Best West End Geeks Podcasts (2025)

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

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7m ago47:45

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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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

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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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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

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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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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…

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Aug. 11, 2025: Disability rights movement sprouted in Colorado; No summer lull for legislature 49:15

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The Americans with Disabilities Act became law 35 years ago. Coloradans reflect on our state's pivotal role and on the progress still to be made. Then, ahead of a special session of the state legislature, a look at a bad budget gap and some bad behavior. Plus, the season three premiere of Systemic, CPR's podcast about changemakers.…

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Aug. 8, 2025: Denver mayor on bond, layoffs, and Broncos; New GM on future of Colorado State Fair 48:58

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Denverites are trying to square something: the city's about to lay off employees but at the same time it wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in projects. We ask Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about that, tensions with Trump, turning office towers into apartments, and the future of the Broncos. Then, remembering a Hiroshima survivor in Denv…

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Aug. 7, 2025: Veterans, first responders share psychedelic journey; Handheld device bridges language gap 49:08

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Psychedelics can help people see things from a new perspective. That includes veterans and first responders who are also using storytelling to help them overcome challenges. Also, handheld devices that translate nearly 100 languages, including Azerbaijani, Haitian Creole and Spanish are being used by some Colorado counties to help non-English speak…

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Aug. 6, 2025: Could tracking denied gun sales prevent tragedy?; Many arrested by ICE aren't 'worst of the worst' 49:19

22d ago49:19

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When someone tries to buy a gun in Colorado and is denied, it gets flagged. A CPR investigation finds that intelligence is underused. CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry on how this connects to the firebombing in downtown Boulder and to immigration enforcement. Then, Donald Trump promised to deport "the worst of the worst," but an analysis of ICE a…

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Aug. 5, 2025: Respiratory viruses could awaken dormant cancer cells; Honoring Theodore 'Bubbles' Anderson 49:17

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New research shows that respiratory viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, could “wake up” dormant cancer cells. We speak with with James DeGregori, the senior author of the study and deputy director of the Colorado Cancer Center. Then, Theodore "Bubbles" Anderson was the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. A century later, he's…

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Aug. 4, 2025: Colorado business juggles unpredictable tariffs; Could unclaimed property help state budget? 49:07

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"Made in America." It's something the president wants to see more of, and it's one reason behind his tariffs. But they're hitting companies that are already making in America. We speak with a local manufacturer about the impact. Then, as the state faces another big budget gap, could it make up the shortfall using Coloradans' unclaimed property? Pur…

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August 1, 2025: New state historian is a map geek; 748 area code dial tone jam 49:04

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Colorado's new state historian has dedicated her career to maps -- not just as tools of navigation -- but of influence and conquest. We speak with Dr. Susan Schulten. Also on this Colorado Day, we set the state's new area code to music! Plus a chance to see the governor's mansion. Then, you can vote on your favorite flower at CSU's Flower Trial Gar…

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July 31, 2025: After 35 years, the triumphs of the Americans with Disabilities Act -- and the work still to be done 49:05

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It was 35 years ago that the Americans with Disabilities Act -- widely known as the ADA -- was signed into law, protecting the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of public life. Today, we look at its impact as it relates to transportation, as an advocate details the work still to be done. Then, a new executive order from President Trum…

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July 30, 2025: Former ambassador on diplomacy under Trump; New chapter for Colorado Springs philharmonic 49:25

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Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador from Colorado who was the nation's top diplomat in five countries under both Republican and Democratic administrations joins us to talk about the nation's new approach to foreign policy. Then, Coach Prime reflects on overcoming bladder cancer. Also, Rep. Gabe Evans' immigration story draws questions. Plus,…

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July 29, 2025: Four Coloradans share the legacy of growing up Black in Cherry Creek 49:24

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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 moderated a panel discussion called "Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood" in front of an audience this spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe County Libraries to reflect and …

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July 28, 2025: A psychedelic to treat addiction?; Helping the tiniest of babies survive 49:23

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Could the psychedelic drug ibogaine help people get off drugs or alcohol and stay off? It's one of the natural substances Colorado voters chose to decriminalize. We examine the research as part of "The Trip: CPR's coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, being born at 23 weeks used to be a death sentence; now doctors are helping many of t…

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July 25, 2025: A summer of heat, drought and flooding; 'Western Soul' singer/songwriter at UMS 49:21

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Do you know the hottest temperature ever recorded in Denver? We find out from Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo as the summer heat carries on. Plus, drought and the risk of flash floods. Then, FEMA cuts funding for water quality projects in Colorado. Plus, Denver singer/songwriter YasmineEmani performs in our studio as she prepares for this …

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July 24, 2025: Fighting backlash, Denver Pride sends powerful message; Aspen trees as wildfire breaks 49:18

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Amid DEI cuts, the Center on Colfax was expected to lose money this year. However, the organization that runs Denver Pride saw more than 500,000 people turn out this year, despite the backlash from Washington. We spoke with the Center's new CEO. Then, Colorado's Attorney General files a lawsuit regarding law enforcement's cooperation with ICE, as t…

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July 23, 2025: Planned Parenthood can no longer treat Medicaid patients; Festival honors Chicano culture 49:26

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Medicaid patients in Colorado cannot go to Planned Parenthood for any type of healthcare under the One Big Beautiful Bill. We talk with the head of the Rocky Mountain region about the impact and what's next. Then, hear from Gov. Jared Polis on the resounding pushback to stop a pedestrian walkway from being built in front of the State Capitol. Also,…

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July 22, 2025: Rep. Evans on Dignity Act; Molly Brown's great granddaughter on Titanic moment 49:05

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Republican Congressman Gabe Evans, who represents Colorado's District 8, has signed onto the Dignity Act, which he says will reform the immigration system and give legal status to undocumented people without giving them citizenship or amnesty. We also ask about ICE arrests, international aid, and the economy. Then, the Trump administration wants to…

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July 21, 2025: Public media at a crossroads; How 'One Big Beautiful Bill' could impact Colorado 49:21

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Public media across the country and here in Colorado are figuring out what their existence looks like without federal funding. Then, before rescission, Congress passed the mega tax and spending package known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." We get perspective on what it could mean in Colorado with "Purplish."…

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July 18, 2025: Colorado's split vote on the rescission bill; Overcoming trauma with music; Celebrate 719 Day! 49:29

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Congress has slashed foreign aid and funds for public media. We talk through how Colorado's delegation voted, the politics and ramifications with our Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim. Then, he survived the Aurora movie theater shooting at age 12; now he's sharing his recovery story through music with "Youth on Record." Plus, would a boyco…

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July 17, 2025: Gov. Polis on insurance price hikes, wildfires; Shooting survivor on moving forward 49:24

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An estimated 100,000 Coloradans stand to lose health coverage next year amid a 28 percent hike in premiums; Governor Polis holds Congress responsible. We ask about that along with wildfire resources, immigration, and the proposed bridge outside the State Capitol. Then, for Marcus Weaver, surviving the mass shooting inside an Aurora movie theater 13…

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July 16, 2025: Wildfire evacuees thankful for firefighters; Coping with trauma through laughter 49:26

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Wildfires churn on Colorado's Western Slope, leaving evacuees to wonder and worry. Then, in a rare move, a paramedic is charged with manslaughter in Boulder. Plus, nurse-turned-comedian Nancy Norton on "playing with your pain." Also, an invitation to "Turn the Page" with David Baron, author of "The Martians." And, Colorado Wonders about how to pron…

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July 15, 2025: Gov. Polis pushes back on tariffs; Summer camp safety; Colorado's poet laureate remembered 48:00

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Gov. Jared Polis is pushing back against what he calls President Trump's "reckless tariff policy." Meanwhile, state lawmakers regroup after federal budget cuts and tax changes. Also, hear from a summer camp operator about wildfire and flood safety. Then, we remember Colorado's poet laureate, Andrea Gibson, who died Monday at age 49 of ovarian cance…

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July 14, 2025: Pettersen braces for impact of 'Big Beautiful Bill;' Decoding ancient sign language 49:22

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Colorado Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen sees little value in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and is bracing for the impact on everything from healthcare to immigration. Plus, the "skinny' Farm Bill continues to leave farmers and ranchers in limbo. Then, a Metro State anthropologist has discovered what may be the world's oldest sign language. And f…

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July 11, 2025: Hurd on 'Big Beautiful Bill,' from rural hospitals to immigration; 'The Water Knife' proves prophetic 48:11

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Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd answers questions about how the "One Big Beautiful Bill," now federal law, will affect people in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and more rural parts of his district. Plus, his high hopes for new drilling, as well as border security under ICE. Then, author Paolo Bacigalupi marks a 10-year milestone with "The Water Knife" which has…

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July 10, 2025: 'Senseless' explores overcoming shared trauma and community resiliency; Celebrating Black Arts! 49:24

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Trauma can be a shared experience, but the journey to process it and overcome is often silenced. A new podcast by journalist Erika Mahoney hopes to change that and create connection. Her father Kevin was killed in a mass shooting at a Boulder grocery store in 2021. Then, rebates for EVs will soon be scaled back. And the Colorado Black Arts Festival…

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I WAS THERE w/ David Loud 1:10:33

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"Behold, the hills of tomorrow..." Get a taste of what's to come with this pilot episode of a new series "I Was There" talking with Broadway artists with long and rich careers, telling us their stories. First up! Conductor/Music Director/Supervisor David Loud! David has worked on such incredible productions as She Loves Me (1993), Ragtime, Master C…

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July 9, 2025: 60 years of theater in Creede amid funding cuts; Healthcare impact of 'One Big Beautiful Bill' 49:26

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As the Creede Repertory Theatre celebrates a milestone — 60 years of performances — it grapples with federal funding cuts to the arts. We also breakdown how the "One Big Beautiful Bill" may impact healthcare in Colorado including Medicaid. Then, what to do about the Emerald Ash Borer, a tiny green beetle that's killing trees along the Front Range. …

