Colorado Matters

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November 10, 2026: Children as caregivers; 'Running with Lions' an inspiring journey from Kenya to Colorado Nov 10, 2026

Show notes

Imagine being 12 years old and having to rush home from school to make sure your grandmother has eaten or taken her medication. For thousands of Colorado children, that’s not hypothetical; it’s a daily reality. We explore the trend of youth caregivers in Aging Matters. Then, Democrat Eileen Laubacher's in Washington, D.C. for freshman orientation in Congress as CNN calls the race for her against Republican Lauren Boebert in the 4th Congressional District. And, the inspiring journey from seeming hopelessness in Kenya to a life of service in Colorado for Dr. Pius Kamau, whose new memoir is "Running with Lions."

Nov. 9, 2026: A migrant's journey from Venezuela to Aurora in 'The Whisper Game'; What we can learn from trees Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

He picked up bullet casings outside his Aurora apartment. Little did he know he'd be swept up in President Trump's mass deportations. We tell his story in a new podcast, "The Whisper Game." Then, the pendulum of extremes, from severe drought to torrential floods. And, trees can teach us a lot about climate change and extreme weather. Forester Elli Morris calls herself a "tree storyteller." She says they make calculated decisions to survive. Morris met our Hayley Sanchez on a river trail near Durango.

Nov. 6, 2026: 'If You Can Keep It' on the midterms and what's next; 'Mortified' is comedic, cringy and cathartic Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

What cuts through political polarization? Fighting corruption. Voters are generally disgusted by overt self-dealing, says DU political scientist Seth Masket. This is borne out by the midterm results. Today, a post-election edition of our series "If You Can Keep It," about the state of our democracy. Then, how "Mortified" gets Coloradans to read from their teenage diaries on stage. "Mortified Colorado's" 10th anniversary show is November 19 at Denver's Oriental Theater. Plus, I share my own "Mortified" story in this podcast bonus!

Nov. 5, 2026: Polis on election impact, mercy, and what's next; Balancing academics, inclusion, and school choice Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

Jared Polis will be governor for two more months; he sits down with Ryan Warner to answer questions after Democrats' big win in the midterm, his support for passenger rail, his legacy with Tina Peters, and what's ahead for Colorado. Then, a New York Times Magazine article has sparked national debate over school segregation, parental choice, and the complexities to achieve academic success. Chandra Thomas Whitfield speaks with a panel of Black parents who've navigated this issue in Colorado.

Nov. 4, 2026: This might just be the smartest Colorado election analysis around Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

Democrats swept the statewide offices. They now have a supermajority in the state legislature. In even the reddest congressional districts, races are still too close to call. Meanwhile, voters sent mixed messages via ballot measures. We break it all down with our panel of experts: Democratic strategist Craig Hughes, Republican columnist Krista Kafer, and unaffiliated communications consultant Alton Dillard.

Nov. 3, 2026: How music helped shape history as a pivotal center celebrates its 5th anniversary Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder (CAAAS), widely known as "The Cause," joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in August to discuss the Center's fifth anniversary and his work as a scholar and author. The author of the books, The Funk Movement and Black Feminist Funk, Dr. Rabaka shared his reflections (and playlist) that he says trace the cultural and political power of Black music and its role in shaping history.

Nov. 2, 2026: A Columbine Memoir Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

Krista Hanley survived the attack on Columbine High School April 20, 1999. For years, she did everything she could to avoid being "the Columbine girl." In her new memoir "How To Survive A Mass Shooting," Hanley comes to terms with her trauma. She joins Senior Host Ryan Warner at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver for the book's launch.

Oct. 30, 2026: Ghost stories, star charts, and climate horror; the 4th annual DenverFright! Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

Do you dare open the door on Denverite's 4th annual DenverFright? From ghosts to readings to climate horror, plus a little comedy to laugh in the face of fear, nothing is off limits at the Bug Theatre in Denver.

Oct. 29, 2026: Colorado's unusual race for governor; A champion for equity in the San Luis valley Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

The race to be the next governor of Colorado has bucked campaign norms; Purplish takes a closer look in the final countdown to Election Day. Speaking of governing, a middle-schooler gets to run the office for a day. Then, voters in Grand Junction will decide the fate of a swimming pool that's been used for generations. And, remembering a San Luis Valley lawyer who was a champion for farmers and ranchers in a landmark case he took on pro bono for decades.

Oct. 28, 2026: Election observation or intimidation? Plus, free speech at a crossroads Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

Usually the U.S. welcomes election observers from abroad, but not this time. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to send federal observers to Colorado. Then, what to know about how your ballot is counted. Also, a new documentary examines the ongoing evolution of the First Amendment. And the Second Verse choir, featuring people with dementia and memory loss, gets ready for a fall performance.

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