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.
Listen On
Two quote marks talking into a center microphone.

Latest Episodes

Aurora Theater Survivors; Bennet On Health Care Debate; Newly-Reopened Ute Museum

Five years after the Aurora Theater shooting, we check in with husband and wife Caleb and Katie Medley. Caleb was shot in the head while Katie escaped uninjured along with their unborn baby, whom she later gave birth to while her husband was in a coma. Caleb had been pursuing a comedy career before the attack and says the biggest challenges he faces now are being confined to a wheelchair and having trouble speaking. Then, Senator Michael Bennet talks about the future of the health care debate and what he’d do to improve on the current system. Plus, a contemporary view of the Ute Indians in their newly renovated museum.

Protecting Immigrants From Fraud; The Challenge Of Translating Jokes; Art Exhibit Critiques Shoddy Construction

Immigrants in Colorado are losing money and time, and even risk deportation, when they go to people who aren’t lawyers for legal services. Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett says his department has been successful in cutting down on what’s called “notario fraud,” and can help people elsewhere in the state. Then, the challenge of translating jokes. Is a chicken crossing the road as funny in another language? Plus, there’s a big gold frame at a museum in Denver, but, oddly, there’s no picture inside. It’s made of cheap material and the artist says the installation is a commentary on low-quality construction he sees going up in the metro area. And, Boulder progressive Bluegrass quintet Yonder Mountain String Band recently released a new album — we had a preview last December.

A Bathroom Experiment In Denver; ‘Trail Trash Of Colorado’; Food That Sparked Tears Of Joy

Denver is conducting a bathroom experiment. After too many people were relieving themselves in the street, the city invested in mobile restrooms and is tracking their use. Then, this man’s goal is to shame people, online, who misbehave in the outdoors. Those targeted include people who do things like swim where they’re not supposed to or illegally feed wildlife. The creator of the “Trail Trash of Colorado” Instagram account now says the shaming may have gone too far and he may even shut the account down. And, what led a Denver Post food writer to tears. Plus, fire management crews fighting wildfires have a new and different problem on their hands when they go to work: drones.

A Military ‘Space Corps’? Colorado’s SOS On Releasing Voter Info; Former Sheriff’s Trial; Colorado Was Pop Star John Oates’ ‘Destiny’

Congressman Doug Lamborn wants to create a Space Corps — a separate military service for space. The Colorado Springs Republican explains why he backs the proposal, which critics say could hurt his own community. Then, Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams on his decision to release voter data to the White House — and on his suggestions for changes to the national election system. Plus, former El Paso County sheriff Terry Maketa faced possible jail time for abuse of power but a jury found him not guilty on some counts, and couldn’t decide on others. A local reporter joins us to talk about what’s next. And, during a ski trip to Aspen in 1968, John Oates first found Colorado or, as he describes it, his “destiny.” Oates’ new memoir describes the personal struggles that eventually led him to move to the state full time. He also tells us the very New York story behind the hit “Maneater.”

Colorado’s Newest Political Party; Novel Based On Real-Life Murder In Aurora; Understanding Slow Food?

We’ll meet the man who founded Colorado’s Unity Party, which is now officially recognized in the state. The party, which has its state convention this weekend, would allow 16-year-olds to vote and make healthcare costs deductible. Then, author Matthew Sullivan’s new mystery novel is based, in part, on the real-life murder of a family in Aurora that’s never been solved. And, we’ll talk about “slow food” and why its gaining popularity in the state. Plus, a new start-up in Colorado is finding a market for food that would otherwise be wasted.

Sexual Harassment In The Tech Industry; An App That Helps You Save Money; Nolan Arenado’s Walk-Up Song; Colorado’s Pivotal In New Novel

More women in tech are speaking up about sexual harassment. It led one venture capitalist accused of harassment to resign recently with this statement: “The gap of influence between male venture capitalists and female entrepreneurs is frightening and I hate that my behavior played a role in perpetrating a gender-hostile environment.” This caused one Denver CEO to cut her ties with that funder. Then, a new app that’s supposed to help you save money. And, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado explains why he chose a beat that hits hard for his walk-up song. Plus, the high desert of Western Colorado has a lead role in a new novel. And, a master sergeant who was severely wounded in Afghanistan 11 years ago has become a champion shot-putter.

Marijuana And Traffic Searches; Rocky Mountain National Park Photographer; Charlie Blackmon Walk-up Song

Colorado State Patrol officers search far fewer drivers during traffic stops now than they did before recreational marijuana was legal, according to a new Stanford University study. Then, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most photographed parks in the country, but it’d be hard to find anyone who captures it better than Erik Stensland. He offers advice on taking good landscape photographs. And Colorado Rockies’ all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon talks about how he decided on the song that sets the tone for his at-bats. Also, with the current fire in Breckenridge largely contained, we look back on a deadly 2013 blaze in Arizona.

Entrepreneurs Face Mental Health Challenge; Fort Collins Musician’s Songs Are In A Hot Movie; Hamlet Is A Woman In Boulder

Successful entrepreneurs appear to be on top of the world. But two Colorado business owners who have battled depression say that’s not the case. They want others to speak up before it’s too late. Then, a breakout hit from the Sundance Film Festival features music from Fort Collins singer-songwriter Kyle James Hauser. Hauser licensed the music to filmmaker Judd Apatow but wasn’t involved in the production — he’s waiting for the movie’s debut in Denver tonight to hear how his music sounds. And, a female Hamlet takes the stage in Colorado this summer. Does mixing up gender roles mess with a classic? Plus, Denver residents are staying in their homes longer because they can’t afford something new. That’s stifling supply for prospective buyers in a booming market.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse