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

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DAVID TANDBERG

Oct. 3, 2025: Adams State president on funding cuts and welcoming first gen students; Fall gardening questions answered!

It may come as no surprise that Adams State University in the San Luis Valley would be the first in Colorado to be designated a “Hispanic Serving Institution,” given how deep the valley’s Hispanic heritage runs. But the school is now losing the money that came with the title. Then, how the Trump administration’s crackdown on student visa holders is impacting international students in Colorado. Plus, answering questions about fall and winter gardening, the state’s little-known apple crop, and Colorado Springs’ underground music scene.
A person in a military uniform stands on a street, holding a gun. The uniform is camouflaged, and the person's face is obscured. The background is blurred.

Oct. 1, 2025: The impact of federal troops deploying in US cities; Colorado representatives react to government shutdown

Experts say expanded, domestic use of the military – and talk of civil war – deserve scrutiny. As President Trump talks about fighting a war against “the enemy within,” we speak with a political scientist about the implications. Then, on Day 1 of the government shutdown, we speak with our Washington reporter Caitlyn Kim. Also, college campuses are microcosms of a lot of the big issues society grapples with, from cultural clashes to the cost of living. The president of Colorado Mesa University offers potential solutions to those issues. And, Colorado Wonders on why this rural airport is named “Happy Butt.”
Smiling couple sits in a recumbent bike at their store.

Sept. 26, 2025: Ukrainian bike shop owners shift gears on mobility; Solar strategy with ‘Here Comes the Sun’

A couple who fled the war in Ukraine and found a home in Boulder is hoping their adaptive efforts with the bike shop they own will help them continue building a life for their family in Colorado. Then, the return of “Sun Day” amid a call for increased solar energy efforts with author Bill McKibben. Also, Colorado’s mission to collect stardust. Plus the Local 303 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and a chance to “Circle Round Live” with WBUR in Parker on Oct. 5.
Smiling couple sits in a recumbent bike at their store.

Tricycles might keep this Ukrainian family in Boulder

An update on the Ukrainian family that fled Kiev and landed in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. Ievgen Potykun and Hanna Boiarska, of Freedom Folding Bikes, are adapting trikes for clients with limited mobility. As time runs out on their immigration status, they hope this specialty can help keep them in the United States.
Large silver drums in a white and blue laboratory hold seed specimens in the National Laboratory for Genetic Resource Preservation.

Sept. 24, 2025: Planting the seeds for food security; Climate change’s impact on lightning, water, and snowmelt

Seed vaults preserve genetic material for crops in case of natural or man-made disaster– even warfare. The nation’s largest repository is in Fort Collins. We speak with an architect of the concept, World Food Prize laureate Geoffrey Hawtin. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo on the recent rain and studies that link climate change to lightning and faster snowmelt. Plus, encouraging lifelong learning, what it takes to come to the U.S. legally, and the legacy of Babi Yar.
A sign in trees for an election

Sept. 22, 2025: A Palmer ‘Divide’; Climbing with 10th Mountain descendants in Italy

In a small town between Denver and Colorado Springs, a lesson in civics and civility. What’s going on in Palmer Lake is about more than a proposed Buc-ee’s travel plaza. Purplish explores the debate. Then, CPR’s Stina Sieg joins us from Italy where descendants from Colorado are retracing the steps of loved ones who fought with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Later, does music soothe animals’ souls?

Sept. 19, 2025: New CBI director works to rebuild trust amid DNA tech scandal, rape kit backlog, mortuary investigation

He says he took over a “beleaguered” department. The new head of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is Armando Saldate. The CBI has had some highly public missteps; Saldate says he’s eager to get to work and to rectify mistakes. Then, moms reflect on their anxiety and how they cope after the school shooting in Evergreen. Later, Colorado Elvis Festival starts Thursday; we re-share some of Elvis’ Colorado history. And Sunday’s Jillith Fair honors Denver-born singer Jill Sobule’s life and music.

Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what’s next

School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We’ve invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we’ve seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It’s a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it takes to convert a vacant office building into homes in the Denver Tech Center. And a pet project takes sixth graders from the classroom to Fountain Creek.