Best Aha Moments Radio Podcasts (2025)

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March 7, 2025: Life as a trans woman under the Trump administration; The sandhill cranes are back! 48:30

12h ago48:30

48:30

In the eyes of the Trump Administration, trans people do not exist. The president signed an executive order declaring, in part, “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female." Reality is more nuanced than that. We get perspective from Rev. Paula Stone Williams, a pastor, therapist, and mayor pro tem of Lyons, Colora…

1
March 6, 2025: Denver mayor faces Congress on immigration; Continuing role of churches as sanctuaries 48:49

1d ago48:49

48:49

There were hours of testimony, accusations and threats on Capitol Hill as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston defended the city's actions when it comes to immigration. Johnston was part of a panel of mayors called by Republicans to answer questions about their cities’ immigration policies. Then, churches have historically been places of sanctuary. But in th…

1
March 5, 2025: What doctors are watching for 5 years after the first case of COVID; Colorado's Lunar Outpost 49:17

3d ago49:17

49:17

Colorado confirmed its first COVID case 5 years ago. Today, vaccination rates are flagging -- and so are investments in our health. We'll get a check-up on COVID and what doctors are watching for now. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston testifies in Washington, D.C. about so-called sanctuary cities and immigration. Plus, a Colorado company's about to …

1
March 4, 2025: Impact of Congressional cuts on Medicaid; Flu season questions and answers 48:35

4d ago48:35

48:35

As Congress debates a budget that slashes spending, there's concern those cuts could include Medicaid. We'll talk through the potential impact to patients, community health centers, hospitals -- and the state's economy. Then, doctors say it's been quite a flu season in Colorado; we'll get answers to the many questions. Also, it's Fat Tuesday, but y…

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March 3, 2025: 'Colorado Today' a daily dose of news; 'Buy Colorado Day' eyes global marketplace 49:14

5d ago49:14

49:14

Our coverage of Colorado deepens today with the launch of CPR's new daily podcast, "Colorado Today." We share the inaugural episode and meet hosts Bazi Kanani and Arlo Pérez Esquivel. Plus, today is a new state holiday: "Buy Colorado Day." It elevates supporting local businesses and building Colorado's brand across the world.…

1
February 28, 2025: Rep. Jeff Hurd on DOGE cuts, Medicaid and BLM; Do boycotts make a difference? 48:22

8d ago48:22

48:22

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, (R) answers questions about DOGE, possible Medicaid cuts, relocating the BLM, and the fact that people close to the president have made what appear to be Nazi salutes. Then, boycotts in the digital age. Also, a Colorado Wonders question about property taxes. And a Denver filmmaker is up for an Oscar for "Anuja," his film about …

1
Feb. 27, 2025: Denver International Airport marks 30 years of flight 49:09

9d ago49:09

49:09

Denver International Airport opened 30 years ago this week. We talk with two people who work at DIA who also worked at the old Stapleton Airport, about the big move, the iconic tent roof, the infamous automated baggage system and the ongoing construction. We also speak with former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb on this 30-year milestone. Webb was ins…

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February 26, 2025: The search for water on the Moon; A Colorado teacher's poem is on the space station 30:00

10d ago30:00

30:00

The Colorado-built Lunar Trailblazer will try to find water on the Moon. Then, a sixth-grade science teacher in Longmont's poem is displayed on the International Space Station. Plus, students in a small school district explain why they think cell phones should not be banned from the classroom. And, as DIA marks its 30th anniversary, a chance to tou…

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February 25, 2025: What to do when aging in place is no longer possible; Elevating Colorado's Black history 28:22

11d ago28:22

28:22

Independent living, assisted living, memory care -- the terminology alone can be overwhelming. We wade through the many senior housing options when aging in place at home is no longer an option, with our conversation from January for Aging Matters on Colorado Matters. Then, for Black History Month, we revisit an exhibit at the Museum of Boulder tha…

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February 24, 2025: Vail Resorts grapples with changing market, labor, and expansion; Debating tipped wages 28:50

12d ago28:50

28:50

Bumps for the ski industry. Or moguls as it were. Vail Resorts says for the first time, it sold fewer Epic passes than the year prior. Yet Vail's rapid expansion continues, as we'll hear from a Wall Street Journal travel reporter. Then, passionate testimony at the state legislature over what to pay people who get tips. And survivors, descendants an…

