The Daily Sun-Up

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Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

The Colorado Sun


    • Oct 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 1,263 EPISODES

    4.8 from 96 ratings Listeners of The Daily Sun-Up that love the show mention: local news, way to start the day, great way to start, concise, well produced, morning, daily, high, informative, always, like, listening, love, colorado sun.


    Ivy Insights

    The Daily Sun-Up podcast from The Colorado Sun is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed on local news and issues. As an online member of The Colorado Sun, I was thrilled when they started this podcast earlier this year. It has quickly become one of my favorite daily podcasts, alongside national news shows like NPR's Up First and NYT's The Daily.

    One of the best aspects of The Daily Sun-Up is its format. It delivers the news in a concise and digestible manner, making it perfect for those who don't have a lot of time to listen to long podcasts. Each episode packs a punch and covers a range of local headlines and stories. I particularly enjoy the history segment, which adds an interesting depth to the show. Additionally, the production quality is top-notch, with catchy strings music that sets the mood for each episode.

    Furthermore, The Daily Sun-Up does an excellent job of balancing local issues with a nod to the world at large. While it focuses on Colorado news, it connects these stories to broader themes and events happening globally. This approach makes it more than just a local news podcast; it provides context and global relevance to the topics discussed.

    However, there are a few aspects that could be improved upon in The Daily Sun-Up. One suggestion would be to include direct links to the articles highlighted in each episode in the show notes. This would allow listeners who want more information about specific stories to easily access them without having to search separately on The Colorado Sun's website.

    In conclusion, if you're interested in staying up-to-date with what's happening in Colorado or have a general interest in state affairs, I highly recommend listening to The Daily Sun-Up podcast from The Colorado Sun. It offers informative and concise reporting that covers a wide range of topics while maintaining the high quality that we've come to expect from this unique publication. Whether you're a longtime Colorado resident or simply curious about local news, this podcast is a valuable addition to your morning routine.



    Search for episodes from The Daily Sun-Up with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Daily Sun-Up

    World's best mountain bikers have an eye on Durango

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 11:57


    Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/03/durango-purgatory-mountain-biking-2030/ Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins discusses the decision to bring the world mountain bike championships back to Durango for the first time in 40 years and what we can expect leading up to the 2030 races. https://coloradosun.com/colorados-best email: sunevents@coloradosun.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado author Caleb Stephens discusses his thriller, "If You Lie"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 18:04


    Today, author Caleb Stephens talks with the Colorado Sun's Kevin Simpson about his thriller, "If You Lie".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    End of the road for Colorado wild horse rehabilitation program

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 13:27


    Today, Sun reporter Jennifer Brown discusses the ending of a decades-old program at a Colorado prison complex that trained wild horses to become adoptable and provided work experience for people returning to life after incarceration. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/01/wild-horses-canon-city-prison-program-closure/ https://friendsofchambermusic.com Promotions Tab; Promo Code: ChamberSunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Matthew Modine joins Original Thinkers Festival after decades on screen and stage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 17:51


    Actor Matthew Modine joins the podcast to discuss his decades-long career in film, television, and theater, as well as the creative lessons he carries from his childhood running drive-in theaters with his father. He also previews his upcoming participation in the Original Thinkers Festival, where he will share reflections on art, activism, and sustaining creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Changes brewing at Denver patent office

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 19:52


    Denver is home to one of just a handful of U.S. patent offices around the country, and today Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about changes coming to the federal agency, starting at the top of the Denver regional office. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/25/patent-office-denver-regional-director-molly-kocialski/ https://friendsofchambermusic.com Promotions Tab; Promo Code: ChamberSunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Some Colorado counties want to increase taxes on tourist

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 18:03


    Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins breaks down upcoming ballot questions asking for increased lodging taxes in some Colorado high country counties to offset the increase in services for their tourism-based communities. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/15/counties-raising-lodging-taxes/ https://friendsofchambermusic.com Promotions Tab; Promo Code: ChamberSunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sue Hinkin on her new novel "The Snake Handler's Wife"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 21:56


    Today, Sue Hinkin talks with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about her new novel "The Snake Handler's Wife".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Inside 'Original Thinkers' with Festival Creator David Holbrooke

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 23:12


    In this episode, The Sun's Tracy Ross and David Holbrooke discuss art-making in the mountains, cultural entrepreneurship and the four-day festival Holbrooke created, Original Thinkers,, which will feature films, performances, panels and “adventures of the soul,” from October 2 through October 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    creator festival sun thinkers holbrooke tracy ross
    Expiring Federal EV Credits & Innovative UCHealth Research

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 16:10


    Today: John Ingold and Michael Booth discuss expiring federal electric vehicle credits as well as an innovative research program at UCHealth. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/23/uchealth-biobank-drug-gene-interactions/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Michelin awards bring to Colorado restaurants

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 20:51


    Today, Sun cultural reporter Parker Yamasaki discusses the Denver Restaurant Scene after the Michelin awards were announced. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/15/three-denver-restaurants-win-michelin-stars/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Going to great heights to reforest Colorado burn scars

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 15:32


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about a program in northern Colorado that has teams of people climbing trees to pull pine cones so they can use the seed in reforesting wildfire burn scars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    G. Brown & Kevin Simpson on an upcoming Jill Sobule event, music icons

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 20:10


    G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experience, visits with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about upcoming Jill Sobule event and music icons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Shoshone Power Plant rights up for discussion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 12:16


    Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane has insight from a two-day meeting in Durango of the Colorado Water Conservation Board to review a proposal to change a major water right on the Colorado River. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/15/colorado-water-officials-environmental-benefits-shoshone-colorado-river/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mark McKinnon on Charlie Kirk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 7:55


    Last week, conservative commentator and influencer Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University. In the wake of the shooting, we're revisiting a conversation we had back in May at SunFest with Mark McKinnon, a Colorado-based political adviser and media personality. Mark spent time with Kirk as part of a documentary he's production on Gen Z. https://coloradosun.com/2025/06/03/watch-the-colorado-sun-discussion-with-mark-mckinnon-at-colorado-sunfest-2025/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado Startup Week has new look

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 19:02


    Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses the changes to the Colorado Startup Week and what’s going on with the event this week in Denver and around the area. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/13/colorado-startup-week-founders/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    BLM auctions will mean more drilling on Colorado public land

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 13:14


    Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/12/blm-oil-and-gas-leases/ Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the tens of thousands of acres in Colorado the Trump administration is auctioning off for oil and gas drilling and why change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mark Stevens on his Colorado Book Award-winning anthology "Four Corners Voices"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 21:05


    In today's episode Mark Stevens talks with the Sun's Kevin Simpson about producing the Colorado Book Award-winning anthology "Four Corners Voices".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Road Back to Employment After Incarceration

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 18:31


    Today, the Colorado Sun’s Tracy ross sits down with Mark Smesrud, from the Center for Employment Opportunities to discuss the road employment after incarceration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    COVID shot access explained & A deep dive into the Arkansas River

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 19:02


    Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about your access to COVID shots this season, and a big new Sun project telling the story of the Arkansas River.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Working and aging in Colorado not getting any easier

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 13:44


    Living in Colorado isn’t getting any cheaper, and today Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks into what that means for older Coloradans and some events hosted by the state to help the 50-older workforce. https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/06/aging-colorado-expensive-older-workers/ https://coloradosun.com/aging-in-colorado/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado jury pushes back on liability waivers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 14:07


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins delves into the recent $12 million jury award to a woman paralyzed after falling from a chairlift at Crested Butte and what it means for the ski industry and other outdoor companies that rely on liability waivers. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/04/jury-verdict-against-vail-resorts/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kevin J. Anderson talks about his sci-fi novel "Nether Station" and how he got hooked on science fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 21:23


    Today SunLit editor Kevin Simpson chats with Kevin J. Anderson about his book "Nether Station." Kevin J. Anderson is a bestselling American science fiction and fantasy author with over 140 books and 23 million copies in print. He is known for co-authoring the Dune prequels with Brian Herbert, as well as Star Wars and X-Files novels, and for original series like The Saga of Seven Suns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hey, hey, The Sun is having a birthday!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 10:52


    Today, director of development Alyssa Pinkerton and membership director Danika Worthington join us to talk about a few cool events coming up for our members next week and how we’re working to get the word out as we approach our seventh birthday. Learn more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/29/make-colorado-shine-2025/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A doozy of a special legislative session in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 29:47


    Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/27/colorado-special-session-what-happened/ A lot happened during the very tense, six-day special legislative session in Colorado that wrapped up last week. The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul was on Purplish with Bente Birkeland of CPR News and Lucas Brady Woods of KUNC to break it all down. Purplish is a production of CPR News and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Sun is a member of the alliance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Help (kinda) wanted: Why hiring in Colorado has slowed down

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 17:43


    For the Labor Day weekend, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looked into the current job market and talks about what’s out there, why hiring has slowed and some pro tips for job seekers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Brandon Shimoda talks about award-winning book "The Afterlife Is Letting Go"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 26:37


    Today we're talking with Colorado Book Award winner Brandon Shimoda, author of "The Afterlife Is Letting Go."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    In Durango author Kate Siber's new book, animals show us how to be better humans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 19:10


    Today we're talking with Kate Siber, an award-winning journalist, Outside Magazine correspondent and author of several critically lauded children's books about her new book, The Hidden Wisdom of Animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Water project at a crossroads & Health care bills passed

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 17:37


    Today, Michael Booth and John Ingold talk about a water project at a crossroads and the health care bills passed during the special session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Testing a lunar rover in remote Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 18:50


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang talks about her outing to a remote part of Colorado where they are test driving a lunar rover one Golden-based company hopes goes to the moon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Recreation groups getting their arms around Pikes Peak

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 13:11


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins discusses the new plans proposed to help manage the 25 million visitors to the Pikes Peak region, including the fourteener known as America’s Mountain. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/22/vision-plan-recreation-pikes-peak/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    David Wroblewski on his Colorado Book Award-winning novel, "Familiaris"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 26:21


