Documentary ‘Fantastic Fungi’ Explores Humans And Mushrooms’ Symbiotic Relationship
Fungi are recyclers. They break down dead organisms so the matter in those bodies can become the building blocks for new organisms. A new film screening in Denver explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and mushrooms. Director Louie Schwartzberg has made documentaries about the winged creatures and the unseen world for Disney and National Geographic. His latest documentary, “Fantastic Fungi,” continues that theme of making the invisible world visible. It’s showing at the Sie FilmCenter until Oct. 3.
Sept. 27, 2019: How Presidential Calls Are Documented; Fall Gardening Questions Answered
A call between President Trump and Ukraine’s president is at the heart of an impeachment inquiry, but how and why are those conversations documented in the first place? Then, a new film explores the world of fungi. Expert gardener Loni Gaudet has tips for fall. Finally, a play that probes life and death with a different lead actor each performance.
Sept. 25, 2019: Two Parties, Two Views On Impeachment; Why Schools Are Going Test-Optional
The House of Representatives launched a formal impeachment inquiry into President Trump but Democratic Rep. Jason Crow and the former state GOP head differ on whether it’s politically motivated. Then, Colorado College and other schools think standardized tests don’t predict college success. Plus, a local musician reimagines a jazz legend’s life through cabaret.
Local Author Delves Into Native American Injustices In Upcoming Novel, Literary Festival
What happens when victims of crime fall through the cracks on American Indian reservations? And what recourse do they have outside the courts? David Heska Wanbli Weiden of Denver delves into barriers to justice for Native Americans in his upcoming novel Winter Counts. He’s a member of the Sicangu Lakota nation. And this weekend the author and Metropolitan State University professor joins writers from around the globe at the Jaipur Literary Festival Colorado in Boulder. He’ll lead panels to discuss American Indians in fiction and Indigenous issues in North America.
Colorado Inmates Take ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ On Tour, And Discover Theater As Rehabilitation
It’s the first time in the U.S. a play performed by inmates has gone on tour to other prisons.
Sept. 20, 2019: How Local Plastics Pollute Oceans; Literary Fest Spotlights Social Issues
Plastic Week! concludes with insight from the Boulder-based Inland Ocean Coalition on how landlocked states like Colorado contribute to pollution in the oceans. Plus, transformative theater for inmates, by inmates. Then a new season at the Fox in Aurora tackles social issues, as does the Jaipur Literary Festival in Boulder.
Sept. 13, 2019: From Being Attacked To Advocacy Of Grizzly Bears; ‘Skywalker’ Finds Peace
An author went from a traumatic encounter with to advocating for grizzly bears, and wrote a book about his experiences. Then, that time when the federal government tried fracking…with a nuclear bomb. And, David Thompson was a great NBA player — but drugs made his career a tale of what might have been. A novel explores McElmo Canyon in SW Colorado.
Sept. 6, 2019: Researcher Plans To Get Stuck In Ice; How the CU-Nebraska Rivalry Started
Claudia Valdez Sandoval inspired a state law limiting police cooperation with ICE but she faces an uncertain future. A CU researcher plans to get stuck in arctic ice. Plus, inside the HAATS training facility. A cyclist takes on the Continental Divide to track climate change. Also, opening the outdoors to everyone, and the origin of the CU-Nebraska rivalry.
Sept. 3, 2019: It’s Hot Now But What’s Fall Got In Store?; ‘On Something,’ A Love Story
After last spring’s wacky bomb cyclones, Colorado’s fall forecast is reassuring. The state’s assistant climatologist, Becky Bolinger, says to expect warmer temperatures than usual and maybe keep a raincoat handy. Then, CPR’s ‘On Something’ podcast tells the story of legalization and star-crossed lovers.
Aug. 30, 2019: Bennet Focused On Forward Momentum; Ideas To Improve Mass Transit
Michael Bennet says he’s undeterred by not making the stage for the next presidential debate. Plus, state law requires library service, but what happens if funding runs out? Then, sorting through hundreds of listener ideas about improving mass transit. Colorado author Carter Wilson has a new thriller. And Clare Dunn is back for the holiday weekend.
Aug. 29, 2019: Remembering United Flight 232’s Pilot; 5 Years Of Patents In Colorado
What’s happened in five years at the Rocky Mountain Patent and Trademark Office? Then, a local survivor remembers United pilot Al Haynes who saved 184 people in a 1989 plane crash. Plus, a look inside a unique nuclear power plant that was shut down 30 years ago. Finally, Dierks Bentley returns to Colorado for a new Labor Day tradition.
Aug. 28, 2019: Sen. Cory Gardner On Trump Tariffs; Inventors Seeking Patents
Cory Gardner wants President Trump to end the trade war with China and limit the president’s ability to impose tariffs. Then, a Coloradan who invented a hood to protect your hairstyle when it’s raining talks about the challenges of getting a patent. Plus, cannabis in the ancient world and barbecue’s African-American roots.
Aug. 27, 2019: Helping Deputies Cope; New State Historian On A Mission
Colorado detective paralyzed on the job helps other officers cope with stress and trauma. Then, the new state historian wants to highlight the experiences of Asians and other minorities in Colorado. Plus, the future of mass transit on the Front Range, preserving open space, and CPR’s podcast, “On Something,” explores where cannabis and spirituality meet.
Native Americans Unite To Make Their Voices Heard This Election
For the first time, there was a presidential forum focused entirely on the concerns of Indian Country. Last week, 11 presidential candidates (10 Democrats and one Independent) took part in the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential forum in Sioux City, Iowa. Over two days, candidates answered questions from tribal members, including youth, about sovereignty, safety, health and education for Indigenous people. We were interested in how these issues resonate in Colorado, so we turned to Carla Fredericks, the Director of the American Indian Law Program at CU-Boulder.
Aug. 23, 2019: Women Work To Change The World; When History Meets Nostalgia
Women from 15 countries around the world are in Denver to share their struggles and successes in the face of violence, war, and oppression as they work to overcome. Then, a Denver landmark raises questions about what’s historic and what’s nostalgic. Plus, celebrating a Chicano tradition in one neighborhood. And a wolf refuge that also helps humans.
Historical Novel Chronicles The Legendary Baby Doe Tabor, Colorado’s ‘Silver Queen’
Elizabeth Tabor, nicknamed Baby Doe, has captured imaginations for more than a century. Her rags-to-riches-to-rags again story has inspired biographies, a film, and even an opera. She came to Colorado in the 1870s during the gold rush, divorced her first husband and later married Colorado’s “Silver King,” Horace Tabor. There’s a new historical novel based on her life, called Gold Digger: The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor by Rebecca Rosenberg.
