Best Sundance Now Podcasts (2025)

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May 23, 2025: Polis on a bevy of lawsuits, federal budget cuts; Severe weather season tears through Colorado 49:22

1h ago49:22

49:22

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

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‘Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning’ Is Here. How Will We Reckon With It? 1:35:46

22h ago1:35:46

1:35:46

Sean and Amanda need you to trust them one last time as they unpack the highly anticipated ‘Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning,’ starring Tom Cruise. Before diving into the film, they briefly recap all of the news headlines from the Cannes Film Festival by highlighting all of the heavy hitters, big surprises, and disappointments (1:05). Then, …

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May 22, 2025: A 'final exam' for education -- in the classroom with Colorado's teacher of the year 49:03

6h ago49:03

49:03

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

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May 21, 2025: 'Countdown' examines how the U.S. is updating its ‘geriatric’ nuclear arsenal 49:10

23h ago49:10

49:10

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

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Just Acting Up Ep163( Ironheart, Spider-Noir, Summer Movies, Girlfriends Movie, The Chi S7 N More! ) 1:19:04

3d ago1:19:04

1:19:04

Send us a text 🎬 Just Acting Up Ep163: Hollywood Unleashed! 🌟 On this Episode we Dive into the hottest entertainment stories of the week! Join us as we break down: • Ironheart • Girlfriends Movie • Spider-Noir • The Chi Returns All This and Much More We're bringing you the inside scoop on : ✓ Cinema's rising stars ✓ Theater's most dramatic performa…

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The ‘Final Destination’ Kill Rankings and ‘Bloodlines’ 1:13:42

2d ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the flaw in death’s design by covering ‘Final Destination Bloodlines,’ the latest installment in the legendary, violent franchise (2:57). They share why they have such a great affinity for the 'Final Destination' series at large, spoil the movie by highlighting the electrifying kills that define the movie’s s…

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May 20, 2025: Empowering and supporting an aging Colorado: the solutions the state’s considering 49:11

2d ago49:11

49:11

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

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May 19, 2025: Polis on vetoes, housing laws; Evolving vision for downtown Denver 49:11

3d ago49:11

49:11

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

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Just Acting Up Ep16 (X-Files Reboot, Peacemaker S2, X-Men Plan, Show Cancellations n More!!!) 47:59

5d ago47:59

47:59

Send us a text 🎬 Just Acting Up Ep156: Hollywood Unleashed! 🌟 On this Episode we Dive into the hottest entertainment stories of the week! Join us as we break down: • X-Files Reboot in the works by Ryan Coogler • Season 2 Of Peacemaker on its way • Show Cancellations • Kevin Feige Has 10year X-Men Plan All This and Much More We're bringing you the i…

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May 16, 2025: Denver mayor on immigration, federal lawsuit, and housing; CSU alum now at MSNBC 49:18

6d ago49:18

49:18

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

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The Tom Cruise Movie Draft 2:10:21

6d ago2:10:21

2:10:21

Sean and Amanda are joined by Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Chris Ryan for a very special episode where they draft the best movies of Tom Cruise’s legendary career. They talk about their relationship to Cruise, introduce some new draft categories, and have a whole lot of fun. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Bill Simmons, Van Lathan…

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May 15, 2025: Colorado raft supply companies navigate the uncertain waters of tariffs; Preserving oral histories 28:28

8d ago28:28

28:28

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

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The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 20 - ‘Melancholia’ 44:57

9d ago44:57

44:57

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss Lars von Trier’s ‘Melancholia,’ the deeply upsetting 2011 science fiction drama, which stars Kirsten Dunst and Kiefer Sutherland and features one of the greatest opening scenes of all time. They discuss Dunst’s ast…

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May 14, 2025: Attorney General Weiser on 20 lawsuits and counting; Jewish music for all 30:14

9d ago30:14

30:14

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

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May 13, 2025: How receiving (and writing) letters brings happiness to seniors; 'The Invisible Patient' 29:21

10d ago29:21

29:21

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

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Spotlight: James Dumont(Righteous Gemstones, On-Camera Workouts, Actors Empowerment Summit n More!!) 1:42:59

11d ago1:42:59

1:42:59

Send us a text On this Spotlight Interview we’re joined by the talented Actor/Producer/Self Tape Specialist James Dumont! He talks about his time as Chad on Righteous Gemstones, Navigating the Industry, On Camera Workouts, Monday Funday, Actors Empowerment Summit and so much more! Like, Follow, Comment and Subscribe on all Platforms: @justactingups…

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A Mailbag for All Time. Plus: Alex Ross Perry Returns! 2:21:18

11d ago2:21:18

2:21:18

Sean and Amanda open up the mailbag once again to answer all of your questions about underrated indie directors they’d like to see get the “Sean Baker treatment” at this year's Oscars, why Amanda majored in classics, recent films that are the most likely to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, and much more (3:05). Then, Alex Ross Perry retur…

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May 12, 2025: Taking stock of the session with bills that passed, new lawmakers and... poetry 29:11

11d ago29:11

29:11

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

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May 9, 2025: How deportations are playing out in Colorado; A milestone on Colfax Ave. 49:23

