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

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.

Colfax Avenue’s History And Future; Metalsmith Craig Barr is ‘Forged In Fire:’ Slam Poet Goes From Guam To Denver

Colfax Avenue has been known as the Gateway to the Rockies, the longest, wickedest street in America, and as an ethnic melting pot. Now, it’s all about gentrification. We look at what’s happening today, as well as its storied history. Then, beginning July 1, companies that don’t collect sales tax from consumers who buy online are required to send their sales data to the state. Next, the winner of a “Top Chef”-like competition for metalsmiths. And, John Sarmiento, also known as Meta, hated poetry as a kid growing up in Guam. Now the Denver resident is reciting poems in front of live audiences, including one at the United Nations.

Schools Struggle To Improve Safety; Julia Roberts Plans Film Adaptation Of A Book About 1960s Denver

Effective July 1, Colorado school districts may have to pay legal damages if they fail to prevent school shootings or other violence, but there’s confusion about how to comply and the issue will most likely be decided in court. This comes at a time when more teachers are arming themselves, saying they want to protect their students. Also, your feedback on our segment with small-business owners hopeful about the Trump administration. Plus, Julia Roberts is turning a novel that takes place in 1960s Denver into a film. It’s based on Cynthia Swanson’s book about how life could have turned out differently, called “The Bookseller.”

Data Science For Missionaries; A Colorado Poet Is Back In Print; ‘Post-Modern’ Bluegrass From Head For The Hills

A Colorado Springs firm uses mapping to determine where missionaries can best do their work, and data to help Evangelicals spread their message. Then, how the city of Aspen transitioned to 100 percent renewable energy. Plus, with a new book, the poetry of Belle Turnbull gets new life. Turnbull and her lesbian partner lived in Breckenridge in the first part of the 20th century, where the poet’s work focused on the mountains and mining. Also, Fort Collins band Head for the Hills offers “post-modern” bluegrass on its new album, “Potions and Poisons.”

Health Care Bills Could Hit Southern Colorado City Hard; Aurora’s Motels Becoming Less Affordable Housing; Eclipse Drew Science Celebs To Colorado in 1878

The nation’s first round of health care reform brought Medicaid expansion and, a local health care leader says, improved medical treatment for poor working people in the Southern Colorado city of Pueblo. Now, that official says, those gains are threatened by Republican reform proposals in Congress. Then, inexpensive motels along East Colfax Avenue have provided a haven for people who might otherwise be homeless, but rates are rising and options are disappearing as development closes in on the community. And, with a solar eclipse coming on August 21, a look back to an 1878 eclipse that drew science celebrities, including Thomas Edison, to Colorado.

Small Business Optimism In The Trump Era; Climate Change And Severe Weather; ‘Red Dirt’ Country Music

CPR News is tracking stories about Coloradans who stand to lose or gain under President Trump. Today, a hear from small businesses who say the future looks bright. Then, from a hailstorm so bad it shut down a shopping mall to temperatures so high planes were grounded, the West has seen some intense weather lately. How much of that is connected to climate change? And, the sounds of red dirt country music will fill the small town of Limon this weekend. Lincoln County hopes the first Colorado Prairie Music Festival will boost tourism. Plus, six months after Denver began enforcing new rules on short-term rentals, listings on sites like Airbnb and VRBO has dropped dramatically.

DIY Ways And Other Ideas To Counter Climate Change; The Rich Inner Lives Of Animals

Rats can get depressed. Some pigs are extroverted and others are introverted. A conversation with two scientists who say animals have rich inner lives. Then, 100 ways to reverse global warming, ranked in order. Some are unconventional and others can be achieved in your backyard. Plus, Denver walks the line between a fearful immigrant community and federal immigration law. The debate over Denver as a sanctuary city. Also, a professional drone pilot who says racing makes him feel like superman.

Crisis At State Mental Hospital; Retiring TV Anchor On Industry’s Future; A Recycling Robot

Staffing shortages are so severe at the Colorado Mental Institute at Pueblo that the federal government has threatened to pull money because of worries about patient safety. Then, 9News Anchor Adele Arakawa is retiring after 24 years in Denver. She’s headed to Tucson — she’s not quite as sure where her industry is going next. Next, artificial intelligence could revolutionize the recycling industry, with a robot named Clarke leading the way. And, can a $4 million marketing campaign get kids off their screens and into the Colorado outdoors?

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse