Ryan Warner

Colorado Matters Senior Host

@CPRWarner[email protected]

Ryan Warner is senior host of Colorado Matters, the flagship daily interview program from CPR News. His voice is heard on frequencies around the state as he talks with Coloradans from all walks of life — politicians, scientists, artists, activists and others. Ryan's interviews with Colorado's governor now span four administrations. During his tenure, Colorado Matters has consistently been recognized as the best major market public radio talk show in the country. He speaks French, geeks out on commercial aviation, adores and tolerates his tuxedo cat Bob, and owns too many shoes.

Professional background:
Ryan came to CPR from WGCU in Fort Myers, Fla. He was the founding host of that station's daily call-in talk show, Gulf Coast Live. Ryan served as assistant news director and local host of NPR's "All Things Considered" and filed stories for NPR during Hurricane Charley in 2004. Ryan previously hosted "Morning Edition" on WYSO Public Radio in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and co-created a weekend news magazine there. Prior to that, he served as news director of KOPN Community Radio in Columbia, Missouri. For two years, Ryan left public radio to report and anchor weekend news at KTIV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa.

Education:
Bachelor's degrees in political science and French, University of Missouri-Columbia; Master's degree in broadcast journalism, Boston University.

Awards:
Ryan has won numerous awards from Public Media Journalists Association for his interviews. He's also been honored by The Associated Press. Westword named Ryan the Best Talk-Radio Host for 2021, and the editors of 5280 Magazine voted him Top Radio Talk Show Host of 2009.

INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL APOLOGY

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

“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.
CANINE COMPANIONS

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

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.”
Dr. Barbara Morris

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

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.
THANKSGIVING-TOCABE-RESTAURANT

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

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.
University of Colorado Boulder campus seen from Flagstaff Mountain Road

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

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.

Nov. 22, 2024: Envisioning Colorado’s transportation future; Charlie Burrell on life at 104

To help the climate, Governor Jared Polis wants to coax you out of your car with better alternatives. Our transportation reporter breaks down his new plan. Then, only weeks after the election, two state senators resign; now there are calls for vacancy reform.  Plus, our regular climate chat with Denver7’s Mike Nelson. On the cusp of a new Administration, he has high hopes for the power grid. Later, Colorado classical and jazz icon Charlie Burrell reflects on his love for music and making the most out of life at the age of 104. And remembering Jim Bishop, who built a castle in Colorado.

Nov. 18, 2024: State and local officials gear up for Trump’s immigration policies

President-elect Donald Trump has made Aurora the centerpiece of his immigration policy. The specifics remain unclear but state and local officials are on alert. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is also wary of changes that could impact his city. And, remembering pioneering meteorologist Warren Washington. Plus, paleontologists discover a new species of mammal on Colorado’s Western Slope.

Nov. 14, 2024: Gov. Polis on ‘safeguarding democracy’; Living artists connect past and present

For the first time since this month’s consequential election, we sit down with Governor Jared Polis, who has just launched a new national project to “safeguard democracy.” We also ask about immigration, U.S. Space Command, and working with the incoming presidential administration. Then, artifacts in glass cases are one way to share history, but History Colorado now incorporates works by living artists — to connect past and present.
Keira Richards is executive director of Trans Contintental Pipeline

Nov. 13, 2024: Trans Continental Pipeline sees surge in requests for help; Avian flu update

Following the election, a Colorado non-profit’s been inundated with requests. The Trans Continental Pipeline helps trans people move to Colorado, where protections are stronger. Then, avian flu was likely more prevalent in Colorado’s dairy workers than first thought; we’ll track the outlook. Plus, another chance to celebrate 20 years of African cuisine. And Chris Pandolfi takes us “Inside the Musician’s Brain.”
WILD HORSE ROUNDUP AT LITTLE BOOK CLIFFS

Nov. 12, 2024: A history of humanity… as told through ‘The Horse’

Without the horse, says historian Tim Winegard, the world would look nothing like it does today. The Colorado Mesa University professor has written, “The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity.” He joined Sr. Host Ryan Warner on stage in Grand Junction in September for our reading series, “Turn The Page.” They discuss how goods, ideas, and diseases proliferated on horseback. Plus, The Great Manure Crisis?!