Podcast appearances and mentions of Brad Turner

The Colorado State Capitol Building opened its doors in November 1894. A grand neo-classical monument in the West, it used local materials to capture some of the feel of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Over the decades it's become, like many statehouses across the country, a trove of artwork, history and curiosities. The building is also the frequent site of protests, rallies, celebrations and a variety of other public events, a “People's House,” if you will. In this repeat episode of Purplish, which first published last fall, we shift the conversation from the consequential laws and debates that happen in the state's seat of power to the building itself. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Stephanie Wolf travel from top to bottom to explore what's on its walls and in its halls — and phone a friend for a rare look into what's down below the basement. Their reporting reveals that the building, and its many collections, open up bigger conversations, not just about history but about the state right now. Read more of our reporting: CPR News: Portrait donated by White House will hang temporarily in capitol where painting Trump despised used to be CPR News: Should Colorado Display A Rediscovered Portrait Of Its KKK Governor? Rocky Mountain Community Radio: How a wonky radiator helped uncover the Capitol's bygone glory Denverite: Meet the ‘Bloody Espinosas' and other Colorado Capitol legends on these free ghost tours Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasts.

Congressional races across the state are heating up: with the gloves coming off in the Democratic primary for Colorado's newest, and swingiest, district; other longtime Colorado Democrats facing challenges from more progressive candidates; and a Republican freshman trying to defend his seat from his right flank.CPR's Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim, along with Kiara DeMare and Rae Solomon, discuss who's on the ballot, as well as the dynamics of these races and what it says about politics right now.Catch up with our latest coverage: CPR News: 2026 Colorado Primary Election Voter Guide CPR News: A new season of the Who's Gonna Govern podcast CPR News: Melat Kiros says she'll bring change, lower costs in bid for Congressional District 1 seat CPR News: Rep. Diana DeGette is focused on healthcare in bid for 30th year in Congress  CPR News: Wanda James brings military experience to Congressional District 1 campaign as war in Iran rages Denverite: Denver congressional candidate Wanda James sues other CU Regents over censure CPR News: What voters in Colorado's newest and most competitive congressional district are thinking about right now Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasts.

Colorado released former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters on parole June 1 from a women's state correctional facility in Pueblo. She was less than two years into a nearly nine-year sentence for her role in tampering with county voting machines months after the 2020 presidential election, part of an effort to search for election rigging. Peters, who has become a hero among some MAGA voters, wasted no time repeating claims that Democrats are using technology to steal elections. The decision to free Peters early has potentially upended Gov. Jared Polis' final months in office, enraging his political allies and disheartening defenders of the election system.CPR's Bente Birkeland and Tom Hesse dig into this long and complicated tale, from the original plot to access Mesa County's election equipment, to the pressure campaign President Donald Trump launched to free her and Polis' recent clemency decision. They also discuss what her early release could mean for elections and politics in the state, and elsewhere, going forward. Catch up on our latest coverage: Colorado Matters: ‘It brainwashes people:' Head of Colorado's county clerks is concerned Tina Peters' disinformation against elections will continue CPR News: Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters released from prison CPR News: Colorado Democrats censure Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters commutation CPR News: Trump hails Peters' commutation as state Democrats call it ‘a sad day' CPR News: The Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters' election security controversy, explained (2022) Colorado in Depth: The Colorado clerk on trial for the big lie, and what it means for the 2024 election Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Additional reporting from CPR's Kevin Beaty, Sam Brasch, Anthony Cotton and Ryan Warner. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasts.

Colorado's primary elections are just around the corner. And there's a lot riding on them — all of the statewide constitutional offices are on the ballot — and thanks to term limits, all of those races are wide open, including Colorado's top office: governor. The fields include a who's who of Colorado politics, and one newcomer who may have the potential to shake things up.CPR's Bente Birkeland talks with The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and CPR's Ben Markus about who's on the Democratic and Republican tickets and the dynamics at play as they vie for votes. The five hopefuls on the ballot are running at a time when both parties are doing a bit of soul searching, and Coloradans on both sides of the aisle seem frustrated with the status quo. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: 2026 Colorado Primary Election Voter Guide CPR News: Bottoms, Kirkmeyer make their cases to primary voters in CPR News gubernatorial candidates debate CPR News: Democratic gubernatorial candidates Bennet and Weiser make their pitches to voters in live debate The Colorado Sun: A third of Colorado voters have still never heard of Phil Weiser, poll shows CPR News: Colorado GOP governor primary pits MAGA candidates against establishment favorite The Colorado Sun: Tina Peters isn't the first Colorado convict to become a central figure in a governor's race Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

From speed cameras to vaccine policy to ketchup packets, which of the laws passed by the 2026 legislature will actually be affecting people's daily lives, five or ten years from now. That's the question that launches our session wrap up conversation. But in a year when new policies often took a backseat to painful budget realities, there were also lots of politics to keep things interesting. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Lawmakers pass dozens of bills as 2026 session wraps up CCNA: 101 bills that passed and failed in Colorado's legislature this year that you need to know about CPR News: Colorado lawmakers ask voters to consider giving up TABOR refunds to fund schools CPR News: Polis says he will sign pared down AI bill that passed overnight Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers reject bill that would have required legislative caucuses to report their donors KUNC: Colorado legislature passes bill to allow lawsuits against ICE agents, other immigration officers  Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

Many of Colorado's Democratic lawmakers came into this legislative session determined to push back against the Trump administration, especially on the president's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. They introduced proposals to ban state and local law enforcement from concealing their identity in most situations and to allow Coloradans to sue federal agents who violate their rights. But not all Democrats are on board with these ideas — worried they may harm legitimate law enforcement efforts and fail to keep the community safer. And the legislation raises big questions about the limits of state authority when it comes to how federal immigration agents behave within Colorado's borders.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Taylor Dolven and The Denver Post's Seth Klamann discuss the different bills, the potential legal challenges and the politics surrounding this issue, at a time when the stakes feel like they couldn't be higher. Catch up on the latest coverage: The Denver Post: Judge again blocks Gov. Jared Polis from directing state officials to comply with an ICE subpoena The Denver Post: Federal judge criticizes ICE agents at Denver hearing for not knowing about earlier order limiting arrests The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers reject bill that would have required police to intervene when ICE agents use excessive force The Denver Post: Thousands of immigrants in Colorado were arrested and deported during Trump's first year The Colorado Sun: As some Democratic governors lead on ICE pushback, Jared Polis is taking a hands-off approach The Colorado Sun: Democratic lawmakers plan package of bills to further regulate federal immigration enforcement in Colorado Denverite: What we saw from inside ICE's raid at Aurora's Edge apartments Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additionally reporting for this episode from Denverite's Kevin Beaty.

Colorado has a part-time, citizen legislature, driven by the notion that it's important to have people from all kinds of professional backgrounds bringing their experience to lawmaking. So for four months every year, state legislators pause their regular lives to be at the Capitol. But the flexibility to do that can be hard to come by, and some say the pay — currently around $47,000 a year — makes things even harder. Now, an approach lawmakers hoped would take the politics out of the pay raise process could end up boosting their wages at the worst possible time.CPR's Bente Birkeland and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods lean into the ongoing debate and tension around how much state lawmakers earn, what it means for the legislative process and the variety of fixes, from the financial to the fundamental, some have proposed. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: How much are Colorado's state legislators paid? CPR News: Amid budget cuts, legislators and statewide office holders set for pay increases next year The Independent Elected State Official Pay Commission's 2025 Pay Report Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additional reporting for this episode from Rae Solomon.

Primary ballots will land in Coloradans' mailbox in a few weeks, and now, voters know which candidates will be on them. Many got there by winning over party activists at the recent Democratic and Republican state assemblies in Pueblo. These were high-stakes gatherings in a high-stakes election year, as hopefuls lined up for all of Colorado's top offices: U.S senator, governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and CPR's Caitlyn Kim break down which candidates rallied enough delegate support, what kinds of competitions it sets up for the primary in June, and what this method of selecting candidates means in the big picture.Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News/KRCC: Gubernatorial candidates Scott Bottoms, Victor Marx win slots on GOP primary ballot at state assembly CPR News: Democrats gather in Pueblo to select candidates for primary ballot CPR News: Kirkmeyer, Marx, Bennet file petitions to get on ballot for gubernatorial primaries The Colorado Sun: Colorado's unaffiliated voters say they're intentionally not joining a political party. Here's why. The Colorado Sun: Republicans who want to opt out of Colorado's primaries get major boost from federal judge's ruling The Colorado Sun: State senator defeats two Democratic rivals, securing lone spot on primary ballot for Colorado treasurer The Colorado Sun: Diana DeGette narrowly made the primary ballot. Here's why you maybe shouldn't read too much into it. Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additional reporting for this episode from KRCC's Briana Heaney.

The Lakers 1st round playoff matchup is set! Allie Clifton, Chris McGee, & Brad Turner preview the series with the Houston Rockets featuring a legendary clash of LeBron James & Kevin Durant, as well as the topic on every Laker fan's mind – the health of Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves. Plus, on the 10th anniversary of Kobe Bryant's 60-point finale, relive all the memories of that special night. Catch all the Lakers action this season on Spectrum SportsNet+ with the NBA app when you add Spectrum Internet and at least one Mobile line. Plus, get a free Xumo Stream Box for 6 months! This offer is a slam dunk (total value of $199.99). Learn more: spectrum.com/getlakers. 

A bill advancing through Colorado's statehouse would require law enforcement officers to ask a set of 11 questions — 11 very specific questions, meant to measure someone's risk of dying at the hands of their abuser. Backers say the change is especially urgent now, because even though homicides in Colorado have gone down in recent years, domestic violence killings have gone up. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Kyle McKinnon and CPR's Ava Kian discuss efforts to try to improve how law enforcement across Colorado responds to domestic violence calls, and the unique challenges of addressing domestic violence. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Advocates push for a statewide protocol for domestic violence victims KUNC: Colorado lawmakers want police to take new steps when responding to domestic violence calls KUNC: Colorado faces domestic violence crisis as survivor danger escalates CPR News: Colorado domestic violence deaths rise even as statewide homicides fall Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

Decades ago, Colorado lawmakers set statewide limits on noise for different types of areas — lower limits near homes, louder away from them. But a recent court case has upended the status quo around which venues are allowed to be extra loud and how much say local governments have, and that has state lawmakers this year stirring up a noisy debate over noise.CPR's Bente Birkeland and Dan Boyce delve into the complexity of noise and how people experience it, the debate over state limits versus local control, and why the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs is at the center of this debate.Catch up on our coverage: CPR News: Local noise permit bill passes Senate after contentious committee hearing KRCC: Statehouse proposal would allow cities to issue noise permits for properties like the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs KRCC: Ford Amphitheater opponents hope Colorado Supreme Court ruling will bring the noise down KRCC: Colorado Springs mayor, city staff will meet with operators of Ford Amphitheater after widespread noise complaints And check out two past Purplish topics that are back in the news: Colorado banned conversion therapy for minors. A U.S. Supreme Court case could upend that Tina Peters is headed to trial – how did we get here? Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. 

