Best KUNC Digital Podcasts (2025)

1
Why CU scientists are creating ‘cyborg’ jellyfish that could transform ocean exploration 9:13

Play Pause

13h ago9:13

9:13

In the depths of the ocean, miles beneath the surface, unusual new technology developed by Colorado researchers could soon help scientists make discoveries. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are harnessing the unique abilities of jellyfish to act as underwater explorers in places humans can't easily go – like the Mariana Trench, 7 m…

1
Wildlife, and human lives, along the Colorado River are the focus of a striking new documentary 9:13

4d ago9:13

9:13

When the Colorado River makes headlines these days, it's usually in reference to drought. And what lower water levels mean for the 40 million people in the Southwest U.S. who depend on the river. A new documentary screening in theaters around Colorado looks at those issues from a different perspective. It's a portrait of the plants and animals that…

1
Ever dream of keeping your own chickens in the backyard? Here’s how to get started 9:13

5d ago9:13

9:13

More people in Colorado are turning their backyards into coops and runs for chickens. According to The Denver Post, people are finding satisfaction in raising their own broods – especially as egg prices remain high. Paul Fleischer leads an introductory class to backyard chicken keeping at Fleischer Family Farm in Lakewood. The class addresses every…

1
The ‘chaos garden’ trend promises colorful, stress-free flowerbeds. Is it actually as easy as it sounds? 9:13

6d ago9:13

9:13

Gardening in Colorado takes work. You prepare the soil, choose what you want to plant, and lay out a design. Then once things start to grow, there’s all that weeding, pruning and manicuring – most of which is trickier given the Front Range’s tough soil and fickle climate. Or – you could just grab a few random seed packets, sprinkle them over a patc…

1
How this Loveland kindergarten teacher’s positive outlook on life is written into her children’s books 9:13

7d ago9:13

9:13

Kindergarten teacher Ellen Javernick has published over twenty illustrated children’s books. The Loveland resident’s first book, What If Everybody Did That? has sold more than a million copies. She just published her newest book titled Awesome of the Day. It tells the story of a boy named Andrew who has one bad day after the next – until he learns …

1
Bison hold a special place in the American West. An unusual CSU program helps restore their numbers 9:13

8d ago9:13

9:13

A small herd of bison roams the Soapstone Prairie north of Fort Collins. The herd offers a glimpse of what Colorado’s high plains looked like 200 years ago. These bison are unique for a few reasons. First, they’re descendants of the herd at Yellowstone National Park. Second, while most bison today carry some cattle DNA, this herd has nearly pure bi…

1
An extensive study looked at the potential of cannabis for treating cancer. Here’s why the findings surprised the researchers 9:13

11d ago9:13

9:13

A new study suggests that researchers should take a closer look at cannabis as a treatment for cancer and its symptoms. The team behind the study says the results suggest the federal government should remove restrictions on that research. An organization called Cancer Playbook, which is based in Evergreen, paid for the study. Cancer Playbook’s head…

1
Why having a pet during childhood could help your body process stress, according to CU researchers 9:13

12d ago9:13

9:13

If you had a dog or cat in the house when you were growing up, your body may be better equipped to respond to stress. That’s according to a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder in collaboration with researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany. Stress initiates an inflammation response in our bodies. In small doses, it’s a normal pa…

1
Fireflies are a rare sight in Colorado. Scientists at the Butterfly Pavilion have a plan to change that 9:13

13d ago9:13

9:13

For many of us, fireflies are synonymous with childhood wonder. We chase them on summer evenings, catch them and gently put them in a jar – with plenty of holes poked in the lid, of course. But if you grew up in Colorado, you may have never experienced that particular wonder. You may not realize that Colorado even has native fireflies. Because of d…

1
Looking for motivation to go for a run? Try pack burro racing, a uniquely Colorado sport 9:13

10d ago9:13

9:13

Every year, in an historic mining town in the mountains, runners lace up their running shoes and approach the starting line with their most loyal burro by their side. The annual pack burro race in Victor, southwest of Colorado Springs, sees athletes and burros run side-by-side over mountain trails and roads. Pack burro racing is the official summer…

1
Colorado’s aspen trees are showing their fall colors while it’s still August. Is that a bad thing? 9:13

15d ago9:13

9:13

If you look at your calendar – or your weather app – you’ll notice that we are still firmly in the dog days of summer. You should be spending weekends at the pool or sitting in the shade with a cold beverage. But if you look at your local aspen trees, you might be fooled into thinking it’s time for jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkin spice lattes. And it’…

1
Why a Cañon City exhibition displays — and sells — art by inmates at Colorado’s ‘Supermax’ prison 9:13

18d ago9:13

9:13

An unusual art show held each year in Cañon City displays – and sells – pieces by some of the most dangerous convicted criminals in the country. Fremont Center for the Arts sits about 20 minutes from the highest security prison in the nation: the USP Florence ADMAX, better known as Supermax. Each year, an art show at the gallery displays work creat…

1
She’s a therapist for clients who have multiple romantic partners – and says these tips can help any relationship thrive 9:13

19d ago9:13

9:13

Denver relationship therapist, Lindsay Hayes, has an uncommon specialty. She’s part of a growing group of professionals who work with people who practice polyamory. These are folks who openly have more than one romantic partner. Lindsay also researches and publishes about polyamorous communities. In her therapy practice, Lindsay promotes open commu…

1
How Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ left a hole in Colorado’s budget – and how lawmakers might address it 9:13

20d ago9:13

9:13

Colorado lawmakers head back to the state capitol on Thursday for a special session to fix a $750 million hole in the state budget. If this feels like deja vu – it is, in a way. Earlier this year, state legislators addressed a $1.2 billion shortfall during the regular session -- and balanced the state budget. But President Trump recently signed int…

1
Invasive zebra mussels devastate ecosystems. Can officials stop them from harming the Colorado River? 9:13

21d ago9:13

9:13

A small menace is invading the river that supplies water to 40 million people in southwestern states. Zebra mussels are tiny freshwater shellfish. They’re about the size of your thumbnail, with a striped shell. Since the late 1980s, they’ve spread to 30 states across the country, including Colorado. Now, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says they’ve bee…

1
Colorado mountain towns saw a dip in tourism this summer. Where did those visitors go? 9:13

18d ago9:13

9:13

After several years of record-setting numbers, Colorado's mountain towns are experiencing an unexpected summer slowdown in tourism. A drop in international visitors is a significant factor. This year, European visitors to mountain towns in Colorado and six other Western states are down 39 percent compared to 2024. Canadian visitors dropped 58 perce…

1
We have nothing to fear from Colorado’s ‘demon’ bunnies (but keep your pet rabbit away from them) 9:13

25d ago9:13

9:13

Demon rabbits. Frankenstein bunnies. Zombie cottontails. Phrases like those went viral this week after photos were published of rabbits near Fort Collins that appeared to have horns or tentacles on or around their heads. Wildlife officials say the unusual-looking rabbits aren't a cause for concern. The rabbits suffer from a relatively common virus …

1
Why a secret weapon against climate change might be hiding in your shower or air conditioner 9:13

26d ago9:13

9:13

The goo and gunk you find in your dishwasher, or in the drip tray underneath your refrigerator, could hold secrets to fighting climate change or reducing pollution. That’s according to James Henrickson, a research scientist from Colorado State University. He says your hot water heater, washing machine, and shower are similar to hot springs or volca…

1
How a gecko’s ability to cling to surfaces could help CU scientists make stickier – and better – cancer treatments 9:13

27d ago9:13

9:13

An innovative cancer therapy inspired by the gripping power of geckos might be on the horizon. Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder studied the microscopic structures on gecko toes that allow the tiny reptiles to climb walls and cling to slippery surfaces like windows. That work inspired the development of a new material that could help…

