June 23, 2023: Reproductive rights in Colorado, a year post-Roe; Retracing the Santa Fe Trail
A year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, what’s the impact in Colorado? Then, a Crested Butte man wants to break stereotypes of the West. Plus, a photographer traces his ancestor’s path on the Santa Fe Trail. Also, efforts to ease a farm worker shortage face a tough road in Congress. Also, a Colorado-based treasure hunt on the moon.
Crested Butte writer, bookstore owner on the cliches of writing in the West and 5 books that break that mold
Arvin Ramgoolam co-owns Townie Books.
June 21, 2023: A literary caper, courtesy of the filthiest book ever written
In “The Curse of the Marquis de Sade: A Notorious Scoundrel, a Mythical Manuscript, and the Biggest Scandal in Literary History,” Denver investigative journalist Joel Warner goes down a fascinating literary rabbit hole. By the time he gets to the bottom, he has shed light on book bans, classism, and white collar crime. Warner speaks with Sr. Host Ryan Warner (no relation) at the Mountain Words Literary Festival in Crested Butte.
Colorado Springs’ new mayor appears in unity ad with candidate he beat
Former rivals Yemi Mobolade and Wayne Williams appear on screen together – in matching t-shirts.
How a Colorado psychologist proved being gay isn’t a mental illness
While the groundbreaking research happened in the 1950s, it wasn’t until 1973 that the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality as a diagnosis from the all-important Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
A Juneteenth special: A guidebook for discussing race and racism
Things get uncomfortable on Colorado Matters. And that’s the point. Hosts Chandra Thomas Whitfield and Ryan Warner read a new guidebook to racial dialogue, “Courageous Discomfort.”
June 16, 2023: Being a Black artist in Colorado; ‘Crickets’ descend on Rio Blanco County
Black singers and musicians in Colorado reflect on a culture that stereotypes and often dismisses and devalues their talent. Then, pesky bugs pour through Rangely. Also, Gov. Polis irks local governments… again. Plus, recovery ten years after the Black Forest wildfire. And how to sync up salary and well-being.
June 14, 2023: Polis pitches Prop HH; What’s old is new again for Infamous Stringdusters
Gov. Jared Polis is not on the ballot in November but a property tax relief measure he cares a lot about is. Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner asks Polis about Proposition HH, as well as vetoes and new gun laws, in their regular interview at the Capitol. Then, Colorado’s GOP chair targets a fellow Republican. Plus, the 50th Telluride Bluegrass Festival kicks off Thursday; we talk with The Infamous Stringdusters banjoist Chris Pandolfi.
At Telluride, The Infamous Stringdusters celebrate bluegrass’ past and future
At this week’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and on their new album, Colorado’s The Infamous Stringdusters honor the genre’s history and its promise. Banjo player Chris Pandolfi talks about the festival’s 50th year and the band’s latest record “A Tribute to Flatt & Scruggs.”
June 12, 2023: The psychologist who proved it was OK to be gay; A former Nugget reminisces
For a long time, gay people were considered mentally ill and subjected to cruel treatments, until a psychologist, who grew up on Colorado’s Eastern Plains, decided to test that assumption in the 1950s. Then, Denver Rockets and Nuggets player Ralph Simpson on this moment in team history. Plus, a special graduation for 28 women. And the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is back for a 50th year!
The Colorado psychologist who proved being gay wasn’t a mental illness
For a long time, gay people were considered mentally ill. They were subjected to lobotomies and chemical castration. At the urging of a student, research psychologist Evelyn Hooker decided to test this theory. Ryan Warner has the story of a straight ally who grew up on Colorado’s Eastern Plains and studied at CU Boulder.
June 9, 2023: Hannie Schaft killed Nazis. It put her on Hitler’s most-wanted list
Hannie Schaft, a member of the Dutch resistance, bombed Nazi assets and assassinated high-level collaborators. She is the inspiration for “To Die Beautiful,” a painstakingly-researched work of historical fiction. Boulder author Buzzy Jackson speaks with Ryan Warner at The Tattered Cover Book Store for the novel’s release.
Denver Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston outlines priorities from homelessness to public safety
What does Denver mayor-elect Mike Johnston want to do as soon as he is sworn in on July 17? Fresh off his victory in Denver’s mayoral runoff, Johnston laid out his priorities in an interview on Colorado Matters.
June 7 2023: Denver Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston’s vision for first 100 days; For the love of the Nuggets
We ask Denver Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston about plans for his first 100 days in office– and beyond. Then, CPR’s resident Nuggets superfan Vic Vela as the teams gets set for game 3 in the NBA Finals. And, meet a superfan in Towaoc in Southwestern Colorado. And “Colorado Wonders” about the Never Summer Mountains.
June 5, 2023: A poetic hot take as Denver elects a new mayor
Poet and activist Suzi Q. Smith votes. But she says that is the very least she can do to influence her beloved, and changing, city. As Denver elects its next mayor, Smith reflects on growth, affordability, and who Denver truly is for. She sat down with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at KBUT during the Mountain Words Literary Festival.
Colorado’s wetlands are endangered by climate change and invasive species. New federal money will help protect them
The Bureau of Land Management is giving $5 million for North Park near Walden and just more than $6 million for the San Luis Valley.
