
Snowfall so far in Colorado is better than expected, says Denver7’s Mike Nelson
Colorado’s climate and weather are the focus of Ryan Warner’s regular conversations with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson. This time, snowfall takes center stage, along with a record-hot 2022.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 20, 2023: Impact of snow on drought, water supply; Fighting for equity in schools
Metro Denver saw a record January snowstorm, although it wasn’t the snowmageddon some were braced for. So what’s the interplay between weather and climate? It’s something we navigate each month with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson. Then, Systemic explores equity in school, as a mother and educator fights for her child’s safety.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 18, 2023: Gov. Polis on attainable housing, gun laws, migrants, hospital profits and state spending
Governor Jared Polis says housing is the key to just about everything: the cost of living, transportation, health. And he plans an overhaul of land-use policy. Colorado Matters senior host Ryan Warner also asks about gun laws, migrants, hospital profits, and state spending. Then, what recent migrant arrivals might indicate about the state of immigration policy.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 13, 2023: Navigating ‘The Wedge’ that can split families apart
Issues that split the country, can also split families. Today, Colorado Matters features, “The Wedge,” a new podcast distributed by CPR about bridging divides. Ryan Warner asks the co-creators, journalist Erica Anderson and Eve Daniel Pearlman with Spaceship Media, about when to engage in these discussions, and when not to.


Jan. 12, 2023: Season 2 of ‘Systemic’ explores equity in two Colorado school districts
Discussion of equity and racial justice in public education has become fraught – given the divisive state of politics these days. It’s at the heart of the new season of Systemic, CPR’s podcast that uses audio diaries and interviews to document the lives of change makers. Also, how Colorado’s Jewish community is helping migrants. And, a Coloradan nears a World Cup skiing record.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 11, 2023: The story behind the story of ‘The Mask’; Learning to use Narcan
“The Mask” is a short story inspired by the life experiences of its author, Clayton Adams, of Aurora, whose own life ended much too soon. His parents, Spike Adams and Jamie Shimeall, talk with Ryan Warner about why they wanted it published. Later, as the state legislature looks to address drug addiction and the larger impact it has, we learn how to use Narcan when someone overdoses.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 10, 2023: Social media resolutions; police tackle drugged driving
The new year offers a chance to reinvent our relationship with social media. We look at the changes at Twitter and emerging alternatives with Brian Keegan, a CU Boulder social scientist. Then, officers are training to figure out how someone’s driving is impaired. And, what’s up with state license plates? Also, a new platform for showcasing diverse artists.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 5, 2023: Uneven use of Colorado’s red flag law and why it wasn’t used for Club Q suspect
Colorado’s law allows law enforcement or family members to ask a judge to keep someone from having guns, but an analysis by CPR public affairs reporter Andrew Kenney found its use depends on where the request is made. We speak with DU law professor Ian Farrell and Denver attorney Whitney Traylor about the law and the Club Q case. Also, we ask Dr. Emmy Betz about other tools to prevent gun violence.

By Ryan Warner

Jan. 3, 2023: Legacy letters preserve life philosophy; Sharing migrant stories
Ethical wills, also known as legacy letters, are a way to share your outlook on life and preserve family history. Then, some of the migrants who recently arrived in Denver tell the stories of their journey and hope. Also, new state laws that took effect with the start of the new year. Plus, Colorado Wonders about Colorado Blvd. And one last hoorah for the holidays with Neyla Pekarek.

By Ryan Warner

How writing a ‘legacy letter’ or ‘ethical will’ transforms the living
A traditional will spells out who gets your stuff. An ethical will, or legacy letter, is a distillation of your history and values.

By Ryan Warner

Dec. 30, 2022: Remembering Coloradans we lost in 2022
From the first woman to become U.S. Secretary of State, to a world-renowned, yet humble jazz musician, we lost some remarkable Coloradans in 2022. In a special “Colorado Matters in memoriam,” we also remember a longtime owner of the Tattered Cover Book Store and an alpine adventurer.

By Ryan Warner

Dec. 28, 2022: The Marshall fire one year later, from rebuilding to future vulnerability
It’s been a year since the Marshall fire, the most destructive in state history. We get the latest on the investigation into its cause. We check back with a man whose new restaurant burned. Then, a tool to help gauge your vulnerability to climate disaster. And U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse on the challenges of climate change and future fire mitigation.

By Ryan Warner

Dec. 23, 2022: Our 7th Annual ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ brings love, laughter, and light
The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns for a seventh year. Singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek headlines, after a banner year of musical theater. The rabbi at one of Colorado’s oldest synagogues celebrates the light of Hanukkah. Meet some real winners from Colorado Springs. And dance to a Kwanzaa beat with an intergenerational troupe of Black women.

Mirth and merriment at the 7th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza
This year’s event took place in the sanctuary at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Denver.

By Ryan Warner

Dec. 22, 2022: We dust off a favorite ‘Holiday Extravaganza’
In truth, it’s not that dusty. We listen back to the 2021 Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. It was the first time we gathered after the pandemic lockdowns. Jazzman Freddy Rodriguez, Jr. offered a poignant reminder of COVID-19’s toll. Actor & director Betty Hart channeled Maya Angelou. And comedian Elliot Woolsey reminded us to laugh.

By Ryan Warner

Dec. 20, 2022: A ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ of yore
A bevy of talented artists gathered in 2017 to help Coloradans celebrate the holidays. They included musical couple Isaac & Anna Slade, jazz singer Danette Hollowell, and comedian Josh Blue. Boulder banjo player Jayme Stone helped us celebrate Chanukkah. So sit back, relax with a cup of egg nog and a latke, and soak up the sounds of the season.

By Ryan Warner