1
The world’s largest wildlife overpass will soon span I-25. Here’s how it will help animals – and drivers 9:13

28d ago9:13

9:13

The world’s largest wildlife overpass will soon be open for use in Colorado. Wildlife overpasses allow animals to safely cross over highways. And Western states are building more of them to cut down on the number of crashes between vehicles and animals. This new overpass is being constructed over a section of I-25 between Denver and Colorado Spring…

1
Some students may have lost their ‘grit.’ Here’s how teachers and parents can help them get it back 9:13

29d ago9:13

9:13

Colorado teachers say their students are missing something that helps determine their academic success. They call it grit. If a student who struggles with math studies hard and performs well on their math test, that’s grit. If they complete a homework assignment that was tough to finish, that's also grit. Erica Breunlin covers education for The Col…

1
Inside one of Colorado’s first energy-smart homes, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s push for renewables 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

After the death of President Jimmy Carter last December, many of the tributes mentioned his environmental legacy and push for energy-efficient development. And one unusual part of his plan was focused here in Colorado. Carter’s administration had backed the design of some experimental homes along the Front Range. They were warmed by the sun and fue…

1
Cases of marijuana intoxication in dogs have grown in Colorado. Here’s how to protect your pets 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

Colorado is known as a very dog-friendly state. A recent study by Colorado State University noted that if you’re a pet owner in this state, there’s an 80 percent chance that pet is a dog. Colorado is also known for being one of first states to legalize cannabis. But the high number of dog lovers plus the state’s long history of legal weed appear to…

1
How Boulder's ‘Blue Envelope’ program aims to transform how people with disabilities interact with law enforcement 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

For many people, being stopped by police can produce a wave of anxiety. But that sense of stress and uncertainty is even worse for people with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, Tourette’s syndrome, or dementia. Earlier this year, Boulder’s police department rolled out a new initiative called the Blue Envelope Program to help p…

1
Some dinosaurs were dancing 100 million years ago. A scientist explains why a site in Colorado was so popular 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

Scientists say they’ve identified a sort of massive dance floor that some dinosaurs used as part of their mating rituals millions of years ago. The area is at Dinosaur Ridge, an active paleontology site in Morrison that’s also open to the public. Researchers there found dozens of places where a dinosaur species called Magnoavipes would scrape patte…

1
President Trump said his immigration policy is focused on ‘the worst of the worst.’ Colorado ICE arrest data says otherwise 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

Immigration arrests in Colorado have quadrupled since President Trump returned to office in January. Under Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say they’re focused on deporting violent criminals who are in the U.S. illegally – what the President calls “the worst of the worst.” But in Colorado, that promise doesn't line up with who i…

1
Who were the women that inspired the names of some of Colorado’s iconic landmarks? A new book explores their stories 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

Colorado has an abundance of mountains named after famous men – think Long’s Peak, Mount Wilson, or Pikes Peak. Since childhood, Sarah Hahn Campbell has been fascinated by the people behind place names. But she discovered little to no information on peaks, lakes or trails named after women. So, in 2017, the Denver-based author and high school teach…

1
Driving a semi on I-70 can be treacherous. This Colorado trucking school trains drivers for the challenges of mountain roads 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

A drive through the mountains of Colorado comes with breathtaking views, occasional glimpses of wildlife – and plenty of steep, winding roads. Sometimes that becomes deadly, especially for truck drivers. Even in good weather, mountain highways like I-70 can be uniquely challenging for professional truck drivers. And there’s no specialized training …

1
Why AI may soon be used to help judges and referees call professional sports 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

A new kind of commentator made its debut during the snowboarding competition at this year’s Winter X Games in Aspen. It's called The Owl AI – and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. The Owl AI demonstrated its ability by predicting the snowboarding half-pipe podium lineup, announcing in a cool male voice: “Third place Ayumu Hirano. Second Yuto…

1
Aspen groves help slow the spread of wildfire. Here’s what that means for mountain towns 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

New research suggests planting aspen groves could slow the spread of wildfires in Colorado’s forests. It’s an idea that could help some mountain communities seeing increasing threats from wildfires. A recent study looked at data from more than 300 wildfires in Western states. It found that large aspen groves often slowed the spread of forest fires.…

1
Win or lose, Colorado Rockies fans love their struggling team. That may be a problem 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

The Colorado Rockies have some of the most loyal fans in all of baseball. And that might be part of their problem. The Rockies, as you may have heard, are having one of the worst seasons in Major League Baseball’s modern history. And yet the fans still show up – on average, about 30,000 of them attended each home game so far this season. It's been …

1
What a veteran journalist learned from trying psychedelic therapy – and how it made his life better 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

Colorado recently hit a milestone: The first licensed psychedelic therapy clinic opened in June after voters here said magic mushrooms should be legal. So lots of reporters have written about the licensing process, interviewed therapists, and written about whether psychedelic mushrooms have real value in helping people recover from trauma, PTSD or …

1
Trails on many of Colorado’s tallest peaks are in bad shape. This team helps repair them for future hikers 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

Trails on several of Colorado’s fourteeners are getting a facelift this summer. Mount Democrat, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Blue Sky, and Mount Shavano are some of Colorado’s most popular mountains for hikers, but some of the trails on them are in rough shape. A nonprofit called the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) is working this summer to update …

1
Colorado’s dry, sunny climate can be tough on vegetable gardens. Here’s how to help yours thrive 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

If you decided to plant a vegetable garden earlier this spring, you’re probably already enjoying some of those home-grown tomatoes, zucchini, or peppers. On the other hand, you may have decided that the potential benefits of growing your own food just aren’t worth the effort. Colorado’s intense climate, elevation and scarce rainfall make vegetable …

1
Colorado schools have a teacher shortage. Could an unusual apprenticeship program help close the gap? 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

Dozens of aspiring educators in Colorado are taking an unusual path to earn their teacher certificates. They’re doing apprenticeships in public schools as part of a state program that offers an alternative path to gaining a teacher’s license and bachelor’s degree. Proponents see the program as a partial solution to Colorado’s teacher shortage, whic…

1
Why a new CU study raises doubts about the accuracy of labels on cannabis products 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

When we shop for food, the labels on our groceries give us guideposts, such as how much fiber, protein or fat is in that loaf of bread or jar of peanut butter. But more than a decade after Colorado legalized recreational cannabis, the potency labeling on products at your local marijuana dispensary may be far less helpful – and less reliable. A new …

1
How a unique network of volunteers monitors Colorado’s butterfly population – and why their findings are troubling 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

The red admiral. The black swallowtail. And the beautiful, bright orange monarch. Each year a network of volunteers fans out across Colorado to see how many of these, and other butterfly species, they can find. Those observations help scientists understand the health of the state’s butterfly population. Our guest today says that work is vital becau…

1
Many of the country’s most promising young orchestra musicians spend their summer in Breckenridge. Here’s why 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

Since 1960, the National Repertory Orchestra has brought talented college-aged musicians to Colorado to practice the art of playing in an ensemble. Each season, about 80 young musicians are selected to join the NRO in Breckenridge. They spend eight weeks rehearsing and performing in Summit County. Many of them go on to pursue careers in professiona…

1
Alpine rescue crews in Colorado are saving more people by helicopter this summer. It’s dangerous work 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

A few weeks back, a pair of hikers found themselves stranded on a cliff atop Quandary Peak – 14,000 feet in elevation – in cold temperatures. A rescue crew had to respond by helicopter and lift them off the mountain. It was one of 10 helicopter hoists that Colorado search and rescue crews performed this year through the end of June. That’s a record…

1
The U.S. Senate appears ready to vote on federal funding for public media. Sen. John Hickenlooper has some thoughts 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

