City Cast Denver
1,354 episodes — Page 1 of 28
Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises
What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame
How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project
BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National
Conservatives in Colorado Have a Secret Influence Machine. And It Might Be Working.
Who Wants THC Drinks? Plus, Bars Banking on Nostalgia and Our Asian Food Week Recs
Your Guide to May 2026 in Denver
A New LoDo Let-Out Fix? Plus, REI Boycott Beef and Denver's Surprising Smell Ranking
Downtown Ice Cream Project Melts, Frank Azar’s Hollywood Connections, and Your Bucket-List Meals
What We Learned While Investigating DIA Conspiracies
'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Denver
Uproar Over Strip Mall Redevelopment, Bucket-List Restaurants, and Surveillance Tech in Schools
Who is Really Winning the Scooter Wars? Plus, a 30-Year Incumbent is On the Hot Seat
REI Union Threatens Boycott, Buzzy Ice Cream Blows Up, and Who Won the Milk-Chugging Contest?
Should Coloradans Be Concerned About Our Economy? Plus, a New Vision for the Pavilions
When Water Will Return to Huston Lake, Downtown's Literal New Fabric, and a 'Peyton Manning-Inspired' Restaurant
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Denver
How the Pearl Fell Apart, An Affordable Housing Beef, and Live Nation Ruling Local Reax
Deep Lore Behind Idaho Springs’ New Gondola, Another Downtown Closure, and Wacky Weather Wardrobe Essentials
Local TV News vs. Instagram Influencers, Avs/Nuggs Playoff Stories to Watch, and Would You Eat a Beaver?
Can 80k Save Denver's Last Lesbian Bar? Plus, Denver's Big Pitch for the DNC and 'Third Space' Overload
Gardening Tips for Denver's Drought Restricted Summer
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor — Presented By City Cast Denver
Lakewood Backtracks on Housing Density, Inside the RTD Drama, and Shirtless Rockies Fans
Xcel Takes on Data Centers, RTD's Big Shakeup, and Former Mayor Hancock: Real Estate Mogul?
Why are Denver Lakes Disappearing? Plus, Blucifer on Hulu and Disneyland on Colorado Boulevard
Polis and Boebert at the Rockies Game, Denver's Next Top Mascot, and More from the Mailbag!
Are Denver Restaurants Really in Crisis? It’s Complicated.
'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium
Alamo Drafthouse's QR Code Backlash, Election Denier Reconsidered, and What's So Funny About RTD?
Union workers at Alamo Drafthouse in Sloan’s Lake are walking out today over frustrations with the company’s move to a QR code-based food ordering system, saying it overcomplicates interactions with customers. Contributor Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to discuss what it means for a theater chain that built a brand on being aggressively anti-phone. Plus they discuss the latest news in the saga of disgraced Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, what this joke map of RTD’s light rail stops says about how we view Denver, and of course, our wins and fails of the week. Bree talked about the new Gems & Minerals Hall coming to the Museum of Nature and Science, the ongoing JBS strike, and Denver City Council’s vote for a new contract with Axon. Paul quoted numbers from this Westword report on the local Alamo unions and discussed this statement from the company about the QR ordering change; he also talked about Copper Kettle Brewing’s impending closure and Jersey Mike’s downhill slide. Michelle mentioned Mo’Betta Greens. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Prediction Markets Hit Local Politics, Axon Replaces Flock, and a Great Local Pet Store
Harbingers of dystopia or the hottest trend in tech — Kalshi, Polymarket, and other prediction market platforms have come for local politics. You can right now bet on buzzy issues like the hotly contested race to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, but also on the utterly banal, like the temperature in Denver today. City Cast Denver contributor and founder of investigative journalism site The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the local prediction markets. Plus, City Council approves Mayor Mike Johnston’s new contract for Axon license plate readers, and Sirota’s got a rec for the best pet supply store in town. Subscribe to “Keep It Local,” our new Thursday afternoon shopping guide for curated recommendations of local small businesses. Paul also mentioned the podcast Election Profit Makers and our recent episode with Dr. Paul Teske of CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs. Do you have a gambling problem? In Colorado, you call the 24/7 confidential hotline or text 1-800-GAMBLER For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the prediction markets for local issues? We want to hear your take on Kalshi and Polymarket! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Your Guide to April 2026 in Denver
Spring is springing! Flowers are blooming! Who was hoping for a a real winter this year, anyway? Denverites are up and about, and the city is buzzing with great new places to eat and cool things to do. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to drink a beer while the kiddos play or searching your new favorite coffee shop that also serves as a revolutionary reading library, we’ve got plenty of very real, personal recommendations for how to make the most of April in Denver. Plus, if you were assembling the perfect Denver picnic, what locally produced or made foods would need to be in there? And where are you plopping down your blanket? For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What’s in your Ultimate Denver Picnic Box? We want to hear the great stuff we missed! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out the upcoming events Andy mentioned here: ShroomskiCon Four Fools Variety Show Jazz Night Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode: Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Local Dems Playing Dirty, César Chávez Ripple Effects, and Westword's New Era
While many Denverites were protesting at No Kings, watching the Denver Summit FC kickoff, or just enjoying the sun, Democrats from all over the state descended on Pueblo for their state assembly to nominate candidates for the primary election in June. Producer Paul Karolyi was in Pueblo following the action, and he’s on with Westword editor Patty Calhoun to share his reporting on some allegations against the frontrunner attorney general candidate, Jena Griswold, which surfaced mere hours before the vote. Plus, Patty discusses the news that she is retiring from Westword, and we hear from host Bree Davies who was on location Monday morning with green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval for a press conference at the Corky Gonzalez Library. Patty mentioned retired judge Ann Frick’s op-ed for Westword about Secretary of State Jena Griswold – “Jena Griswold’s Fabrications Are Disqualifying in AG’s Race.” She also discussed Westword’s past coverage of Griswold’s “reign of error” as secretary of state and her own work on the former nuclear bomb plant Rocky Flats. Paul discussed the new allegations from former Griswold staffer Reese Edwards (Part 1 and Part 2) For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Do you have a gardening question for our expert? Ann Marie Awad is ready to dig in and do the research to get you the answer you (and your plants) need. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode: Multipass Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
How Will Lakewood Vote on Density? And What Will It Mean for Casa Bonita?
