Chandra Thomas Whitfield

Host/Producer, Colorado Matters

[email protected]

Chandra Thomas Whitfield joined CPR as a host and producer of its daily interview show, Colorado Matters, in 2022.

Professional background:
Whitfield has produced stories for NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Essence, Ebony and a number of other national media outlets. She also hosted and produced the award-winning podcast “In The Gap” from In These Times magazine, which explored how the gender pay gap and pay discrimination affects the lives and livelihoods of Black women who work in America.

A New Orleans native by way of Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University graduate, she is also an alumna of a diverse mix of journalism fellowship programs, including the Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism at the Ohio University and Ted Scripps Fellowship in Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder. Most recently she completed the Medill and The Garage Media Entrepreneur Fellowship with Northwestern University’s esteemed Medill School of Journalism.

Education:
Bachelor's of Arts degree in Journalism, Clark Atlanta University.

Awards/recognition:
Whitfield is the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including “Journalist of the Year” awards from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Atlanta Press Club, as well as honors from the Association for Women in Communications, the Colorado Association of Black Journalists and Mental Health America. An award-winning feature story she penned for Atlanta magazine is widely attributed with helping contribute to a change in Georgia law and a young man's early release from a 10-year prison sentence.

Black and white image shows the face of original Broncos player Lionel Taylor
Colorado Matters

Aug. 26, 2025: Denver’s original unsung Bronco, Lionel Taylor; Chandra’s Katrina story

He’s a Denver Broncos original who was a game changer even though he avoided the spotlight. From player to coach, we remember Lionel Taylor. Also, the influence of James Dobson on today’s Conservative Christian movement following the evangelical leader’s death. Plus, Manitou Springs grapples with the changing cannabis market in El Paso County. Then, Chandra shares her personal family story surviving Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. Later, a college degree in Mariachi music, and the origin of the People’s Republic of Boulder.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Black and white image shows the face of original Broncos player Lionel Taylor

The legacy of an original Denver Bronco: Lionel Taylor was record-setter who broke barriers as a player and as a coach

Lionel Taylor wasn’t one to hog the spotlight, but his achievements both as a player and as a coach illustrate his love for football. Among his many records, Taylor was the first wide receiver in pro football history to complete 100 catches in a season when he played for the Denver Broncos in the 1960s. He died at his home near Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Aug. 6.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Water flows through a series of sediment retention ponds built to reduce heavy metal and chemical contaminants from the Gold King Mine accident
Colorado Matters

Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what’s been the impact and what’s changed, or hasn’t, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what’s being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A woman wearing a pink sweater looks toward the camera. Her arms are outstretched and she's holding a glass and a ruler. She is in a kitchen with dark cabinets with bits of green tape on the cabinets.
Colorado Matters

Aug. 12, 2025: Aging Matters: What to know about downsizing, from selling your home to decluttering

Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it’s time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special “Aging Matters on Colorado Matters,” we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time when it’s needed the most. Also, “An Open Door” is a new documentary about CSU’s Temple Grandin, a legend in animal science and autism advocacy. Plus, the return of an immersive theater experience.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A framed portrait of baseball player Theodore "Bubbles" Anderson. He is wearing a green baseball cap and a baseball uniform. It is a head-and-shoulders image.
Colorado Matters

Aug. 5, 2025: Respiratory viruses could awaken dormant cancer cells; Honoring Theodore ‘Bubbles’ Anderson

New research shows that respiratory viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, could “wake up” dormant cancer cells. We speak with with James DeGregori, the senior author of the study and deputy director of the Colorado Cancer Center. Then, Theodore “Bubbles” Anderson was the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. A century later, he’s been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, thanks to the efforts of sports journalist Justin Adams.
By Carl Bilek and Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A woman is seated behind a studio microphone and holding hands with a man also seated behind a studio microphone. She is wearing a white shirt and he is wearing a grey shirt. They are looking at each other and smiling.
Colorado Matters

July 31, 2025: After 35 years, the triumphs of the Americans with Disabilities Act — and the work still to be done

It was 35 years ago that the Americans with Disabilities Act — widely known as the ADA — was signed into law, protecting the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of public life. Today, we look at its impact as it relates to transportation, as an advocate details the work still to be done. Then, a new executive order from President Trump aims to get cities to remove people who are unhoused from the streets. Also, meet Joel Medina — a tattoo artist in Thornton, whose own story of loss, recovery, and second chances is etched into every piece he creates.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield