About the same time a man shot flames at Jewish people in Boulder, Rabbi Caryn Aviv hit "send" on the final draft of her new book, “Unlearning Jewish Anxiety.” Aviv is the spiritual leader of Judaism Your Way in Denver and Boulder. Previously she taught Israel-Palestine studies at a university level. Rabbi Aviv is also Sr. Host Ryan Warner's rabbi.…

In the wake of 2020's racial reckoning, DEI initiatives surged across the country, from corporations to the classroom. But that momentum has taken a big hit in recent months under a new presidential administration as evidenced by federal funding cuts, restructured priorities and arguably a growing political backlash against DEI policies. So what's …

Colorado Matters travels to Northern Colorado, as crews in Greeley build the state's third medical school. How it could ease the physician shortage. Then, we visit the test gardens that help determine which plants you find in your local nursery. And a commencement speech at CSU from a budding documentarian who defies cultural expectations.…

As the state allows its first psilocybin healing centers, a church in Colorado Springs is finding connection through psychedelics. We visit the church with "The Trip: CPR's coverage of Colorado's psychedelic journey." Then, Colorado led the nation for police accountability reform in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. We find out how it's …

As a girl growing up in Gunnison, Shelley Read swam in Blue Mesa Reservoir. And she knew of the watery ghost town just beneath her. That ultimately led to her writing about it; the novel, now a global bestseller, is called "Go As A River." And it's not just about the disappearance of the town of Iola, Colorado. Then, students creating a workforce f…

Dr. Matthew Nagra is a Vancouver-based naturopathic doctor and nutrition researcher who tackles misinformation around diet and nutrition on social media. This conversation dismantles nutrition's most malevolent misconceptions—from seed oil hysteria to carnivore evangelism. We explore how tribal allegiances have replaced science, why plant proteins …

"The Impact Project" is a tool to track and display cuts to federal agencies; we speak with the founding director. Then, an update on the survivors and the suspect in Sunday's firebomb attack in Boulder. Plus, a nationally renowned Colorado theater company that makes theater-going more accessible adapts in the face of canceled grants. And Festival …

We hear from a survivor of the firebomb attack in Boulder as the community gathers to show support and solidarity. Then, what to know about the spread of measles as the busy summer travel season begins. Plus, a summit ahead of Father's Day aims to "restore, rebuild, and reimagine" fatherhood in a supportive and inclusive way. Later, how federal cut…

Darin Olien is a wellness expert and protagonist of Netflix's "Down to Earth" with Zac Efron. This conversation explores the hidden dangers lurking in everyday products we assume are safe, from deodorant and dental floss to clothing and cleaning supplies. We discuss Darin's book "Fatal Conveniences," the toxic chemicals in our environment, why regu…

Hiroshima survivor Tamayo Terada welcomed us into her Denver home, as her adult children gathered round. Less than a month after that gathering, Terada passed away. Then, advice for jobseekers in uncertain times. Plus, a Colorado woman's half-century journey with diabetes. And, Colorado country music, according to The Barlow.…

Today, we explore grief and how to cope with it in Aging Matters. Plus, we visit a clothing and coffee shop in Longmont where they host weekly "grief circles." Then, how has Colorado state law about policing changed since George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis five years ago. And later, Colorado Wonders about why there aren't more fruit…

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when Jewish people celebrate the gift of the Torah – the Hebrew bible, was marred by violence as eight people were attacked Sunday in Boulder. Attorney General Phil Weiser provided an update on the latest developments. Then, have immigration protocols shifted from finding criminals to stopping those following the curr…

Craig Mod is an artist, author, and photographer who has lived in Japan for 25 years, chronicling the country through thousands of miles of recent solo walks. We explore walking as inner cartography—a practice that transforms attention into meaning. We discuss Craig's journey from his best friend's murder in Connecticut to finding home in Tokyo, th…

Eighty percent of the world's population can't see The Milky Way. Light pollution interferes. Author and adventurer Craig Childs, of Norwood, Colorado, writes about a trek from light to dark in his new book. "The Wild Dark" takes readers from the incandescence of Las Vegas to the spangled skies of rural Nevada. Childs spoke with Sr. Host Ryan Warne…

Due to President Trump's involvement and a recent high profile pardon, the governor's office has received hundreds of emails from people wanting to see former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters released from prison. Where does the effort stand? Then, it's long been shown that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. A young dentist actually discovered it in …

Federal agents have been knocking on doors in Colorado; on the other side of those doors: kids who crossed the border illegally and alone. CPR Justice reporter Allison Sherry brings us her investigation, a story she broke. Then, could the BLM relocate to Colorado, again? Also, the case of a Grand Junction man convicted in deadly pipe bombings; we t…

Today, the stories of two Colorado veterans who've had two different experiences with PTSD and how to treat it. Could psilocybin be the answer, and if it is, what are the challenges to getting it? We find out with "The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, five years after the murder of George Floyd, where does the Black Li…