14d ago49:23

49:23

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

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The Paul Newman Hall of Fame 2:17:59

15d ago2:17:59

2:17:59

Sean and Amanda briefly tease next week’s mailbag episode and react to the Golden Globes adding a new category for Best Podcast (1:34). Then, they dive into their long-awaited Paul Newman episode, where they unpack who Newman was as a person (7:06), explore what made him such a special actor (16:13), and build his Hall of Fame by selecting the 10 m…

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May 8, 2025: Bike shop rides into the sunset amid tariffs; Federal cuts upend classrooms 48:16

15d ago48:16

48:16

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

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May 7, 2025: State lawmakers head to the finish line; Colorado Flower Collective helps farmers bloom 49:12

16d ago49:12

49:12

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

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May 6, 2025: Colorado nonprofits work to overcome cuts; What 'climate realism' means for green energy 49:06

17d ago49:06

49:06

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

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The 2025 Movie Star Rankings: 35 Over 35. Plus: Nicolas Cage! 2:17:15

18d ago2:17:15

2:17:15

Sean and Amanda briefly react to the news that President Donald Trump wants to impose a 100 percent tariff on any films produced outside of the United States (1:46). Then, they react to the new trailer for Spike Lee’s film ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ and discuss ‘Another Simple Favor,’ the sequel to ‘A Simple Favor,’ starring Blake Lively (7:41). Later, the…

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May 5, 2025: How to turn an office high-rise into homes; United expands in Denver 49:21

18d ago49:21

49:21

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

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May 2, 2025: How The Women's Bank of Denver fostered inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment 49:12

21d ago49:12

49:12

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

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‘Thunderbolts*’ Is Marvel’s Return to Form. Is It Too Late? 1:33:14

22d ago1:33:14

1:33:14

Sean and Amanda are joined by their superhero correspondent, Mallory Rubin, to cover the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Jake Schreier’s, ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2:04). They praise the strong performances from Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, and dive deep into some spoilers to project which key characters could play a critical p…

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Hot Docs 2025 reviews, part 2 43:54

22d ago43:54

43:54

Reviews: Yalla Parkour; Coexistence, My Ass!; Saints and Warriors; Ultras; River of Grass; Life Invisible; Heightened Scrutiny; Come See Me in the Good Light; The Last Ambassador; Assembly.By Frameline

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May 1, 2025: Voters, Congressional delegation on Trump's first 100 days; The secret life of Mary Rippon 49:02

22d ago49:02

49:02

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

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The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 21 - ‘Mission: Impossible - Fallout’ 47:27

23d ago47:27

47:27

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss their favorite installment of the beloved Tom Cruise action franchise with ‘Mission: Impossible—Fallout’, which features some of the greatest action filmmaking of all time. They explain why this concretized directo…

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April 30, 2025: The start of severe weather season; A friendship after Saigon's fall 49:14

23d ago49:14

49:14

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

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Just Acting Up Ep160 (Kentrell Wright, Thunderbolts, Sinners Reaction, Oscars Shakeup n More!) 1:40:22

24d ago1:40:22

1:40:22

Send us a text 🎬 Just Acting Up Ep156: Hollywood Unleashed! 🌟 On this Episode we Dive into the hottest entertainment stories of the week! Join us as we break down: • In-Depth Conversation with Actor/Author/Poet Kentrell Wright • Thunderbolts Hits Big • Sinners Reaction • Predator Badlands • Changes at The Oscars S/O To Our Special Guest Host Brando…

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April 29, 2025: Elevating Africa and the opportunities it creates in Colorado; Authenticity in African fashion 48:12

24d ago48:12

48:12

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

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Episode 117 - 25 Years, 25 Minutes: Almost Famous 33:43

25d ago33:43

33:43

It’s all happening. Tim and Andrew drop the needle for 25 minutes on Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous. They even take a moment to list their favorite albums from 1973. Listen to this podcast with a candle burning and you will see your future.By deadlettermovies.com

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Four Ways of Looking at an Action Movie: ‘The Accountant 2,’ ‘Havoc,’ ‘A Working Man,’ and ‘The Amateur’ 1:22:32

25d ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to recap their trip to the mobile Criterion Closet before celebrating the big box-office weekend performances of ‘Sinners’ and ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ and explain why movies are so back (1:09). Then, they cover some recently released mediocre action films: ‘The Accountant 2’ (14:30), ‘…

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April 28, 2025: Perspective on Trump's first 100 days from State Sen. Kirkmeyer, U.S. Rep. Neguse 49:10

25d ago49:10

49:10

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

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April 25, 2025: Holocaust survivor and folk musician Osi Sladek 48:22

28d ago48:22

48:22

In his memoir, Oscar "Osi" Sladek shares the unforgettable story of how he and his parents survived the Holocaust, while many other members of their extended family perished. "Escape to the Tatras" culminates in the story of Sladek's folk music career. In an interview with Ryan Warner, Sladek also reflects on faith and continued antisemitism. Slade…

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The Summer Movie Preview Game. Plus: David Cronenberg on ‘The Shrouds.’ 2:42:21

