Best Jared Polis Podcasts (2025)

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Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what's next 28:42

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School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We've invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we've seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It's a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it tak…

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Sept. 22, 2025: A Palmer 'Divide'; Climbing with 10th Mountain descendants in Italy 49:20

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In a small town between Denver and Colorado Springs, a lesson in civics and civility. What's going on in Palmer Lake is about more than a proposed Buc-ee's travel plaza. Purplish explores the debate. Then, CPR's Stina Sieg joins us from Italy where descendants from Colorado are retracing the steps of loved ones who fought with the 10th Mountain Div…

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Interviews with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, SenatorJohn Fetterman, Senator Markwayne Mullin, Representative Jasmine Crockett 44:15

1d ago44:15

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On CNN's State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Chuck Schumer on whether Democrats will shut down the government. John Fetterman responds to Schumer and discusses whether Democrats can win back the Senate in 2026. Senator Markwayne Mullin responds to Trump increasing pressure on the DOJ to investigate his political enemies. Congresswoman Jasmine Cro…

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September 19, 2025: New CBI director works to rebuild trust amid DNA tech scandal, mortuary investigation 49:03

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He says he took over a “beleaguered” department. The new head of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is Armando Saldate. The CBI has had some highly public missteps; Saldate says he’s eager to get to work and to rectify mistakes. Then, moms reflect on their anxiety and how they cope after the school shooting in Evergreen. Later, Colorado Elvis Fes…

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Sept. 18, 2025: A family's hope after school shooting; 'One Book' inspires connection, photo exhibit 49:21

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Matthew Silverstone was critically injured in the shooting at Evergreen High School. His family wants the community to know who he is as he fights to recover; we share his uncle's message. Then, the Denver Public Library wants to get more people reading by sharing one book to encourage conversation. It's also inspired a photo exhibit. Plus, Sunday …

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Sept. 17, 2025: Ryan Warner marks 20 years at Colorado Matters 29:46

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Two decades ago, radio journalist Ryan Warner fled churning hurricanes in Florida for higher, drier ground in Colorado. Warner, Senior Host of Colorado Matters, reflected on his career and on the state of public media recently at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at DU. The moderator is journalism ethicist Bob Steele.…

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Sept. 16, 2025: Aging Matters, from housing to healthcare to ageism and respect 28:34

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When it comes to planning for Colorado's fastest growing population, people 65 and older, the state's Senior Specialist on Aging says it needs to be a group effort. "The government can't do all this work, nonprofits can't do all this work, we need the business community involved, we need healthcare involved, we need philanthropy involved," said Kri…

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Interviews with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox; Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Rep. Sarah Elfreth and Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley 41:19

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On CNN’s State of the Union, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins Dana Bash on the latest in the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination, as well as his appeal to Americans to turn away from political violence. Then, Republican Senator and pastor James Lankford joins Dana to discuss the rise in political violence and what responsibility lawmakers ha…

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Sept. 12, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 2: Vaccines, housing, wildfires, and water 28:52

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Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this second part of the conversation, they discuss RFK Jr. and changing vaccine guidance, addressing the high cost of housing, the im…

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Zohran Mamdani and the ‘democratic socialist’ grift 6:15

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Zohran Mamdani and the ‘democratic socialist’ grift By Mike Rosen Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old who won the Democrat primary (endorsed by fellow socialists Bernie Sanders and AOC) is now the party’s wholly unqualified candidate for mayor of New York City. He’s a Muslim antisemite and Israel hater. In college, he co-founded the school’s chapter of…

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Sept. 11, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 1: ICE, healthcare, and Tina Peters 29:17

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Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this first part of the conversation, they discuss "Governor's Safeguarding Democracy," the use of the National Guard, immigration enf…

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September 10, 2025: Bringing wolverines back to Colorado; A temple comes to Grand Junction 28:40

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First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado's planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We'll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders questi…

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Threats to transgender gun rights unjustly discriminate 6:21

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Threats to transgender gun rights unjustly discriminate By Jon Caldara The 23-year-old shooter of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis was born male. He identified as a woman and legally changed his name before he killed two and injured 18. The shooter of the Nashville Covenant School in March 2023 was born female. She identified as a man an…

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There is No Vaccine for Stupidity (feat. Logan Davis) 1:23:52

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Send us a message! Really! This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, HOLY SHIT, it’s Episode 250!!! And we have a great one for you. First up, RFK Jr. gets his ass handed to him in a Senate Finance Committee Hearing and absolutely lied in his confirmation hearings. Relatedly: Governor Polis took quick action to make sure Coloradans still have acce…

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Sept. 9, 2025: From astronaut to artist, Ed Dwight reflects on a journey making history as he turns 92 49:06

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A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrates his 92nd birthday today. 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, sculpting impor…

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September 8, 2025: Conserving land on the Western Slope; Retracing family history 80 years after WWII 48:54

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A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado's Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers' and grandfathers' journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a …

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Interviews with Florida Surgeon General Joe Ladapo; Doctor Paul Offit; White House Border Czar Tom Homan 44:43

15d ago44:43

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On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses FL Surgeon General on him not conducting any study before calling to lift vaccine mandate. Doctor Paul Offit responds. And White House Border Czar Tom Homan says sanctuary cities across America will be seeing immigration raids this week. Our panelists Rep. Kim Schrier, Scott Jennings, Xochitl Hinojos…

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September 5, 2025: Broncos' season hopes are a mile high; 'Soles of a Survivor:' escaping horror amid hope 49:24

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The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, "Soles of a Survivor" recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Engle…

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Sept. 4, 2025: How Colorado took political power plays out of redistricting; Teacher puts students first 48:31

5d ago48:31

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Would Colorado follow the lead of Texas and California and redistrict Congressional seats for political gains? Voters changed the state constitution to make sure that sort of manipulation can't happen here. We speak with the architect of Colorado's effort to take politicians out of re-drawing districts. Then, public school teachers have faced a diz…

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Sept. 3, 2025: What is Colorado without Space Command? Unforgettable short story; Gasoline Lollipops persist 49:27

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In the battle to keep Space Command, Colorado has lost. At least for now. We talk through the impact. Then, a Southern Colorado ranch tests the next generation Moon rover. Plus, Colorado author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection. She shares a doozie and answers questions about it. Later, the evolution of Boulder…

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Short skirt, high boots expose Dem hypocrisy under gold dome 6:31

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Short skirt, high boots expose Dem hypocrisy under gold dome By Jon Caldara Fashion sense? Oh, I got it. After all, 98% of my wardrobe was proudly purchased at Costco. And the ladies dig a man who’s dripping in Kirkland-labeled couture. They sense the money, the power. Another man who knows fashion is former state Rep. Ryan Armagost. On a private S…

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Team Normal and the Escape Goats (feat. Jessica Killin) 1:22:45

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Send us a message! Really! This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, the Colorado State Budget got a billion dollar cut, again, thanks to Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, and the rest of the Republicans Colorado sends to Washington. We break down the outcome of the recently concluded Special Session. Then, friend of the pod Governor Jared Polis has some...w…

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September 2, 2025: Ranchers grapple with drought, tariffs, wolves -- and inspiring the next generation 49:03

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Ranchers in our state have a lot to juggle, says the newly-elected president of Colorado's Cattlemen's Association, Curt Russell. Things like drought, wildfire, and wolves; not to mention regulation challenges and the uncertainty of tariffs. Then, from A.I. to filling a nearly billion dollar budget hole to addressing bad behavior in the state capit…

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Sept. 1, 2025: Labors of love on Labor Day 49:16

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On this Labor Day, labors, of love. Like a budding fruit orchard on property previously ravaged by historic flooding in Lyons. And a barbershop in Denver, where former inmates offer a shave, a haircut, and heart. Plus, Stranahan's celebrates 20 years of tradition where the art of making whiskey is truly a labor of love for the head blender.…

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Interviews with White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka; Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar; Ambassador Cindy McCain 43:56

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On CNN’s State of the Union, Brianna Keilar and White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka spar over right-wing claims about the prevalence of mass shootings by transgender people. Next, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joins to respond and discuss how her community is dealing with the aftermath of the Minneapolis school sho…

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Aug. 29, 2025: We visit a support group for laid-off aid workers 47:45

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The Tuesday Group formed in Denver when the Trump Administration shut down USAID. Experts in international development are in need of aid themselves-- emotionally and in the job search. Colorado Matters visits this support group at the Posner Center for International Development, which is a nerve center for Coloradans in foreign aid. Then, a Buc-ee…

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Aug. 28, 2025: After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina 49:21

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Today, the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They share 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 Colorado and how it forever …

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Flock cameras help cops, Denver Dems prefer criminals 6:40

23d ago6:40

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Flock cameras help cops, Denver Dems prefer criminals By Mike Rosen A criminal repeat-offender steals a car in Englewood, which is later identified by police at the Castle Rock Outlets using drone technology. Three police officers drive through the parking lot and blockade the perpetrator as he gets into the driver’s seat of the stolen car. The per…

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Aug. 27, 2025: A fall check-up on vaccines and viruses; Keeping water in the Colorado River 49:18

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Heading into fall, we get a check-up on COVID vaccines, the seasonal flu, measles, and West Nile with Dr. Ned Calonge, the state's chief medical officer. Then, as Western states divvy up water from the Colorado River, a new documentary wants to make sure the river isn't run dry. Plus, new research from CU Boulder on drought conditions and human-cau…

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Consolidation of radio a cautionary tale for local TV news 5:42

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Consolidation of radio a cautionary tale for local TV news By Jon Caldara Colorado conservatives have dreamt of the day they could kick 9News anchor, and the Imelda Marcos of sport coats, Kyle Clark to the curb. Their day may be coming. And I must admit, there’s a certain satisfaction imagining Kyle selling his wardrobe at a garage sale. But conser…

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Aug. 26, 2025: Denver's original unsung Bronco, Lionel Taylor; Chandra's Katrina story 49:25

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He's a Denver Broncos original who was a game changer even though he avoided the spotlight. From player to coach, we remember Lionel Taylor. Also, the influence of James Dobson on today's Conservative Christian movement following the evangelical leader's death. Plus, Manitou Springs grapples with the changing cannabis market in El Paso County. Then…

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August 25, 2025: Special session closing budget gap as AI debate continues; Local 303 has August's 'hot' artists 49:05

15d ago49:05

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Lawmakers remain in special session at the State Capitol after working over the weekend. The first order of business: close a billion dollar budget gap. But they're also trying to legislate artificial intelligence. Then, Systemic asks what can be done to keep young people from getting guns. And later, the Local 303 showcases "hot" artists for the m…

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Interviews with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel 41:36

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On CNN's State of the Union, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses with Dana Bash New York's redistricting plans, the party's loss of voters, and the President reviewing exhibits within the Smithsonian museums. Former Chicago Mayor and U-S Ambassador Rahm Emanuel slams President Trump's new plans to send troops into Chicago and reacts t…

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August 22, 2025: A cooldown at long last amid drought, wildfires; Tennis' farewell tour nears an end 49:13

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Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us to discuss weather, climate, and water in the face of worsening drought and wildfires on the Western Slope. Then, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of hailstorms. Plus, Denver music duo Tennis nears the end of their farewell tour in Colorado; their last date here is Tuesday, August 26 at Missi…

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One Day This Will (Not) All Make Sense 51:12

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Send us a message! Really! This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, cutting taxes is bad, actually, and the State Legislature is about to go cut another billion dollars from the state budget because of it. Then, do you enjoy friend of the pod Kyle Clark’s innovative evening news show, microgiving campaigns, and refusal to let the worst stories be…

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August 20, 2025: Intervention to prevent youth violence at a crossroads; Boulder author on dating smarter 49:27

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Where youth violence was once rampant, it has plummeted. A successful program screens young people for their susceptibility. But now Denver's Youth Violence Prevention Center is itself susceptible to federal budget cuts. Then, a lot of single people are sick of dating in the modern era; Boulder author and dating coach Tim Molnar has ideas to make r…

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Gov. Jared Polis loves artificial intelligence to death 6:04

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Gov. Jared Polis loves artificial intelligence to death By Jon Caldara Disclosure: Gov. Jared Polis wrote much of this column. The epitaph on Jared Polis’ gubernatorial gravestone will simply read, “He knew better, but would not stand up to his own party.” For seven years, our hyperprogressive legislature has sent him one industry-killing bill afte…

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Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol 49:26

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A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what's been the impact and what's changed, or hasn't, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what's being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct,…

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Aug. 18, 2025: From campus costs to curbing gun violence: Two conversations about Colorado’s future 48:28

24d ago48:28

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CU Boulder’s chancellor, Justin Schwartz, describes what it takes for students to graduate — beyond tuition — and how housing, food and connection on campus factor in. Then, a youth violence prevention specialist joins Aurora police in an unconventional effort to keep young people safe and out of prison in "Systemic."…

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Interviews with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Former Vice President Mike Pence 41:26

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On CNN’s State of the Union, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake to discuss what he says was “substantial progress” in the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Then, Trump’s former vice president Mike Pence joins Jake to react to Trump rolling out the red carpet for Putin. Next, CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Brad Todd, Kristen Soltis An…

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Aug. 15, 2025: When the world believed Martians were real 49:17

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Former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, gives Colorado Matters an exclusive sneak peek at 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.…

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Aug. 14, 2025: Denver singer/songwriter Such on finding alignment in music 49:09

26d ago49:09

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Denver singer/songwriter Such is driven by a passion to connect and take care of others, first in nursing, now in real estate and especially, in her music. Then, Coloradans are living longer. And an Arapahoe County sheriff's deputy finds connection and community through his cowboy hat.By Colorado Public Radio

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Colorado driving pedal to the metal toward an energy cliff 6:17

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Colorado driving pedal to the metal toward an energy cliff By Jon Caldara You know when Wile E. Coyote runs off that cliff and he hangs in the air, magically suspended for a while until he realizes what’s about to occur? Only then does he plummet. Well, Colorado energy regulators are the coyote just before he sees there’s nothing below him. When Co…

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Aug. 12, 2025: Aging Matters: What to know about downsizing, from selling your home to decluttering 48:33

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Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it's time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time w…