Best Botanic Connections Podcasts (2026)

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Jan. 2, 2026: Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood 49:20

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8m ago49:20

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The legacy of Cherry Creek is rooted in Black history and it played a pivotal role shaping Denver into the city that it is today. Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel discussion called "Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood" in front of an audience this past spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe Libraries …

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Jan. 1, 2026: As a new year begins, a fresh start with forgiveness; A rock legend found home in Colorado 49:20

9h ago49:20

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On the first day of the year, a conversation about fresh starts. Forgiveness is the focus of Kristin Koval's riveting novel, "Penitence." We spoke at Lit Fest last Spring. Then, a final reflection on 2025 with a hall of fame moment for rock legend Joe Cocker who found happiness living in Colorado.By Colorado Public Radio

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Dec. 31, 2025: Remembering a milestone year with Coloradans who survived Hurricane Katrina 49:21

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As 2025 draws to a close, we revisit the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They have a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. They share their journey from Louisiana to…

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Dec. 30, 2025: Colorado researcher on drug that holds promise for treating Alzheimer's; Denver's missed climate goals 28:56

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There's promising new research out of Colorado in the effort to treat Alzheimer's disease. The study focused on the drug Leukine, which is already on the market to treat other disorders. Andrea speaks with the study's senior author, Huntington Potter, who directs the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center. Then, another study shows…

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Dec. 29, 2025: Colorado's bet on gambling and the impact on addiction; A doctor's journey with cancer 49:20

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The expansion of gambling in Colorado means added temptations for problem gamblers. It’s led the state to invest millions of dollars to treat gambling addictions. We look at the changes to gambling in Colorado and talk with a therapist and a Denver man in recovery. Then, he dedicated his career to treating patients with lung cancer and never expect…

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Ep. 558 - Insights into Pitcher Plant Evolution 53:38

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The drivers of evolution that result in the diversity of life we see around us are complex and fascinating. Nowhere is that more apparent than in pitcher plant genera like Nepenthes and Sarracenia. Join me and Dr. Kadeem Gilbert as we explore the myriad ways he and his colleagues try to tease apart the evolutionary ecology of these enigmatic carniv…

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What 2025 Taught Us About Global Cannabis w/ Michael Sassano (SOMAÍ) 41:42

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In this episode, Paul is joined by the Interim CEO and Founder of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, Michael Sassano - a man with a track record for global market predictions. Together they look back at 2025, and explore what's in store across the world in 2026. In this episode: Trump Reschedules Cannabis in the US (1:30) Not All Pharmaceuticals are the same (…

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Dec. 26, 2025: A Kwanzaa extravaganza and a singer who lives the principles everyday! 49:11

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This is the first day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture and heritage along with seven guiding principles, such as unity, purpose, and self-determination. Light the kinara with us as we share some of our favorite Kwanzaa memories from our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas! Plus, my conversation from August with Denver…

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Dec. 25, 2025: Celebrate the season with the 10th Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! 56:00

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A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you!By Colorado Public Radio

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Dec. 24, 2025: On Christmas Eve, a musical extravaganza spanning ten years! 48:17

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We're counting down to the 10th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza with some of our favorite musical artists over the past decade. Like Hazel Miller and Claire Dunn. Plus a centuries-old classic played on a massive pipe organ inside the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver.By Colorado Public Radio

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The Climbers of Eryri | A Story of Ice and Flowers 20:00

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The rock faces of Cwm Idwal are cold, dark and uninhabitable; unless what you love is to dangle off the frozen cliffs. Ice climbing takes you into a winter playground, but as the climate crisis thins the ice, how can climbers and conservationists work together to save one of the UK’s rarest flowers? Join ecologist and botanist Barbara Jones and ice…

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Dec. 23, 2025: Spreading laughter and cheer with the Holiday Extravaganza! 48:23

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Laughter is fundamental to the holidays. After all, "Ho Ho Ho" is one of Santa's favorite expressions. Which is why comedians have always had a place in our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. As we celebrate ten years, we've assembled those acts for a special filled with good cheer and memories.…

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Dec. 22, 2025: An extravaganza of Hanukkah stories, music and connection! 49:15

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In the darkness of winter, a celebration comes along to lighten homes, and moods. And in that bright space, enjoy music and conversation about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, compiled from our previous Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas.By Colorado Public Radio

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Rob Wooten of Convoy 52:18

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Rob Wooten is a multidisciplinary designer and artist who is currently the creative director and partner at Convoy, a Charlottesville/Richmond-based design and development studio, and a curator and collaborator with Trailhead Creative at Home Fire Gallery. This gallery focuses on local artists and designers. Illustrator and writer at Hanging Moon C…

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Ep. 557 - How to Help Fireflies 45:30

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Fireflies, lightning bugs, whatever you call them, these wonderful bioluminescent beetles are wonderfully diverse, occur in a variety of habitats, and they need our help. Habitat loss is causing declines for many species but there is a lot we can do to reverse this loss! Surprise surprise, a lot of it involves native plants. Join me and Ben Pfeiffe…

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Dec. 19, 2025: The 10th Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza 56:00

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A CPR tradition turns 10 this year. The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns with bluegrass, mariachi, comedy and storytime. And as always, we pay homage to Judy Garland. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply value togetherness, this audio gift is for you!By Colorado Public Radio

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Dec. 18, 2025: Deck the halls with 'Garland' 48:34

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Today, Colorado musicians pay homage to Judy Garland, who inspired our annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza. The CPR tradition began after Sr. Host Ryan Warner watched Garland's 1963 Christmas special. Enjoy covers by Isaac Slade, Neyla Pekarek, Beth Malone, and Ryan himself (cringe).By Colorado Public Radio

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12th Anniversary from Hamburger Haven! 2:00:00

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Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Playlist 0′00″ San Francisco Street by Sun Rai on Sun Rai (Pocket) 11′59″ Secret Santa by Ana Gasteyer on Sugar and Booze (Harry's Girl) 80′04″ In the Market for a Miracle by Ana Gasteyer on Sugar and Booze (Henry's Girl) The next Roll Over Easy is on Thursday, January 8th at 7:30 am. Check …

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Dec. 17, 2025: Chances low for a white Christmas on Front Range; Dating apps may have enabled a rapist 49:26

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A scary puzzle comes together today: We've had the warm piece, the dry piece, and now wind. We also ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo about the chances for a white Christmas. Plus, Colorado ski resorts rely on human-made snow. Also, women sue a dating app company for allegedly enabling a rapist. Later, Colorado's state historian on the s…

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Dec. 16, 2025: Aging Matters: From the gift of time to decluttering, avoiding scams and the love of letters 49:13

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In this Aging Matters special, if you have an older person in your life, or you’re just stumped in general about what to give a loved one this holiday season, have you considered the gift of time? Then, how to avoid scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Later, when it comes to downsizing, how do you get rid of decades of stuff? Plus, …

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December 15, 2025: Tackling Colorado's rising homeowners' insurance; A Hanukkah song with a twist 49:12

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Colorado is in the top ten states for the most expensive homeowners' insurance, thanks to wildfires and hail. Purplish looks at what can be done to bring the cost down. Then, President Trump says he's pardoned Tina Peters, even though he lacks the jurisdiction to do so; we'll discuss the reasoning and what happens next. Plus some Colorado ranchers …

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Ep. 556 - From Seeds to Plants: A Plant Conservation Pipeline 40:11

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Plant conservation comes in many forms. Today we explore a plant conservation pipeline that starts with propagation and continues through to reintroducing rare plants back into the wild. Conservation Collections Manager for the Desert Botanical Gardens Steve Blackwell takes us behind the scenes of the Garden’s living collection, where rare, threate…

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When Fear Replaces Progress w/ Mimi Sener (Alma) 1:35:45

