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.

Colorado Matters CMS Safe 3X2 Logo for Podcast Segments
Colorado Matters

Colton Underwood on life in ‘Coming Out Colton’ and his connections to Colorado

Colton Underwood shot to fame as ABCs The Bachelor. Every week millions of people watched as 30 women vied for his attention, and ultimately his hand in marriage. At the end of season 23, Underwood handed the final rose to his future girlfriend in front of adoring fans. While outwardly Underwood, a former NFL football player, looked truly in love, the whole thing was a painful exercise because he was secretly gay.
By Nathan Fernando-Frescas
Colorado Matters

Remembering Colorado art icon, abstract impressionist Clark Richert

e’s been called Colorado’s most important artist. Clark Richert was an abstract expressionist whose colorful paintings of complex geometric shapes and intricate patterns were highly regarded around the world. Richert died at age 80 in the final days of 2021. Mary Voelz-Chandler is a longtime art critic. She’s coauthor of a book that featured Richert called “Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture.”
By Nathan Fernando-Frescas
Nate McWilliams COVID
Colorado Matters

Dec. 16, 2021: Surviving COVID; Fire protection between cities and untouched wilderness

Ten thousand people have died in Colorado because of COVID. Nate McWilliams of Denver was almost one of them. Then, concern about protecting the space between cities and untouched wilderness. Also, voting on a new rule limiting the greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Plus, finding the world’s southernmost tree, and recovering a treasured bracelet.
By Nathan Fernando-Frescas
Demaryius Thomas Broncos
Colorado Matters

Dec. 14, 2021: Remembering Demaryius Thomas; What state lawmakers will juggle in January

We reflect on the life of Broncos’ great Demaryius Thomas, on and off the field after his sudden death at the age of 33. Then, from redistricting to midterm elections to federal relief money, Purplish looks at what state lawmakers will face in the next legislative session in January. And, a new “flight plan” for Denver’s landmark airport tower building.
By Nathan Fernando-Frescas
Colorado Matters

Brewing company plans nod to aviation history at Denver’s landmark air traffic control tower

The old Stapleton airport control tower is an imposing landmark in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, the only remaining sign that an international airport used to occupy the space where homes, parks and stores are now. FlyteCo Brewing, an aviation-themed brewery, will open a second location in the building at the base of the tower next summer. Co-owner Eric Serani hopes to include a mini-aviation museum as part of the project.
By Nathan Fernando-Frescas
Colorado Matters

A Navy Seal’s fall from grace

Journalist David Philipps’ new novel “Alpha” recounts the story of Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher. He was charismatic, respected, tough, and a battle-tested leader. His SEAL team Alpha returned from Iraq in 2017 as heroes, having hunted ISIS in urban combat in Mosul. However, beneath Gallagher’s swagger and bravado, something much darker was lurking that shook the Navy and its elite SEAL teams to their cores. Philipps is a Pulitzer-Prize winning national correspondent for the New York Times and lives in Colorado Springs.
By Nathan Fernando-Frescas