The six lawmakers tasked with writing Colorado's budget have an excruciating job this year — they must find about $1.5 billion in savings to keep the budget in balance, and understand that many of their cuts will have direct, human consequences. That's because the state's Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to low-income Coloradans, accounts for a significant part of Colorado's budget, and costs have ballooned in recent years.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and The Denver Post's Seth Klamann discuss what's driving rising Medicaid costs for the state, where lawmakers are looking for savings and what this all means for Colorado residents. Catch up on the latest coverage: The Colorado Sun: Colorado's state budget shortfall grows to more than $1.5 billion, forcing legislature to make much deeper cuts CPR News: Impact of state budget cuts gets real as lawmakers start trimming Medicaid programs The Colorado Sun: Providing health care to immigrants who are children or pregnant is costing Colorado 611% more than expected The Denver Post: As Medicaid costs rise, should Colorado charge fees on large employers that don't insure all workers? The Denver Post: Flawed analysis caused Colorado Medicaid program's costs to surge and made it ‘attractive' to fraud CPR News: Medicaid recipients, advocates furious over state mistake that's costing tens of millions of dollars The Colorado Sun: Legislature mulls ballot measure that would ask voters to raise TABOR cap by billions primarily to fund Colorado's schools Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Additional reporting for this episode from CPR's John Daley and The Colorado Sun's John Ingold and Erica Breunlin. 

Brad Turner, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Disabilities and Aging, discusses how his personal experience as a parent of a daughter with cerebral palsy shapes his leadership and commitment to improving supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He highlights Tennessee's innovations, including extending early intervention services to age five, the Medicaid Alternative Pathways (MAPs) program promoting independence through technology, and the development of statewide Innovation Centers to expand assistive and enabling technologies. Turner emphasizes the need for inclusive, person‑centered systems, better mental health support for people with IDD, and addressing workforce and housing challenges. He also stresses the importance of broader advocacy, community integration, and ensuring people with disabilities have not only a seat and a voice at the table, but true belonging where their voices are genuinely heard.

Colorado's prisons have been filled nearly to capacity for months. And when the state has too many people in its prisons, difficult living conditions can quickly become intolerable. That's got Colorado Department of Corrections officials, staff and some lawmakers worried. DOC says it needs more money to fund hundreds of additional beds for male inmates. But state lawmakers in both parties say DOC has failed to come up with a plan to address systemic issues.CPR's Bente Birkeland and KUNC's Kyle McKinnon dig into how the state got to the point of such high occupancy in its prisons, the ripple effect of crowding in prisons and how conversations on solutions are playing out at the State Capitol. Catch up on our coverage: KUNC News: Colorado's prisons and jails are overflowing. What's being done? CPR News: State budget committee rejects request for more prison beds until DOC provides more complete plan KUNC News: Colorado lawmakers reverse course, approve funding for new prison beds Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

Flock cameras, and other license plate reader systems, are installed all over Colorado. The technology gives law enforcement access to a new level of tracking, a reach they say has helped them solve all kinds of terrible crimes and made the state safer. But community fears that law enforcement could misuse the data and invade people's privacy, and share it with federal immigration authorities, are mounting — and getting the attention of state lawmakers. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Denverite's Andrew Kenney dig into how this kind of surveillance tech has changed in recent years, the arguments for and against it and how some Colorado lawmakers hope to restrict how law enforcement can access this data. Catch up on our latest coverage: New restrictions on police surveillance advance in state Senate Denver fires Flock, prepares to switch to new roadway surveillance system Officer faces discipline after using Flock cameras to falsely accuse Denver woman of package theft Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence Out-of-state cops had access to Denver license plate data for immigration cases for months Denver is at the center of a viral national fight over surveillance Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Hazel Feldstein assistant produced this episode. Additional reporting from Denverite's Kiara DeMare and Kyle Harris. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

For a lot of farmers in Colorado, and across the country, insecticides known as neonicotinoids, or neonics, have been a game changer. But what's been a breakthrough for some has been a nightmare for others. Neonics are being blamed for die-offs in domestic bees and native pollinators, and there's growing concern over their potential impacts on human health as well. This year, some Democratic lawmakers proposed a bold step to reduce the chemicals' use in Colorado; they wanted farmers to get something like a prescription to be allowed to use neonic-treated seeds.CPR's Bente Birkeland and Rae Solomon discuss what those lawmakers tried to do, and why they faced such fierce opposition from the get go.Read our coverage: Farmers bristle as state lawmakers weigh the future of a ubiquitous pesticide Democrats' bill to control pesticides that threaten pollinators dies at statehouse Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Megan Verlee is the executive producer.

In this episode of The Clink, Brent Simpson sits down with proud First Nations man and renowned Indigenous artist Brad Turner. Brent and Brad first met over 20 years ago playing rugby league on the Gold Coast. Back then, footy was life — community, culture and mateship. But when a devastating workplace injury left Brad with permanent nerve damage and the loss of movement in his hand, everything changed. The phone stopped ringing. The identity he had built around sport began to unravel. What followed was a dark and dangerous battle with depression, self-harm and the overwhelming weight of feeling lost. In this episode, Brad opens up about the lowest points of his life — the moments where he couldn’t see a way forward — and the turning points that slowly brought him back. From the unwavering strength of his wife, to rediscovering purpose through photography, fitness and ultimately art, Brad shares how he rebuilt himself one day at a time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data centers, the infrastructure underpinning the artificial intelligence boom, are popping up in communities all across the country, including in Colorado. And with each new build, come more questions from residents about what these structures mean for their utility bills and quality of life. At the State Capitol, lawmakers are choosing between two competing visions of how Colorado should approach data centers — with incentives plus some guardrails, or strictly with regulations.CPR's Sam Brasch, The Colorado Sun's Taylor Dolven and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods dig into the competing data center bills, one that offers tax breaks to lure centers here and another that requires them to mitigate their impacts. They also discuss the local backlash against these buildings when they start going up in communities, and the politics of it all. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Colorado bill would require renewable energy for new data centers to guard against rising energy bills CPR News: Colorado lawmakers brace for their biggest battle yet over AI data centers The Colorado Sun & KUNC: Tax breaks vs. renewable energy offsets: Democrats plan to duel over conflicting Colorado data center bills CPR News: Does the AI boom threaten local air quality? A north Denver neighborhood is about to find out Mountain West News Bureau: Wired, Wired West: What happens with AI data centers move in Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional editorial support on this episode provided by Tegan Wendland.