The U.S. Senate this week will likely vote on whether to rescind about $1.1 billion earmarked to support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the next two years. That money ultimately funds local stations like KUNC and The Colorado Sound, along with NPR and PBS. The GOP-controlled House of Representatives has already voted to kill the fundin…

1
The ‘Balloon Boy’ incident captivated the nation. A new documentary revisits the story 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

In October 2009, Colorado and the nation held its breath as we waited to learn the fate of a 6-year-old who was thought to be stuck inside a silver balloon floating across Northern Colorado. The Heene family was living in Fort Collins in 2009 when they made a giant helium filled balloon shaped like a saucer. They called police one afternoon to say …

1
Tubing season is a highlight of summer in Steamboat Springs. Here’s why it’s likely to end early this year 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

For a lot of people, July and early August in Steamboat Springs is all about tubing on the Yampa River. People rent a tube in downtown Steamboat, hop into the river just a few steps away and float past wildlife and hot springs. Some days, tourists in brightly colored tubes stretch from one side of the river to the other. But it’s very likely commer…

1
Climate change could make Colorado lawns suffer. Here’s how to help yours adapt 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

A warmer, drier future for Colorado has many people wondering about their lawns. Drought and heat turn lawns brown or kills them altogether. How can we sustain a lawn with less water and less mowing? And should we keep them at all? Tony Koski is a professor of horticulture and landscape architecture at Colorado State University. He teaches a class …

1
Meet the CU researcher exploring how AI could help us reconnect with a dead loved one 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

In 2025, chatbots are part of our everyday life. They pop up on your screen while you’re checking your bank account or making an online purchase. But a few years from now, it may be just as easy to have a conversation with a chatbot who recreates a dead loved one. That’s the idea behind a kind of technology called a generative ghost. Jed Brubaker i…

1
The emerald ash borer is spreading across the Front Range. Here’s how to protect your trees 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

A tiny, green insect that bores under the bark of ash trees is spreading in Colorado. The emerald ash borer has been making its way around the Front Range for the last decade. It damages ash trees and often kills them. And this year it’s been spotted in Denver. Ash trees make up about one in every six trees in the urban forests along the Front Rang…

1
The new podcast ‘Senseless’ looks at life after a mass shooting in Boulder 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

How does a community heal from the shock and grief of a mass shooting? And how can people who have lost loved ones find a way to move forward? That’s the subject of a new podcast called Senseless. In it, journalist Erika Mahoney explores the aftermath of the mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers grocery store in 2021. And it’s a deeply personal s…

1
Why a plan to use federal land to ease housing shortages could be controversial – or well-received – in Western communities 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

In the months ahead, leaders across the West will wrestle with a proposal to use federal land as a remedy for housing shortages. You may remember that a few weeks ago, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah wanted to sell off thousands of government-owned acres in Western states, including some parts of Colorado. That plan died when some key Republican s…

1
How NREL scientists developed solar panels that help grow bigger, tastier crops 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

A solar panel that collects energy from the sun – while also helping farmers grow bigger, tastier tomatoes and other crops. A team of scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden (NREL) say that’s exactly what they’ve developed. And this new type of solar panel could lead to better produce and more widespread solar power generat…

1
Loud fireworks can make Independence Day tough for veterans with PTSD. Here’s how to help 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

For a lot of veterans, Independence Day can be a hard day.   Celebrating America’s birthday typically comes with loud, colorful blasts of fireworks. We don’t talk about it a lot, but for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, that can be a struggle. It can remind veterans of combat or other traumatic experiences from their time in the milita…

1
How Detour’s new piece at Denver International Airport made colorful art out of used luggage 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

Travelers making their way through Denver International Airport this summer may notice a colorful, distinctive new art exhibit. The project, called “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back,” was created from 183 pieces of used luggage, suspended over a walkway in Concourse B. They’re painted in the vibrant colors of the Colorado sky – turq…