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Feb. 21, 2025: Brrr makes way for balmy; 'Yes in God's Backyard' a solution for affordable housing? 28:43

15d ago28:43

28:43

Colorado is going from brrr to balmy. In our regular weather and climate chat with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo, we also check in on the snowpack and discuss how federal cuts might affect weather data. Then, are churches a solution to affordable housing in Colorado? And, how changing DEI policies are affecting scholarships, colleges, an…

1
Feb. 20, 2025: Colorado students 'trash the runway' in the name of sustainability; Diversifying snow sports 28:19

15d ago28:19

28:19

Students across Colorado are getting ready to "Trash the Runway"... on purpose. They're learning about fashion and sustainability by using the stuff we throw out to create high-end design. They're also learning critical problem solving and confidence at the same time. Then, thousands of skiers and snowboarders of color are hitting the slopes of Key…

1
Feb. 19, 2025: United's Denver expansion; 10th Mountain Division marks historic battle 28:48

17d ago28:48

28:48

United Airlines has a huge presence in Denver. DIA is the carrier’s second-busiest hub behind Chicago. All its pilots train here. And United bought a chunk of land near the airport last year that it plans to develop. The question is: might its headquarters move to Denver? Then, 80 years ago, the 10th Mountain Division fought a battle that was pivot…

1
Feb. 18, 2025: Colorado's billion dollar budget hole; Amphitheater CEO on success, noise complaints 40:59

18d ago40:59

40:59

State lawmakers have to close a potentially billion dollar budget gap; Purplish explores how Colorado got here and possible solutions. Then, the CEO of VENU, which built the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, answers questions about its success, and the noise complaints it's generated. Plus, we salute a 101-year-old Tuskegee airman in Colorado …

1
Feb. 17, 2025: 'Give Her Credit' is the story behind The Women's Bank of Denver 49:12

19d ago49:12

49:12

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…

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February 14, 2025: 'Aha Moments' for treating alcohol use disorder; 'Sustained' empowers Indigenous culture, art 49:23

22d ago49:23

49:23

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic could reduce the urge to drink. It’s one of several novel approaches Colorado researchers are studying for alcohol use disorder. Then, Colorado firefighters return home after helping in California. Also, if today's world feels more anxious, a doctor has ways to decompress. Plus, a new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum …

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February 13, 2025: Help for sex trafficking survivors; Colorado Wonders about potholes 48:30

23d ago48:30

48:30

Sex trafficking is a growing problem in Colorado -- the state now ranks 10th for the most reported cases. We hear from a survivor who shares how she took back control of her life. Then, imagine driving along a rough road when two of your tires pop. It happened to one Colorado driver -- and he wanted the state to pay for the damage. Also, her mother…

1
February 12, 2025: Where are we with wolves? 49:09

24d ago49:09

49:09

White settlers wiped out Colorado's wolf population. In 2010, voters required them to be reintroduced. There are now 29 wolves here. Ranchers -- worried about their livestock and livelihoods -- must adapt. CPR Climate and Environment Reporter Sam Brasch hosts a discussion at Loveland's Rialto Theater about the past, present, and future of wolf rest…

1
February 11, 2025: Dean says she was fired for objecting to book ban; A history of pennies 48:56

25d ago48:56

48:56

A Black middle school dean says she was fired by a school district in Colorado for objecting to a book ban. Now she's filed a civil rights complaint. Then, President Trump has told the Treasury Department to stop making pennies. They're minted in Denver. We'll talk about the history and cost of the one cent coin. Plus, Chandra tries to up her "Colo…

1
February 10, 2025: State lawmakers change approach on guns; A 'community' newsletter generated by A.I.? 49:11

26d ago49:11

49:11

High-capacity magazines are banned in Colorado. And Democratic lawmakers say they're serious about enforcement. ut might their solution go too far? We take a closer look with Purplish. Then, in Pueblo and Fort Collins, a locally-reported newsletter lands in people's inboxes. Except it's neither local, nor reported. Plus, how a small town school dis…

