Best KUNC Podcasts (2024)

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278. Jared Young. Independent Candidate for US Senate From Missouri. Can He Beat Josh Hawley & Lucas Kunce? Who Is He, What Does He Stand For, How Does He Define Independent? Congress Finally Delivers ... 58:40

20h ago58:40

58:40

Welcome to the first installment of our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. America, meet Jared Young (@VoteJaredYoung). Jared is the independent candidate for Senate from Missouri running against Republican incumbent Senato…

1
“Knowledge alone is really not enough:” Fostering ‘climate hope’ as a way toward climate action 8:56

1h ago8:56

8:56

As human interaction with our planet has evolved over time, so has the human emotional experience of living on Earth. Perhaps it’s no surprise that, as we become more aware of the climate crisis affecting the planet, our emotions tend toward cynicism and sadness. Charlotte Lin, the sustainability coordinator for the mountain town of Avon, thinks ho…

1
‘My life, my future, my community:’ Boulder Valley students on taking climate action 8:56

5h ago8:56

8:56

Anxiety about climate change is hitting the youngest of us hard. And if you’re too young to vote, it may feel like there’s nothing you can do to change what your future looks like. But students in the Boulder Valley School District proved otherwise this past school year. A group of high school students successfully campaigned for the school board t…

1
Climate adaptation is essential for our future - but we can't ignore lessons from the past 8:56

3h ago8:56

8:56

Longmont author and journalist Stephen Robert Miller is fascinated by climate disaster stories. He says they’re often teachable moments. “There’s so much to be learned from looking in the past — environmental histories and histories of instances of when people have tried to control nature and ultimately it's failed,” Miller said. In his new book, “…

1
Community DC NOVA Pride Final 30:01

2h ago30:01

30:01

Community DC Host Dennis Glasgow chats with President and Founder of NOVA Pride Brian Reach about a myriad of things, including the huge NOVA Pride event coming up on Saturday, April 27th...By 98.7 WMZQ (WMZQ-FM)

1
Fancy drinks in fun spaces: How mocktails are changing NoCo’s nightlife 8:56

4m ago8:56

8:56

While Colorado is known for having breweries on every corner, there's a new trend in town: cocktails - without the alcohol. The popularity of non-alcoholic drinks is soaring – especially among young adults – and more bars and restaurants are starting to feature creative mocktails on their menus. Currently, Colorado has only a few completely sober s…

1
The ‘paradise paradox’ affecting Colorado’s mountain residents 8:56

3d ago8:56

8:56

Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation when it comes to physical fitness. Perhaps that’s no surprise given how much there is to do in the outdoors. But when it comes to mental health, Colorado ranks in the bottom half of states, according to a 2023 report by Mental Health America. While there are a few reasons for this poor ranking,…

1
277. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. America’s Independent Mayor is Back. Who Will He Endorse for President? The Advantages of Being An Independent Politician. Who the Hell is Melina Abdullah? Trump on Trial. Ukraine ... 1:01:26

8d ago1:01:26

1:01:26

The spring offensive is here. The spring offensive of news, chaos, war and misinformation. The spring offensive, attacking democracy foreign and domestic. A spring offensive before the summer storm. A storm of the century. It’s a storm that’s sweeping across Ukraine. It’s sweeping across America. It’s sweeping across the globe. And despite the fear…

1
'Chicken pimping' helps at-risk youth grow sustainable career prospects 8:56

1d ago8:56

8:56

Today we’re listening back to a conversation with aquaponic chicken farmer Sean Short of Blooming Health Farms, located in Greeley, Colorado. And just what is aquaponic chicken farming? Short says the farm uses aquaponics, “a fancy way of saying that we have some fish, and we use the fish water to grow plants.” In other words, aquaponics combines f…

1
'The stories are there, and they're worth telling:' NPR's Lori Lizarraga on her journalism journey 8:56

2d ago8:56

8:56

A career in journalism wasn’t the plan for NPR’s Lori Lizarraga – at least, not until the day she found herself in the wrong classroom at Southern Methodist University. Lizarraga says she “stepped into Narnia” when she walked into the studio where journalism students were broadcasting the school’s daily newscast. The Latina journalist has been tell…

