Colorado Matters

The state’s taking new steps to fight COVID-19 as children as young as five are poised to get the vaccine. Plus, the pandemic’s impact on mental health, food insecurity, and basic respect. Then, Colorado’s new teacher of the year. And Colorado Mesa University’s new mountain bike champion. Finally, the art of “Smoking Mirrors.”

Former secretaries of state Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice spoke recently about their mutual connection to the University of Denver and about American policy. Then, what to know about open enrollment on the Colorado health exchange. Plus, searching for the source of the water that fills the iconic Hanging Lake. And, music from The Mañanas.

On October 29, 1929, financial markets crashed and set off the Great Depression. In Colorado, and across the West, that segued into the Dust Bowl, which pummeled farms and livelihoods for a decade. Today we re-share the stories of five Coloradans who grew up during this defining time.

When you die, what do you want done with your body? A new law in Colorado allows a new option: human composting. Then, what happens when someone can afford the land, but not the house? Plus, Colorado Matters’ 20th anniversary revisits a conversation with pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. And a special Halloween treat, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.”

Marty Lindsey, an actor from Colorado who’s in the movie “Rust,” reflects on the death of the film’s cinematographer and on filming scenes with firearms. Then, the baker’s dozen measures on Denver’s ballot. Plus, Jewish horror stories just in time for Halloween. And marking 20 years of Colorado Matters with founding host Dan Drayer.

Colorado’s considering key strategies as it works to overcome the pandemic and welcome back tourists, especially those from overseas. Then, the “Golden Girls” are helping with housing instability on the Western Slope. Plus, a Colorado researcher searches for, and finds, the world’s southernmost tree. And memories of Amache as Colorado Matters marks 20 years.

Three Coloradans plan the first all-Black expedition to Mount Everest. Then, faced with soaring housing prices some Coloradans live out of their cars. Plus, Colorado Matters celebrates its 20th anniversary with a look back at favorite discussions. And, a check-in with Nathan Heffel, who’ll help host our show from the Western Slope in the coming weeks.

Matt Cavanaugh, of Manitou Springs, gave his kidney to a stranger and set off a chain reaction. Then, chef Jennifer Jasinski on her new restaurant, “The Ponti,” opening with the Denver Art Museum’s new renovation. And a documentary showcases the work of four students to incorporate Black history into their school curriculum.