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.

mmr-1
Colorado Matters

April 15, 2025: A measles checkup; State lawmakers working to preserve trans rights

For the first time in nearly three decades, Colorado has three confirmed cases of the measles. But it’s not considered an outbreak yet. Then, as the federal government rolls back rights for transgender Americans, Colorado is moving to expand protections. We’ll look at the debate with Purplish. Plus, rural Colorado braces for Medicaid cuts and the impact of tariffs.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A black and white courtroom sketch of defendant Michael Correa who is on trial in federal court in Denver for acts of torture.
Colorado Matters

April 10, 2025: International torture trial in Denver; Colorado entrepreneur eyes A.I. and audio

A trial is underway in Denver for a man accused of torture in The Gambia. We’ll talk through the accusations and why it’s happening in Colorado. Then, a Colorado entrepreneur is working to bring audio in movies and online content to the next level, using ethically-sourced Artificial Intelligence. Plus, why the pine beetle is spreading again. And a sendoff for a beloved ski lift!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Colorado Matters

April 8, 2025: Helping student athletes win on the playing field of mental health

Student athletes face a lot of pressure to win. And on the ever-changing playing field of college sports, that can create even more anxiety. Today, we share a panel discussion about stress, students, sports, and solutions, hosted by the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Then, NCAA President Charlie Baker speaks with CSU President Amy Parsons about the changing collegiate sports landscape. Later, preserving the water in the Arkansas River Basin in southern Colorado.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A woman is seen holding a Chihuahua. Colorful strings of dog biscuit cutouts hang vertically in the background.
Colorado Matters

April 3, 2025: An Aging Matters special – is a pet right for you? Plus, refocusing life after retirement

A pet dog or cat are often considered part of the family. But for older adults, they can become much more than that. In an Aging Matters on Colorado Matters special, paring up with a pet, and how to make the decision that’s right for you. Then, a group of Latino seniors finds a solution to unexpected isolation. And people talk about retiring, having enough money is often the first thing that comes up, but there’s a lot more to consider. A program through the University of Colorado Denver called “Change Makers” helps navigate the next chapter in life.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Keylonie Fenery (left to right), Dennis Crowley and Veronica Seabron
Colorado Matters

April 1, 2025: A mother’s search for answers; Is film project in Boulder a sign of things to come?

Her adult son was shot seven times in the back by a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy. Today, a mother’s search for answers. Then, as Boulder prepares to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, could a film production there be a sign of things to come? Plus, Colorado Wonders why the school year is shorter than other states’. Also, Colorado will be getting 15 new judges. And a chance to celebrate the artistry and legacy of Selena.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Photo shows author standing by a microphone reading from her book in front of a large window next to a plant.
Colorado Matters

March 28, 2025: How to become a changemaker; Snow shoveling programs help both seniors, volunteers

Denver author and entrepreneur Danaya Wilson wants to create change. Her book is “Changemakers Wanted: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact and Ethical Change.” Then, March and April are two of the snowiest months of the year, so as part of Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, now’s the time to sign up for free snow shoveling, before the next storm. And it turns out the programs benefit not only the recipient, but the volunteer too!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
a copy of an old black and white photo resting on patterned fabric
Colorado Matters

March 25, 2025: Local vs. state control over housing; Sanora Babb’s journey from Dust Bowl to author

The state wants to ease the housing crunch by having cities allow more homes in less space and with less parking. But not everyone agrees it’s the right approach. We’ll explore the debate and how some cities are pushing back with Purplish. Then, from her challenging years on a southern Colorado broomcorn farm to the hills of Hollywood, the story of author Sanora Babb, “Riding Like the Wind.”
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Podcast host Cody Hufstedler is shown smiling and leaning to the right while seated at a table with Aimee Dokes of Denver, who is also smiling. She is leaning inward from the right side of the photo.
Colorado Matters

March 20, 2025: Living a full life in the face of death; Senior community rallies around displaced residents

People who are dying have a lot to teach us, according to a Denver palliative care chaplain and host of the podcast, “Dying to Tell You,” which features people confronting death by reflecting on life. Then, the senior community rallies around residents displaced by an explosion at their care facility. Also, how Colorado’s black license plates may become a victim of their own success.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
LaRonda Jones with a crowd of protestors
Colorado Matters

March 18, 2025: A mother’s fight for justice; The unseen threat to Colorado’s bighorn sheep

LaRonda Jones, the mother of Kilyn Lewis, wants the new district attorney to reopen the investigation into the death of her son who was shot and killed during an encounter with Aurora police last May. Then, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is keeping a close eye on our iconic state animal, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Plus, how did Colorado’s high country parks come to be? And the legacy of a judicial trailblazer in Colorado.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Zev Hauser in the NICU
Colorado Matters

March 13, 2025: Helping extremely premature babies defy the odds; Historic Park Theater’s haunted history

It used to be a death sentence for a baby born 23 weeks early. But many, like Zev Hauser, now survive. Today, we hear from Zev’s mother about the miraculous story of his birth and from his doctor, who says, with proper treatment, babies like Zev can now thrive. Then, the Historic Park Theater may very well be the oldest single-screen movie theater in the country, and its owner says it’s a real haunt! Plus, the “Color Book” starring an Aurora boy screens at the Boulder International Film Festival this weekend. And, we remember the many R&B and jazz legends who’ve recently passed.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
House Mayors
Colorado Matters

March 6, 2025: Denver mayor faces Congress on immigration; Continuing role of churches as sanctuaries

There were hours of testimony, accusations and threats on Capitol Hill as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston defended the city’s actions when it comes to immigration. Johnston was part of a panel of mayors called by Republicans to answer questions about their cities’ immigration policies. Then, churches have historically been places of sanctuary. But in the immigration debate now underway, do they still fit into the discussion? Also, dozens of people have been caught in avalanches this winter in Colorado — we re-share one man’s amazing story of survival.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield