Colorado Matters

Latest Episodes:

Dec. 17, 2024: Honoring a legal and civil rights pioneer; How science and magic intersect; DIA's Santa! Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Colleagues and family honor the legacy of Irving P. Andrews, a Denver lawyer who overcame racism and fought for civil rights. Then, Denver author Laura Krantz asks, "Do You Believe in Magic?" which explores how magic interrelates with science. Plus, an Estes Park man's milestone as a Bears superfan in Aging Matters. And, Santa lands at DIA's new Layover Lounge to make hectic holiday travelling a little merrier on Concourse B.

Dec. 16, 2024: Rep. Crow on revamping Secret Service focus, culture; Colorado books for gift giving Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

The Secret Service is spread too thin. That’s one of the findings of a congressional panel that looked into the attempted assassinations of Donald Trump while he was a presidential candidate. We talk with Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who was the ranking Democrat on the task force. Then, investigating the turnover in RTD's leadership. Plus, books by Colorado authors to consider as holiday gifts. And a special project creates pillows that provide more than the usual comfort.

Dec. 13, 2024: Notorious Denver murder at the heart of white supremacy and 'The Order' Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

"The Order" is about the investigation into one of Denver's most notorious murders, the killing of Jewish shock jock Alan Berg, by white supremacists. We speak with Kevin Flynn, the former Rocky Mountain News reporter whose book inspired a new film. Then, Colorado's congressional delegation on what it might take to cut government waste. Plus, Colorado Wonders about the state flower. And homestyle cooking in Delta.

Dec. 12, 2024: 'NDN Santa' celebrates Christmas and culture Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

With his elaborate feathered headdress and red sunglasses, he goes by the name "NDN Santa"-- that's NDN, a play on "Indian"-- and for more than 25 years, Rick Waters has been celebrating Christmas and culture at the Denver Indian Center. Waters is also the executive director of the center. This interview adds to a journey that began last December when Chandra set out to find diverse Santas in Colorado.

Dec. 11, 2024: Syrian-American restaurateur has high hopes post-Assad; Mike Nelson forecasts his future Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

At Syrian-owned Shish Kebab Grill in Denver, it's as if a weight has been lifted. One man's hope for a country whose future remains in flux. Then, a farewell in Fahrenheit to longtime Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Later, blood medics are coming to four more Colorado counties. And a homecoming for Michael Trent of "Shovels & Rope."

Dec. 10, 2024: Password posting investigation; Aging Matters with the gift of time Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

An investigation into passwords posted online by the secretary of state's office is finished. We talk through recommendations to keep it from happening again. Then, when Bev Marsh gave her father a calendar last Christmas he was a bit confused, until he realized it truly was the gift of time. Plus, Sheridan Guerin, the first Black dancer in Colorado Ballet history to perform as Clara in the Nutcracker, one again takes on the role in the holiday classic. We revisit Chandra Thomas Whitfield's interview with Guerin and young dancers of color.

Dec. 9, 2024: Blindness cure in the works; Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey turns 20 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Eye transplants have not successfully restored vision. Dr. Kia Washington at CU Anschutz leads an ambitious campaign to change that. Then, we linger in the rack room at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey with the 20-year-old distillery's head blender. Plus, cricket is a reminder of home for Afghan middle schoolers in Thornton.

Dec. 6, 2024: Trauma of Indian Boarding Schools forever changed lives Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

"A blot on American history" is how President Joe Biden described Indian boarding schools as he formally apologized for them in October. For survivors of these institutions, designed to assimilate Indigenous children, it may be too little, too late. CPR's Elaine Tassy spoke with three people who endured boarding schools, Beverly Granger, Amanda Kee and Ruby Left Hand Bull Sanchez, about how their lives were forever changed. Then, re-envisioning an unused rail line between Boulder and Erie. And, what a Denver man who visited very county in the U.S. learned about embracing differences.

Dec. 5, 2024: For Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae, a tattoo represents much more than art Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art. They spoke on April 11, 2024.

Dec. 4, 2024: Tracking money for mental health; ER dogs bring comfort; Josh Blue's 'Freak Accident' Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Denver taxpayers have spent millions on mental health, but how's that money invested? CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has answers. Then, dogs are becoming a powerful resource in medical settings to bring calm and comfort amid anxiety and uncertainty. Plus, Denver comedian Josh Blue reflects on life and comedy in anticipation of his new special, "Freak Accident."

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