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Colorado Matters

Colorado Public Radio

Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.

Location:

Denver, CO

Genres:

Local News

Description:

Hosted by Ryan Warner and Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CPR News' daily interview show focuses on the state's people, issues and ideas.

Language:

English

Contact:

Colorado Public Radio Bridges Broadcast Center 7409 South Alton Court Centennial, CO 80112 800-722-4449


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

12/23/2024
Colorado entrepreneur Drew Jarvis co-founded Sunny, which makes a menstrual cup and applicator which just won a big grant. Then, ahead of the legislative session young people stage a “Policy Shark Tank” to share their ideas. Then, the bald eagle is finally poised to become the nation's bird. Plus, as holiday travel hits its peak, DIA chief Phil Washington updates us on getting to – and through – the airport.

Duration:00:49:08

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Dec. 20, 2024: Celebrate the holidays with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza!

12/20/2024
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.

Duration:00:55:23

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Dec. 19, 2024: A Holiday Extravaganza of Colorado comedy

12/19/2024
Today's Colorado Matters is a laughing matter. We've sewn together a comedy special that, we hope, will have you in stitches! It's a compendium of Colorado comics from our previous Holiday Extravaganzas, featuring Josh Blue, David Rodriguez, Nancy Norton, Rion Evans, Elliot Woolsey, and the comedic musical stylings of "Swelter and Burn" aka Willow Welter and Lauren Ciborowski.

Duration:00:49:16

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Dec. 18, 2024: Celebrate the holidays with an extravaganza of music and memories

12/18/2024
Today, world-class musicians serenade and enchant us! We've drawn from the archives of our Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza to create a collection of some of our favorite vocal and instrumental performances from the past 9 years. Celebrate the season with jazz, blues, country, Broadway, and a cappella with Clare Dunn, FACE Vocal Band, the Andy Hackbarth band, Beth Malone, Hazel Miller, Ron Miles and Emelise Muñoz.

Duration:00:49:07

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Dec. 17, 2024: Honoring a legal and civil rights pioneer; How science and magic intersect; DIA's Santa!

12/17/2024
Colleagues and family honor the legacy of Irving P. Andrews, a Denver lawyer who overcame racism and fought for civil rights. Then, Denver author Laura Krantz asks, "Do You Believe in Magic?" which explores how magic interrelates with science. Plus, an Estes Park man's milestone as a Bears superfan in Aging Matters. And, Santa lands at DIA's new Layover Lounge to make hectic holiday travelling a little merrier on Concourse B.

Duration:00:49:23

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Dec. 16, 2024: Rep. Crow on revamping Secret Service focus, culture; Colorado books for gift giving

12/16/2024
The Secret Service is spread too thin. That’s one of the findings of a congressional panel that looked into the attempted assassinations of Donald Trump while he was a presidential candidate. We talk with Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who was the ranking Democrat on the task force. Then, investigating the turnover in RTD's leadership. Plus, books by Colorado authors to consider as holiday gifts. And a special project creates pillows that provide more than the usual comfort.

Duration:00:49:13

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Dec. 13, 2024: Notorious Denver murder at the heart of white supremacy and 'The Order'

12/13/2024
"The Order" is about the investigation into one of Denver's most notorious murders, the killing of Jewish shock jock Alan Berg, by white supremacists. We speak with Kevin Flynn, the former Rocky Mountain News reporter whose book inspired a new film. Then, Colorado's congressional delegation on what it might take to cut government waste. Plus, Colorado Wonders about the state flower. And homestyle cooking in Delta.

Duration:00:49:23

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Dec. 12, 2024: 'NDN Santa' celebrates Christmas and culture

12/12/2024
With his elaborate feathered headdress and red sunglasses, he goes by the name "NDN Santa"-- that's NDN, a play on "Indian"-- and for more than 25 years, Rick Waters has been celebrating Christmas and culture at the Denver Indian Center. Waters is also the executive director of the center. This interview adds to a journey that began last December when Chandra set out to find diverse Santas in Colorado.

Duration:00:49:17

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Dec. 11, 2024: Syrian-American restaurateur has high hopes post-Assad; Mike Nelson forecasts his future

12/11/2024
At Syrian-owned Shish Kebab Grill in Denver, it's as if a weight has been lifted. One man's hope for a country whose future remains in flux. Then, a farewell in Fahrenheit to longtime Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Later, blood medics are coming to four more Colorado counties. And a homecoming for Michael Trent of "Shovels & Rope."

