Colorado Matters

Latest Episodes:

July 15, 2026: 'All aboard' CoCo, the Colorado Connector; Sauna complex planned for central Denver Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Front Range passenger rail could barrel down the tracks three years from now. We speak with Sal Pace, general manager of CoCo – the Colorado Connector. Then, a new mile-high marker for Denver that's as accurate as ever. Plus, a massive bathhouse is planned for an acre in downtown Denver. How might it create community? Also, how "movies under the stars" support firefighters, and a woman who lost her home twice to flames reflects on recovery. Later, a Colorado wilderness doctor returns from Greenland where he tended to climate scientists. And Colorado Wonders, where do bats hang out during the day?

July 14, 2026: New documentary examines child care crisis; Defying the Sand Creek Massacre orders Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

In Colorado, many families spend more than 20% of their income on child care, if they can find it all. A new documentary from Rocky Mountain PBS, "Careless: Colorado's Child Care Struggles," shares the stories of parents working to navigate the challenges of child care, and those coming up with creative solutions. Then, there's a new accelerated program at the CU School of Medicine to become a doctor. And it's one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, but Captain Silas Soule refused to take part. What the letters he wrote say about moral courage and conviction ahead of a panel discussion at the National Western Center July 25.

July 13, 2026: Art & the aging brain; Affordability and inclusivity in the Great Outdoors Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

"I'm not an artist." That's something two art instructors who founded Purple Art hear a lot as they visit retirement communities across the Front Range. Many of their clients have dementia. In our series Aging Matters, we speak with art teachers the Colorado's Alzheimer's Association hand-picked. Then, tourists think twice about their vacations because of wildfire. Plus, an effort to make Colorado's Great Outdoors more inclusive and affordable. Also, why it's not only okay, but recommended, for kids to play in the mud. And "Cowboys and East Indians," a play about identity, culture, and belonging, is up for a Colorado Theatre Guild award.

July 10, 2026: Mayor and chief of staff embrace compromise to move city forward; A spiritual labyrinth Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

The mayor of Colorado Springs, who’s independent, hired the Republican he beat as his chief of staff. Today, a conversation about civility, service and even and submission with Yemi Mobolade and Wayne Williams. Then, we visit a fire camp for the Aspen Acres fire near Pueblo. Plus, an adobe labyrinth by the state's oldest church in the San Luis Valley. And a living kidney donor proves you can have a normal life after giving the gift of life.

July 9, 2026: Phil Weiser on general election strategy; Theater critics on what to watch for this summer Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

As we wait to find out who the Republican candidate for governor will be in Colorado, we speak with Democratic candidate Phil Weiser, the current attorney general. Ryan Warner asks about his statewide strategy heading into the general election as well as gerrymandering and consequential court rulings. Then, we "Raise the Curtain" on theater critics with OnStage Colorado and find out their suggestions for the summer theater season.

July 8, 2026: Democrat Melat Kiros on her priorities in Congress; CSU starts new chapter in sports history Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Denver's representative in Congress will, very likely, be Melat Kiros. Fresh off her primary upset, the Democratic Socialist goes in-depth on how she'd legislate with a Republican president. Kiros also tells us her recent comments about the Boulder firebombing fell short. Then, CSU starts a new chapter in sports history as it joins the Pac-12. We speak about the change and the opportunities it presents with CSU athletic director John Weber. And, we share Denverite's "race" to Red Rocks with a new option in public transit.

July 7, 2026: Colorado Black Arts Festival marks 40 years of community; Assessing the primary Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

The Colorado Black Arts Festival marks a milestone this summer. One of the state's most enduring cultural institutions is celebrating 40 years of showcasing Black art, music, food, and community as the festival returns to Denver’s City Park July 10-12 with the theme, “Through Our Eyes,” a reflection on past, present, and future. We chat with executive director Jaleesa McIntosh and featured artist Keisha Makonese. Then, Purplish takes stock of the primary election and what it may say about the state of politics in Colorado heading into the general election.

July 6, 2026: Climate change fueling wildfires; After electrocution, Melissa Strong climbs again Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Climate change means stronger winds and more dry lightning, says Senior Editor at Inside Climate News Michael Kodas. The Boulder journalist is the author of "Megafire: The Race to Extinguish a Deadly Epidemic of Flame." Then, Estes Park climber and restaurateur Melissa Strong has written "Climbing Through," about recovering from electrocution.

July 3, 2026: Leave No Trace makes its mark; Indigenous beadwork as haute couture Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

In the face of global climate change, what room is there for the concept of "Leave No Trace?" We sit on a riverbank and ask the head of the Boulder-based Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which is in its third decade. Then, we get a bead on Indigenous designers Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder who have been celebrated by both Vogue and the Denver Art Museum.

July 2, 2026: A Colorado descendant of Thomas Jefferson hopes to unite family; The wildfire watch in Ouray Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

As America prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, a Colorado man with ties to one of the Founding Fathers, reckons with the country's complicated history and a family divided. Then, as wildfires continue to burn in parts of Colorado, we hear the stories of people forced to leave their homes at one of the largest, the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray. Plus, a new documentary streaming on HBO Max shares the history of the legendary band, Earth Wind & Fire, featuring Philip Bailey from Denver. And as America marks 250 years, we re-share a musical milestone for Colorado jazz saxophonist Tony Exum Jr. who performed the National Anthem at an NFL game.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected