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 Anderson, who discusses the potential workplace impact, while DEI consultant Selena Dunham shares strategies to sustain inclusion efforts, and MSU Denver’s Michael Benitez discusses how higher education is responding to these challenges.

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 impact of Greek life, from historically Black fraternities and sororities to multicultural and inclusive organizations.

The episode features members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – also known as the Divine Nine – Cenece Dixon, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Javon Brame of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Diana Lopez, president of Lambda Theta Nu at MSU Denver, and Naya O’Reilly, founding president of a gender-inclusive chapter of Theta Pi Sigma.

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 local communities with community leaders such as Erin Pulling from Food Bank of the Rockies, Chelsea Carver from Mile High United Way, and Martha Logan from Faith’s Footsies.

The show highlights the ongoing efforts to provide culturally inclusive food, essential services, and emotional support to those in need. It also sheds light on the struggles of NICU families during the holidays.

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 cases in Indigenous communities, and the role of genetic genealogy in solving decades-old mysteries.

Jessica Silvers, sister of Nicole, shares her family’s ongoing struggle for closure, and Kirby Lewis from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, explains the evolving tools and techniques used to crack cold cases. The episode also highlights the unique challenges faced by Indigenous families seeking justice.

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, we revisit powerful conversations that center Indigenous voices, and explore critical issues impacting Native communities in Colorado.

Plus, Indigenous activist Raven Payment joins us to discuss Native history, current challenges, and the significance of November for Indigenous people.

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 News we explore the causes and consequences of being lonely, and highlight real solutions, including joining social clubs.

Clinical Psychologist Jennifer Harned Adams from HCA Healthcare and Alton Dillard, a co-founder of the Colorado chapter of the Major Taylor Cycling Club discuss the social and health impacts of connecting with others.

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 doula services to be covered by health insurance, is Imani Williams, a doula and owner of Birth in Black; Heather Thompson, director of research at Elephant Circle, a Denver-based reproductive and birth justice organization; and Democratic Rep. Junie Joseph, who sponsored the legislation for the program.

RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver7’s Micah Smith.

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 access to some workplace financial benefits that married people use; and they have to pay the same for a hotel room as people who are coupled up, as just a few examples.

This episode was recorded in partnership with the public radio show Marketplace, in front of a packed audience at the Holiday Theater in Denver. RealTalk is hosted by Denver 7’s Micah Smith and CPR’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas. The stage event was hosted by Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams and also featured Micah Smith.