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Mimi Sener is one of the most respected and quietly influential leaders in the Australian medicinal cannabis industry. Mimi’s journey into cannabis was shaped by lived experience, supporting a partner through cancer and questioning the limits of traditional pharma. Since then, she’s built a career spanning early-stage industry growth, clinical educ…

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Dec. 12, 2025: This artist lost his sight, but not his vision; Author reminds children, 'you are not alone' 49:29

19d ago49:29

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The effort to extend the tax credit for the Affordable Care Act stalls in Congress, so what's next? Then, President Trump claims he pardoned Tina Peters despite lacking jurisdiction; we revisit the state crimes she was convicted of, and why the prosecutor says it wasn't political. Plus, a new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum features works exclusiv…

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Dec. 11, 2025: Working to ease vaccination confusion; Art as healing and rehabilitation 49:10

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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 c…

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Stephanie Fine Sasse and San Francisco! 2:00:00

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Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Playlist 0′00″ San Francisco Street by Sun Rai on Sun Rai (Pocket) 11′42″ Sugar and Booze by Ana Gasteyer on Henry's Girl (Sugar and Booze) 117′47″ Black Leaves by KIRBY on KIRBY (KIRBY) The next Roll Over Easy is on Thursday, January 8th at 7:30 am. Check out the full archives on the websit…

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Dec. 10, 2025: In 'Roam,' stories of people knitting the natural world back together 48:23

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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."By Colorado Public Radio

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A Robin is not just for Christmas 13:08

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As the festive season unfolds, one familiar face keeps appearing – the little robin. But behind its cheerful presence, is there more to this charming bird’s story? National Trust ranger Rosie Holdsworth chats to garden wildlife specialist Sean McMenemy about the remarkable life of robins, revealing their fascinating year-round behaviour and why thi…

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Dec. 9, 2025: Three Colorado women in the hall of fame on inclusion, visibility, history, and the future 28:50

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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 p…

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Dec. 8, 2025: The story of DIA's signature tent roof; Books to enjoy or give for the holidays 49:23

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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 Nat…

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Senlin Means of The Beautiful Idea 54:18

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Senlin Means is a trans woman and anti-fascist activist, co-owner of The Beautiful Idea and owner of F12 Infoshop. In her spare time she runs Charlottesville Harm Reduction and reads lots of books. She lives with a dog, a cat, and a snake in her hometown of Charlottesville VA. In this interview, hear Senlin's thoughts and experiences on: - learning…

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Ep. 555 - The Rookie Gardener 51:39

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Gardening can be a daunting enterprise, especially for a beginner. Heck, even skilled gardeners still kill plants. The quest to become a better gardener is a lifelong journey and thanks to people like my guest today, taking the leap doesn't have to be scary. Joining us is horticulturist and author Chloe Foster who has written an amazing book called…

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Dec. 5, 2025: 'If you can keep it' on unprecedented politics; Maintaining Mustang; Tech firm commits to downtown 48:53

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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 downt…

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Dec. 4, 2025: Protecting children from social media harm; Venezuelans living in the shadows 49:00

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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 f…

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Tree Twins and Muni Diaries 2:00:00

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Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Playlist 0′00″ San Francisco Street by Sun Rai on Pocket (Sun Rai) 12′48″ Fly by Eric Silverman on Fly (Royal Okaie) 88′33″ Never Going Back by Fleetwood Mac on Rumours (Warner) 119′25″ Nothing Rhymes with Christmas by Ana Gasteyer on Sugar & Booze (Henry's Girl) The next Roll Over Easy is o…

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Dec. 3, 2025: No degree? No problem; Tig Notaro grieves Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson 49:29

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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…

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December 2, 2025: 'Witness at Sand Creek'; Changing vision for Colorado's public lands 49:26

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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 Matt…

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December 1, 2025: Reflections on the past, and looking forward on World AIDS Day 49:12

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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." P…

