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

Colorado Matters

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!
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

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.
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
Colorado Matters

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.
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

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.
By Ryan Warner
DENVER GARDENS FLOWERS BLOOMING 240530
Colorado Matters

May 7, 2025: State lawmakers head to the finish line; Colorado Flower Collective helps farmers bloom

How much did Colorado lawmakers cross off their “to do” list, and what’s left to do as they head into the final day of the legislative session? Then, what potential federal funding cuts could mean to public media in Colorado. Plus, how the Colorado Flower Collective is helping local flower farmers. Later, words to remember to stay safe from lightning this severe weather season. And celebrate 25 years of otherworldly observations in the San Luis Valley.
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

May 5, 2025: How to turn an office high-rise into homes; United expands in Denver

It’s a rough time for commercial real estate. Could vacant high-rises be turned into apartments? In downtown Denver, a developer has bought two buildings with that in mind. We’ll find out what a conversion takes. Then, United’s new flight to Rome is the latest example of the airline’s investment in Denver. Plus, Purplish explores a rare veto showdown at the state Capitol. And, remembering Denver’s Jill Sobule.
By Ryan Warner
Author and host on stage together at History Colorado Center. Projection of book cover in background.
Colorado Matters

May 2, 2025: How The Women’s Bank of Denver fostered inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment

Not that long ago, women seeking a loan or line of credit faced invasive questions from bankers. “Are you planning on having children?” “What type of birth control are you using?” “Where’s your husband?” Against that backdrop, in the 1970s, The Women’s Bank of Denver was founded–changing financial lives for generations. Sr. Host Ryan Warner speaks with financial journalist Grace L. Williams, author of “Give Her Credit,” at History Colorado Center.
By Ryan Warner
Chester Reed remembers the images vividly: the fall of Saigon broadcast on television, families desperate to flee. "The people, they were scared to death. They didn't know what tomorrow was gonna bring," he recalled. "Only thing the people in South Vietnam wanted to do is live in peace, raise their families and get on with their lives." Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, Reed — a veteran who served two tours in Southeast Asia — has found an unexpected bond with someone whose life the war upended: Dr. Vinh Chung, a Colorado Springs dermatologist who now treats him. “When Saigon fell in April of 1975, my mother was pregnant with me,” Chung said. “I didn't choose to go there. I wasn't drafted. I was just born there." Chung's family, ethnic Chinese business owners, lost everything when Saigon fell, he said. Born in the Mekong Delta, he spent his early childhood in the jungle before his family fled Vietnam by boat. "There's a one-way trip because when you leave as a refugee, there's no going back," he added. After drifting at sea with no food or water, they were rescued by a humanitarian ship. Eventually, a small Lutheran church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, sponsored them. Decades later, another life-changing event brought Reed and Chung together — not on a battlefield, but in a Colorado clinic. "I had a cancer on the back of my neck," Reed remembered, touching the spot below his head. Reed said a friend recommended Dr. Chung. "Two days later, he operated on me and I'm here today because he's took good care of me for the last 14 or 15 years." "Mr. Reed here took a chance on me," Chung chimed in. "I came here, opened a practice. I knew nobody. And so we started from scratch." The two men bonded over more than medical procedures. Their conversations revealed parallels between their journeys and a shared belief in the power of kindness. "You can't control the paths of your lives," Chung said. "But you can always control how you treat other people." Reed agreed: "I like to treat everybody just like I treat myself. If I treat you that way, you'll treat me right too." Fifty years after Saigon fell, both men say they carry the lessons of war and survival. "It made me grow up a little quicker," Reed said. "You go through field hospitals, you see people laying there with no legs, no arms. You just learn to live with things. You can't change nothing." Chung reflected on the duality of human nature. "Humans are capable of the most cruel and savage behavior," he said. "On the other hand, I'm just amazed at the incredible courage and generosity of people I've encountered." As the world marks the anniversary of the war's end, Chung sees it as a reminder. "Today, as we talk about immigrants and refugees, we must see humanity in them," he said. "We should never, ever lose that." Reed echoed the sentiment. "Just treat everybody like you want to be treated and life will go on and everybody will get along good."
Colorado Matters

April 30, 2025: The start of severe weather season; A friendship after Saigon’s fall

We check-in with Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo as severe weather season begins, and find out what weather phenomenon fascinates her the most. Then, one family’s concern as Congress grapples with the future of Medicaid. Plus, a friendship forged in the aftermath of war 50 years after the Fall of Saigon. Also, in our series Aging Matters, researching robots to fight isolation in senior residential facilities. And, we celebrate International Jazz Day!
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

What doesn’t go up can’t come down

Federal cuts have reached the US’ weather balloon program– key to our understanding of daily conditions. In our regular climate and weather chat, Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo shares her reaction and clues us into the short-term and medium-range forecast.
By Ryan Warner
Purplish podcast recorded live with hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim, and guests Barbara Kirkmeyer and Joe Neguse
Colorado Matters

April 28, 2025: Perspective on Trump’s first 100 days from State Sen. Kirkmeyer, U.S. Rep. Neguse

Whether it’s tariffs, immigration, or the self-proclaimed Department of Government Efficiency, President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office have been a whirlwind. Two lawmakers from different parties and different Capitols share their perspectives: Congressman Joe Neguse, a Democrat, and State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican. They joined CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim for a live edition of Purplish recorded in front of an audience at the Buell Public Media Center in Denver.
By Ryan Warner