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July 8, 2025: What's next now that 'One Big Beautiful Bill' is law; 'Until Forever Comes' elevates Ute culture 49:24

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Now that the "One Big Beautiful Bill" has been signed into law, what's next? And what might it indicate for an already-divided Congress moving forward? Then, elevating the past, present and future of Ute culture in Colorado. Plus, the state's embrace of tattoos ahead of the Villian Arts 8th Annual Denver Tattoo Arts Festival. And, our fascination w…

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July 7, 2025: Leaving light pollution in the dark to discover the stars in the sky 49:05

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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…

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July 4, 2025: For the Fourth of July, bald eagles, buffalo, Johnny Appleseed, and America the Beautiful 49:23

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Happy Fourth of July! Today, how the bald eagle finally became the nation's bird after nearly 250 years and the return of the bison to Colorado. Plus, a Fort Collins horticulturalist is preserving the legacy tree of Johnny Appleseed, and the Colorado inspiration for "America the Beautiful."By Colorado Public Radio

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July 3, 2025: For this Colorado Centenarian, connection is key; The impact of 'forever chemicals' 49:23

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For 101-year-old Harold Berger, connecting with people is just one key to longevity and enjoying life. Then, the clean up continues in Galeton, Colorado where there was a massive oil spill two months ago. Also, understanding the impact of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS with climate reporter and author Sharon Udasin. Plus, we revisit how robotics…

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Sleep Out: Stage and Screen for Covenant House w/ David Hovey 24:58

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SURPRISE! Bonus ep! Matt talks with David Hovey about the work happening at Covenant House, as well as the starry event on August 10th Sleep Out: Stage and Screen event. Learn more about Covenant House Here! https://www.covenanthouse.org/ Donate to Matt's Fundraising Page Here! https://www.sleepout.org/participants/61110 Learn more about Sleep Out:…

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July 2, 2025: Traffic and history collide at this Colorado Springs intersection; Whiskey with a purpose 49:29

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At the most recognizable intersection in Colorado Springs, where crashes have been frequent, a statue of a man on a horse will remain. So will people's strong feelings. Then, two brothers who never imagined they'd be farming rye for whiskey. Plus, the Sky Sox are back in Colorado Springs, at least for now. Later, a meaningful hike along Fountain Cr…

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July 1, 2025: How being outside can shape learning, life skills, and leadership; Tracking use of force stalls 49:11

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"Give Outdoor Learning" is a first of its kind, statewide campaign that creates nature-based outings for the public. And because many programs are at risk due to budget cuts, it's also a fundraising campaign similar to Colorado Gives Day. CPR's Jenny Brundin speaks with an organizer from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and two you…

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June 30, 2025: Water problems in West go deeper than Colorado River; Asian chefs in Presidential history 29:28

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Water problems in the West go deeper than the Colorado River. Beyond reservoir levels, diminishing groundwater is now an important consideration according to new research. Then, Denver's "soul food scholar" delves into the history of Asian chefs who served U.S. presidents, often on the high seas.By Colorado Public Radio

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June 27, 2025: AG Weiser on birthright citizenship ruling; Challenges facing conservation under Trump 49:15

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With Colorado's attorney general, we decipher an important Supreme Court ruling today related to birthright citizenship. Then, we take the pulse of conservation under President Trump with Salida journalist Ben Goldfarb. Later, we sit down with the CEO of Colorado's hometown burger chain, Good Times. Thank goodness we had napkins. And new music from…

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June 26, 2025: Phillip Bailey and the 'Reasons' behind his, and Earth, Wind and Fire's, lasting success 49:23

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It’s the falsetto that’s captured the hearts of music lovers for more than 5 decades now -- and the long list of awards and accolades behind his name affirms that his fandom comes for, well, good "Reasons." A talk with Denver native and East High School graduate Philip Bailey as he reflects on his life and legacy as lead singer of Colorado’s adopte…

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June 25, 2025: Is there a 'Goldilocks' amount of rain?; Douglas County voters reject home rule 49:24

2M ago49:24

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Too much rain fosters growth of grasses and underbrush, and not enough rain makes everything dry out, raising the risk of wildfires. So, is there a "Goldilocks" amount of rain that's just right? That's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our regular conversation. Plus, a Western Colorado University student on the chall…

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June 24, 2025: Black Pride Colorado marks 5 year milestone; Was Captain Kidd really a notorious pirate? 49:31

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June is Pride Month, centered on acknowledging the accomplishments and the experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community. And for one Colorado nonprofit, it’s also time to celebrate a big milestone and focus on the work left to be done. Then, Colorado author and history buff Samuel Marquis sets the record straight about his ninth-great-grandfather…

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June 23, 2025: How Iran might retaliate after US bombing; The debate over home rule 49:21

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The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend in what our guest calls “a watershed moment.” Now what? And how did we get here? Key questions Ryan asks the head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, Micheline Ishay. Then, Purplish explores the debate over home rule as Douglas County holds a special electio…