PODCAST · news
Real Talk
by Colorado Public Radio and Denver7
Lifting up the stories and perspectives of Coloradans who don’t often have the chance to be heard. That’s Real Talk, a collaboration between CPR News and Denver7 that features raw, honest conversations with diverse voices from all walks of life. Each week, the show will highlight different issues ranging from renters’ rights to accessing Colorado’s outdoors.
Episodes
-
How community colleges fill a gap
What are some options for Coloradans beyond a traditional 4-year degree?
-
Disability access 35 years after the ADA
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...
-
Middle-income housing in Colorado
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…
more -
How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could impact Coloradans
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...
-
First-time campers in Colorado
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...
-
Your protest rights in Colorado
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;...
-
Unemployment in Colorado, and how you can prepare before you lose your job
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...
-
The promise of psilocybin for veterans
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…
more -
What Pride means to those on the margins of the LGBTQ+ community
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...
-
The glitz and glamor of Hollywood are coming to Boulder
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…
more -
What Memorial Day means to servicemembers
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...
-
Mother’s Day, celebrating moms and those that are motherly
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...
-
Asian-American and Pacific Islanders’ heritage alive in Colorado
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...
-
How to rebuild from human trafficking, and stop it in the future
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…
more -
Preserving Black history amid rapid development in Five Points neighborhood
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...
-
Justice-involved community members navigate new careers, life
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...
-
Insurance on the brink: Colorado faces rising premiums and increased non-renewals amid climate disasters
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...
-
Long COVID; the ongoing battle
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…
more -
Why is the price of eggs so high?
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...
-
Three Black women icons in Denver share their stories
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...
-
Radon: A silent Colorado killer
Colorado homes may hold a silent, odorless and radioactive gas: radon. Seeping up through the ground, it can collect in homes unless properly mitigated. Many homeowners may not know about the dangers of radon, like Heidi Nafman-Onda. She’s a lung cancer survivor who started the White Ribbon…
more -
DEI rollbacks: Impact of affirmative action ruling
Corporate diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, including those at Meta, McDonald’s, Walmart and Target, are being scaled back. This week, Real Talk with Denver7 and CPR News examines the fallout from the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action ruling. Guests include legal expert Ciara...
-
How Greek letter organizations build community and embrace inclusion
Greek letter organizations have long been a cornerstone of campus life, fostering leadership, service, and a sense of belonging among students. But how do these organizations stay relevant in a changing society? This week’s episode of Real Talk with Denver7 and CPR News examines the profound…
more -
How local food banks and pantries are helping neighbors through community
From housing, food, child care and transportation costs, the holidays can come with increased pressure for those already struggling to get by, particularly single mothers and parents living in Denver. This episode explores the challenges and support systems surrounding the holiday season for…
more -
Unsolved and overlooked: A look at Colorado’s cold cases
Unresolved crimes and disappearances leave many families longing for answers, while detectives work tirelessly to solve these mysteries. This week’s episode examines the challenges and advancements in cold case investigations, including the disappearance of 16-year-old Nicole Silvers, unsolved...
-
Celebrating Native heritage, challenging inequities and shaping the future
While Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor the stories, traditions and contributions of Indigenous communities, the true recognition goes beyond just one month. From the fight for the right to wear traditional regalia at graduation to the complex regulation of psilocybin, this week…
more -
How do we lift ourselves out of this loneliness epidemic?
Americans are in a loneliness epidemic, compounded by years of a pandemic and significant social and cultural change. New data suggests half of adults across the country experience loneliness, and 30% of young adults experience it a few times a week. This week on Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR...
-
Is Colorado’s new law for doula services working?
This year Colorado passed a new law to help address high rates of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women. In theory, this gives mothers more control over their childbirth experiences, but how well is the program working? Discussing some of the problems with new program, which allows...
-
More Americans are choosing to be single
Compared with 50 years ago, the number of adults who are single has tripled. While many of them may be happier that way, it has big implications for their personal finances. The so-called “singles tax” applies in many ways: Groceries cost more per-person for single people; singles can’t get…
more -
What’s in a name?
For many adopted children, there are two stories within them. One that develops organically as they’re raised in an adopted family. And the other - especially for transracial adoptees - can make them question their place in the world. This week, we sit down with CPR host Nathan Fernando-Frescas,...
-
School buildings are closing. What do we do with them?
Low enrollment is motivating school districts across Colorado to close some buildings. But communities are finding new uses for these once-vibrant spaces. From mental health hubs to housing developments, organizations are stepping in to repurpose shuttered schools, bringing fresh life to empty...
-
Christianity & LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Religion offers spirituality, ritual and belonging. But for some Christians, their beliefs around LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion conflict with church teachings. A 2024 survey found that out of those respondents who no longer identify with their childhood religion, nearly half cited the treatment of...
-
Hispanic Heritage Month in Colorado
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates history, culture and identity. It's all rooted in a time before Colorado even became a state. And it brings up some complex questions around the concept of "borders" and also how Hispanic, Latino and Chicano folks choose to refer to themselves. So how do we…
more -
How climate change affects our health
Climate change is increasingly seen as a big public health problem. It extends allergy seasons, spreads communicable diseases, increases the risk of heat stroke, and can even affect the chances of developing diabetes. So how are doctors adapting, and what advice do they have for patients? This...
-
The value of mentors, and how to connect with one
Young people who have a mentor are more likely to succeed academically, build strong social networks, and develop a sense of purpose. Mentoring has long been a critical factor in shaping the lives of youth, particularly in underserved communities. This week on RealTalk with Denver7 and CPR News,...
-
How the CROWN Act empowers people to embrace their natural hair
The sleek, shiny, bouncy hair seen on advertisements is a look that many Black and brown people with textured hair try to achieve, in part to keep up with society’s beauty standards. But it leads to complex hair journeys and a challenge: how to maintain a sense of pride, since the way they choose...
-
A history of swimming
Going to the pool and accessing Colorado’s open waters is a summer treat, but kids and adults of color face historical and modern barriers that keep them out of the water – and put them at higher risk of drowning. Swimming pools were often a battleground for civil rights. In this week’s episode,...
-
How to make Colorado’s parks more equitable
Colorado has beautiful State and National Parks, open trails and an endless bounty of natural benefits. But not everyone has the same access or benefits from this beauty equally. Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR News explains how historical inequities and systemic racism continue to deprive some...
-
Disability pride and advocacy
More than 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed, hurdles still remain, including in everyday experiences like getting to work. On this episode of Real Talk, stories of three Coloradans who each have physical disabilities and have made it their lives' missions to humanize...
-
50 years of Denver Pride
When the LGBTQ+ community put on its first Pride event downtown, it was a way to stand up for their right to exist. Over a half century later, the annual gathering is still a critical way for the community to celebrate. In this episode, the grand marshal of Denver Pride in 2024 reflects on his...
-
Juneteenth - celebration, reflection, uplifting.
June 19, 2024, marks nearly 160 years since all enslaved people in the United States were set free in 1865 — two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation legally ending slavery. This week we talk about the meaning of the now federal holiday, and hear how our...
-
10 years after legalization - Cannabis is in a slump
When Colorado legalized recreational marijuana - those wanting to sell the drug saw an untapped market of willing buyers. 10 years later? Some are struggling to stay afloat in an oversaturated market. That means some are turning up-market to find new high-paying customers while others are…
more -
Prescription Drug Costs
When you need life-saving medications, going to the pharmacy is a matter of life or death. And for many, the cost of those drugs can be a big burden. Now, Colorado is trying to curb those costs for certain medications. Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR News dives into the complicated and often...
-
Celebrating Passover in a time of war overseas, and tensions here at home
Passover is a time to reflect and celebrate among Colorado’s Jewish communities. But this year, the holiday comes at a painful moment with war overseas and tensions here at home, from a rise in antisemitism to protests across college campuses. Passover lifts up sacred traditions that are shared…
more -
Systemic Racism — the struggles of getting justice
A change in Colorado’s hate crimes statute attempts to make it easier to prosecute a bias- or hate-motivated crime. Prior versions of the statute said a crime could only be considered a hate crime if it was “wholly motivated by hate.” But the updated language now says “wholly or in part.” This…
more -
Psilocybin and Colorado — making rules and regulations culturally sound for all
For millennia, Indigenous people have used psilocybin in religious and cultural ceremonies. Soon, Coloradans from all walks of life will be able to walk into a health center and have a guided experience while on the psychoactive substance. Voters approved its use years ago, and now Denver and...
-
Helping Denver’s most at risk children — from new immigrants to refugees.
As more and more new immigrant families arrive in Denver from the southern border, organizations charged with helping those most in need — children — are seeing resources stretched. This week on Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR News, how nonprofits are dealing with the surge in demand for their...
-
Observing Ramadan in a time of War.
Ramadan is a month for celebration, reflection and coming close to god. But this year, the shadow of war looms large. This week on Real Talk from Denver 7 and CPR News, the inescapable impact of the war in Gaza and why this year’s observance takes on more significance. Plus a newcomer to Colorado...
-
Artificial Intelligence - the good, the bad, and the unknown.
Artificial intelligence is on the rise. We already use it every day from GPS systems to smartphone reminders. But how can it make you more productive, or even make education or healthcare more equitable? This week on Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR News – how AI is finding its way into our…
more -
New Immigrants arrive in Denver — how the city, community, and nonprofits are stepping up to help.
The arrival of new immigrants has raised many big questions in the metro area — like what to do about housing for them and opportunities to work. It's also putting a big strain on city resources — forcing cuts to services that Denverites depend on. This week on Real Talk with Denver 7 and CPR…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Lifting up the stories and perspectives of Coloradans who don’t often have the chance to be heard. That’s Real Talk, a collaboration between CPR News and Denver7 that features raw, honest conversations with diverse voices from all walks of life. Each week, the show will highlight different issues ranging from renters’ rights to accessing Colorado’s outdoors.
HOSTED BY
Colorado Public Radio and Denver7
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Real Talk have?
Real Talk currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Real Talk about?
Lifting up the stories and perspectives of Coloradans who don’t often have the chance to be heard. That’s Real Talk, a collaboration between CPR News and Denver7 that features raw, honest conversations with diverse voices from all walks of life. Each week, the show will highlight different issues...
How often does Real Talk release new episodes?
Real Talk has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Real Talk?
You can listen to Real Talk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Real Talk?
Real Talk is created and hosted by Colorado Public Radio and Denver7.
URL copied to clipboard!