Again and again, President Trump has made it known he has a beef with Colorado, whether it's anger over his presidential portrait that was displayed at the State Capitol or the state's policies on immigration, artificial intelligence and voting. And it's not simply talk. Since Trump has returned to the White House, Colorado is losing a military command, and a major scientific research center is in jeopardy, as are hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.Democrats say Trump's actions add up to retaliation. Others, particularly on the right, say this is a situation the state has brought upon itself due to its policies. Regardless of the political lens you look through, Trump has made it clear he doesn't like a lot of things about this blue state. CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Taylor Dolven and CPR's Caitlyn Kim look at the president's different actions against the state, how Colorado leaders are responding to those actions and how some are pushing back.Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Policy differences or punishment? How Colorado lawmakers view Trump's actions towards the state CPR News: From a South Dakota stage to a national platform: The winding road that got Tina Peters on the President's radar The Colorado Sun: Trump administration must keep funding Colorado's poorest families, judge rules in temporary reprieve CPR News: House refuses to override Trump veto of Colorado water project CPR News: As the Trump administration targets NCAR, scientists rally to defend the ‘mothership' of atmospheric research The Colorado Sun: Trump administration cancels $109M in environmentally focused transportation grants for Colorado CPR News: FEMA denies Colorado disaster declaration requests Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Megan Verlee is the executive producer. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

In his first seven years in office, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis had a lot of challenges and tragedies to contend with: the COVID-19 pandemic; the 2021 Marshall Fire and other climate disasters; shootings in Boulder, Highlands Ranch, Colorado Springs and Evergreen. These events defined his governorship, as did, what he's heralded as, some big-ticket policy wins: free full-day kindergarten and universal preschool, cutting the income tax, and wooing the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder. But during his final State of the State address this month, Polis made it clear there's still work to be done in his lame-duck year. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul discuss what's on the governor's to-do list, how policy clashes with his own party could play out this session and the pressures from a  White House that seems bent on punishing Colorado. Catch up on our latest coverage: Purplish: Get ready for a new legislative session under Colorado's Gold Dome Colorado Matters: Polis talks advancements on Colorado agenda amid federal pressure The Colorado Sun: Colorado's governor gave his 8th and final State of the State speech. We analyzed everything he said. The Colorado Sun: House declines to override Trump veto of bill to complete water pipeline in southeastern Colorado Tina Peters from CPR, KUNC and The Colorado Sun Purplish: A rare veto showdown at the State Capitol Purplish: Why is Douglas County so worked up about home rule? Purplish: Some Colorado cities plan to ignore new housing density laws Purplish: The embattled Labor Peace Act  Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasts. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

From another big budget shortfall to unsettled business over artificial intelligence to other pressing policy issues, like housing, the environment and surveillance, the 2026 legislative session kicks off in less than a week and Colorado lawmakers already have a lot on their to-do lists. Plus, while Democrats continue to hold a wide majority in both legislative chambers, tensions between the more progressive and more moderate factions of the party threaten to bubble over. On top of all of that, a big election year that will deliver new leaders for the state. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul dig into the politics, the policy and the pressures expected to shape a new session. Catch up on our latest coverage: Purplish: Budget balanced (for now), AI decisions punted, relationships ruptured: What went down during special session Purplish: Crude Signal chats, social media attacks, mistreated aides: lawmaker conduct is back in the headlines CPR: Trump cites Colorado in new executive order banning states from creating ‘cumbersome' AI laws The Colorado Sun: How Medicaid became such a drag on Colorado's state budget KUNC: Democrats, local governments are gearing up for another round of battles over housing in Colorado The Colorado Sun: Colorado Ethics Commission advances complaints against Democrats who attended dark money-funded retreat The Colorado Sun: Colorado state Sen. Faith Winter was legally drunk when she caused car crash that killed her, authorities say Purplish: Drinking at the Colorado Capitol  CPR: Democratic Sen. Faith Winter changed State Capitol culture in the #MeToo era Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasting. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. Purplish's theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional reporting for this episode from Taylor Dolven of The Colorado Sun and CPR's John Daley.

Galactic & Irma Thomas, David Bode, Sonic Chambers Quartet, Greg Murphy, Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, Lucy Lambert's Violet Drift, Josh Hou, Thomas Marriott, Steph Richards & Qasim Naqvi, Jahnvi Madan, James Danderfer, Jamile, Motivation, Peter Campbell, Samantha Schmutz & Adrian Younge, Carlos Dafe & Adrian Younge and Instant AlterPlaylist: Galactic & Irma Thomas - How Glad I AmDavid Bode - Happy PeopleSonic Chambers Quartet, featuring Byron Asher and Tomas Majcherski - 7th LineGreg Murphy - ProximityRevolutionary Snake Ensemble - PresentLucy Lambert - Si Tu SavaisJosh Hou - Wren's Happy DayThomas Marriott, featuring Orrin Evans, Robert Hurst & Mark Whitfield Jr. - Summer NightsSteph Richards, Qasim Naqvi - RoyaltiesJahnvi Madan - HoneycrispJames Danderfer - I Like YouJamile - JogralMotivation, featuring Brad Turner, Michael Kalanj & Bruno Hubert - SkyscrapersPeter Campbell - Forgetting You (Esquecendo Voce)Samantha Schmütz & Adrian Younge - Depois do AmorCarlos Dafé, Adrian Younge - Verdadeiro SentimentoInstant Alter, featuring Kassa Overall, Stanley Clarke, Natasha Agrama and Emilio Modeste - Oracao Ao Tempo

Colorado, like the rest of the country, is experiencing more, and worse, climate disasters, wrecking havoc on people's homes — and their homeowner's insurance rates. In the wake of devastating hail storms and massive wildfires, Coloradans face rising premiums, less choice and availability, and in some cases, getting dropped by insurers altogether. The state is now one of the top ten most expensive in the country for homeowners insurance. And escalating the issue is climate change. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Rocky Mountain PBS' Andrea Kramar look at what's happening with the home insurance market in Colorado, and what state lawmakers are trying to do to make sure that, when the flames approach or the hail falls, Coloradans don't lose everything.Plus stay tuned for a full-length documentary on this reporting. “Undercovered” airs on Rocky Mountain PBS Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. MST, and will be available to stream on the free RMPBS+ app and Youtube.Purplish is produced by listener-supported CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. CPR's executive producer of podcasts is Megan Verlee.