    Author David Wroblewski talks about his Colorado Book Award-winning novel, "Familiaris," as well as his previous, bestselling related book "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Back-to-school season is here: What we'll be keeping an eye on

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 17:32


    Today we're talking to Chalkbeat Colorado bureau chief Melanie Asmar about all-things education as a new school year unfolds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    State lawmakers' conduct is back in the headlines

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 36:27


    Today we're sharing the latest episode of Purplish, the politics and policy podcast produced by Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The Sun is a member of the alliance. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/14/ryan-armagost-expenses-mileage-reimbursement/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What do jobs reports really tell us in Colorado?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 14:22


    Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/16/job-data-revisions-colorados-growth-bls-economy/ Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at all the talk lately around the jobs reports and how and why they get revised, and what that means for Colorado business owners and employees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Who's enjoying the Colorado outdoors?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 13:38


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the latest numbers of people hitting Colorado 14ers, who’s going outside around the country and what that all means for a $1 trillion outdoor industry. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/15/colorado-14ers-2024/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Heart's Nancy Wilson talks with G. Brown about her Colorado gigs & more

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 27:51


    Today: Heart's Nancy Wilson talks with G. Brown (https://colomusic.org/) about her Colorado gigs and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New Sun COO talking business

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 18:51


    The Colorado Sun has a new chief operating officer, and today Lamont Browne jumps on the Sun-Up to discuss how he got from Philly to Denver, bowling a 299 and his new role and what he plans to bring to The Sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dam delays in Colorado & Deadly risks of unlocked firearms

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 17:15


    On today's Temerpature episode Michael Booth talking about a troubled dam project in northern Colorado, and John Ingold detailing dangers to kids who have easy access to loaded guns. Sign up for the Temperature newsletter: https://coloradosun.com/temperature/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Broadband, internet folks descend on Denver

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 18:54


    Today, Colorado Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang shares her insights from the annual Mountain Connection internet and broadband conference last week in Denver and what those in the industry are saying about changes to the BEAD program under the Trump administration. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/09/google-expands-gigabit-internet-colorado/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Public lands preservation is having a moment

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 13:14


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins talks about the momentum building to preserve and safe public lands and the new Keep Parks Public campaign that starts this week and has a couple of stops in Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nini Berndt on "There Are Reasons for This", a Denver-based dystopian novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 29:21


    Author Nini Berndt joins the Sun's Kevin Simpson to discuss There Are Reasons for This, her Denver-based dystopian novel. They talk about the inspirations behind the book, her writing process, and how the city of Denver shaped the story’s atmosphere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Maddy Butcher on ranching and rural life

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 24:28


    Today: The Sun's Tracy Ross talks with Maddy Butcher, a journalist, filmmaker, horse, woman, and humanitarian in southern Colorado about projects she’s been working on related to the world of ranching and rural living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado lawmakers are about to be called into a special session

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 7:30


    Colorado lawmakers are likely to be called back to the state Capitol for a special session in the coming weeks to address a roughly $1 billion hole in the state's current budget. The gap is being caused by the so-called big, beautiful bill, the federal tax and spending measure passed by Republicans in Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. Colorado Sun political reporter joined Bazi Kanani on Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Today podcast to discuss what it all means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Coloradan are working well past the traditional retirement age

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 20:14


    Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang looks at why the labor force in Colorado is seeing more workers over 65 and 70 and where the trend is headed. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/08/04/hot-labor-trend-alert-working-past-65/ https://coloradosun.com/aging-in-colorado/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A drop in travel to the Colorado high country

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 17:27


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins looks at the drop in travel to the Colorado high country, especially among international tourists, and what that could mean for the upcoming ski season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Ian Patterson talks about his Colorado Book Award-winning sci-fi novel "Transference"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 20:44


    Today, we hear from Ian Patterson, author of the sci-fi novel "Transference," which won the Colorado Book Award for its genre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New Colorado State Land Board leader, Nicole Rosmarino, raises eyebrows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 17:49


    Today, Sun rural reporter Tracy Ross talks about the new director of the Colorado State Land Board, Nicole Rosmarino, who some consider a controversial choice to lead the agency that generates more than $280 million a year for Colorado public schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sun's newest reporter is happy to be back home in Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 17:04


    Today, The Sun’s latest addition to the news team, Taylor Dolven, stops by. Taylor grew up in Colorado and is back covering politics and policy and what the decisions at the state Capitol will mean for Coloradans. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/author/taylor-dolven/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Colorado still has $826 million for broadband. But who's getting it now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 17:33


    Today, Sun business reporter Tamara Chuang discusses how local Colorado internet providers are scrambling after the federal government changed the rules for using Colorado’s $826 million in federal broadband dollars. Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/25/cheaper-wireless-satellite-internet-trumps-fiber-colorado-broadband-bead/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nice Melly: Going behind the scenes at Melanzana in Leadville

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 17:39


    Today, Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins gives us a rare look inside the Melanzana shop in Leadville and insight into the man behind the coveted Melly hooded fleece pullover.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Author Sarah Scoles unpacks the reality of nuclear weapons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 17:17


    Science journalist Sarah Scoles discusses the present-day reality of nuclear weapons, challenging the idea that they keep us safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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