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

Photos shows Denver Mayor Mike Johnston seated in front of a microphone on a table. There is a wooden door in the background. Johnston is looking to the left.
Colorado Matters

Aug. 8, 2025: Denver mayor on bond, layoffs, and Broncos; New GM on future of Colorado State Fair

Denverites are trying to square something: the city’s about to lay off employees but at the same time it wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in projects. We ask Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about that, tensions with Trump, turning office towers into apartments, and the future of the Broncos. Then, remembering a Hiroshima survivor in Denver 80 years after the bombing. Plus, the State Fair is back with a new general manager with an eye on the future. And Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident has a new single: Colorado.
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

Aug. 6, 2025: Could tracking denied gun sales prevent tragedy?; Many arrested by ICE aren’t ‘worst of the worst’

When someone tries to buy a gun in Colorado and is denied, it gets flagged. A CPR investigation finds that intelligence is underused. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry on how this connects to the firebombing in downtown Boulder and to immigration enforcement. Then, Donald Trump promised to deport “the worst of the worst,” but an analysis of ICE arrests doesn’t square up. Plus, a challenge to rethink the immigration system altogether from a Colorado Book Award winner.
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

Aug. 4, 2025: Colorado business juggles unpredictable tariffs; Could unclaimed property help state budget?

“Made in America.” It’s something the president wants to see more of, and it’s one reason behind his tariffs. But they’re hitting companies that are already making in America. We speak with a local manufacturer about the impact. Then, as the state faces another big budget gap, could it make up the shortfall using Coloradans’ unclaimed property? Purplish explores the idea and how to find out if you’re owed something. Plus, celebrating a century of lawn bowling!
By Ryan Warner
Image of a woman's face and she is smiling. She has short brown hair
Colorado Matters

Aug. 1, 2025: New state historian is a map geek; 748 area code dial tone jam

Colorado’s new state historian has dedicated her career to maps — not just as tools of navigation — but of influence and conquest. We speak with Dr. Susan Schulten. Also on this Colorado Day, we set the state’s new area code to music! Plus a chance to see the governor’s mansion. Then, you can vote on your favorite flower at CSU’s Flower Trial Garden. And The Barlow are back with upcoming performances with their brand of “Colorado Country.”
By Ryan Warner
Colorado Matters

July 30, 2025: Former ambassador on diplomacy under Trump; New chapter for Colorado Springs philharmonic

Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador from Colorado who was the nation’s top diplomat in five countries under both Republican and Democratic administrations joins us to talk about the nation’s new approach to foreign policy. Then, Coach Prime reflects on overcoming bladder cancer. Also, Rep. Gabe Evans’ immigration story draws questions. Plus, Ryan Warner shares his favorite book author moments as keynote speaker of the Colorado Book Awards, and a young book collector on her love of reading. Plus, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic gets a new leader.
By Ryan Warner
UMS PROFILE YASINEEMANNI CM STUDIO
Colorado Matters

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.
By Carl Bilek and Ryan Warner