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In statehouses across the country, the political playing field is being redrawn, as states wade into the murky waters of midcycle redistricting. President Donald Trump kicked off this effort, when he urged Republicans in Texas to draw new Congressional maps, years ahead of schedule. Then came Missouri and North Carolina, and earlier this month, California voters agreed to put aside their independently drawn map and give Democrats more seats. Colorado — a blue state with its congressional seats split evenly between the parties — is a tempting target as Democrats look to further offset Republican gains.But not so fast. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim dive into the guardrails Colorado voters put in place years ago to keep politics out of the state's redistricting process — and why changes to the process could be slow and costly. They're joined by NPR's Larry Kaplow, who has been covering this issue on the national level. Read and listen to our redistricting coverage: As state after state weighs partisan redistricting, the people who drew Colorado's map hope it stays out of the fray Should Colorado join the gerrymandering war? Attorney General Phil Weiser thinks so The man who helped Colorado and California take politics out of redistricting calls the race toward partisan gerrymanders a living ‘nightmare' Colorado officially has new state legislative maps Purplish's 2021 redistricting miniseries: The Great Redraw  Purplish is produced by listener-supported CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee , and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. Big shout out to Rachel Estabrook, who has led the audio projects team this past year and is leaving CPR at the end of the month. Thanks for your leadership!Editor's note: This episode has been updated to remove an inaccuracy about the current partisan split in the U.S. House of Representatives.

On Purplish, our focus is usually on exploring the politics of the moment. But for Veterans Day, we're offering something different -- a chance to experience a defining moment in World War II from one of the last remaining veterans to live through it.The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the toughest in Marine Corps history. Nearly 7,000 Marines lost their lives taking the volcanic island from its Japanese defenders.80 years on, few remain who served in that grueling conflict. One of them is Jim Blane of Denver.It took Blane decades after the war ended to begin to talk about his time in combat. But as he prepares to celebrate his 101st birthday this month – just as the U.S. Marine Corps marks its 250th anniversary – the veteran says when it comes to the war and Iwo Jima, he's now wide open. Blane recently shared his story with CPR's Bente Birkeland.Purplish is a production of member-supported Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. The CCNA is a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS and the Colorado Sun, with support from news outlets throughout the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I'm Bente Birkeland.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf and the story editor is Megan Verlee. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey – with additional sound design support on this episode from Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. CPR News' executive producer of podcasting is Rachel Estabrook. Special thanks to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans for assisting with archival sound used in this episode, and the Library of Congress for its archive of images. 

Anti-hunger advocates and education groups did a victory dance election night, celebrating the passage of Props. MM and LL, two statewide ballot measures to increase funding for Colorado's universal free school meal program. CPR's Jenny Brundin joins Purplish host Bente Birkeland to talk through what voters thought of these measures and what it means for the programs' future. They also dig into the results of school board races around the state. Then, a pivot to look ahead at the 2026 midterms, and the big races on the horizon, including the fight for control of Congress and the candidates who hope to win the governor's office. The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and CPR's Caitlyn Kim are on the podcast this week to preview what they're watching for on as the state gears up for a big election year.If you're enjoying the show and want everyone to know it, email us at purplish@cpr.org and we'll send you a Purplish sticker to thank you for being an awesome listener!Purplish is produced by listener-supported CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and Rachel Estabrook, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner.

Brandee Younger, Kassa Overall, Theo Croker, Emma-Jean Thackray, GoGo Penguin, David Braid, Midnight Channel, David Lavoie & Carson Tworow, Jacob Do, Kate Wyatt, Andy Milne, Noam Lemish, Brad Turner, William Carn, David Occhipinti and Tim JagoPlaylist: Brandee Younger - Gadabout SeasonKassa Overall - Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)Theo Croker, featuring Kassa Overall, Estelle - one pillowEmma-Jean Thackray, featuring Kassa Overall - It's OkayGoGo Penguin - Fallowfield LoopsDavid Braid, featuring Phil Nimmons - From Sea to ShiningMidnight Channel - CelebrationDavid Lavoie & Carson Tworow - RefractionJacob Do - I'll Be AroundKate Wyatt - MurmurationsAndy Milne and Unison - Broken LandscapeNoam Lemish - It Was There All AlongBrad Turner - It's All SoWilliam Carn, featuring Larnell Lewis and Brad Turner - BrotherDavid Occhipinti - Song of CalypsoTim Jago - Calypso'ish

The Lakers are five games in and despite being short-handed due to injuries the team is figuring out how to win together. This week Chris McGee, Mike Bresnahan, and Brad Turner dive into the impressive play by Austin Reaves. They'll also talk highlight performances from Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht in the win vs the Timberwolves. Plus, the team will look ahead at the next five games for the Lakers for some win-loss predictions. The crew will also play a little Bucket or Brick. Catch all the Lakers action this season on Spectrum SportsNet+ with the NBA app when you add Spectrum Internet and at least one Mobile line. Plus, get a free Xumo Stream Box for six months! This offer is a slam dunk(total value of $194.99). Learn more: spectrum.com/getlakers

