Colorado Matters

Latest Episodes:

April 28, 2025: Perspective on Trump's first 100 days from State Sen. Kirkmeyer, U.S. Rep. Neguse Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Whether it's tariffs, immigration, or the self-proclaimed Department of Government Efficiency, President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office have been a whirlwind. Two lawmakers from different parties and different Capitols share their perspectives: Congressman Joe Neguse, a Democrat, and State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican. They joined CPR's Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim for a live edition of Purplish recorded in front of an audience at the Buell Public Media Center in Denver.

April 25, 2025: Holocaust survivor and folk musician Osi Sladek Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In his memoir, Oscar "Osi" Sladek shares the unforgettable story of how he and his parents survived the Holocaust, while many other members of their extended family perished. "Escape to the Tatras" culminates in the story of Sladek's folk music career. In an interview with Ryan Warner, Sladek also reflects on faith and continued antisemitism. Sladek celebrated his 90th birthday this spring. This interview originally aired on January 27, 2023.

April 24, 2025: A long overdue honor for the 6888 Postal Battalion; From flood to fruit Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In World War II, an all women of color battalion solved an enormous backlog of mail between the homefront and the battlefront. Now, they're finally getting recognition with a Congressional Gold Medal. Then, land ravaged by a flash flood in 2013 becomes a budding fruit orchard in Lyons to give back to the community. Plus, training to fight wildfires from the air, the decades-long effort to bring clean water to southern Colorado, and a furniture bank furnishes new starts.

April 23, 2025: Exploring the potential of geothermal energy; Tennis on music, marriage, and balance Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

As Colorado looks toward the potential of tapping geothermal energy, we explore where it's being used already and considerations moving forward. Then, an 11th grader is honored for her answer to this question: "What's your message to the president?" Plus, the federal budget cuts hit AmeriCorps. And the husband-wife music duo, Tennis reflect on their final album and their journey through music, marriage, and finding balance.

April 22, 2025: The debate over geothermal energy boils over; Colorado reflections on Pope Francis Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

With all the debate about where to get energy, from oil and coal to wind and solar, there's one source we don't hear a lot about. Hot water. Colorado wants to become a leader in developing geothermal energy, but the debate on how to do that is heating up itself. Colorado In Depth explores what we know, and don't know about this energy resource. Then, Coloradans reflect on the impact of Pope Francis.

April 21, 2025: Remembering the Pope; State lawmakers on immigrant protections; Psilocybin and postpartum Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Regis University President Salvador Aceves says he was struck by the Pope's humanity when they met last year. Aceves reflects on the Pope's impact and legacy as the world mourns. Then, Purplish looks into the state's protections for immigrants as state lawmakers debate what to do next. Also, "The Trip" explores how psilocybin might treat postpartum depression. And using comedy to offset the anxiety of climate change.

April 18, 2025: Car buying considerations; Western Slope judge tells ICE to back off Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

The Colorado Auto Show opens today amid tariffs. We ask the head of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association about car buying in today's economy. Then, a judge on the Western Slope orders ICE to stay out of county courthouses. Also, a man who dresses as a chicken has a serious message about self-care in Colorado's ski towns. Plus, as the Nuggets begin the playoffs, the untold story of star center Nikola Jokić, the FoCoMX music festival begins, and how an ice castle and troll are helping towns in Teller County.

April 17, 2025: A Colorado Matters encore: Embrace a 'Wonder Year' of worldschooling Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the U.S. for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with co-author Julie Frieder in August, as well as a Denver family who took up the adventure. This is an encore episode of Colorado Matters which first aired on August 27, 2024.

April 16, 2025: Stand-up comic heals with 'Tromedy'; France knights Colorado astrophysicist Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Comedian Nancy Norton shares highlights from The Tromedy Podcast. Norton, a former nurse in Boulder, is trained in therapeutic humor. Then, for a second year, Colorado sends a Windsor High School student to the Poetry Out Loud national finals. And, an astrophysicist at NCAR receives one of France's highest honors.

April 15, 2025: A measles checkup; State lawmakers working to preserve trans rights Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

For the first time in nearly three decades, Colorado has three confirmed cases of the measles. But it's not considered an outbreak yet. Then, as the federal government rolls back rights for transgender Americans, Colorado is moving to expand protections. We'll look at the debate with Purplish. Plus, rural Colorado braces for Medicaid cuts and the impact of tariffs.

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