
Sept. 23, 2019: Creative Climate Communication; Swimming The English Channel (Times Four)
Conversations about climate change can be mind-numbing, but movies and TV shows are some examples of looking at the issue creatively, says a CU Boulder professor. Then, a Colorado woman swims the English Channel not once, not twice, not three, but four times. Even amid jellyfish bites. And, a new study says there are fewer birds than there used to be.

By Ryan Warner

Plastic Week! How Does A Major Plastic Packager Play Into The Solution?
What does it mean when a global food company that has contributed to the problem of plastic, now sees itself as part of the solution? Danone, whose brands include Evian bottled water, Dannon yogurt and Silk soy and nut milks has its headquarters in Broomfield. But they’re trying new things, like using sugar cane as packaging material.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 19, 2019: Reducing Plastic Packaging; Is A Shuttered Mine Really Closed?
Plastic Week! continues with the challenge to reduce plastic used in packaging. Plus, is a shuttered uranium or coal mine really closed and is there an environmental risk? Plus, answering Colorado Wonders questions about life sentences and wildfires. And a Boulder-based loom company marks a milestone.

By Ryan Warner

Plastic Week! Continues With Eliminating Single-Use Plastic Like Cups, Bags And Takeout Containers
On today’s installment of Plastic Week!: Is aluminum the answer to single-use plastic cups at stadiums? The bike-share for coffee cups that started in Boulder is expanding. Efforts to ban plastic bags and takeout containers is gaining some traction in the state. Plus, Ryan shares from his “plastic diary of shame.”


Sept. 18, 2019: Court Battle Over Colorado’s Aid-In-Dying Law; Banning Single-Use Plastic
The story of a doctor fired from a religious hospital for consulting with a terminally ill patient about the state’s aid-in-dying law and what the hospital says about the decision. Then, getting rid of the plastic you only use once, like bags and takeout containers. Also, a podcast from behind bars and remembering Cokie Roberts.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 17, 2019: After School Death, A Moving Reunion; Green Solutions For Tricky Plastics
Until he died in a shooting at STEM Highlands Ranch last spring, Kendrick Castillo was an avid member of its robotics team. Last week, his father paid the group a visit. Also, taking plastic out of to-go cups and can rings. Then, a commuter train from Pueblo to Fort Collins? And, a new “old” fruit at market. Plus, kids join parents at an artistic residency.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 16, 2019: Is It Possible To Reduce Our Reliance On Plastic? Mobile Home Issues
Plastic. It’s literally raining from the sky — this is Plastics Week on Colorado Matters. We begin with a Colorado Wonders question: How to reduce the amount of plastic in our lives? Then, a look at a new book, “Peak Plastic: The Rise Or Fall Of Our Synthetic World.”

By Ryan Warner

Kendrick Castillo’s Father Makes Emotional Return To Late Son’s Robotics Team
Kendrick Castillo was killed in the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch. He’d been involved in the school’s robotics team as had his dad, John Castillo. Castillo talked about his son’s death and the legacy Kendrick leaves behind.


Sept. 12, 2019: Perspective On Failed Recalls; Why Colorado Once Closed Its Border
Perspectives from a Republican strategist about this summer’s spate of unsuccessful recall efforts. Then, the reason Colorado once closed its southern border. Plus, revisiting “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” as Netflix launches a new series. And, before the nation’s first Latino Beer Festival, a visit to two breweries in Denver.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 11, 2019: Gun Policy That Research Says Works; Markups On Your Health Care Bill
As Congress takes up the issue of gun violence, we meet the man behind “The Denver Accord,” a package of research-backed policies he hopes will resonate. Then, Colorado ranks high on a list of states for markups in health care pricing. Plus, a Colorado archeologist who makes researching the past more inclusive, especially for Native Americans.

By Ryan Warner


Sept. 10, 2019: Breaking The Grip Of Meth On Colorado; What’s Making That Seasonal Noise?
Opioids get a lot of attention, but Colorado has a meth problem too, and it’s getting worse. Today, the extent of the problem, efforts to treat the addiction, and a discussion with a man who was addicted and now counsels others. Then, are the cicadas prolific this year? Plus, making sure the boot isn’t abused, and previewing the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 9, 2019: Bennet And Sanders Talk Politics; A Former Player Talks Broncos
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders looks to repeat his 2016 primary victory in Colorado, while Michael Bennet debates his viability in the Democratic Presidential race. Former Denver Bronco Ryan Harris says the team will be better this season with winning experience at quarterback. Plus, why is that confounded device on your car called the Denver Boot?

By Ryan Warner

Sen. Bernie Sanders, In Denver To Campaign, Will Not Endorse A Colorado Democratic Senate Candidate
The Vermont senator, who won the 2016 Colorado caucus and leads polls in the state, also discussed climate change and health care policies.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 5, 2019: Amazon Fire Research From CU; A Return To Colorado Poet Laureate’s Roots
CU researchers say the fires in the Amazon this year are especially concerning. Then, as the Air Force Academy’s chapel starts renovation, a look back at Lowry Air Force Base’s church. And, Colorado’s new poet laureate takes a trip through his north Denver neighborhood. Finally, Steep Canyon Rangers bring their award-winning bluegrass to Red Rocks.

By Ryan Warner

Sept. 4, 2019: Digging Into The Mysterious Vaping Illness; Why Johnston Dropped Senate Bid
A reporter looks into the origins of the mysterious illness linked to vaping. Then, making sure two car bombings in Boulder that killed Chicano student activists aren’t forgotten. Also, Mike Johnston says his priority now is electing a Democrat to replace Cory Gardner. Plus, Colorado cycling legend Jonathan Vaughters, on repairing the sport’s reputation.

By Ryan Warner