The Colorado State Capitol Building opened its doors in November 1894, a grand neo-classical monument in the West, built of local materials, but with some of the feel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Like many statehouses across the country, it's a trove of artwork, history and curiosities. The building is also often the site of protests, rallies, celebrations and a variety of other public events, a “People's House,” if you will. On Purplish, we spend a lot of time under the gold dome, digging into the consequential laws and debates in the state's seat of power. But for this episode, it's the building itself we're interested in. CPR's Bente Birkeland and Stephanie Wolf travel from top to bottom to explore what's on its walls and in its halls — and phone a friend to learn what's down below the basement. Their reporting reveals that the building itself, and the various objects it contains, open up bigger conversations, not just about history but about the state right now. Read more of our reporting: Portrait donated by White House will hang temporarily in capitol where painting Trump despised used to be Should Colorado Display A Rediscovered Portrait Of Its KKK Governor? How a wonky radiator helped uncover the Capitol's bygone glory Meet the ‘Bloody Espinosas' and other Colorado Capitol legends on these free ghost tours Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

There are just two statewide questions on the ballot this year, and both are related to a universal school meals program intended to feed all public school students in the state regardless of income.Three years ago, voters approved a tax on wealthier Coloradans to fund the Healthy School Meals program for All. That original measure set out to do several things, with the marquee item being to provide free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 public school students in Colorado. But it's running short on cash, and lawmakers are going back the ballot again, asking voters to increase that tax to fully fund the program.CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Jenny Brundin dig into the original measure and how its promises have matched up with reality so far, why the program is in financial trouble, and how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle feel about going back to taxpayers about the issue. They explain what Propositions MM and LL will do, and why Democratic lawmakers hope they could help with hunger at home as well as school.Read CPR's voter guide for the 2025 election here.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner.And a moment of gratitude:Purplish is a Signal Award winner!The podcast won a Gold and Listener's Choice awards in the Local News show category. Thanks to all who voted! We're honored to have your support; thanks for nerding out on Colorado politics with us.

In 2019, Colorado Democrats had control of both the House and the Senate. That gave them the momentum they needed to push forward an issue that had repeatedly failed in the statehouse under Republicans: a ban on conversion therapy for minors.The law prohibits licensed therapists from trying to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Even though some conservatives strongly opposed it, the law ended up passing with bipartisan support and a few high-profile Republican backers. It wasn't seen as hugely contentious. Now a challenge on the ban has made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Oral arguments are Oct. 7. CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Caitlyn Kim dive into the Colorado law at the center of the case and the legal arguments that will be before the nation's highest court. They also get into how this case is one in a string of challenges to Colorado's LGBTQ protections, all from the same conservative legal powerhouse. Purplish is a finalist for a Signal AwardYou rely on Purplish's reporters to break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities — and to find the big picture behind political headlines.Now Purplish is a finalist for a Signal Award, and the team needs your help. Cast your vote to make sure the podcast takes home the Listener's Choice Award in the Local News Show category. Vote here. Thanks for your support!Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and Rachel Estabrook, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to WHYY and Fresh Air for this episode.

Last year, Buc-ee's opened its first Colorado location, an expansive 74,000 square-foot outpost in Weld County filled with beaver-branded merch, brisket sandwiches and sweets. Not too long after that, the company began plans for a second store, landing at a parcel of land about a two-hours drive away in northern El Paso County. But the prospect of a Buc-ee's arriving on the edge of the small town of Palmer Lake quickly became a larger-than-life controversy. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KRCC's Andrea Chalfin and KRCC's Briana Heaney dig into the story behind this big development proposal -- and its big opposition. It's a tale which raises questions around growth, representative government and how communities navigate bitter political divides.Read their coverage: Colorado's governor and senators sign letter asking Buc-ee's to reconsider Monument Hill location In debate over new Buc-ee's, early results show Palmer Lake residents want a public vote and recall of two trustees Buc-ee's gets a thumb's down from the Palmer Lake Planning Commission Here's what the agreement between Palmer Lake and Buc-ee's looks like, mostly. The annexation still needs approval Mayor of Palmer Lake resigns with town divided over possible Buc-ee's Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.You can also help support Purplish, with a gift at cpr.org.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

Linda May Han Oh, Tim Jago, Silvano Monasterios, Luis Perdomo, Miguel Zenon, Francis Wong, Gloria Cheng, Charles Chen, Karl Evangelista, Lingyuan Yang, arid landscapes, David Lavoie & Carson Tworow, Brad Turner and Mary AnchetaPlaylist: Linda May Han Oh, featuring Tyshawn Sorey and Ambrose Akinmusire - PortalTim Jago - Time ShiftSilvano Monasterios - Ambar's CourageMiguel Zenón, Luis Perdomo - Mucho CorazonMiguel Zenón - Acts of ExclusionFrancis Wong - Corners 3Gloria Cheng - Ancestors & SistersCharles Chen - Straw HatKarl Evangelista - MidasLingyuan Yang - MoondialArid Landscapes - The Dust StormCarson Tworow and David Lavoie - The SlabsBrad Turner - Glory DaysMary Ancheta - The Blessing

The giant tax-cuts-and-spending package passed by Congressional Republicans will have major ramifications for every state in the country, but Colorado is one of the first place it's really being felt. Thanks to the state's unusual way of handling its finances, the federal tax cuts immediately threw Colorado's finances way out of whack.That was the main reason lawmakers recently came back to the Capitol in August for a high temperature, high stakes special session. But grueling fights over AI regulations and a painful public confrontation between House leaders at times made the budget debates feel like a secondary concern.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods discuss the bills that did, and did not, make it past the finish line over the six-day special legislative session. They also dig into the growing chasm between the two caucuses in the House, and what it could mean for  the regular session in the new year. Read CCNA special session coverage: From CPR News: Colorado House condemns former GOP lawmaker for unprofessional behavior From The Colorado Sun: What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole From KUNC News: Colorado Democrats move to protect SNAP benefits and Planned Parenthood care From The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers abandon special session effort to tweak AI law, will push back start date to June 2026 From CPR News: Are legislative special sessions even special any more? Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf and its editor is Megan Verlee, sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

