Colorado Matters

Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.
Airs Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. & 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Latest Episodes

PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE 2025 PLANT MAGIC TALKS 20250617

Aug. 7, 2025: Veterans, first responders share psychedelic journey; Handheld device bridges language gap

Psychedelics can help people see things from a new perspective. That includes veterans and first responders who are also using storytelling to help them overcome challenges. Also, handheld devices that translate nearly 100 languages, including Azerbaijani, Haitian Creole and Spanish are being used by some Colorado counties to help non-English speakers with civic needs. Then, their stories were nearly lost, but through art, “12 Tablecloths” recognizes Black domestic workers who served white families more than a century ago. The exhibit closes tomorrow at the Trinidad History Museum.

Aug. 6, 2025: Could tracking denied gun sales prevent tragedy?; Many arrested by ICE aren’t ‘worst of the worst’

When someone tries to buy a gun in Colorado and is denied, it gets flagged. A CPR investigation finds that intelligence is underused. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry on how this connects to the firebombing in downtown Boulder and to immigration enforcement. Then, Donald Trump promised to deport “the worst of the worst,” but an analysis of ICE arrests doesn’t square up. Plus, a challenge to rethink the immigration system altogether from a Colorado Book Award winner.
A framed portrait of baseball player Theodore "Bubbles" Anderson. He is wearing a green baseball cap and a baseball uniform. It is a head-and-shoulders image.

Aug. 5, 2025: Respiratory viruses could awaken dormant cancer cells; Honoring Theodore ‘Bubbles’ Anderson

New research shows that respiratory viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, could “wake up” dormant cancer cells. We speak with with James DeGregori, the senior author of the study and deputy director of the Colorado Cancer Center. Then, Theodore “Bubbles” Anderson was the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. A century later, he’s been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, thanks to the efforts of sports journalist Justin Adams.

Aug. 4, 2025: Colorado business juggles unpredictable tariffs; Could unclaimed property help state budget?

“Made in America.” It’s something the president wants to see more of, and it’s one reason behind his tariffs. But they’re hitting companies that are already making in America. We speak with a local manufacturer about the impact. Then, as the state faces another big budget gap, could it make up the shortfall using Coloradans’ unclaimed property? Purplish explores the idea and how to find out if you’re owed something. Plus, celebrating a century of lawn bowling!
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Aug. 1, 2025: New state historian is a map geek; 748 area code dial tone jam

Colorado’s new state historian has dedicated her career to maps — not just as tools of navigation — but of influence and conquest. We speak with Dr. Susan Schulten. Also on this Colorado Day, we set the state’s new area code to music! Plus a chance to see the governor’s mansion. Then, you can vote on your favorite flower at CSU’s Flower Trial Garden. And The Barlow are back with upcoming performances with their brand of “Colorado Country.”
A woman is seated behind a studio microphone and holding hands with a man also seated behind a studio microphone. She is wearing a white shirt and he is wearing a grey shirt. They are looking at each other and smiling.

July 31, 2025: After 35 years, the triumphs of the Americans with Disabilities Act — and the work still to be done

It was 35 years ago that the Americans with Disabilities Act — widely known as the ADA — was signed into law, protecting the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of public life. Today, we look at its impact as it relates to transportation, as an advocate details the work still to be done. Then, a new executive order from President Trump aims to get cities to remove people who are unhoused from the streets. Also, meet Joel Medina — a tattoo artist in Thornton, whose own story of loss, recovery, and second chances is etched into every piece he creates.

July 30, 2025: Former ambassador on diplomacy under Trump; New chapter for Colorado Springs philharmonic

Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador from Colorado who was the nation’s top diplomat in five countries under both Republican and Democratic administrations joins us to talk about the nation’s new approach to foreign policy. Then, Coach Prime reflects on overcoming bladder cancer. Also, Rep. Gabe Evans’ immigration story draws questions. Plus, Ryan Warner shares his favorite book author moments as keynote speaker of the Colorado Book Awards, and a young book collector on her love of reading. Plus, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic gets a new leader.
Historic black and white photo shows people in the foreground looking at a flooded creek with a home askew on the shore.

July 29, 2025: Four Coloradans share the legacy of growing up Black in Cherry Creek

The legacy of Cherry Creek is rooted in Black history and it played a pivotal role shaping Denver into the city that it is today. Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel discussion called “Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood” in front of an audience this spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe County Libraries to reflect and share the personal stories of four life-long Colorado residents whose families called Cherry Creek home, and some who still do.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse