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

UMS PROFILE YASINEEMANNI CM STUDIO

July 25, 2025: A summer of heat, drought and flooding; ‘Western Soul’ singer/songwriter at UMS

Do you know the hottest temperature ever recorded in Denver? We find out from Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo as the summer heat carries on. Plus, drought and the risk of flash floods. Then, FEMA cuts funding for water quality projects in Colorado. Plus, Denver singer/songwriter YasmineEmani performs in our studio as she prepares for this weekend’s Underground Music Showcase. And later, we try crafting a viral recipe.

July 24, 2025: Fighting backlash, Denver Pride sends powerful message; Aspen trees as wildfire breaks

Amid DEI cuts, the Center on Colfax was expected to lose money this year. However, the organization that runs Denver Pride saw more than 500,000 people turn out this year, despite the backlash from Washington. We spoke with the Center’s new CEO. Then, Colorado’s Attorney General files a lawsuit regarding law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE, as the state responds to subpoenas. Also, aspen trees’ role in wildfire prevention. Plus, a tournament to reel in invasive fish, and a play centering on Black women homesteaders.
Planned Parenthood Clinic in Denver

July 23, 2025: Planned Parenthood can no longer treat Medicaid patients; Festival honors Chicano culture

Medicaid patients in Colorado cannot go to Planned Parenthood for any type of healthcare under the One Big Beautiful Bill. We talk with the head of the Rocky Mountain region about the impact and what’s next. Then, hear from Gov. Jared Polis on the resounding pushback to stop a pedestrian walkway from being built in front of the State Capitol. Also, what’s in a name at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel ? And the 29th annual Chicano Music Festival celebrates identity and culture!

July 22, 2025: Rep. Evans on Dignity Act; Molly Brown’s great granddaughter on Titanic moment

Republican Congressman Gabe Evans, who represents Colorado’s District 8, has signed onto the Dignity Act, which he says will reform the immigration system and give legal status to undocumented people without giving them citizenship or amnesty. We also ask about ICE arrests, international aid, and the economy. Then, the Trump administration wants to stop Colorado from shutting down coal plants in the state. And the great-granddaughter of “the unsinkable Molly Brown” is in Denver to share new history about her legendary great-grandmother.
Photo shows a young man in dark clothing standing on a dark stage holding a microphone. The "Youth on Record" logo is behind him.

July 18, 2025: Colorado’s split vote on the rescission bill; Overcoming trauma with music; Celebrate 719 Day!

Congress has slashed foreign aid and funds for public media. We talk through how Colorado’s delegation voted, the politics and ramifications with our Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim. Then, he survived the Aurora movie theater shooting at age 12; now he’s sharing his recovery story through music with “Youth on Record.” Plus, would a boycott help Colorado Rockies? And, celebrate 719 Day with us!
Photo shows a vendor booth outside with a table filled with jars of pickles and am an in black clothing standing to the right.

July 17, 2025: Gov. Polis on insurance price hikes, wildfires; Shooting survivor on moving forward

An estimated 100,000 Coloradans stand to lose health coverage next year amid a 28 percent hike in premiums; Governor Polis holds Congress responsible. We ask about that along with wildfire resources, immigration, and the proposed bridge outside the State Capitol. Then, for Marcus Weaver, surviving the mass shooting inside an Aurora movie theater 13 years ago, was life-changing in ways he never expected. Also, Indie 102.3 host and local music director Alisha Sweeney joins us to spotlight musicians on Colorado’s indie scene ahead of the Underground Music Festival.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen at the CPR News studios in Denver

July 14, 2025: Pettersen braces for impact of ‘Big Beautiful Bill;’ Decoding ancient sign language

Colorado Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen sees little value in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and is bracing for the impact on everything from healthcare to immigration. Plus, the “skinny’ Farm Bill continues to leave farmers and ranchers in limbo. Then, a Metro State anthropologist has discovered what may be the world’s oldest sign language. And finding harmony in the workplace.
side profile of man Jeff Hurd

July 11, 2025: Hurd on ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ from rural hospitals to immigration; ‘The Water Knife’ proves prophetic

Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd answers questions about how the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” now federal law, will affect people in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and more rural parts of his district. Plus, his high hopes for new drilling and border security under ICE. Then, author Paolo Bacigalupi marks a 10-year milestone with “The Water Knife” which has proven more accurate than he hoped. Plus, drought and demand are tapping aquifers in Southeastern Colorado, where tens of thousands of people rely on well water. And a Grand Junction baseball team adopts a rare alter ego.