1
'Colorado Proud' isn't just a food label. It's a way of life 8:56

7d ago8:56

8:56

It's spring… and a handful of Northern Colorado farmers markets are opening up for what's likely to be a busy season – at least, if the last few years are any indication. We've come to expect throngs of eager shoppers waiting in long lines to buy western slope peaches by the crate, boxes of Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo chiles, and other locally grown …

1
Wildfire risk part of new reality for Northern Colorado homeowners 8:56

8d ago8:56

8:56

The risk of wildfire is a reality that is beginning to define life in Northern Colorado. This last weekend, tens of thousands of people in Boulder County were left suddenly without power for days when Xcel shut it off in anticipation of high winds and potential loose lines. Today we’re listening back to an interview covering a 2023 report from the …

1
276. Trump and Biden Jockey to Weaponize Kennedy. No Labels is No More. Arizona Abortion Bombshell Is Not Popular with Independents. Senator Redneck is Back—and Carrying Water for Putin. Cornel West Picks ... 31:02

15d ago31:02

31:02

April is here. March Madness is over. UConn are champions. South Carolina are champions. But the madness isn’t stopping. The madness is just getting started. And now, it’s REALLY getting interesting. As long predicted and examined on #IndependentAmericans, independents will determine the 2024 election. AND the future of American politics. Donors ma…

1
From 'ramshackle' beginnings to true community journalism: CU professor traces NPR's roots in new book 8:56

16d ago8:56

8:56

Have you ever wondered how NPR came to be? It certainly didn’t happen overnight. The history of National Public Radio is long and convoluted, starting in the early twentieth century with university-housed stations scattered across rural areas. These stations broadcast things like cooking lessons, and how to use indoor plumbing. But with the Communi…

1
Science says these are the best tomatoes to grow in Northern Colorado 8:56

10d ago8:56

8:56

Northern Colorado’s unique weather patterns can be a challenge for backyard gardeners. The climate is dry; the growing season is hot and short. And of course, we’re no strangers to wind and hail events. But new research out of Colorado State University can help gardeners choose crop varieties that thrive in those conditions. KUNC's rural and small …

1
How an 1878 eclipse over the Rockies set the stage for modern-day celestial tourism 8:56

14d ago8:56

8:56

On Monday, April 8 a total solar eclipse will darken the skies over 13 states, from Texas up to Maine. While Colorado is not in the path of totality, in which the moon completely covers the sun, our region will experience a partial solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse over the U.S. is relatively rare – the last one occurred in August 2017. And citi…

1
‘Mountain Dreamers’ gives immigrants a voice in Summit County 8:56

15d ago8:56

8:56

Immigrants are the backbone of a lot of mountain communities in Colorado. That’s because many work in service industry jobs that keep these towns thriving. But for immigrants in these places, certain disparities are more pronounced, like access to transportation. In one part of Summit County, this particular issue had become dangerous in the snowy …

1
275. Bill Hillsman. The Godfather of Independent Politics. Lessons from Jesse Ventura’s Win 25 Years Later. No Labels = No Candidate. Dems Ramp up Attacks on Kennedy, But Maybe They Shouldn’t. Presidential ... 59:34

22d ago59:34

59:34

Independent Political Strategist Bill Hillsman has masterminded some of the most effective and innovative election campaigns in the modern era. Hillsman first rocked the political world when he helped elect the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone in 1990 in one of the biggest political upsets in decades. In 1993, Hillsman took over a floundering …

1
From AI to fading sunshine laws: "A difficult year" for Colorado's local media 8:56

23d ago8:56

8:56

It’s no secret there’s a crisis of shrinking local news across the U.S. And we know that in places where local news evaporates, democracy takes a hit. Government corruption tends to increase when powerful entities realize there's less media scrutiny on what they're doing. "This year has been particularly difficult for the local media news business,…

1
Community DC Melissa Merrick Prevent Child Abuse America 30:01

16d ago30:01

30:01

Community DC Host Denis Glasgow speaks with Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO Melissa Merrick about the history of the PCA, education, awareness, advocating, volunteering, events and donations.By 98.7 WMZQ (WMZQ-FM)

1
“If I Could Stay” tells two mothers’ stories from inside a broken immigration system 8:56

17d ago8:56

8:56

Most people would agree that the immigration system in the United States is broken… but how it's broken – and how to fix it – are the real debate. As this debate persists, the stories of people caught in a messy immigration web continue to rise. The documentary film If I Could Stay tells the story of two such people, Jeanette Vizguerra and Ingrid E…

1
Community DC Chartese Berry MS Society 30:01

26d ago30:01

30:01

March is National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and I had the chance to chat with the President of the Greater DC - MD Chapter of the National MS Society, Chartese Berry, as well as local resident Bernie Lucas, who has been dealing with an MS diagnosis for 9 years now. nationalmssociety.orgBy 98.7 WMZQ (WMZQ-FM)

1
'We need all kinds of minds:' Temple Grandin on why neurodivergent thinkers are essential 8:56

21d ago8:56

8:56

Temple Grandin sees the world through a different lens. The Colorado State University professor of animal science is neurodivergent, and her differences as an autistic person have been foundational to her work – especially when it comes to advocating for the humane treatment of animals. She is also an advocate for neurodivergent thinkers of all age…

1
Community DC Ria Freydberg Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 30:01

22d ago30:01

30:01

Community DC Host Dennis Glasgow visits with the Executive Director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Mid-Atlantic Region, Ri Freydberg about the history of the LLS, education, events, volunteering, donations and how to advocate, plus much more!By 98.7 WMZQ (WMZQ-FM)

1
High cost of childcare in Northern Colorado comes with major tolls for families, communities 8:56

22d ago8:56

8:56

Advocates say failing to invest in childcare is a missed opportunity to address inequity. And the lack of investment is hitting Northern Colorado families in multiple ways. For one, it leaves rising kindergartners unprepared to enter public schools. “The achievement gap is present well before children enter kindergarten,” said Tarryn Morrisey, a pr…

1
274. Ken Burns. How Sick is America? Who is He Voting For and Why? Is HE Fearful of a Civil War? Transactional vs Transformational. Social Media, Cable News and the State of our National Conversation ... 45:13

29d ago45:13

45:13

Few people have studied America and what it means to be an American more and at a deeper level than our guest in this one. He has dedicated his life to documenting the stories of the people, the history and the cultures that have shaped us all. And as we enter what is one of the most tumultuous years of our collective lives, it’s a good moment to t…

1
At ACT Human Rights Film Fest, ‘How We Get Free’ pushes Coloradans to examine flawed criminal justice system 8:56

30d ago8:56

8:56

The cash bail system continues to face scrutiny in the U.S. Activists say it subverts the long-held American ideal that a person is innocent until proven guilty. In other words, under the cash bail system, if you can’t afford to post bail, you could end up sitting in jail for days, weeks or months waiting for a trial regardless of your innocence. I…

1
In Colorado schools, concerns grow about learning disabilities going undetected 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

The need to screen students for learning disabilities is on the rise in Northern Colorado and mental health providers are having trouble meeting the demand. Marybeth Rigali-Oiler, a child and adolescent psychologist with the Health District of Northern Larimer County, says finding answers isn’t always straightforward, either. “You also have to kind…

1
A gift from the tap: Appreciating Colorado water on this World Water Day 8:56

29d ago8:56

8:56

Water – and how to manage it – is a perennial topic in the parched American West. So today on World Water Day, we are looking at some of the most pressing water issues of the moment and how we in Northern Colorado can better appreciate and conserve this precious resource. "I just wish people would realize the foresight it took to build some of thes…

1
Twenty-somethings in Colorado and beyond are struggling. This psychologist explains why 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Many of us have been told that our twenties are the best time in our lives. But some data suggests otherwise. At least one new report says 20-somethings in the U.S. are some of the most unhappy in the world. "I have yet to meet someone who's like, ‘Gosh, I wish I could be in my 20s again,’” said Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist who specializes in t…

1
273. A Week Of Real Talk and Reckonings. Afghanistan. Trump. Ukraine. Netanyahu. Crime In America. RFK Jr’s Latest Ridiculous VP Name. March Madness in Our Politics. 28:03

30d ago28:03

28:03

This week, it’s time for real talk. Overdue real talk. On America’s terrible withdrawal from Afghanistan. On accountability for those failures that resulted in the 13 American servicemembers dying at Abbey Gate. On the fragile independent brand. On disgraced New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez considering running as an independent (Yes, really). On new…