Mike Birbiglia is a master storyteller, acclaimed comedian, and the creative force behind Netflix specials including "The Old Man & the Pool" and his newest, "The Good Life." This conversation explores the quiet architecture of story—how to shape it, live it, and share it in a way that matters. We talk about finding empathy for the parents who coul…

"Cruel" and "disastrous" is how Gov. Jared Polis describes the US House's budget plan. Meanwhile, Colorado cities sue him over housing requirements. Also, Polis on immigration and a pedestrian bridge proposed at the State Capitol. Then, a destructive start to severe weather season. Later, how two rafting companies navigate tariffs. And Joe Cocker j…

Today we go inside the classroom, with Colorado's Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon of Delta High School, an alternative public school in Denver. How growing up in Colorado helped shape her as an educator, plus, her students share the qualities they've learned from her that will help them seize the summer. Also, documentary filmmaker and Colorado Co…

Dr. Matthew Walker is a world-renowned neuroscientist, sleep expert, and the bestselling author of “Why We Sleep.” In this conversation, we explore sleep not as a passive state, but as the biological foundation of life itself—the platform from which wakefulness emerges. We dive into the architecture of sleep, its vital role in immune function, dise…

This country’s nuclear arsenal is “geriatric.” And many of the people who maintain it are heading towards retirement. Plus, the agency that oversees the nuclear arsenal has not been immune to the possibility of federal staffing cuts. Colorado science writer Sarah Scoles examines the future of nuclear defense in her book, “Countdown: The Blinding Fu…

When it comes to planning for Colorado's fastest growing population, people 65 and older, the state's Senior Specialist on Aging, Kristine Burrows, says it needs to be a group effort that includes government, the business community, nonprofits, philanthropy, and anyone with a vision for big, bold ideas. The state just released a new report called "…

Governor Jared Polis is flexing his executive power. He vetoed a priority bill for Democrats and threatens to withhold funds from cities that don't follow new housing laws. Also, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston talks about an evolving vision for downtown Denver and big project investments. Then, Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on his investigation in…

Stuart McMillan is an elite track and field coach who has guided 70+ Olympians to over 30 medals across nine Olympic Games. As CEO of ALTIS, a global leader in sports education, he's revolutionized how we understand human movement. This conversation is an exploration of speed—not just as a metric, but as a kind of alchemy. At the heart of Stuart's …

It’s been a trying year for Denver’s mayor. Mike Johnston has battled with the Trump administration over the city’s welcoming immigration policies. On the flipside, a top attraction, the 16th Street Mall, is finally reopening. Then, a steel startup in Boulder plans to make climate-friendly iron. And MSNBC's Eugene Daniels returns to his alma matter…

Navigating the on-again-off-again tariffs can be like navigating the rapids on a river in Colorado. We hear from two raft supply companies about the impact. Then, words to live by from the student speaker at Western Colorado University's commencement. Plus, how older Coloradans are connecting with kids in the classroom for mutual benefit. And a cre…

Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow That I shall say good night till it be morrow. You are a lover. Borrow Inferno's wings And soar with them above a common bound. Content warnings: fantasy violence, blood, physical immobilization, romance, complex relationships, conflict between loved ones, grief, guns as weaponry, sudden and extr…

President Trump has signed executive orders at a dizzying pace: 152 as of this morning. Any number of them affect Colorado. That has kept Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser very busy -- he's filed filed 20 lawsuits so far challenging some of those orders. Then, cuts to food aid are on the table as Congress considers a new spending bill. Plus, …

When Angela Lee moved to Life Care Center of Evergreen, she was lonely. Until one day changed it all...Love For Our Elders is a non-profit organization that aims to relieve loneliness among people living in care facilities through letter writing. Then, a new documentary by a retiree in Grand Junction examines "The Invisible Patient" -- stories of f…

Xainan duels a spirit mage. Lumièra confronts a knight. Seir wards off an angel. And two strike teams, both alike in dignity, unbury their tragic strife. Content warnings: death of loved ones, fantasy violence, blood, gore, sudden falling, car crashes, sinkholes, complex relationships, conflict between loved ones, romance, grief, physical immobiliz…

Now that this year's state legislative session has ended, what did lawmakers accomplish? And what did they miss? We'll take stock with "Purplish." Plus two freshman lawmakers reflect on their experience. And a little poetry to sum up the session.By Colorado Public Radio

Dr. Judith Joseph is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, clinical professor at NYU Medical School, and a renowned voice on high-functioning depression. In this conversation, we explore the paradox of achievement and anhedonia—the curious, often painful reality that success doesn't always equate to joy. Judith shares her clinical insights into why so ma…

Colorado's a flashpoint when it comes to immigration, especially Aurora and Denver, which the new administration has singled out. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry and Denverite's Kyle Harris join a roundtable with our colleagues at "The Middle" hosted by Jeremy Dobson. Then, a milestone for construction on Colfax Avenue. Plus, a new passenger tr…

A bike maker in Colorado Springs has been building Colorado-inspired bicycles for more than a decade, but the reality of tariffs means going out of business. And, from mass layoffs at the Department of Education to a crusade against DEI in schools, the Trump Administration has sent shockwaves through Colorado classrooms. Also, Welcome to the Indiev…

Xainan and Naeem discuss faith. Lumièra and Amaru reconcile. Seir and Kov find common ground. And an unexpected ally shows up at the eleventh hour. Content warnings: complex relationships, grief, romance, flirting, and references to falling. Arc Three is proudly sponsored by Hero Forge, a website where you can design custom miniatures for FREE! Pri…

Paul Hawken is one of the great elder statesmen of environmentalism, a bestselling author, and the mind behind Drawdown and Regeneration. This conversation explores the biosphere's intrinsic intelligence through the expansive lens of Paul's latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life. We discuss carbon's improbable origins, examine the mycelial networks …

How much did Colorado lawmakers cross off their "to do" list, and what's left to do as they head into the final day of the legislative session? Then, what potential federal funding cuts could mean to public media in Colorado. Plus, how the Colorado Flower Collective is helping local flower farmers. Later, words to remember to stay safe from lightni…

Federal funding cuts are creating a domino effect for Colorado nonprofits as they work to figure out what's next. Then, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright says he's not a climate change denier; he's a climate change realist. What does that mean for alternative sources of energy? Plus, author Tommy Orange's commencement message for the graduating clas…

Rhododendron duels Tvash. Tvash duels Rhododendron. The End is found. And a dance begins. Content warnings: death of loved ones, fantasy violence, blood, gore, romance, flirting, grief, complex relationships, and familial conflict. Arc Three is proudly sponsored by Hero Forge, a website where you can design custom miniatures for FREE! Print them in…

It's a rough time for commercial real estate. Could vacant high-rises be turned into apartments? In downtown Denver, a developer has bought two buildings with that in mind. We'll find out what a conversion takes. Then, United's new flight to Rome is the latest example of the airline's investment in Denver. Plus, Purplish explores a rare veto showdo…

Kate Courtney is a world champion mountain biker, Olympian, and the palmarès-rich face of American cycling. This conversation examines Kate's Olympic torch moment with Tom Cruise, her athletic philosophy, and her groundbreaking She Sends Racing initiative. We delve into mountain biking's Marin County roots, the tension between data and intuition, b…

Not that long ago, women seeking a loan or line of credit faced invasive questions from bankers. "Are you planning on having children?" "What type of birth control are you using?" "Where's your husband?" Against that backdrop, in the 1970s, The Women's Bank of Denver was founded--changing financial lives for generations. Sr. Host Ryan Warner speaks…

As President Trump marks 100 days in office, we get a read from Colorado's Congressional delegation and the state's voters. Then, she was the first female professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, but she had a secret that remained hidden for nearly a century. Plus, Colorado Wonders about a disappearing river. And, are you ready to evacuate …

Xainan shares intimacy with Diablo. Lumièra reveals her Calling to Toyin. Seir discusses Doom with Qingxing. And the duel to the End begins. Content warnings: complex relationships, familial conflict, grief, death of loved ones, fantasy violence, romance, flirting, kissing, references to sex, memory loss, and brief descriptions of dissociation. Arc…

We check-in with Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo as severe weather season begins, and find out what weather phenomenon fascinates her the most. Then, one family's concern as Congress grapples with the future of Medicaid. Plus, a friendship forged in the aftermath of war 50 years after the Fall of Saigon. Also, in our series Aging Matters, …

For the past 20 years... the Denver-based, grassroots non-profit Africa Agenda has been working to build and elevate relationships between Colorado and the continent of Africa. George Bamu is its founder and executive director and his organization often works closely with state Rep. Naquetta Ricks. Then, an entrepreneur based in Broomfield has a vi…

Diablo links hands. Rho gets the answer rhe's been looking for. Strike Team Nova become a true olive branch. And Tvash has the hardest conversation of ta de life... again. Content warnings: fantasy violence, blood, gore, complex relationships, familial conflict, grief, romance, visions, death of loved ones, and brief descriptions of dissociation. A…

Whether it's tariffs, immigration, or the self-proclaimed Department of Government Efficiency, President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office have been a whirlwind. Two lawmakers from different parties and different Capitols share their perspectives: Congressman Joe Neguse, a Democrat, and State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican. They join…

Ky Dickens is the award-winning filmmaker behind "The Telepathy Tapes," the viral podcast phenomenon. This conversation explores the intersection of neurodiversity and consciousness as Ky shares her journey documenting non-speaking autistic individuals with apparent telepathic abilities. We discuss her transformation from pragmatic skeptic to someo…