Sept. 17, 2025: Ryan Warner marks 20 years at Colorado Matters
Two decades ago, radio journalist Ryan Warner fled churning hurricanes in Florida for higher, drier ground in Colorado. Warner, Senior Host of Colorado Matters, reflected on his career and on the state of public media recently at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at DU. The moderator is journalism ethicist Bob Steele.
Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what’s next
School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We’ve invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we’ve seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It’s a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it takes to convert a vacant office building into homes in the Denver Tech Center. And a pet project takes sixth graders from the classroom to Fountain Creek.
Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements, Colorado’s political landscape, and what’s next
Do Democrats take Colorado for granted? They have total control of state government. It’s been 20 years since a Republican was governor. It’s a question we have for Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Ryan also asks about endorsements and what’s next for the term-limited Polis after he leaves office.
Sept. 12, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 2: Vaccines, housing, wildfires, and water
Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this second part of the conversation, they discuss RFK Jr. and changing vaccine guidance, addressing the high cost of housing, the impact of wildfires, negotiations for water from the Colorado River, and transportation infrastructure.
Polis talks fires, housing and where Colorado stands on river negotiations with Western Slope audience
Colorado’s Governor fielded questions from residents in Grand Junction during a Colorado Matters event.
Tina Peters is not a bargaining chip and other takeaways from a live interview with Gov. Jared Polis
The governor fielded questions from Colorado Matters and Western Slopers during an audience event in Grand Junction.
Sept. 11, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 1: ICE, healthcare, and Tina Peters
Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and nationally. In this first part of the conversation, they discuss “Governor’s Safeguarding Democracy,” the use of the National Guard, immigration enforcement, convicted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and the pardon power, healthcare, and balancing the state budget.
Sept. 10, 2025: Bringing wolverines back to Colorado; A temple comes to Grand Junction
First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado’s planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We’ll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what happens to the invasive smallmouth bass when the fish is caught. Finally, the 89-year-old at the heart of Vail’s Oktoberfest.
What conservation easements mean for that perfect Palisade peach
The Colorado West Land Trust formed in the ‘80s to protect agricultural land in Western Colorado.
Sept. 8, 2025: Conserving land on the Western Slope; Retracing family history 80 years after WWII
A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado’s Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers’ and grandfathers’ journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a Grand Junction church that offers free health care amid growing need. Later, we say good-bye to a familiar voice on CPR News; Mike Lamp is stepping away from the mic on Friday. And later, new music from ChuckJay.
Longtime CPR Morning Edition host Mike Lamp retires after 44 years in radio and TV
Lamp came to Colorado Public Radio in 2000 after a broadcast career in Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona.
Sept. 5, 2025: Broncos’ season hopes are a mile high; ‘Soles of a Survivor:’ escaping horror amid hope
The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, “Soles of a Survivor” recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Englewood. The book has just been published in paperback.
Sept. 3, 2025: What is Colorado without Space Command? Unforgettable short story; Gasoline Lollipops persist
In the battle to keep Space Command, Colorado has lost. At least for now. We talk through the impact. Then, a Southern Colorado ranch tests the next generation Moon rover. Plus, Colorado author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection. She shares a doozie and answers questions about it. Later, the evolution of Boulder’s genre-defying Gasoline Lollipops.
‘Short stories are like watching a streaker. You see everything.’
Boulder author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection, “Save Me, Stranger.” Krouse reads a story that won a 2025 Edgar Award. “Eat My Moose” is about a military veteran who helps terminally ill people take their own lives. She then answers the volley of questions this story raises.
Sept. 1, 2025: Labors of love on Labor Day
On this Labor Day, labors, of love. Like a budding fruit orchard on property previously ravaged by historic flooding in Lyons. And a barbershop in Denver, where former inmates offer a shave, a haircut, and heart. Plus, Stranahan’s celebrates 20 years of tradition where the art of making whiskey is truly a labor of love for the head blender.
When aid workers need aid. We visit a support group for laid-off international development workers
The Tuesday Group helps these Coloradans emotionally and professionally.
