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

Zev Hauser in the NICU

July 28, 2025: A psychedelic to treat addiction?; Helping the tiniest of babies survive

Could the psychedelic drug ibogaine help people get off drugs or alcohol and stay off? It’s one of the natural substances Colorado voters chose to decriminalize. We examine the research as part of “The Trip: CPR’s coverage of Colorado’s Psychedelic Journey.” Then, being born at 23 weeks used to be a death sentence; now doctors are helping many of these tiny babies survive. Plus, a national Emmy for the documentary, “The Holly.” We share our conversation from 2022. And the story of one of Colorado’s strangest and most beloved landmarks.
UMS PROFILE YASINEEMANNI CM STUDIO

July 25, 2025: A summer of heat, drought and flooding; ‘Western Soul’ singer/songwriter at UMS

Do you know the hottest temperature ever recorded in Denver? We find out from Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo as the summer heat carries on. Plus, drought and the risk of flash floods. Then, FEMA cuts funding for water quality projects in Colorado. Plus, Denver singer/songwriter YasmineEmani performs in our studio as she prepares for this weekend’s Underground Music Showcase. And later, we try crafting a viral recipe.

July 24, 2025: Fighting backlash, Denver Pride sends powerful message; Aspen trees as wildfire breaks

Amid DEI cuts, the Center on Colfax was expected to lose money this year. However, the organization that runs Denver Pride saw more than 500,000 people turn out this year, despite the backlash from Washington. We spoke with the Center’s new CEO. Then, Colorado’s Attorney General files a lawsuit regarding law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE, as the state responds to subpoenas. Also, aspen trees’ role in wildfire prevention. Plus, a tournament to reel in invasive fish, and a play centering on Black women homesteaders.
Planned Parenthood Clinic in Denver

July 23, 2025: Planned Parenthood can no longer treat Medicaid patients; Festival honors Chicano culture

Medicaid patients in Colorado cannot go to Planned Parenthood for any type of healthcare under the One Big Beautiful Bill. We talk with the head of the Rocky Mountain region about the impact and what’s next. Then, hear from Gov. Jared Polis on the resounding pushback to stop a pedestrian walkway from being built in front of the State Capitol. Also, what’s in a name at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel ? And the 29th annual Chicano Music Festival celebrates identity and culture!

July 22, 2025: Rep. Evans on Dignity Act; Molly Brown’s great granddaughter on Titanic moment

Republican Congressman Gabe Evans, who represents Colorado’s District 8, has signed onto the Dignity Act, which he says will reform the immigration system and give legal status to undocumented people without giving them citizenship or amnesty. We also ask about ICE arrests, international aid, and the economy. Then, the Trump administration wants to stop Colorado from shutting down coal plants in the state. And the great-granddaughter of “the unsinkable Molly Brown” is in Denver to share new history about her legendary great-grandmother.
Photo shows a young man in dark clothing standing on a dark stage holding a microphone. The "Youth on Record" logo is behind him.

July 18, 2025: Colorado’s split vote on the rescission bill; Overcoming trauma with music; Celebrate 719 Day!

Congress has slashed foreign aid and funds for public media. We talk through how Colorado’s delegation voted, the politics and ramifications with our Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim. Then, he survived the Aurora movie theater shooting at age 12; now he’s sharing his recovery story through music with “Youth on Record.” Plus, would a boycott help Colorado Rockies? And, celebrate 719 Day with us!
Photo shows a vendor booth outside with a table filled with jars of pickles and am an in black clothing standing to the right.

July 17, 2025: Gov. Polis on insurance price hikes, wildfires; Shooting survivor on moving forward

An estimated 100,000 Coloradans stand to lose health coverage next year amid a 28 percent hike in premiums; Governor Polis holds Congress responsible. We ask about that along with wildfire resources, immigration, and the proposed bridge outside the State Capitol. Then, for Marcus Weaver, surviving the mass shooting inside an Aurora movie theater 13 years ago, was life-changing in ways he never expected. Also, Indie 102.3 host and local music director Alisha Sweeney joins us to spotlight musicians on Colorado’s indie scene ahead of the Underground Music Festival.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse