Purplish

Colorado Public Radio
Colorado Public Radio
  • 4.8 (221)
  • Government
  • Biweekly

Purplish is a podcast about politics and policy and how they shape Coloradans’ lives, hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland and reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. They break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities, to find the bigger picture behind the political headlines. Purplish is produced by CPR News with support from the Colorado 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.

  1. 22h ago

    Blue tsunami, red wipeout: how the midterms could shake up Colorado politics

    Election night exceeded Democrats’ wildest dreams.  In Colorado, the big blue wave swept through all the statewide offices, plus congressional and statehouse districts. The state will send new Democratic representation to Washington, D.C., and enter a new legislative session in the new year with a new Democratic governor and Democratic supermajorities in both chambers. What does that mean for state politics and both parties’ futures in Colorado? CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim are joined by The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul to discuss. They also look at how some of the statewide ballot measure results paint a more complicated, aka purplish, picture. Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded at around 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5. Since then, a few races have been called. The Associated Press called Colorado’s fifth Congressional District race for Democrat Jessica Killin and Colorado’s third Congressional District for Republican incumbent Rep. Jeff Hurd. Additionally, opponents of Propositions 134 and 135 conceded defeat Thursday afternoon and supporters of Amendment 87, the graduated income tax ballot measure, claimed victory. Catch up on our other election coverage: The Colorado Sun: Colorado Democrats just won supermajorities in both the state House, Senate for the first time ever. Here’s how The Colorado Sun: Phil Weiser and statehouse Democrats are already planning tweaks to Colorado ballot measures on fentanyl, transgender youth CPR News: This is how Coloradans voted on all 14 statewide ballot questions CPR News: Governor-elect Weiser makes data centers, social media, youth program priorities 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. Story editing from Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Thanks to KRCC’s Briana Heaney and CPR’s Ben Markus and Molly Cruise, who contributed reporting for this episode.

    Blue tsunami, red wipeout: how the midterms could shake up Colorado politics

  2. Oct 30

    Amid America’s most expensive election cycle, where’s the Colorado campaign cash flowing?

    Much of the focus around Victor Marx’s campaign finance has been on the Republican gubernatorial candidate’s donations. But when CPR’s Ben Markus dug into Marx’s expenditures, it sparked a series of questions that eventually led him out of state, to a suburban area near Las Vegas’ lavish strip.  Markus joins CPR’s Bente Birkeland to talk about what he learned, as well as a look at the campaign finance reports of Marx’s Democratic challenger, Colorado attorney general Phil Weiser. CPR's Caitlyn Kim also joins the conversation to talk about the campaign cash flowing in and out of Colorado’s tightest congressional races.  Catch up on our latest coverage: Victor Marx’s spending is as unusual as the rest of his campaign Democrats raise the campaign dough in races across the state Victor Marx campaign receives one of the largest fines in state history 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. Story editing from Nicole Vap. 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.

    Amid America’s most expensive election cycle, where’s the Colorado campaign cash flowing?

  3. Oct 26

    How Israel-Gaza violence has rattled Colorado Democratic politics

    A political shift is starting to happen on America’s foreign policy in Israel, especially within the Democratic party. That came more into focus within Colorado politics following Melat Kiros’ win in the Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District.  Kiros has called for the United States to stop sending military aid to Israel. Some on the left hope wins like hers signal an ideological shift within the party. Others worry whether intentional or not, that rhetoric could fuel a rise in anti-semitism. One thing is for sure, Colorado politicians can no longer avoid this issue, or give vague talking points.  In this episode, CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Denverite’s Kyle Harris, along with CPR Congressional correspondent Caitlyn Kim, give space to hear from different perspectives on the political left.  Catch up on our latest coverage: Colorado Democrats flip on Israel aid, reflecting larger divide within the party Colorado lawmakers face angry crowds over ICE actions, Gaza After her primary upset, Melat Kiros shares how she’d legislate What is the DSA and who is Melat Kiros? Independent candidate for CD-1 says he wants to fight extremism CPR’s 2026 Midterm Election Voter Guide 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. Public affairs editor is Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode comes from Universal Production Music. Megan Verlee is CPR News’ executive producer of podcasts. CPR’s Ava Kian, Rocky Mountain PBS’ Andrea Kramar and Saja Hindi provided additional editorial support on this episode.

    How Israel-Gaza violence has rattled Colorado Democratic politics

  4. Oct 16

    From exorcisms to campaign finance violations, unpacking Colorado’s 2026 race for Governor

    It's been an unusual campaign season as the two major party candidates vie for votes. They’ve never debated in a traditional, moderated setting. They’ve shared the stage only once, during a scripted forum in early October. It’s also lopsided: The Democrat, current state attorney general Phil Weiser, is heavily favored to win. On the Republican side, Victor Marx is a political newcomer putting his faith at the center of his campaign, which has also been mired by questions about his wild backstory as a “high-risk humanitarian.”  CPR’s Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul and The Denver Post’s Seth Klamann discuss the difference in background, credentials, campaign style and policy between these two candidates.  Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News’ 2026 midterm elections voter guide CPR News: Colorado Governor candidates Victor Marx and Phil Weiser share stage for a non-debate CPR News: Victor Marx’s spending is as unusual as the rest of his campaign CPR News: How Democrat Phil Weiser says he would govern Colorado The Colorado Sun: Where Phil Weiser, Victor Marx stand on the big issues in Colorado’s race for governor The Colorado Sun: A conversation with Phil Weiser The Denver Post: Victor Marx, an unorthodox candidate, aims to harness AI and bring more accountability to the state as governor The Denver Post: As Victor Marx faces questions about merch sales, he says finance record linking him to site was ‘silly mistake’ 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. CPR’s public affairs editor is Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions.

    From exorcisms to campaign finance violations, unpacking Colorado’s 2026 race for Governor

  5. Oct 2

    ‘The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama’: Part II

    We pick things up right where we left off with Purplish live: “The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama.” This week three more reporters sweat it out in the host seat, breaking down tricky ballot measures on topics like penalties for fentanyl crimes, social issues and ballot questions about ballots. Plus, a bonus round and the ultimate burning question: who will be named the hot seat champion? Have more questions about the ballot? Check out CPR’s midterm elections voter guide here. Listen back to “The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama” Part I. 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. Public affairs editor is Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode comes from Universal Production Music. Megan Verlee is CPR News’ executive producer of podcasts. Some special shout outs to Rocky Mountain PBS’ Mark Montour-Larson, Sarah Newberry and the entire tech team. Also thanks to CPR’s Brittany Werges, Cayla Montoya-Manzo and Hazel Feldstein, and all of the CCNA reporters who took the heat during the event: CPR’s Dan Boyce, The Colorado Sun’s Jennifer Brown, KUNC’s Kyle McKinnon and CPR’s John Daley. Editor’s note: Once the ballot is set, many of these numbers will change. So while we talk about ballot initiatives like 85 during the live event, the corresponding number you see on your ballot will be different as it becomes a proposition or amendment. But the core issues reporters discussed from the hot seat remain the same.

