Colorado Matters

Latest Episodes:

Jan. 22, 2026: Welcoming back the wolverine; Cannabis businesses anxiously wait for federal change Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Colorado now has a plan to reintroduce wolverines to the state, but meantime, the reintroduction of wolves is on hold for now. Then, cannabis businesses are still waiting for the executive order to reclassify marijuana to take effect. Also, a milestone for the survival rate for all types of cancer combined. We re-visiting Southern Colorado's "Gathering Place" and celebrate a pop culture moment with DeVotchKa.

Jan. 21, 2026: Arctic blast after record warmth; a polio survivor's story; Broncos' outlook without Bo Nix Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

An arctic blast is moving into Colorado after months of record warmth; we talk about the impact with Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, a survivor of childhood polio shares her story in the face of changing vaccine guidelines. Plus, former Denver Bronco Ryan Harris is back as the team prepares for the AFC championship game without its starting quarterback. And the Local 303 shares new music from Colorado artists for the new year!

Jan. 20, 2026: Colorado's state of education; A sustainable start to the New Year Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Teachers in Colorado are chronically tired, underpaid, and leaving the classroom in record numbers. A new report from the Colorado Education Association shows the situation is more complicated now because of directives handed down by the Trump administration and new conditions in the classroom. Then, how climate change is shaping some students in Boulder. Plus, as the New Year starts, rethinking sustainability through the clothes we buy. Also, cattle ranchers navigate the hard realities of supply and demand at the Stock Show. Later, restoring the Governor's office to its original grandeur, a chance to get organized, and creating tactile photography.

Jan. 19, 2026: Journey to Freedom: Building community through spirituals Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents an encore episode: "Journey to Freedom" with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent 2022 sharing spirituals chosen by the choir's director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU’s Newman Center. A spiritual singalong with the theme of building community, music that continues to resonate today.

January 16, 2026: Polis talks Tina Peters and 'the value of mercy'; Broncos Super Bowl push; Rodeo diplomacy Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In his final year as governor, Jared Polis says he wants to "lean into the value of mercy" -- would that apply to jailed former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters? We sat down with Polis after his State of the State address to discuss that as well as housing, healthcare, coal, and why Polis hasn't read the Epstein Files. Then, why the Broncos just might pull off what they failed to do last post-season Saturday against Buffalo. And, rodeo as...diplomacy? Ahead of Canada night at The Stock Show, we speak with a bull fighter-turned-producer from Alberta.

January 15, 2026: What happens next after Tina Peters appeal; A fitting milestone for Denver's annual Marade Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters gets her proverbial day in the Colorado Court of Appeals. We'll break down the oral arguments and what happens now. Then, Denver's annual Marade marks a milestone this year, and organizers say Dr. King would see it as a fitting tribute. How the event to honor the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to be, how it got its unique name, and what it took to make it a state, and ultimately federal, holiday. Plus, how AI is helping train Colorado teachers and how students are using it in the classroom.

January 14, 2026: 'If You Can Keep It' on retribution, presidential power; Mary Jane celebrates 50! Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

One year into President Donald Trump's second term, he continues to break democratic norms. In our series, "If You Can Keep It," University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides context as the president intensifies his punishment of Colorado. Plus, Mary Jane turns 50! Also, a Denver man finds hope with a new program to help break the cycle of addiction. And a food bank café takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition in Grand Junction.

January 13, 2026: Get moving in the New Year at any age; Portraits in Aging: Friends, family and 'maintenance' Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

It's a common New Year's resolution to start exercising, but after a few weeks, it's easy to lose motivation and fall back into old habits. A fitness expert has ideas on how to get active at any age. Plus, we share another "Portrait in Aging" featuring people in the state's fastest growing population: those 65 and older. Today, the story of 71-year-old Lucy Guo of Denver. Also, the challenge of storage for Colorado law enforcement as evidence goes digital. Then, our discussion continues about how Evangelical Christianity has shaped Colorado Springs and beyond with historian William Schultz, author of "Jesus Springs." And Colorado Wonders, who comes up with the clever messages on E-470's smart signs?

Jan. 12, 2026: State lawmakers' to-do list; How evangelical Christianity shaped Colorado Springs Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

We run down state lawmakers' "to-do" list as they head back to the Capitol this week, with Purplish. Then, the author of the new book, "Jesus Springs" on how evangelical Christianity shaped Colorado's second-biggest city. Plus, join Ryan live and in-person for "On Fire For God" Friday at the Denver Press Club. Also, tempting tastes in the Pikes Peak region with "Side Dish." And we hop on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

January 9, 2026: Tina Peters' latest appeal; What's next for Venezuela; Wildfire in Denver? Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Tina Peters is back in court next week as her lawyers try to free her from prison. Unless and until that happens, Colorado may continue to feel the Trump Administration's wrath. Then, after a history of oil booms and busts -- and its most recent collapse, an expert at DU on what comes next for Venezuela. Also, could Denver experience a wildfire? Denverite talks with concerned residents. Plus, an idea that never came to pass: Why can't you check your bags at Denver Union Station when you take the train to the airport? And Colorado Wonders about those funny, punny electronic road signs.

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