29d ago2:42:21

2:42:21

Sean and Amanda briefly react to some Oscars news, including a rule requiring Academy members to watch the movies and the details surrounding the new Casting and Achievement in Stunt Design award (1:34). Then, for the first time, they play the Summer Movie Preview Game, in which they predict the box office and Metacritic score for every major summe…

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Hot Docs 2025, part 1 46:30

29d ago46:30

46:30

AI Weiwei Turandot; At All Kosts; Cutting Through Rocks; Marriage Cops; Agatha Almanac; King Matt the First; Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance; Shamed; The Nest; 2000 Meters to Andriivka; #skoden; Life After.By Frameline

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April 24, 2025: A long overdue honor for the 6888 Postal Battalion; From flood to fruit 48:45

29d ago48:45

48:45

In World War II, an all women of color battalion solved an enormous backlog of mail between the homefront and the battlefront. Now, they're finally getting recognition with a Congressional Gold Medal. Then, land ravaged by a flash flood in 2013 becomes a budding fruit orchard in Lyons to give back to the community. Plus, training to fight wildfires…

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April 23, 2025: Exploring the potential of geothermal energy; Tennis on music, marriage, and balance 49:16

1M ago49:16

49:16

As Colorado looks toward the potential of tapping geothermal energy, we explore where it's being used already and considerations moving forward. Then, an 11th grader is honored for her answer to this question: "What's your message to the president?" Plus, the federal budget cuts hit AmeriCorps. And the husband-wife music duo, Tennis reflect on thei…

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The ‘Sinners’ Surge. Plus: The Val Kilmer Hall of Fame! 1:40:07

1M ago1:40:07

1:40:07

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to honor the late Val Kilmer by creating his Hall of Fame. Before creating the list, Chris shares his thoughts on why Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ worked so well, sort through the box office controversy, and consider what kind of award chances the film has (4:18). Then, they build the Val Kilmer Hall of Fame by selecting th…

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April 22, 2025: The debate over geothermal energy boils over; Colorado reflections on Pope Francis 49:07

1M ago49:07

49:07

With all the debate about where to get energy, from oil and coal to wind and solar, there's one source we don't hear a lot about. Hot water. Colorado wants to become a leader in developing geothermal energy, but the debate on how to do that is heating up itself. Colorado In Depth explores what we know, and don't know about this energy resource. The…

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April 21, 2025: Remembering the Pope; State lawmakers on immigrant protections; Psilocybin and postpartum 49:22

1M ago49:22

49:22

Regis University President Salvador Aceves says he was struck by the Pope's humanity when they met last year. Aceves reflects on the Pope's impact and legacy as the world mourns. Then, Purplish looks into the state's protections for immigrants as state lawmakers debate what to do next. Also, "The Trip" explores how psilocybin might treat postpartum…

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The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 22 - ‘Children of Men’ 47:12

1M ago47:12

47:12

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Children of Men,’ a deeply upsetting 2006 apocalyptic thriller starring Clive Owen and Julianne Moore, which features some of the most emotionally moving image-making of all time. They explore how…

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April 18, 2025: Car buying considerations; Western Slope judge tells ICE to back off 49:10

1M ago49:10

49:10

The Colorado Auto Show opens today amid tariffs. We ask the head of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association about car buying in today's economy. Then, a judge on the Western Slope orders ICE to stay out of county courthouses. Also, a man who dresses as a chicken has a serious message about self-care in Colorado's ski towns. Plus, as the Nuggets…

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‘Sinners’ Is for the Sickos, the Cinephiles and You, with Ryan Coogler! 1:43:14

1M ago1:43:14

1:43:14

Sean and Amanda are joined by Van Lathan to unpack Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated vampire horror film, ‘Sinners.’ They applaud the film for its originality and authenticity, debate whether or not this is Michael B. Jordan’s best performance of his career, and unpack one of the film’s most controversial and daring scenes by hypothesizing about wh…

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April 17, 2025: A Colorado Matters encore: Embrace a 'Wonder Year' of worldschooling 47:44

1M ago47:44

47:44

Imagine living abroad, or even in another part of the U.S. for a few months or longer, with your family in tow and using the world as your classroom. It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Three Boulder moms wrote a book on how to do it: "Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling." Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with …

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April 16, 2025: Stand-up comic heals with 'Tromedy'; France knights Colorado astrophysicist 48:25

1M ago48:25

48:25

Comedian Nancy Norton shares highlights from The Tromedy Podcast. Norton, a former nurse in Boulder, is trained in therapeutic humor. Then, for a second year, Colorado sends a Windsor High School student to the Poetry Out Loud national finals. And, an astrophysicist at NCAR receives one of France's highest honors.…

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April 15, 2025: A measles checkup; State lawmakers working to preserve trans rights 49:02

1M ago49:02

49:02

For the first time in nearly three decades, Colorado has three confirmed cases of the measles. But it's not considered an outbreak yet. Then, as the federal government rolls back rights for transgender Americans, Colorado is moving to expand protections. We'll look at the debate with Purplish. Plus, rural Colorado braces for Medicaid cuts and the i…

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