1
Feb. 7, 2025: Assessing the ICE raids and resistance; Colorado sues over Musk access to US Treasury 49:20

29d ago49:20

49:20

ICE enforcement this week tested the resilience of migrant communities in Colorado. How they're peacefully resisting, and the many unanswered questions about the actual raids. Then, Colorado joins eleven states in suing the Trump Administration over Elon Musk's and DOGE's access to the U.S. Treasury. Plus, the new species of mammal discovered on Co…

1
Feb. 6, 2025: ICE roundups in Denver; Studying psilocybin's effect on depression 48:16

30d ago48:16

48:16

Early Wednesday morning, immigration agents, along with local and federal law enforcement officers, descended on an apartment complex in Aurora. We look at what happened -- and what happens next. Then, researchers in Colorado want to know if psilocybin – also known as psychedelic mushrooms – can help people process past trauma. And, with a pair of …

1
Feb. 5, 2025: Engaging students to achieve success; Safety standards for cannabis? 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

Today, a check-up on school kids in Colorado. The latest national report card shows they're outpacing the rest of the country in reading and math, but chronic absenteeism remains high. We speak with the state's education commissioner, Susana Córdova, who's spent time in districts large and small, looking for innovation. Then, questions about safety…

1
Feb. 4, 2025: Legislature debates the Labor Peace Act; Artificial judging and the X-Games 49:03

1M ago49:03

49:03

The Labor Peace Act makes it harder to organize unions compared to other states. Now, Purplish weighs in as the legislature is debating if the unique, more-than-80-year-old law should be repealed. Also, this year's X Games competition in Aspen featured something new -- Artificial Intelligence. Could the trial run start a revolution to replace human…

1
Feb. 3, 2025 Federal workers have a decision to make; Remembering the 'Cowboy Chancellor' 48:30

1M ago48:30

48:30

Federal employees have until Thursday to resign voluntarily. There are 40,000 U.S. government workers in Colorado. Tom Temin, the host of the Federal Drive and columnist for the Federal News Network, an outlet for government workers, joins us. Then, what do Colorado voters think about the Trump presidency so far? Plus, remembering Daniel Ritchie, a…

1
Jan. 31, 2025: Paying college athletes; Colorado's most endangered places 48:17

1M ago48:17

48:17

College athletics will never be the same; the state legislature may let universities pay players. Federal court settlements are forcing the changes. Then, four historic locations in Colorado have been added to the state's most endangered places list. Plus, it's skijoring season! And the Local 303 shares the top Colorado artists of 2024 as chosen by…

1
Jan. 30, 2025: Colorado seniors navigate the digital divide; Planning for wildfire before it happens 49:04

1M ago49:04

49:04

Healthcare, housing, entertainment, and even friendships are all pretty much managed by technology, whether it's on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Many people 65 and older are still on the wrong side of the so-called digital divide, but there are programs designed to help. Then, amid the devastation left by wildfires in California, or the Marsh…

1
Jan. 29, 2025: ICE deportation appears imminent in Colorado; Celebrating the Lunar New Year 48:29

1M ago48:29

48:29

The long-promised "Operation Aurora" crackdown on unlawful immigration looks like it's about to begin in Colorado. We'll sort through the developments. Then, with or without the United States, the world pursues green energy. Plus a threatened federal funding freeze sheds light on how much the state's largest safety-net hospital relies on federal mo…

1
Jan. 28, 2025: Transparency, accountability at the state capitol; Courts reject autonomy for elephants 49:03

1M ago49:03

49:03

They're called SMART hearings, designed to create accountability for state lawmakers, but do they actually make a difference? We'll explore that with Purplish. Then, a group that wants to remove elephants from a Colorado zoo says it's not giving up, even after the state supreme court rejected the idea. Plus, join CPR's Sam Brasch for a discussion a…

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Jan. 27, 2025: Preservationist Dana Crawford; 'The Reservoir' takes on tough subjects with comedy 49:11

1M ago49:11

49:11

She loved old buildings. And fought to save them from the wrecking ball. Today, we remember Colorado developer and preservationist Dana Crawford who's died at age 93. Then, playwright, and recovering alcoholic, Jake Brasch, takes us inside his mind with his new play, "The Reservoir" at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.…

