Nathan Fernando-Frescas

Senior Host, All Things Considered

@heffeln[email protected]

Nathan Fernando-Frescas (Heffel) is a host for All Things Considered on CPR News.

Professional background:
Nathan returned to Colorado Public Radio in 2022, bringing years of on-air experience with radio stations across Colorado. From 2015 to 2018, he was a host and producer for CPR News' daily interview show, Colorado Matters. In 2018, he left CPR to work as an editor for NPR’s All Things Considered in Washington, D.C., before returning to Colorado to become the station manager for KRVG FM, a commercial music station in Western Colorado. Nathan was a host and reporter for KUNC in Greeley, Colo., with an emphasis on coverage of transportation, public infrastructure and LGBT issues. Prior to that, he was news manager for KUVO and began his radio career as an assistant producer for KYGO, both Denver stations.

Nathan's work has been featured on national and international radio shows including PRI's The Takeaway, NPR's Morning Edition, Weekend Edition, All Things Considered, Here and Now, and ABC's Victoria Statewide Drive. In print, The Denver Post, U.S. News and World Report and numerous other local newspapers around Colorado.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in government, Lawrence University.

Awards:
Nathan's work in journalism has been recognized by the Associated Press, the Colorado Broadcasters Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and Public Radio News Directors Incorporated.

March 17, 2022: Lake Powell hits critical threshold; Architect creates digital world

A critical power source for Colorado has reached a critically low level. We check in on Lake Powell in the face of climate change. Then, an architect builds in the digital world, including on school campuses. And, the success story of chef Mawa McQween is one of perseverance and a love of cooking. Plus, long-time CPR host Jo Ann Allen retires and passes the baton.

Architecture made for the metaverse

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that interacting with each other through Zoom meetings and online spaces is possible. And, in the not too distant future, we all might be spending hours, or days living in virtual reality. Some students might even be attending school on a virtual campus. Aspen architect Alison Agley is currently developing a virtual university in the metaverse.
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March 3, 2022: Colorado as a transgender safe haven; New chief educational equity officer

Colorado could become a safe haven for transgender youth and their parents as Texas begins investigating caregivers. Then, the state’s first chief educational equity officer. And, a new documentary highlights concerns about oil and gas development and climate change in the North Fork Valley. Plus, using music to cope with disasters like the Marshall Fire.

Will Colorado become a safe haven for transgender youth and families from Texas?

Officials in Texas have started to investigate caregivers of transgender children; Governor Greg Abbot directed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to conduct the investigations, saying certain gender affirming care for transgender adolescents is child abuse. Advocates say Colorado could become a safe haven for transgender youth and their parents fleeing the state. Sable Schultz is the manager of Transgender Programming at The Center on Colfax, an LGBTQ community center in Denver.
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Feb. 2, 2022: Do’s and don’ts on masks; Coloradan on life in Ukraine amidst threat of war

As communities across the state lift mask mandates, a Colorado epidemiologist warns not to ditch your mask just yet. Then, as uncertainty looms in Ukraine, a Coloradan who’s working there describes day-to-day life. And, an Afghan family describes the challenges of resettlement. Also, a former Broncos player on the discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.