This is a re-release of the Prison Break podcast "Prison Breaking With Sarah & Paul S1E3: Cell Test". Sarah & Paul welcome their first guest, episode director and Peabody Award winner, Brad Turner. Leave us your comments, shoot us an email, or leave us a voicemail - we love hearing from all of you! For the FULL Prison Breaking With Sarah & Paul experience, join our very active Patreon community where you can watch our WATCH PARTY episodes, released a day before the podcast episode, where you can re-watch every episode of Prison Break alongside Sarah & Paul's real time commentary (kind of like the DVD director commentary tracks of yore).  You also get access to all of our Fan Fiction episodes and our Discord Server where you can join our active Prison Breaking community, interact with Sarah & Paul's "Ask Me Anything" and join group WATCH PARTIES where you can experience the release of every Watch Party and along with a group chat.   Join our Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=116411884 If you love all the behind-the-scenes Prison Break convo that Sarah & Paul are bringing weekly, then please give us a review and a follow us on all your podcast, social media, and YouTube accounts! Watch the episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PrisonBreakPodcast Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prisonbreakpodcast/ Follow us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@prisonbreakpodcast Merch!!! - https://pbmerch.printify.me/products Email us at prisonbreaking@caliber-studio.com And leave us a message with all your burning questions at (401) 3-PBREAK Logo design by John Nunziatto @ Little Big Brands.  If you want one yourself, reach out at https://www.littlebigbrands.com/ and tell him we sent you.   PRISON BREAKING WITH SARAH & PAUL is a Caliber Studio production.

House Republicans sharing locker room jokes about a Democratic colleague's outfit in a group chat. A former Democratic senator charged with a felony for allegedly forging letters of defense in an ethics probe. A representative accused of bullying and harassing women before taking office.Workplace misconduct at the Colorado State Capitol isn't new. But this year has contained more allegations and revelations than usual.Nearly a decade since the #MeToo movement led lawmakers to adopt new policies and protections for those who serve in, and work with, the legislature, some are questioning whether those efforts are due for an update.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and The Denver Post's Seth Klamann have all covered various aspects of workplace conditions at the State Capitol. They discuss the efforts the legislature has taken in recent years to improve circumstances and what lawmaker misconduct means for governance, especially now, on the cusp of a special session.Read their reporting: In private group chat, GOP lawmakers made crude jokes about a Democratic colleague's clothing A Colorado lawmaker charged gas to his campaign. Then he asked taxpayers to reimburse his mileage Two women accuse Republican state lawmaker of making unwanted sexual advances. He denies the allegations A Colorado lawmaker charged gas to his campaign. Then he asked taxpayers to reimburse his mileage Colorado House member faced investigation over ignored harassment complaint, aide mistreatment Colorado lawmaker faces ‘bullying' claims from past Larimer County post, complaint from fellow legislator Democratic lawmaker apologizes for Trump tweet, while others debate role of rhetoric in inflaming violence Lawmakers and lobbyists accuse Steve Lebsock of sexual harassment; speaker calls for his resignation Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf and its editor is Megan Verlee, sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

There's a secure room in the State Capitol filled with the lost treasures of generations of Coloradans: baseball cards, war medals, even a large yellow diamond ring. Unclaimed property that has come into the custody of the state over the decades. All told, Colorado holds around $2 billion in unclaimed assets, some physical, but even more in the form of abandoned accounts, uncashed checks and overlooked tax refunds. Colorado's Treasury Department is tasked with returning assets to their rightful owners. But the fund is also an attractive target for lawmakers looking to pay programs in the face of a cash-strapped state budget.CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Stephanie Wolf look at how the fund is intended to work, what it takes to reclaim property and why lawmakers dipping into it can be a messy situation. Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

After a lot of back and forth, Republicans in Congress have passed President Trump's mega tax and spending package, aka the “One, Big Beautiful Bill.” At almost a thousand pages, the law fulfills a range of Republican campaign promises, from protecting tax cuts to turbo charging immigration enforcement. But many Democrats have called its cuts to programs like Medicaid and food aid 'cruel.' And now, state lawmakers will have to grapple with what the new reality means for Colorado's safety net.CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Caitlyn Kim bring this all home, diving into the many ways the law represents a shift in direction for U.S. policy and priorities and how people will feel it in Colorado. CPR health reporter John Daley joins to discuss the implications on healthcare, in particular the cuts to Medicaid and the more immediate effects on the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace.Further reading: Congressional Republicans defy expectations and send megabill to Trump The federal government temporarily cut taxes on tips and overtime. What does that mean for Colorado state taxes? One big beautiful special session? Colorado lawmakers still aren't sure Colorado health insurance rates expected to skyrocket after budget bill slashes health spending Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains resumes scheduling for patients enrolled in Medicaid, for now Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

In this episode of Mission Matters, host Adam Torres interviews Alan Bernstein, CEO of Science Lab 3, live from the Newport Beach Investor Conference. Alan shares how his company created Memory Air, a scent-emitting sleep device that passively stimulates the brain's memory centers. Backed by over 30 years of neurobiological research and fine-tuned over eight years of development, the product is designed to help combat age-related memory decline. Bernstein also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, FDA collaboration, and the company's mission to improve cognition for aging populations worldwide. Big thanks to our sponsor ⁠Brad Turner⁠ and ⁠⁠www.longevityshopping.com Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, host Adam Torres interviews Dan Zhu, CEO of knoknok, on his innovative approach to solving long-standing issues in residential property management. By combining 24/7 AI responsiveness with on-demand real estate agents, Dan shares how knoknok is building a new way to rent—efficient, trustworthy, and frictionless. Recorded live at the Newport Beach Investor Conference. Big thanks to our sponsor ⁠Brad Turner⁠ and ⁠⁠www.longevityshopping.com Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, host Adam Torres interviews Davina Kaonohi, CEO & Co-Founder of Element Apothec, on how a deeply personal family journey evolved into a science-led plant-based wellness brand. From handcrafted tinctures to global product launches, Davina shares how data, purpose, and healing drive the mission behind Element Apothec. Recorded live at the Newport Beach Investor Conference. Big thanks to our sponsor ⁠Brad Turner⁠ and ⁠⁠www.longevityshopping.com Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters in Douglas County are deciding whether to become a home rule county. With ballots due June 24, the issue is stirring up a lot of strong feelings, amidst competing claims about what it would mean for this fast-growing part of Colorado. County commissioners say home rule status would give Douglas County more legal standing to fight back against Democratic policies coming out of the State Capitol. But the experience of Colorado's only two existing home rule counties shows that home rule is more complicated, and less far reaching than they may hope.On this episode of Purplish, CPR's Stephanie Wolf joins CPR's Bente Birkeland to break down home rule: from how the idea got its start in an armed conflict on the steps of Denver's city hall, to the role it's playing today in the fight over housing policy.You can read the full story here.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner. 

