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

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.
Empty Denver South High School

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.

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.
Police tape surrounds Club Q in Colorado Springs. Nov. 22, 2022.

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.

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.
20221216 COLORADO MATTERS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA-CMHE-

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.

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.