Colorado Matters

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper leaves office Tuesday after eight years. For his final Colorado Matters interview as governor, we met Hickenlooper at the business that started it all for him: the Wynkoop brewpub. Then, ahead of Dana Crawford leading the National Western Stock Show parade, an encore of our interview about her historic preservation projects.

Colorado Democrats achieved political dominance in the 2018 election. What are their plans, and how are the Republicans responding? Then, as outgoing Gov. John Hickenlooper considers running for higher office, what we know about his leadership style from Colorado’s gun control debate. Next, we check back in with the tiny, marijuana boom town of DeBeque.

Inside the race to ready Colorado for legal sports betting. Then, how the state went from early Prohibition adopter to “Napa of Craft Beer.” Next, we look back on how Gov. Hickenlooper handled rural Colorado and the economy. Also, Colorado Wonders what’s up with all those geese. Finally, this artist can make a pinhole camera out of anything, even a truck.

In 2018, we looked back fifty years, to a defining moment for the United States: 1968. We spoke with Coloradans whose lives were touched by some of the most tumultuous moments of a trying year, from the March on Washington to the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, the at times-violent Democratic National Convention to Marlin Briscoe’s football legacy, even the rise of zombies in pop culture and Anthony Ruptak’s cover of the music of the time.

We revisit some of our favorite music stories from 2018: Gregory Alan Isakov on his new album, Dierks Bentley on starting a music festival in Colorado, Dan Taro on turning everyday noises into music, and remembering Aretha Franklin.

On Jan. 1, 2014, Colorado opened the world’s first fully legal, licensed recreational marijuana stores. In the 5 years since, the lessons Denver has learned. Then, our favorite book segments this year: “Calling All Minds,” by Temple Grandin; “Depth of Winter,” by Craig Johnson; “Brave New Arctic,” by Mark Serreze; and “The Little Lost Llama,” by Marie Ballard and Tracy duCharme.

At one point, a third of all Native American children had been taken from their parents. A Fort Collins woman was among them and has written a memoir. Then, you can help those less fortunate in downtown Denver on Christmas. Next, the history of Denver’s lost department stores. Also, books to give as gifts. Finally, remembering the Cranberries’ lead singer.

The Art Institute of Colorado is closing after more than 60 years, leaving students and teachers reeling from the chaos. Then, Reverend Paula Williams has lived life as a man and a woman, giving her a unique perspective. Next, how scientists map a drought. Also, hear from the cowboy poet of the year. Finally, a Colorado comedian and music producer are both recognized for their work.