Ryan Warner

Colorado Matters Senior Host

@CPRWarner[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.

Black and white photo of a makeshift school bus.

Aug. 12, 2024: Survivors and sorrow of ‘Children of the Storm’; Paralympian finds serenity in sport

A packed school bus, stranded in a blizzard. The driver’s gone for help, and the older children are left in charge. Today, “Children of the Storm,” the story of the Pleasant Hill school bus tragedy on Colorado’s southeastern plains in 1931. Author and historian Ariana Harner joins us. Then, Colorado Paralympian YanXiao Gong heads to Paris already a world champion. He talks about his childhood love for his sport.
Black and white photo of a makeshift school bus.

Remembering the deadly school bus accident that stranded children for 33 hours

The Pleasant Hill school bus tragedy, on Colorado’s southeastern plains, killed five children and the driver. A record-setting blizzard left the bus and its occupants stranded for nearly a day and a half. The incident caught the world’s attention in 1931– including the president’s. Ariana Harner, co-author of “Children of the Storm” speaks with Ryan Warner as her book is re-released.
An audience listens to a conversation between Science Friday host Ira Flatow and CPR Southern Colorado reporter Dan Boyce at CPR News.

Aug. 9, 2024: Science around the dinner table. Ira Flatow, of Science Friday, under the microscope

Ira Flatow wants to turn science… into dinner conversation. The host and creator of Science Friday has spent a career quenching our curiosity, and his, and making science accessible. But amidst the fun are serious issues, like water shortages, climate change, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. Flatow was in Colorado recently. He spoke with CPR Southern Colorado Reporter Dan Boyce in front of an audience.
A wide shot of Celine Dion performing at the opening ceremony. The Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower hang above her.

Aug. 7, 2024: At CU, Céline Dion finds treatment and hope in her battle against stiff person syndrome

Céline Dion’s Olympic performance came despite her struggle with stiff person syndrome. She’s finding help, and hope, in Colorado. Then, lawmakers may try again to address high property taxes. Plus, Cherry Creek bucks the office vacancy rate. Also, the future of the historic Zuni power plant. And, what would your Olympic sport be? Finally, Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic premiere a new outdoor venue in Colorado Springs.
Crews respond to the Stone Canyon fire.

Aug. 2, 2024: Town shows its grit in the face of wildfire; New state law will help protect pollinators

A late-night donation highlights the spirit of community in the town of Lyons amidst the nearby Stone Canyon fire. Lyons Mayor Hollie Rogin joins us. Then, both sides position their arguments in the trial of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Also, a new state law will help protect pollinating insects and rare plants. And the Taste of Ethiopia celebrates 10 years!
Alexander Mountain fire aircraft

Aug. 1, 2024: Governor Polis on the wildfire fight; What smoke does to the human body

Does Colorado have what it needs to fight so many wildfires at once? Governor Jared Polis discusses the three current blazes and how federal funds could help in combating them. Then, fire’s effect on the air we breathe is significant. And as climate change supercharges the season, health effects become a bigger and bigger concern, says pulmonologist Dr. David Beuther. Also, a new superheroine whose tag line is, “transforming disabilities into SUPERabilities.” And, celebrating Colorado Day.
John Register stands on one leg with arms outstretched in front of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

July 29, 2024: Why a Paralympian ultimately embraced inspiration; Forest Corps seeks young people who love trees

As Olympic athletes compete in Paris, Paralympians prepare. Today, meet an Army veteran and former Paralympian who hated the word “inspirational,” until an unexpected encounter. His journey begins a special series leading up to the Paralympics. Then, the new Forest Corps. is looking for young people who love trees. Plus, grants to help fight climate change. And where are Colorado’s ghost towns?
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a podium on the South Lawn of the White House at a navy podium with the President of the United States seal on front with two mics attached. Behind her are 11 visible college athlete. The White House is barely visible behind the students.

July 26, 2024: Advocate says Harris is energizing women voters; A hot, dry summer continues

Stubborn heat will be with us for a while. Today, our regular chat about weather and climate with Denver7’s Mike Nelson and why the Front Range is so prone to heat and smog. Then, a prominent Black political organizer on how women are rallying around Kamala Harris. Plus, a player talks about rebuilding Team USA’s 3X3 Men’s Basketball just in time for the Olympics. Also, why some books and authors are more likely to be banned. And Marble welcomes rock sculptors.