1
Staffing shortages in Colorado prisons creating dire conditions for incarcerated people 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Prisons in Colorado are severely understaffed and that is hitting workers especially hard. But the effects of this shortage stretch far past the staff. “You have not only the stress on the staff from the vacancy, you have the disruption of normal functionality for the department as a whole and, then of course, this incredible negative impact on the…

1
In Summit County, teens want more safe indoor spaces. Here’s why those spots are essential 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

In many communities across Colorado, teens say there are few things for them to do after school. In Summit County, as local leaders work on a long-term plan for the future, young people are asking for more affordable indoor spaces. KUNC senior editor and reporter Leigh Paterson sat down with local students to discuss why these hangout spots are so …

1
Community DC Luke's Place with Danny Malamis 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

Community DC Host Dennis Glasgow visits with area Jersey Mike's Franchisee Owner Danny Malamis to talk about 'Day of GIving' and Luke's Place, located in Oldtown, MD with over 100 acres dedicated to families with disabled children to camp, eat and be together is a safe environment to thrive and enjoy each other's company.…

1
All aboard? Plans for Front Range passenger rail inch forward 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

The launch of a passenger rail line in Northern Colorado felt a smidge closer to reality last week at Union Station. That’s when the first passenger train in decades departed from Denver to Longmont. The passengers included state lawmakers, transportation pros and Governor Jared Polis, who did the honors of calling passengers aboard. We have been d…

1
Community DC WRAP & SoberRide 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

Community DC Host Dennis Glasgow visits with Washington Regional Alcohol Program President Kurt Erickson to talk about SoberRide for St.Patrick's Day, Drinking and Driving, Under the influence while driving and education, plus much more...By 98.7 WMZQ (WMZQ-FM)

1
Amid Colorado’s childcare crisis, a nonprofit provider pushes forward for low- and middle-income families 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Imagine keeping your cool with 10 crying babies in a classroom. Yes, childcare is hard work and it is crucial to our fast-growing community. “We're not just babysitters, we just don't show up in a warehouse and play with kids all day. The work that we do is essential so that children are ready for school. To enter kindergarten, they're ready at thi…

1
272. Breaking Down Kennedy, Aaron Rodgers, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, South By Southwest and All The Other Recent Independent Drama. 25:40

1M ago25:40

25:40

In case you missed it, newly-self-proclaimed independent RFK Jr. floated some VP names. Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura. Exactly what the independent movement does NOT need. And our Paul Rieckhoff is going to dig into why. He’ll also share the backstory behind why Kennedy’s involvement in a scheduled panel at the South By Southwest conference on in…

1
The compassion of first-person narratives with author and activist St. Clair Detrick-Jules 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Author and activist St. Clair Detrick-Jules uses words and images to capture personal stories that celebrate and center Black liberation, the immigrant experience, and women's rights. “Historically in this country, Black people haven't been able to really control the narrative of our own stories, of our own lives and experiences,” she said. “And so…

1
Alpine equity: How a Latino snowboarder is improving access to snow sports in Summit County 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

When KUNC senior managing editor Stephanie Daniel journeyed into the mountains to work on her podcast The Colorado Dream, she met Javier Pineda, a snowboard instructor and Mexican immigrant. She was reporting on the housing crisis in Summit County, which has had a major impact on Pineda’s life. But as is often the case with journalism, telling one …

1
271. State of the Union Special Edition. How Did Biden Do? Did He Move Independents? Dissecting The Big Night From Cannabis to Ukraine to Veterans to Forgotistan. 15:04

2M ago15:04

15:04

Welcome to a special State of the Union recap special edition episode of Independent Americans. Normally, the State of the Union address is a civics lesson, pageantry and performance. Normally, it doesn’t move the needle. But last night was different. It was the most important SOTU in a generation. Voters were watching. Including millions who are s…

1
Spring anticipation: a stroll through CSU’s Annual Flower Trial Garden 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Although it is technically still winter — at least until March 19 — the flowers will soon be in bloom at Colorado State University’s Trial Garden. That is where many of the flower varieties hitting garden stores in the coming weeks undergo a rigorous, real-world testing process to see which varieties are resilient enough for Northern Colorado. The …

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