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The Rebirth of the Nation - A Message of Clarity and Hope 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

The Rebirth of the Nation - A Message of Clarity and Hope The World seems to be turning upside down especially in the USA. I have taken a bunch of time to get centered and channel the guidance for powerfully moving forward. And on this episode I will share it with you. Let’s Get Clarity! What’s really going on? On this show we will discuss: - Timel…

1
Jan. 24, 2025: Denver7's Lisa Hidalgo on cold, snow, and her love for meteorology; Refugee resettlement stalls 49:03

1M ago49:03

49:03

From the bitter cold to wind chill, snowpack, climate science, and her love for meteorology, Denver7's new chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us. Then, refugees find themselves in limbo after their flights are canceled by the Trump administration. We'll hear from one of Colorado's official resettlement agencies. Plus, the world's largest passen…

1
Jan. 23, 2025: Colorado may be in conflict with new immigration directives; Remembering Bill McCartney 49:21

1M ago49:21

49:21

New guidelines from the Trump administration regarding federal standards on immigration enforcement could conflict with state laws. Just how far will the new federal directives on immigration enforcement go? And, how far will Colorado go to stop them? Then, the University of Colorado remembers Bill McCartney, the winningest football coach in school…

1
Jan. 22, 2025: Colorado defends birthright citizenship; January 6th pardons include Coloradans 49:22

1M ago49:22

49:22

A day after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, Colorado’s attorney general sued him over changes to birthright citizenship. Phil Weiser joins AGs from Maine to Hawaii in challenging President Trump’s executive order, titled, “Protecting The Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.” Then, the January 6th pardons include at least 20 Coloradans…

1
Jan. 21, 2025: More wolves released in Colorado; Ripple effect of wildfires on insurance rates 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

Colorado has released more wolves to the Western Slope, this time in Eagle and Pitkin counties, but the effort to reintroduce the endangered species continues to divide. Then, how the wildfires in California could have a ripple effect on home insurance in Colorado, which is already outpacing the national average. Plus, how a small Colorado business…

1
Jan. 17, 2025: How new immigration policies could affect Colorado; New priorities for a new Congress 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

Donald Trump's inauguration Monday marks a new era. And of all the ways it could affect Colorado, the most immediate might be immigration. Then, Purplish looks at the changing face of Colorado's congressional delegation and the priorities ahead for Congress. Plus, a Colorado Springs violin maker crafts a 300-year legacy with his instruments.…

1
Jan. 16, 2025: Colorado firefighters in California; A 'Road to Recovery' from chronic homelessness 48:36

2M ago48:36

48:36

The wildfires in California are a haunting reminder of the firestorm that swept through Boulder County here in Colorado. We'll talk about lessons learned as Colorado firefighters respond to help our neighbors in the west. Then, creating "Roads to Recovery" to help people experiencing chronic homelessness. Also, artist Kristopher Wright's new exhibi…

1
Jan. 15, 2024: Robotic surgery a game changer for organ transplants; The evolution of 'norm violations' 49:06

2M ago49:06

49:06

For a long time, liver donors could expect a big scar and a three-month recovery from surgery. Now, Colorado doctors are using robots to retrieve organs from living donors for transplant. We'll hear why it's a game changer. Then, a new look at old political norms. Plus, how teachers are grappling with cell phones in school. And how Dr. Martin Luthe…

1
Jan. 14, 2025: Healing Centers mark new era for psilocybin; Colorado's new judicial district 49:04

2M ago49:04

49:04

Colorado is once again on the forefront of legalizing another federally-controlled substance: psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms. CPR's Molly Cruse and Alejandro Alonso Galva talk about what's in store with "The Trip: CPR's Coverage of Colorado's Psychedelic Journey." Then, Colorado gets a new judicial district for the first time in 60 years…

1
Jan. 13, 2025: Longtime ski executive is 'disillusioned' with corporate sustainability 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

Americans are "swapping revolution for sorting plastic bottles," writes Auden Schendler in his new book, "Terrible Beauty." For decades, Schendler has led sustainability efforts at Aspen One, formerly known as Aspen Skiing Co. He became disillusioned and lays out a more effective course in his new release, including a blueprint to sue ExxonMobil ov…