    ‘The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama’: Part II

  6. Sep 25

    ‘The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama’: Part I

    This year’s ballot is lengthy, very lengthy, and packed with thorny topics. To help you sort through such a dense ballot this fall, the Purplish team has a little fun explaining the complex and difficult questions you’ll have to answer.  Purplish’s live event at the Buell Public Media Center in downtown Denver is a game show (ish) in which reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance took turns answering burning questions about the ballot in the Purplish hot seat. The goal: to help you better understand the many questions on Colorado’s ballot. Questions like, “Should Colorado increase penalties for fentanyl crimes or raise revenue or enshrine the right to hunt and fish into the state constitution?” This episode of Purplish features part one of “The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama.” This is too much fun to pack into one episode. So we’ll have part two out next week. Enjoy! Do you have more questions about the ballot? Check out CPR’s midterm elections voter guide. Subscribe to Purplish so you don’t miss Part II. 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. Public affairs editor is Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode comes from Universal Production Music. Megan Verlee is CPR News’ executive producer of podcasts. Some special shout outs to Rocky Mountain PBS’ Mark Montour-Larson, Sarah Newberry and the entire tech team. Also thanks to CPR’s Brittany Werges, Cayla Montoya-Manzo and Hazel Feldstein, and all of the CCNA reporters who took the heat during the event: CPR’s Dan Boyce, The Colorado Sun’s Jennifer Brown, KUNC’s Kyle McKinnon and CPR’s John Daley. Editor’s Note: After our Aug. 24 taping, Colorado lawmakers reached an agreement with the backers of Initiative 175 and the question was pulled from the November ballot. The section on that measure has been removed from the podcast and broadcast versions of “The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama.” Additionally, once the ballot is set, many of these numbers will change. So while we talk about ballot initiatives like 195 or 232 during the live event, the corresponding number you see on your ballot will be different. But the core issues reporters discussed from the hot seat remain the same.

    ‘The Great Colorado Ballot-O-Rama’: Part I

  7. Sep 15

    The Great Colorado Road Trip: voters share how they view the midterms

    Purplish hit the road for a 1,600-mile-plus trip around the state, from Lamar to Greeley and Grand Junction, to rural areas and city centers. Voters shared what they’re worried about and what’s motivating them to head to the polls this November with especially high stakes because control of Congress hangs in the balance. CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim hear from voters in the most competitive, or arguably competitive in some cases, congressional districts in the state. They also discuss the Republican and Democratic candidates vying for those votes, and where there’s the greatest chance of a potential upset.  Catch up on our latest coverage: Can a Democrat flip the state’s reddest seat? Eileen Laubacher is trying Rep. Jeff Crank’s resolution condemning socialism passes House Beef tariffs are on pause for 90 days. How will that affect Colorado agriculture? Can independent candidates gain traction? Maybe not, but it’s not stopping them from trying Colorado Rep. Manny Rutinel resigns to focus on Congressional race Republican Congressman Jeff Hurd tries to distance himself from Trump in eyes of voters 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. Story editing from Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions.  Editor’s note: A previous version of this audio misstated Republican congressional votes on Argentine imported beef. That has been updated.

    The Great Colorado Road Trip: voters share how they view the midterms

  8. Sep 4

    What the ‘Buc’? Buc-ee’s back in Colorado headlines

    For years, Buc-ee’s has been eyeing a parcel of land off Interstate 25 at Monument Hill to build its second Colorado location.  The travel plaza chain, in late August, made a significant step toward realizing that ambition. Following a packed and, at times, heated public hearing, county commissioners helped set the stage for Buc-ee’s to build on that parcel of land.   The story of Buc-ee’s, Monument Hill and Palmer Lake has been through many twists and turns. The Purplish team updates you on where things stand now and revisits its documentary from last fall: “How a possible Buc-ee’s travel plaza has divided one Colorado town.” Catch up on our latest coverage: KRCC: New proposed Buc-ee’s location in El Paso County will move forward without public hearings after appeal passes KRCC: Buc-ee’s hits a hurdle with the El Paso County planning department KRCC: State approves two well permits at the site of a potential new Buc-ee’s Travel Center in northern El Paso County 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. Story editing from Nicole Vap. 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.

    What the ‘Buc’? Buc-ee’s back in Colorado headlines
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About

Purplish is a podcast about politics and policy and how they shape Coloradans’ lives, hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland and reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. They break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities, to find the bigger picture behind the political headlines. Purplish is produced by CPR News with support from the Colorado 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.

Information

  • Channel
    Colorado Public Radio
  • Creator
    Colorado Public Radio
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    203
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Colorado Public Radio
  • Show Website
    Purplish

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