Colorado Matters

Colorado Public Radio

Focusing on the state's people, issues and ideas, hear Colorado Matters on Colorado Public Radio and wherever you get your podcasts.

  • 49 minutes 2 seconds
    April 2, 2025: Measles case confirmed in Colorado; Critical seed lab in Fort Collins could be at risk

    The first case of measles has been confirmed in Colorado following a recent outbreak in other states; today, what to know to stay safe. Then, two Colorado researchers trying to prevent HIV grapple with frozen funding. And, a seed vault in Fort Collins critical to state and national food supply could be at risk from federal cuts. Plus, as baseball season begins, we re-share the story of the Sugar Beet League and a Greeley family's legacy of playing ball. 

    2 April 2025, 4:30 pm
  • 49 minutes 20 seconds
    April 1, 2025: A mother's search for answers; Is film project in Boulder a sign of things to come?

    Her adult son was shot seven times in the back by a Douglas County sheriff's deputy. Today, a mother's search for answers. Then, as Boulder prepares to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, could a film production there be a sign of things to come? Plus, Colorado Wonders why the school year is shorter than in other states. Also, Colorado will be getting 15 new judges. And a chance to celebrate the artistry and legacy of Selena. 

    1 April 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 51 seconds
    March 31, 2025: Deals get made at Sundance; Arctic adventurer goes 'Into the Thaw'

    What to expect from the Sundance Film Festival, courtesy of the town that lost it. From Park City, insight into the minuses and pluses from an art film owner. Then, an Oscar-winning filmmaker in Boulder who helped lure the event. Later, former Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD, gets candid about mental health. Plus, a frozen world that's no longer frozen. Arctic adventurer and author Jonathan Waterman, of Carbondale, on the rapid changes facing wildlife, plants, and people. 

    31 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 27 seconds
    March 28, 2025: How to become a changemaker; Snow shoveling programs help both seniors, volunteers

    Denver author and entrepreneur Danaya Wilson wants to create change. Her book is "Changemakers Wanted: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact and Ethical Change." Then, March and April are two of the snowiest months of the year, so as part of Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, now's the time to sign up for free snow shoveling, before the next storm. And it turns out the programs benefit not only the recipient, but the volunteer too! 

    28 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 50 seconds
    March 27, 2025: Bennet on 'wanton destruction' of federal government; Colorado's homegrown burger

     Colorado's senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, is angry at his own party as the Trump administration undertakes what Bennet calls the "wanton destruction" of the federal government. Then, why hot springs operators are concerned about Colorado's energy future. Plus, the CEO of Good Times talks about tariffs, trends and competition with big burger. And, a Colorado Springs family marks Ramadan. 

    27 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 12 seconds
    March 26, 2025: 'Cruelty' of HIV/AIDS cuts; Adam Cayton-Holland returns to his comedic birthplace

    A pediatrician explains how federal funding cuts could undo decades of progress in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, at home and abroad. Then, in a special out Friday, Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland marks 20 years of stand-up where his career began, at Lion's Lair Lounge. Plus, "Colorado Wonders" why seatbelt use lags here. And a Ukrainian family faces further uncertainty as they try to make a life in Boulder. 

    26 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 10 seconds
    March 25, 2025: Local vs. state control over housing; Sanora Babb's journey from Dust Bowl to author

    The state wants to ease the housing crunch by having cities allow more homes in less space and with less parking. But not everyone agrees it's the right approach. We'll explore the debate and how some cities are pushing back with Purplish. Then, from her challenging years on a southern Colorado broomcorn farm to the hills of Hollywood, the story of author Sanora Babb, "Riding Like the Wind." 

    25 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 21 seconds
    March 24, 2025: Colorado-Canada trade connection; Natural medicine's Indigenous roots in 'The Trip'

    Colorado gets important things from Canada, like gas and lumber, and, when it comes to U.S. tariffs, Canada's Consul General in Denver is perplexed. Then, "The Trip," CPR's series about Colorado's journey to legalize psychedelics. This time, the long view: the Indigenous view of plant-based medicine. Then, Colorado Wonders why the Front Range is sometimes colder than higher elevations. Plus, long-time CPR Classical host Jean Inaba signs off. 

    24 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 19 seconds
    March 21, 2025: Ambassador Salazar on tariffs, cartels, and the Gulf; A spring of fire & ice

    Former US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar is back home in Colorado. We discuss US-Mexico relations including trade, border security, cartels, and understanding history at a time of political posturing and division. Then, spring has sprung, so what's in store for Colorado's weather? And CSU is ready for some March Madness! 

    21 March 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 25 seconds
    March 20, 2025: Living a full life in the face of death; Senior community rallies around displaced residents

    People who are dying have a lot to teach us, according to a Denver palliative care chaplain and host of the podcast, "Dying to Tell You," which features people confronting death by reflecting on life. Then, the senior community rallies around residents displaced by an explosion at their care facility. Also, how Colorado's black license plates may become a victim of their own success. 

    20 March 2025, 5:28 pm
  • 49 minutes
    March 19, 2025: Fighting violent crime in Pueblo; From plants to pests, spring gardening questions answered!

     The big city with the highest violent crime rate in Colorado is Pueblo. But they've managed to get their murder rate down by cracking down on other offenses. Then, the lure of spring gardening is upon us! Ryan goes to a greenhouse in Colorado Springs to answer listener questions, from plants to pests. Plus, new poetry from Robin Walter, a CSU professor. And "The Middle" comes to Colorado to talk about energy. 

    19 March 2025, 6:00 pm
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