Boulder proves it can laugh at itself
The Boulder Comedy Festival runs today through Sunday. We listen to bits from three Colorado comedians.
Is there a ‘Goldilocks’ amount of rain to avert wildfire disaster?
Plus the weather outlook for Pride weekend and the Fourth of July.
In Photos: The Psychedelics Science conference wrapped last week. Here’s who we met
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) hosted this year’s conference in Denver, the second time it’s been in the city since 2023.
DU Middle East expert weighs in on US bombing of Iran
Micheline Ishay says Iran’s nuclear standing remains uncertain.
June 23, 2025: How Iran might retaliate after U.S. bombing; The debate over home rule
The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend in what our guest calls “a watershed moment.” Now what? And how did we get here? Key questions Ryan asks the head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, Micheline Ishay. Then, Purplish explores the debate over home rule as Douglas County holds a special election Tuesday. Plus, Denver’s tall, zigzagging yellow sculpture celebrates 40 years; we revisit a Colorado Wonders question asking how it came to be.
How Iran might retaliate after US bombing?
The US struck three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend in what our guest calls a watershed moment. Now what? And how did we get here? Dr. Micheline Ishay leads the Center for Middle East Studies at The University of Denver.
June 20, 2025: What MDMA and other psychedelics can teach about Colorado’s embrace of psilocybin
A major psychedelics conference wraps up in Denver today. Its mission is to get more people, especially policy makers, comfortable with what has previously been underground. We speak with the founder of MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Science, about the science and what’s left to learn as Colorado licenses psilocybin healing centers.
June 18, 2025: When forgiveness isn’t optional
In her arresting new novel “Penitence,” author Kristin Koval creates a plot in which forgiveness is difficult, yet inescapable. The storyline allows her to explore issues of gun safety and juvenile justice, as well.
June 16, 2025: DOJ wants Colorado’s election records; A new way to measure snowpack by air to help water planners
The Justice Department wants Colorado’s voting records. We ask the Secretary of State and the head of Colorado’s County Clerks about the request and the reasons. Then, a new way to measure snowpack from the air could help waters planners make sure there’s enough to go around. Plus, the debate over the sale of federal public lands, how the land is managed, and cuts to staffing. Also, Colorado Wonders about coal trains. And later, a whole bunch of Ryans will descend on Coors Field.
Is your name Ryan? There’s a meetup for you. Brians need not attend
The nationwide Ryan Meetup descends on Denver this weekend. As many Ryans as possible will gather at Coors Field Friday whent the Colorado Rockies play the ARYzona Diamondbacks. (Sorry. Terrible joke.) Our own Ryan — Ryan Warner — speaks with organizer Ryan Fisher about this exceptional gathering of unexceptionally named people.
June 13, 2025: On Jewish life in the US today in all its beauty, anxiety, and complexity
About the same time a man shot flames at Jewish people in Boulder, Rabbi Caryn Aviv hit “send” on the final draft of her new book, “Unlearning Jewish Anxiety.” Aviv is the spiritual leader of Judaism Your Way in Denver and Boulder. Previously she taught Israel-Palestine studies at a university level. Rabbi Aviv is also Sr. Host Ryan Warner’s rabbi.
A Rabbi reflects: Boulder attack ‘presses all the Jewish anxiety buttons about our safety and belonging’
Rabbi Caryn Aviv finished her book “Unlearning Jewish Anxiety” the same day as a firebomb attack on Pearl Street. She also reflects on the terms antisemitic and anti-Zionist.
June 11, 2025: What a new medical school means for rural healthcare; A top Northern Colorado tourist spot blossoms
Colorado Matters travels to Northern Colorado, as crews in Greeley build the state’s third medical school. How it could ease the physician shortage. Then, we visit the test gardens that help determine which plants you find in your local nursery. And a commencement speech at CSU from a budding documentarian who defies cultural expectations.
Colorado is getting a third medical school. Rural communities will benefit, says its dean
The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine’s first class is expected next year. Founding Dean Dr. Beth Longenecker shares what will set this new school apart and how it aims to address Colorado’s physician shortage – especially in rural communities.
June 9, 2025: The bestselling novel ‘Go As a River’ weaves an engrossing tale of a watery ghost town
As a girl growing up in Gunnison, Shelley Read swam in Blue Mesa Reservoir. And she knew of the watery ghost town just beneath her. That ultimately led to her writing about it; the novel, now a global bestseller, is called “Go As A River.” A Turn the Page encore. And it’s not just about the disappearance of the town of Iola, Colorado. Then, students creating a workforce for climate resiliency. And, Colorado Wonders why some holders of annual state park passes may have to pay an extra fee to enter.
June 6, 2025: The challenge of tracking federal cuts; Festival Flamboyan creates connection
“The Impact Project” is a tool to track and display cuts to federal agencies; we speak with the founding director. Then, an update on the survivors and the suspect in Sunday’s firebomb attack in Boulder. Plus, a nationally renowned Colorado theater company that makes theater-going more accessible adapts in the face of canceled grants. And Festival Flamboyan is a first-of-its-kind event that hopes to connect Coloradans.
