reshare the story of a polio survivor as the Trump Administration continues its pushback against vaccines. 
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  August 18, 2026: Could rye help farmers weather the drought?; State law targets rideshare safety 18.08.2026 49m

  The San Luis Valley grows many of Colorado’s potatoes, barley and wheat. But there's another crop that could help farmers weather the drought. We'll explore the Rye Resurgence Project. Then, rideshare companies have new rules they have to follow in Colorado to keep riders safe. We get context from Purplish. Plus, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what drew Nicola Tesla to the state in 1899.