Duration:00:49:22

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Dec. 10, 2024: Password posting investigation; Aging Matters with the gift of time

12/10/2024
An investigation into passwords posted online by the secretary of state's office is finished. We talk through recommendations to keep it from happening again. Then, when Bev Marsh gave her father a calendar last Christmas he was a bit confused, until he realized it truly was the gift of time. Plus, Sheridan Guerin, the first Black dancer in Colorado Ballet history to perform as Clara in the Nutcracker, one again takes on the role in the holiday classic. We revisit Chandra Thomas Whitfield's interview with Guerin and young dancers of color.

Duration:00:48:17

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Dec. 9, 2024: Blindness cure in the works; Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey turns 20

12/9/2024
Eye transplants have not successfully restored vision. Dr. Kia Washington at CU Anschutz leads an ambitious campaign to change that. Then, we linger in the rack room at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey with the 20-year-old distillery's head blender. Plus, cricket is a reminder of home for Afghan middle schoolers in Thornton.

Duration:00:48:53

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Dec. 6, 2024: Trauma of Indian Boarding Schools forever changed lives

12/6/2024
"A blot on American history" is how President Joe Biden described Indian boarding schools as he formally apologized for them in October. For survivors of these institutions, designed to assimilate Indigenous children, it may be too little, too late. CPR's Elaine Tassy spoke with three people who endured boarding schools, Beverly Granger, Amanda Kee and Ruby Left Hand Bull Sanchez, about how their lives were forever changed. Then, re-envisioning an unused rail line between Boulder and Erie. And, what a Denver man who visited very county in the U.S. learned about embracing differences.

Duration:00:49:22

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Dec. 5, 2024: For Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae, a tattoo represents much more than art

12/5/2024
Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art. They spoke on April 11, 2024.

Duration:00:48:59

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Dec. 4, 2024: Tracking money for mental health; ER dogs bring comfort; Josh Blue's 'Freak Accident'

12/4/2024
Denver taxpayers have spent millions on mental health, but how's that money invested? CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has answers. Then, dogs are becoming a powerful resource in medical settings to bring calm and comfort amid anxiety and uncertainty. Plus, Denver comedian Josh Blue reflects on life and comedy in anticipation of his new special, "Freak Accident."

Duration:00:49:16

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Dec. 3, 2024: Aging Matters: 'Change Makers' helps navigate life's next chapter; Avoiding real estate scams

12/3/2024
People approaching retirement often face many challenges, such as how to manage finances and healthcare. But they also often grapple with questions about identity, self-worth and, ultimately, what to do next with their lives. Change Makers, a new program offered at the University of Colorado Denver, offers older adults and others a way to navigate those important questions. Plus, a reminder about how to avoid real estate scams.

Duration:00:49:25

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Dec. 2, 2024: A doctor’s calling shifts to medical aid in dying; Colorado Mesa's big rainforest win

12/2/2024
Five years after she was fired from her hospital system in a dispute over medical aid in dying, Dr. Barbara Morris runs a non-profit that educates people about, and advocates for, the practice. Then, a team from Colorado Mesa University won $5 million for its work to save the rainforest. And, the hidden history of Denver’s longest-running fire station emerges.

Duration:00:49:22

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Nov. 28, 2024: 'Wonder Year' teaches families how to use the world as a classroom

11/28/2024
Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the U.S. for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with co-author Julie Frieder in August, as well as a Denver family who took up the adventure.

Duration:00:47:45

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Nov. 27, 2024: Indigenous chef on embracing food and family at Thanksgiving; Ensuring Western Slope water

11/27/2024
At the first Thanksgiving, there were Native Americans and there were colonists. That story’s predominantly been told from the European point of view. Today: We hear from restaurateur Ben Jacobs, a member of the Osage Nation of northeast Oklahoma, who co-owns Tocabe in Denver. His goal – not just on the holiday – is to share the stories of his community through food. Then, why an aging power plant in Glenwood Springs is key to water security on the Western Slope. Plus, farmers celebrate the change of seasons. And, the Roaring 20s at the Kirkland Museum.

Duration:00:48:41

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Nov. 26, 2024: A new app aims to stop food waste; An arts innovator leaves MCA Denver

11/26/2024
An engineer in Denver has created an app called the HungreeApp to help people give, and receive, food as a way to build community and keep perfectly good food out of landfills. Then, heading into the holidays, we re-share "Lasagna Love." Plus, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver says goodbye to a visionary who helped shape Colorado's arts scene.

Duration:00:48:13

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Nov. 25, 2024: Pay equity breakthrough at CU; Colorado nominee for energy secretary

11/25/2024
The University of Colorado Boulder will pay $4.5 million to female faculty members after a class action lawsuit. We speak with one of the plaintiffs and her attorney. Then, Denver energy executive Chris Wright has been nominated to be the next energy secretary. Wright owns the world’s second-largest fracking company. And, young people offer their take on age and civic leadership in the “Youth on Rewind,” podcast produced by Youth on Record in Denver.

Duration:00:48:55