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

FOLDING-BICYCLE

Jan. 1, 2025: Start the New Year with stories of second chances and positivity

On New Year’s Day, stories of second chances. Like a Ukrainian couple who fled the war and resettled in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. And a barbershop in Denver where former inmates offer a shave and a haircut. Plus, migrant farmworkers who hope their children don’t toil in the fields as they have. Education is key, and there’s a program in Colorado planting those very seeds.
Traffic on Interstate 25 south of Denver

Dec. 30, 2024: No more driving while holding a cell phone; Colorado Springs’ high-rise debate

When the ball drops on New Year’s, you’ll need to drop your phone when you’re behind the wheel. Meet an attorney who fought for the state’s new hands-free law. Plus, Colorado Springs has grown out more than up, so there’s resistance to a proposed skyscraper. Then, remembering the “Children of the Storm” caught in a horrible blizzard on the Eastern Plains in 1931. And later, finding the beauty in snowflakes.
Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza 2024

Dec. 25, 2024: Celebrate the holidays with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza!

Relax and escape from your everyday hustle and bustle with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! Recorded at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver, this year’s tradition includes headliner Kayla Marque, a Denver singer/songwriter; Joshua Danger Emerson, a Dine’ Navajo comedian and regular at the Comedy Works who founded the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoom Comedy; Scott O’Neil, former Colorado Symphony resident conductor who hosts “Behind the Baton” on CPR Classical; poet, artist and entrepreneur Confidence Omenai of Aurora; and Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel in Denver with an original song for Hanukkah.
Passengers head down to the trains, after security at Denver International Airport

Dec. 23, 2024: Airport chief on traffic, trains and construction; An inventor’s new period product

Colorado entrepreneur Drew Jarvis co-founded Sunny, which makes a menstrual cup and applicator; the Broomfield startup just won a big grant from the state. Then, ahead of the legislative session young people stage a “Policy Shark Tank” to share their ideas. Plus, the bald eagle is finally poised to become the nation’s bird. Later, as holiday travel hits its peak, DIA chief Phil Washington updates us on getting to – and through – the airport.

Staff

Tom Hesse.
Colorado Matters Western Slope Producer

Tom Hesse