1
Jan. 10, 2025: Gov. Polis on housing, immigration; CPR News bids a legendary journalist farewell 49:12

2M ago49:12

49:12

From increasing Colorado's stock of starter homes to how the state will cooperate with -- or buck -- the incoming Trump Administration, Governor Jared Polis goes in-depth after his State of the State speech. Then, a drought of more than 3,000 days ends as the Denver Broncos return to the NFL playoffs. A former player rates their chances. Also, Colo…

1
Jan. 8, 2025: Help for war widows in Ukraine; New uses for Electroconvulsive therapy 48:51

2M ago48:51

48:51

Since the war in Ukraine began, thousands of women have lost their spouses. A Colorado counselor just wrapped up a four-day retreat for the women to learn to cope with their grief. Then, a mother’s story about how Electroconvulsive therapy brought her son back. Also, a Colorado Wonders about culling Denver geese and local comedians on avoiding poli…

1
Jan. 7, 2025: Exploring senior housing options; ‘Purplish’ previews the legislative session 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

Many seniors want to stay in their homes. But what happens if aging in place doesn’t work anymore? Expert advice on our series, Aging Matters. Then, the legislature returns to work facing a budget shortfall of more than $600 million. Our public affairs podcast, Purplish, looks at the impact – and what lawmakers still hope to accomplish. Also, a Wes…

1
Jan. 6, 2025: Furniture bank helps families put their feet up; Finding the punchline to Denver's 'Joker' 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

You've likely heard of a food bank, but a furniture bank? We sit on a donated sectional with the founder. Then, a sports journalist seeks to make Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić less enigmatic. Plus, making homes less vulnerable to wildfire. And host Ryan Warner is "Mortified."By Colorado Public Radio

1
Jan. 3, 2025: Talking science at the dinner table -- A conversation with Science Friday's Ira Flatow 48:29

2M ago48:29

48:29

Ira Flatow wants to turn science...into dinner conversation. The host and creator of Science Friday has spent a career quenching our curiosity, and his, and making science accessible. But amidst the fun are serious issues, like water shortages, climate change, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. We replay a conversation from August, w…

1
Jan. 2, 2025: Looking ahead to the new Congress; Pollsters on Coloradans’ political engagement 49:11

2M ago49:11

49:11

The 119th Congress convenes Friday with new members from Colorado and a busy agenda. Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim has a preview. Then, pollsters look at Coloradans' political engagement and explain how polling helps a Democracy function. Also, Jimmy Carter’s Colorado connections. Plus, 10 years ago acute flaccid myelitis was a mystery; a m…

1
Jan. 1, 2025: Start the New Year with stories of second chances and positivity 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

On New Year's Day, stories of second chances. Like a Ukrainian couple who fled the war... and resettled in Boulder, where they run a bike shop. And a barbershop in Denver where former inmates offer a shave and a haircut. Plus, migrant farmworkers who hope their children don't toil in the fields as they have. Education is key, and there's a program …

1
Dec. 31, 2024: Jimmy Carter on U.S. as a superpower; Celebrating Colorado's centenarians 48:30

2M ago48:30

48:30

Today, reflections from Jimmy Carter when he visited Aspen in 2015, including his view on the U.S. as a superpower and helping others. Then, as the year comes to a close, we celebrate some of Colorado's centenarians and their views about life and longevity. And later, how one woman is living with Alzheimer's and refusing to let it define who she is…

1
Dec. 30, 2024: No more driving while holding a cell phone; Colorado Springs' high-rise debate 49:13

2M ago49:13

49:13

When the ball drops on New Year's, you'll need to drop your phone when you're behind the wheel. Meet an attorney who fought for the state's new hands-free law. Plus, Colorado Springs has grown out more than up, so there's resistance to a proposed skyscraper. Then, remembering the "Children of the Storm" caught in a horrible blizzard on the Eastern …

1
Dec. 26, 2024: Hanukkah begins with Holiday Extravaganza memories 48:30

2M ago48:30

48:30

As Hanukkah begins, light the shamash with us, the most prominent candle on the menorah that ignites all the others. And in that bright space, enjoy music and conversation about the Jewish festival of lights compiled from our previous Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganzas.By Colorado Public Radio

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