Ryan Warner

Colorado Matters Senior Host

[email protected]

Ryan Warner is senior host of Colorado Matters, the flagship daily interview program from CPR News. His voice is heard on frequencies around the state as he talks with Coloradans from all walks of life — politicians, scientists, artists, activists and others. Ryan's interviews with Colorado's governor now span four administrations. During his tenure, Colorado Matters has consistently been recognized as the best major market public radio talk show in the country. He speaks French, geeks out on commercial aviation, adores and tolerates his tuxedo cat Bob, and owns too many shoes.

Professional background:
Ryan came to CPR from WGCU in Fort Myers, Fla. He was the founding host of that station's daily call-in talk show, Gulf Coast Live. Ryan served as assistant news director and local host of NPR's "All Things Considered" and filed stories for NPR during Hurricane Charley in 2004. Ryan previously hosted "Morning Edition" on WYSO Public Radio in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and co-created a weekend news magazine there. Prior to that, he served as news director of KOPN Community Radio in Columbia, Missouri. For two years, Ryan left public radio to report and anchor weekend news at KTIV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa.

Education:
Bachelor's degrees in political science and French, University of Missouri-Columbia; Master's degree in broadcast journalism, Boston University.

Awards:
Ryan has won numerous awards from Public Media Journalists Association for his interviews. He's also been honored by The Associated Press. Westword named Ryan the Best Talk-Radio Host for 2021, and the editors of 5280 Magazine voted him Top Radio Talk Show Host of 2009.


Contact:

Bluesky: @ryanhasaquestion

Instagram: @oddryhepburn

Three people in police uniforms stand behind yellow police tape

June 2, 2025: Attorney General Phil Weiser says Boulder attack is ‘personal’; A shift in immigration protocols?

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when Jewish people celebrate the gift of the Torah – the Hebrew bible, was marred by violence as eight people were attacked Sunday in Boulder. Attorney General Phil Weiser provided an update on the latest developments. Then, have immigration protocols shifted from finding criminals to stopping those following the current guidelines? Also, oil companies aren’t always complying with fracking laws. And, how cancelling millions of dollars in grants has impacted addressing environmental inequities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Denver Field Office Centennial

May 28, 2025: Investigating ‘welfare checks’ of migrant children; Colorado Symphony and Lettuce mix it up

Federal agents have been knocking on doors in Colorado; n the other side of those doors: kids who crossed the border illegally and alone. CPR Justice reporter Allison Sherry brings us her investigation, a story she broke. Then, could the BLM relocate to Colorado, again? Also, a the case of a Grand Junction man convicted in deadly pipe bombings; we talk with the Innocence Project about faulty forensic science. And later, an unexpected collaboration from the Colorado Symphony, this time with Denver funk band Lettuce.
Tornado Damage In Elizabeth

May 23, 2025: Polis on a bevy of lawsuits, federal budget cuts; Severe weather season tears through Colorado

“Cruel” and “disastrous” is how Gov. Jared Polis describes the US House’s budget plan. Meanwhile, Colorado cities sue him over housing requirements. Also, Polis on immigration and a pedestrian bridge proposed at the State Capitol. Then, a destructive start to severe weather season. Later, how two rafting companies navigate tariffs. And Joe Cocker joins the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He found inner peace in Colorado.

May 21, 2025: ‘Countdown’ examines how the U.S. is updating its ‘geriatric’ nuclear arsenal

This country’s nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Plus, the agency that oversees the nuclear arsenal has not been immune to the possibility of federal staffing cuts. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her book, “Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons.”

May 19, 2025: Polis on vetoes, housing laws; Evolving vision for downtown Denver

Governor Jared Polis is flexing his executive power. He vetoed a priority bill for Democrats and threatens to withhold funds from cities that don’t follow new housing laws. Also, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about an evolving vision for downtown Denver and big project investments. Then, Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on his investigation into the death of a 7-year-old Grand County boy and the questions it raises about child abuse investigations. Later, a human trafficking survivor shares a message of strength at the Front Range Community College commencement. And the Green Box Arts Festival is back!

May 16, 2025: Denver mayor on immigration, federal lawsuit, and housing; CSU alum now at MSNBC

It’s been a trying year for Denver’s mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city’s welcoming immigration policies. On the flipside, a top attraction, the 16th Street Mall, is finally reopening. Then, a steel startup in Boulder plans to make climate-friendly iron. And MSNBC’s Eugene Daniels returns to his alma matter, CSU, as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

May 14, 2025: Attorney General Weiser on 20 lawsuits and counting; Jewish music for all

President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy — he’s filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, a landmark climate lawsuit moves forward in Boulder. And the second annual KlezKolorado festival is this weekend with Jewish music for everyone.

May 9, 2025: How deportations are playing out in Colorado; A milestone on Colfax Ave.

Colorado’s a flashpoint when it comes to immigration, especially Aurora and Denver, which the new administration has singled out. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry and Denverite’s Kyle Harris join a roundtable with our colleagues at “The Middle” hosted by Jeremy Dobson. Then, a milestone for construction on Colfax Avenue. Plus, a new passenger train could be on track for the mountains. And changes at Ford Amphitheater to address noise complaints as a new season kicks off.