What are some options for Coloradans beyond a traditional 4-year degree?

Colorado’s disability community has led national efforts to create a more accessible country. In the 1970s, advocates surrounded two buses in Denver and demanded the public agency equip the buses with wheelchair lifts. The demonstrations helped bring about the Americans with Disabilities Act. But today, people with disabilities and their advocates are still fighting for access in transportation and other aspects of life in Colorado and the U.S. You’ll hear from civil rights attorney John Holland, transportation official Gabe Christie, and advocate Jaime Lewis from the Cross-Disability Coalition. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

If you're in the middle class and in the market for a home, you might be stuck between a landscape rock and a hard place. That often means making too much to qualify for housing assistance but not enough to afford a home in much of the state. There's a shortage of starter homes, according to Peter Lifari, board chair of the Colorado Middle Income Housing Authority. So what can you do? Real estate agent Sam Neumann of the Alchemy Group says has some ideas of where to look in metro Denver. Plus, find out about a new development in Frisco, Colorado.

It’s dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and Republican lawmakers and President Trump promise that plenty of good will come from the new federal tax-and-spening law. Some Coloradans weigh in on the challenges it'll bring across the state. You'll hear from Monica Buhlig of Food Bank of the Rockies on how changes to SNAP benefits will hit rural areas. Adrienne Mansanares, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rockies, shares how funding cuts to the organization will affect vital health resources. And a Denver restaurateur, Delores Tronco, talks about some limits to “No Tax on Tips." Real Talk airs on CPR News and KRCC on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The TV show airs on Denver7 on Saturdays at 5:30 a.m. and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. It also airs on Local3 on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

More people are exploring Colorado’s outdoors and camping for the first time. For the state’s LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, gathering in nature is not only rejuvenating, it's validating. A new study from The Dyrt says that since 2021, more than 25 million people have gone camping for the first time. CEO Kevin Long shares more details from that survey. You'll also hear from Amber Barnett with Colorado’s Outward Bound, who says their programs help new campers learn essential outdoor skills. Jeanette Patterson, who directs Lincoln Hills Cares, says they aim to connect Black Coloradans to the wilderness through the history of Lincoln Hills west of Denver. And Nathan Turner, CEO of Rocky Mountain Diversity Events, previews a new camping weekend event for the LGBTQ+ community. Real Talk airs on CPR News and KRCC on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The TV show airs on Denver7 on Saturdays at 5:30 a.m. and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. It also airs on Local3 on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, your right to protest is a constitutional guarantee. But there are some limits to this freedom of expression. This week we’re exploring your right to assemble and shout your views publicly. You’ll hear from Robert Huffman with Rise Up Media; Derigan Silver, a professor in the University of Denver’s media studies department; and Jeff Roberts, who leads the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but it can happen to anyone. After you lose your job in Colorado, it takes about four to six weeks for unemployment insurance to begin, but the process may take much longer. That happened to Allan Lally of Englewood. He lost his job and it took him more than seven weeks to receive his first payment. He even reached out to his state representative Democrat Meg Froelich - who says there are many reasons why you should contact your representatives in government when you need assistance with government agencies. Financial advisor Bruce Alan also joins the show, with tips to prepare yourself before you lose your job, including how much of a safety cushion to have in reserves.   RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

A potential new treatment for PTSD is showing promise: psilocybin therapy. Essentially the compounds promote something called ‘neuroplasticity,’ which Dr. Scott Thompson, a neuroscientist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, says boils down to the brain’s “capacity for change.”  But one group who could benefit, veterans, may still not have access to treatment in Colorado, since federal law prevents its use. David Lyons is a veteran who says the VA should look into allowing the treatment for certain vets. But Luke Niforatos, executive vice president of Smart Approaches To Marijuana, is concerned about how the state-approved treatment centers and the lack of clear science from the FDA around psilocybin treatment itself.   RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

June is Pride month, a time for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate and remember the historic struggles they’ve faced. But even within this historically marginalized community, some perspectives are still fighting to be heard.  We talk with Lucinnia Majik, trans and racial equity program coordinator with Rocky Mountain Equality and Castro, the group’s education coordinator. Then, China Scroggins, director of communications for Black Pride Colorado, speaks about Black queer people and the importance of Black Pride. Then, “GayExTrad” Cade Bradley talks about his journey from being closeted in an extreme part of the Catholic Church, to leaving religion all together, coming out, and calling out Catholic extremists. His social media posts reach thousands on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

The Sundance Film Festival will bring thousands of people to the Flatirons and much of Metro Denver, too. Nicole Nicoletta, who runs Rocky Mountain Women’s Film based in Colorado Springs, says that’s a good thing. Millions in state funds are going to the festival, which is expected to grow in size during its time in Boulder, and at least one state lawmaker, Democrat Bob Marshall from Douglas County, is unhappy about the public spending. However, Governor Jared Polis and Eve Lieberman, executive director of the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, say the festival is well worth the investment. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver7’s Micah Smith.

On this episode of RealTalk we honor the service and sacrifices of our armed services members, sharing their stories of what this holiday means to them. Hope Szypulski is a retired Army nurse and the MSU Denver dean of the College of Health and Applied Sciences. Santasia Jovel is an MSU Denver social work student and Navy veteran. And Marine Corps veteran Zach Tidwell, along with Wounded Warrior Project vice president James Herrera, address mental health challenges for veterans and resources available to help. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

Mother’s Day is a celebration filled with love. But it’s also layered with loss, complexity and transformation. On this episode we explore the origins of Mother’s Day as a moment for peace. And Robin Sweet, a mom and therapist based in Castle Pines, explores the challenges of being a mom and why it’s ok to not always be “perfect.”  Then we hear from Cenece Dixon, who knows first-hand the hope and heartbreak of fertility struggles, about her journey to come to terms with not being able to give birth to a child — and choosing to adopt. Plus, Denver resident Melissa Mincic talks about those who are not mothers but motherly. She’s a motherly figure to her friend’s and family’s kids, and even though she does not have children of her own, her heart remains full. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

Recorded at History Colorado in Denver, this episode of RealTalk recognizes how AAPI communities shape the state. You’ll hear Joie Ha talk about the exhibit, “Where is Denver’s Chinatown? Stories Remembered, Reclaimed, Reimagined.” Also, Mimi Luong from Denver’s Far East Center talks about the Little Saigon Business District, and its recent honor as the first Asian-owned building in the city to achieve a historical landmark. Plus, stories from a survivor of a Japanese internment camp in Colorado who recently passed away. For years before his death, Bob Fuchigami fought to keep the history of the camp from fading away. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

Human trafficking happens all across Colorado, often in plain sight. From city streets to agricultural farms, victims come from all walks of life. According to the Colorado-based Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking, victims are forced into exploitation through force, fraud and coercion. On this episode of RealTalk, Amanda Jordan of Covered Colorado and Amanda Finger of the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking talk about helping people who’ve been trafficked get on a path to healing and reclaim their lives. Also, an FBI victim specialist explains how human trafficking happens, and how to prevent it. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver 7’s Micah Smith.

Once a thriving hub for Black culture, music, and business, Five Points faces challenges brought on by gentrification and development. The week’s episode features Norman Harris, executive director of the Five Points Improvement District, who discusses the economic and cultural impacts of neighborhood changes. Fathima Dickerson, co-owner of the legacy soul food spot Welton Street Café, shares her experience navigating the challenges of relocating and sustaining a family business in a changing community.  And Colorado historian Terri Gentry highlights the importance of preserving the area’s Black history amid ongoing development.

Nearly 60 percent of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after release, according to numbers from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This week’s episode explores how some are using their skills learned while incarcerated to start businesses, become counselors, and rewrite the narrative around second chances for justice-involved people in Colorado. Some advocates say the term “justice-involved”-- should replace other terms some find dehumanizing like “criminal” or “felon.” It can be used to describe anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the criminal justice system. From struggling to find employment to overcoming stigma, guests share personal stories of transformation and advocacy. Ken Harris, youth director of Denver-based nonprofit Nxt Chapter, discusses efforts to support re-entry through job readiness and mentorship. Durrell Bumphus, a certified peer recovery coach, reflects on the vocational training he received in prison and how lived experience drives his work helping others.  Longtime activist Candice Bailey, who fought to change laws that barred formerly incarcerated individuals from running for public office and founder and CEO of Lighthouse Consultants Colorado, also joins the conversation. 

With insurance premiums up an average of $818 since 2020, and non-renewals increasing in areas prone to wild fires, many Coloradans are struggling to find or keep coverage.  This week’s episode explores Colorado’s escalating home insurance crisis, featuring Kate Harris of the Colorado Insurance Division and Carole Walker from the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, who discuss how climate change and growing disaster costs are pressuring insurers. Experts also offer tips on wildfire mitigation, even for suburban areas not traditionally seen as high-risk.

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that many long COVID patients are shifting toward outpatient and specialist care rather than hospital visits, a change that could shape future treatment options. This week on Real Talk with Denver7 and CPR News, we look at the lasting impact of long COVID in Colorado. Denver7’s Oscar Contreras shares his personal struggle, detailing ongoing symptoms and the challenges of getting medical support, and CPR News’ health Reporter John Daley provides insight into how COVID-19 monitoring has evolved, while Dr. Sarah Jolley from the UCHealth Post-COVID Clinic discusses treatment options and the uncertain road to recovery.

Prices at the grocery store are ever increasing. And it’s not just eggs. From beef to coffee you’re paying more for the staples in your pantry.  This week on Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR News we ask why?  Hear from Bill Scebbi, Executive Director of Colorado Egg Producers. He says the reason is not just inflation for the increase in egg prices, it’s also bird flu.  And the increase in costs is also hitting farmers hard.  Chad Franke is President of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. He says farmers are trying their hardest not only to stay a float, but to help keep food prices low.  And Carrie Shores of the Denver non-profit So All May Eat (S.A.M.E.) explains how you can stretch your dollar, while still eating healthy. 

Black history in Colorado is rich, and it’s full of both celebration and strife. This week, we’re talking with three trailblazing Black women who share memorable life moments and their views on the importance of Black History Month.  Denver historian Terri Gentry’s family tree is a “who’s who” of Colorado Black history. Then, Denver’s first Black first lady and a prominent state representative, Wilma Webb, recalls her time at the Capitol, which included lifting up Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And the first Black columnist at the Denver Post recounts how she fell in love with journalism - and remembers the tough first few years in the newsroom. RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio's Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver7's Micah Smith.