Colorado Matters

Latest Episodes:

Dec. 11, 2025: Working to ease vaccination confusion; Art as healing and rehabilitation Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

As the federal government rolls back vaccination recommendations, where does that leave Coloradans, especially the parents of young children? We hear from a pediatrician and the state epidemiologist, who are working to address confusion -- and provide clarity. Then, art, as a form of healing and rehabilitation. Plus, a local grassroots non-profit celebrates 20 years working to keep Africa on the minds of Coloradans. And it's a Colorado Music Hall of Fame moment for Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.

Dec. 10, 2025: In 'Roam,' stories of people knitting the natural world back together Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Movement is key to life— for people and wildlife. But the way humans live can impede other species. Ryan speaks with Boulder science reporter Hillary Rosner, of CU, whose new book is "Roam: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World."

Dec. 9, 2025: Three Colorado women in the hall of fame on inclusion, visibility, history, and the future Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame marks its 40th anniversary this year, and today we're commemorating this milestone, talking with three remarkable inductees who’ve shaped Colorado through activism, engineering, community building and fierce advocacy. Velveta Golightly Howell is the founder and CEO of Sister-to-Sister, an international network of professional African American women. Jill Tietjen is an electrical engineer, author and former president of the Society of Women Engineers. And Dusti Gurule is president and CEO of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights.

Dec. 8, 2025: The story of DIA's signature tent roof; Books to enjoy or give for the holidays Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

The story of the tent-like roof at Denver International Airport begins with two architects in a downtown Denver bar. One of the architects, Jim Bradburn, recently died just as the airport turned 30. Today, we hear behind the scenes stories from his collaborator, Curt Fentress. Then, US United hopes to change the culture of divisiveness ahead of National Unity Day on Saturday. Plus, books to enjoy this holiday season, or to give as gifts. And Colorado centenarian Howard Berger celebrates 102!

Dec. 5, 2025: 'If you can keep it' on unprecedented politics; Maintaining Mustang; Tech firm commits to downtown Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: "A republic, if you can keep it." University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver's Little Saigon at History Colorado Center.

Dec. 4, 2025: Protecting children from social media harm; Venezuelans living in the shadows Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Protecting children from the harmful side of social media has been a years-long fight, but Congress may finally be taking action. Today we hear about one mother's determination to bring change in memory of her daughter. Meanwhile, experts will offer research assistance to state legislators next session. Then, they followed the rules set up by the federal government, but still face deportation. It's just one development in the immigration debate affecting thousands of people in Colorado. And, he's the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. Now, a century later he finally gets his due.

Dec. 3, 2025: No degree? No problem; Tig Notaro grieves Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

For most state jobs, you don't need a college degree. It's the skills that matter. Governor Jared Polis has championed this change in the private sector, as well. Reporter Lawrence Lanahan writes about this trend in a piece titled, “No college degree, no problem? Not so fast!” Then, comedian Tig Notaro remembers Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson with the new film, "Come See Me in the Good Light." Also, a mother and daughter from Colorado reconnect with their family's World War II legacy in Italy. Plus, pairing wine and solar on the Western Slope.

December 2, 2025: 'Witness at Sand Creek'; Changing vision for Colorado's public lands Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

It's one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Today, through the letters he wrote, we learn about a man who refused to take part: Capt. Silas Soule. Then, from oil and gas drilling to cattle grazing and conservation, the issues facing public lands in Colorado under the Trump administration. And for Aging Matters, free help clearing sidewalks thanks to the Snow Buddies.

December 1, 2025: Reflections on the past, and looking forward on World AIDS Day Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Today, on World AIDS Day, Ryan visits the Colorado AIDS memorial in the heart of Denver with Barb Cardell, program director at the Positive Women's Network USA. They discuss science, stigma, and, for our series Aging Matters, what it means to enter your senior years with HIV. Then, what a trip to the grocery store says about a "silent recession." Plus, a number of craft brewers have closed in Colorado; what does that signal for the industry? Also, calling all book lovers! And a Denver musician goes from busking to Red Rocks.

Nov. 28, 2025: Trust Matters: A conversation about record-low levels of trust in the media Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative. This discussion first aired on November 10, 2025.

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