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Ep. 554 - How Plants Handle Heat Stress 1:01:23

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Heat stress is a major component of plant health and it in growing more and more timely each year. Understanding how plants do or do not tolerate heat can teach us a lot about not only individual species, but communities and habitats as a whole. Joining us to talk about this is Dr. Brad Posch who is trying to understand the consequences of heat str…

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Nov. 28, 2025: Trust Matters: A conversation about record-low levels of trust in the media 49:03

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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 indu…

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Nov. 27, 2025: From astronaut to artist, Ed Dwight reflects on a journey making history as he turns 92 49:00

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A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrated his 92nd birthday in September. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight’s history-making didn’t stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculptin…

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Nov. 26, 2025: When the world believed Martians were real 48:49

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For "Turn the Page with Colorado Matters," former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, talks about his new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America." Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs. This first aired on August 15, 2025.…

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Golf Course to Nature Reserve | Just Add Water? 25:00

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How can a golf course become a place for nature and people to thrive? Ajay Tegala visits Sandilands in Lincolnshire over its first year as the once manicured lawns transform into a wetland habitat. But with one of the driest springs on record, can Sandilands go from one birdie to another? Will there be enough water for wading birds return? [Ad] Wil…

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November 25, 2025: Creating community for transracial adoptees; A remarkable journey on and off the slopes 49:26

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November is National Adoption Month. Today, how one Colorado organization is supporting families through the beauty and complexity of transracial adoption and creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents too. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about accountability after wildfires. And Colorado Hall of Fame skier Bob Meserv…

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Nov. 24, 2025: The great redistricting debate; Car sales sticker shock; Lafayette student's success in civics 49:19

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There's a political power play across the country to redistrict for control of Congress. Purplish explores if it could actually happen here, and whether it should. Then, what do car prices say about a possible "silent recession" in Colorado? Plus, a freshman at Lafayette's Centaurus High School lands in the top ten of the National Civics Bee finals…

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Ep. 553 - Soil Microbes & Desert Plant Restoration 45:38

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Deserts present a unique set of challenges to plants, especially when you are trying to restore them to the landscape. Drought, heat, soil salinity and more can make desert plant restoration seriously challenging. Luckily, Ali Schuessler and her colleagues at the Desert Botanical Garden are working hard to understand if soil microbes like fungi can…

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Nov. 21, 2025: A snowless Metro Denver; New CEO takes root at Botanic Gardens; Local 303 celebrates 'Autumn' 49:52

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Even if things change fast, November is on track to be record-setting dry and warm. We ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo for the Thanksgiving and ski outlooks. Then, CU economist Brian Lewandowski on whether the state faces a "Silent Recession." Plus, the aerial search for precious minerals in Southern Colorado, meet the new Denver Botan…

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Nov. 20, 2025: For Aging Matters, help with tasks while fostering friendship; Diversity amid DEI cutbacks 49:12

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For Aging Matters, around since the 1970s, the Senior Companion Program is more relevant than ever today, helping older Coloradans with tasks while creating friendship. Then, community colleges are stepping up with an equivalency program to get a high school diploma. Also, what's it like leading a nonprofit focused on DEI -- diversity equity and in…

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Lightscape! The San Francisco Botanical Garden! A library! 2:00:00

1M ago2:00:00

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Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Playlist 0′00″ San Francisco Street by Sun Rai on Sun Rai (Pocket) 9′49″ Dracula by Tame Impala on Deadbeat (Columbia) The next Roll Over Easy is on Thursday, January 8th at 7:30 am. Check out the full archives on the website.

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Nov. 19, 2025: State Democratic chair on wins, losses and what's next; Remembering Purnell Steen 49:26

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Democrats did well in this month’s election, then almost immediately capitulated, opting to reopen the federal government without healthcare concessions from Republicans. Today, an assessment from the state party chair. Then, we remember Denver jazz pianist Purnell Steen. Also, lingering lessons from the pandemic. And "rock" music with "Formations"…