January 28, 2026: Reality of rural skin cancer; Trump's focus on Colorado; An ode to independent books

·49 min·4 clips

Farmer Chris Moreland reveals how years of sun exposure led to multiple skin cancer surgeries, including one requiring 50 stitches.

The episode opens with host Ryan Warner introducing the day's segments. First, farmer Chris Moreland of Swink, Colorado, details his experience with multiple skin cancer surgeries, including one requiring 50 stitches, and notes the lack of dermatology access in rural areas. He mentions a new satellite clinic in nearby La Junta. Dr. Braden Healey of Vanguard Skin Specialists then discusses the clinic's mission, explaining that skin cancer is more common than all other cancers combined and that outdoor workers have a one-in-three lifetime risk. He shares that five patients in La Junta were diagnosed with invasive melanomas thanks to the clinic, which they otherwise wouldn't have sought due to travel barriers. The second segment shifts to politics, with CPR's Kaitlin Kim reporting on Colorado lawmakers' views on the Trump administration's actions toward the state, including funding cuts and vetoes, linked to political retaliation. The third segment features an essay by author Kali Fajardo-Anstine about Westside Books in Denver, which is changing ownership and downsizing due to a rent hike. She recounts working there from age 16 and how the store influenced her career. The final segment introduces Monique Brooks-Roberts, a new host on CPR Classical, who discusses her journey as a violinist and how classical music intersects with pop, using examples like Alicia Keys sampling Brahms. The episode concludes with credits and a preview of upcoming content.

As heard by us

A rural skin cancer story gives Colorado Matters its clearest human scale, while books widen the frame.

Colorado Matters pairs rural skin cancer care with independent books, and the episode is strongest when a personal memory widens into a question of access.

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Why you'd press play

Want rural skin-cancer care, small-town Colorado stakes, and an indie-bookstore detour with actual local texture? Press play.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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