Colorado Matters

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May 20, 2026: Melat Kiros on bringing fresh perspective to Congress; Training for 'Survivor' May 20, 2026

Show notes

She’s a student of government – and a participant. Melat Kiros is taking a break from graduate school in hopes of pulling off a political victory: Unseating Denver’s longtime congresswoman Diana DeGette. Kiros is our guest today. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner’s interviews with Wanda James and Diana DeGette. Then, how Steven Ramm, an aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin, turned spreadsheets into survival skills. Plus, a new magical muse for Denver singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek who performs this Friday at the Oriental Theater.

May 19, 2026: DeGette on why she should stay in Congress; 'Raising Colorado' on broken child care system May 19, 2026

Show notes

A familiar name will be on the Democratic primary ballot in Denver. Diana DeGette wants to stay in Congress, and today makes her case. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner's interviews with Melat Kiros and Wanda James now. Then, the cost of child care is akin to the cost of college tuition, and it impacts everyone-- even those without kids. CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin leads the new series, "Raising Colorado: The Untold Story of a Broken Child Care System." Plus, Purplish shares some of the state's new laws as the legislative session ends.

May 18, 2026: Wanda James makes her case to the 1st Congressional District; Tina Peters is 2 weeks from freedom May 18, 2026

Show notes

There’s a three-way Democratic primary next month to represent Denver and Glendale in Congress. We hear from them this week. A coin toss determined the order. We start with entrepreneur and current CU Regent Wanda James. You can also read and listen to Ryan Warner's interviews with Melat Kiros and Diana DeGette now. Then, what's next for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters as reaction comes swiftly to the governor's decision to commute her sentence. And, tonight's Local 303 meetup celebrates Colorado artists in May!

May 14, 2026: In-depth with gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet ahead of Democratic primary May 14, 2026

Show notes

Democrat Michael Bennet hopes to leave the US Senate and become Colorado's next governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Bennet is our guest today. Yesterday, we heard from his opponent in the Democratic race, Attorney General Phil Weiser. We asked both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

May 13, 2026: In-depth with gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser ahead of Democratic primary May 13, 2026

Show notes

The state's top attorney wants to be its next chief executive. Democrat Phil Weiser is running for governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Weiser is our guest today. Tomorrow: his opponent in the Democratic race, Senator Michael Bennet. We'll ask both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps.

May 12, 2026: How do you break the cycle of homelessness if someone doesn't want help? May 12, 2026

Show notes

How do you help someone break the cycle of homelessness, if they don't want help? Denverite's Kyle Harris shares one woman's story that raises bigger questions about finding solutions to an issue that can divide communities. Then, a new state law puts portable solar panels within reach, especially for renters. Also, amid drought and water restrictions, one homeowner fights to re-use water. Plus, a "Sex and the City" star has a message for CU-Boulder graduates, CPR's new host of Morning Edition, Bazi Kanani, talks about her journey in journalism, and Aging Matters puts the focus on fitness; it can be as simple as going for a walk.

May 11, 2026: A Colorado Iranian shares her dad's life in war; Gardening in a drought; The art of tattoos May 11, 2026

Show notes

As much as we hear about Iran, there's a lot we don't know about daily life and politics there. Shideh Dashti is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. She speaks regularly with her father, who lives in Iran, and spoke with Andrea Dukakis, about what he's experiencing. Then, we meet Sam Nilsson, head grower at Phelan Gardens in Colorado Springs, to talk about planting in a drought amid water restrictions. And, a new exhibit at the Pioneers Museum celebrates the art and history of tattoos.

May 7, 2026: New rules of the road for young Colorado drivers; Moms dance their way to better mental health May 07, 2026

Show notes

There are new rules of the road for Colorado teens as a new state law requires more training before young drivers can get a permit. There are also new rules for background checks for instructors. Then, hundreds of Colorado moms are dancing their way to better mental and emotional health. We talk with the founders of the Mom Dance Party, back with their 4th annual Mother's Day event on Friday, May 15. Also, it's peak real estate season in Colorado but it's getting harder for home sellers to find buyers. Meanwhile, local colleges and universities are sending graduates out into the world. We're featuring the words of wisdom they hear as they depart: today, a returning graduate at Regis. And, a new wheelchair rugby force to be reckoned with calls Denver home.

May 6, 2026: Sundance is coming to Boulder. What will it be like? May 06, 2026

Show notes

The Sundance Film Festival relocates to Boulder January 21-31, 2027. What will it be like? Who is welcome? Will there be enough popcorn? At this year's CU Conference on World Affairs, Colorado Matters previewed Sundance and discussed its year-round mission, in front of a live audience. Our guests are director Lulu Wang ("The Farewell"), producer and Sundance Institute trustee Gigi Pritzker, and CU-Boulder student filmmaker Kate Yezzi.

May 5, 2026: Celebrating and reflecting on Asian American diversity and community in Colorado May 05, 2026

Show notes

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Today, we talk with the head of one publication that’s been telling stories of that community here in Colorado for two decades. We’ll also discuss some recent big milestones in our state and the challenges that persist. "Asian Avenue Magazine" is part of CEME, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange, a coalition focused on elevating the voices of diverse and often underserved communities. Annie Guo VanDan is the magazine co-founder and president. Nga Vương-Sandoval is featured on the May cover. She is receiving the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award, largely for her extensive work as the founding executive director of "Refugees + Immigrants United," a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to “empowering, advocating for, and celebrating the voices of refugees and immigrants.” And, we revisit the effort to make sure Denver's Chinatown is not lost to history.

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