2020 was an extraordinary year for the Colorado legislature. COVID-19 forced lawmakers to break halfway through session. They returned to work in May with a short list of priorities: balance the budget and respond to the pandemic. But almost immediately, the Capitol became the epicenter of protests over the killings of George Floyd and other Black people at the hands of police. The chants of “Black lives matter” outside the statehouse walls pushed lawmakers to take up the issue of police reform that summer. They ultimately wrote and passed an ambitious bipartisan bill, which included body camera requirements and deadly force use limits. The governor signed into law within weeks.CPR's Bente Birkeland looks at what made this major piece of police accountability legislation possible and, along with CPR's Ben Markus, examines the law's impact in the five years since.Read more: How protests over George Floyd's death led Colorado to rewrite its rules for policingPurplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Additional reporting in this episode from Allison Sherry and broadcast tape came from NPR and CBS News Colorado. Special thanks to KDUR at Fort Lewis College for allowing us to record in their studio.

State lawmakers have bid adieu to the Colorado State Capitol — for now. But lots of questions remain. For example, what's next for Colorado's controversial artificial intelligence law? What about federal spending cuts? Will state lawmakers have to return to Denver before next January to absorb changes from Washington? And the big question: where is Governor Jared Polis on all of this?After so much Polis talk on Purplish this year, this is a chance to hear from the governor himself. Polis spoke with The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul during the the Sun's 2025 Legislative Session Recap, a live event held at The University of Denver on May 15, 2025. This episode, hosted by CPR's Bente Birkeland, includes excerpts from that conversation, as well as a discussion about the hot issues of the session with Senate President James Coleman, a Democrat from Denver, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Democrat from Dillon. They address the moments of tension between the legislature and governor this session, TABOR reform, the potential impacts of proposed federal Medicaid cuts and more.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to The Colorado Sun for partnering on this episode and the technical crew at DU for recording it.

State lawmakers took it right down to the wire on some of the biggest issues of the 2025 legislative session, including immigration, artificial intelligence, labor unions, rights for transgender Coloradans and rideshare safety. While some are poised to become law, others crashed and burned in the final stretch. And a few made it over the finish line, but are likely headed to a veto at the hand of the governor. CPR's Bente Birkeland, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul come full circle on the various issues they discussed all session long, including policies that got settled earlier in the year, like the gun bills. We also check back in with the first-time lawmakers we met early in the session, and learn how things went for them, on the path from day one to day 120.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to CCNA editor Chas Sisk, who helped get the Alliance up and running and heads back home now that the regular legislative session has wrapped.

Rob and Kelvin debate whether or not Steph Curry’s performance in Game 7 against the Houston Rockets can be considered ‘clutch’ and share their thoughts on Tyrese Haliburton’s impressive Game 1 performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Plus, Los Angeles Times reporter Brad Turner swings by to discuss Luka Doncic’s health problems, LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers’ unceremonious end to the season and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers got behind a bill this session that would have required social media companies like Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram to do more about illegal activity on their platforms. It was a significant policy change, and it seemed poised for success, passing the legislature with broad bipartisan support in both chambers. But then the bill hit the governor's desk, where Polis, concerned about its potential impacts on privacy and free speech, pulled out his veto stamp.What happened next was a rare -- and somewhat surprising -- showdown between two branches of government, and a window into the complex politics that surround the power of the veto.CPR's Bente Birkeland and The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul examine how it all went down and what this moment could mean looking ahead, as Colorado's Democratic majority at the statehouse appears to be increasingly willing to challenge Polis during his waning time in office.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.

From tariffs to immigration, the Department of Government Efficiency, and an avalanche of executive actions and policies, President Donald Trump's first 100 days have been a whirlwind.In a special episode of Purplish, recorded before a live audience at the Buell Public Media Center in Denver, two lawmakers — from different parties, different chambers and different capitols — share their perspectives and insights on this moment in American politics. CPR's Bente Birkeland and CPR's Caitlyn Kim interview U.S. Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, and Republican state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, whose seat is in Weld and Larimer counties. They dive into the many ripple effects of Trump's first 100 days on Colorado, covering topics like federal funding cuts, trade policy, state's rights, Trump's immigration crackdown, and, of course, the country's rapidly evolving political climate.Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music is by Brad Turner. Rocky Mountain PBS partnered on this episode and hosted the live event.

Colorado already has numerous laws in place to protect the rights of immigrants. But as President Donald Trump takes unprecedented steps to carry out his campaign promise of mass deportations, Democratic state lawmakers believe those protections might no longer be enough. They've introduced an immigration bill that expands and hones numerous policies in direct response to the White House's crackdown. But state Republicans say their colleagues are overstepping and risk straining state resources further. CPR's Bente Birkeland and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods dig into what the proposal would do and what it means to potentially pass something like this in the midst of strong sentiments among voters and politicians, both for and against immigrant protections. They're later joined by CPR's Allison Sherry to learn what she's seen happening on the ground in Colorado while reporting on ICE raids and arrests.  Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey.  Additional reporting for this episode came from Denverite's Kevin Beaty. Our theme music is by Brad Turner.