Lakewood City Council passed a massive zoning ordinance last year to make it easier to build more types of housing. But implementation is on hold – several neighborhood groups gathered enough signatures, and now all of Lakewood will decide in a special election on April 7. So, today we’re bringing you both sides of the debate: First, Karen Gordey, manager of the “yes” campaign, joins host Bree Davies to lay out why some neighbors are concerned about the character of Lakewood being lost to density. Then, City Council member Roger Low explains why people like him on the “no” side of the debate want to keep new zoning rules and encourage housing density. What do you think about the density debate in Lakewood? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Denver
More affordable housing is needed in places like Denver. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Which Dem Could Take Back CD8? Plus, Wait Times at DIA and Pizza Donuts at Coors Field
The fight for Congressional District 8 is heating up – known to swing both ways, the race is anyone’s game. In a party with a growing divide, democratic centrist Shannon Bird and progressive Manny Rutinel are both vying for the seat, so how will things shake out for the dems? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to discuss the CD8 tossup, plus talk about new over-the-top snacks coming to Coors Field, Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun’s big retirement announcement, and of course, our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Welton Street Café winning its $1 million case against a shoddy contractor, and the GoFundMe for Eduardo Morales, a TSA agent who was killed in a hit and run accident. Justine talked about the panaderia saving Jim’s Burger Haven from a big bun shortage. Bree mentioned the Denver Post’s reporting on Bruce Brown’s mustache. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode: Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
A New Approach to Housing Density, Denver's Drought Conditions, and Summit FC Needs a Mascot!
Ski season is ending prematurely, spring flowers are popping up early, and well, it’s been hot! After our unseasonably warm and dry winter, Denver Water’s Board of Commissioners yesterday enacted Stage 1 drought restrictions. So what will that mean for Denverites? Contributor Joshua Emerson joins producer Olivia Jewell Love and host Bree Davies to confess their toxic water traits and talk about the regional context of drought conditions. Plus, they get into the debate over a new lot-splitting bill at the state legislature and pitch their ideas for Denver Summit FC’s mascot. Bree mentioned this, but you can sign up now for City Cast Denver’s new weekly shopping guide newsletter Keep It Local! You can also email us at [email protected] if you have a local business you think we should feature. What do you think should be Denver Summit FC’s mascot? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Tickets are still available for that Denver Summit FC home opener at Empower Field on Saturday! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Breaking Down Rep. DeGette's Viral Confrontation, Flock Replacement Delayed, and Bookstore Drama
A video went viral last week showing Denver’s Congresswoman Diana DeGette being confronted by activists about her stance on military aid to Israel – but there’s a deeper story behind what the footage seems to show. Producer Paul Karolyi did some digging and shares the backstory with host Bree Davies and returning guest Adrian Felix. Plus, they dig into Denver City Council’s decision to postpone the vote on a new license plate camera reader contract and discuss the fallout of another bookstore disassociating itself from former Tattered Cover CEO Kwame Spearman. Bree mentioned Spearman’s op-ed in Westword. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Is the New Broncos Stadium a Traffic Jam Waiting to Happen? Plus, Why ICE Might Be At DIA Soon
Neighbors of Burnham Yard – the proposed site of a future Broncos stadium in La Alma Lincoln Park – are concerned about the development’s impact on traffic flow, parking, and how pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure will be a part of the plan. Can team ownership be trusted to fully address these big picture transit issues? Denver Post city government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to share what she heard from neighbors and what’s next for this city-transforming project. Plus, they look at the connections between a new lawsuit against the city filed by a lawyer for the city, and what it could mean for the future of federal funding for Denver International Airport. Elliott talked about the conceptual map of plans to address traffic in and out of the Burnham Yard site. What do you think about the plan for Burnham Yard? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Arvada Center Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
How Denver is Grappling With the César Chávez Revelations
It’s been less than a week since the New York Times reported on allegations of sexual assault against labor movement icon César Chávez, and the City of Denver is already moving to rename the holiday, park, and federal building that carries his name. But what’s next? And what can labor organizers and activists learn from the story of Dolores Huerta? Former City Council president Ramona Martinez and our green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join host Bree Davies to discuss the JBS strike, the role of Chicano and Latino women in these movements, and their advice for people holding on to open secrets. What do you think Denver should rename the park on Tennyson? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this March 23rd episode: Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Denver
The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Denver. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Trans Kids on the Ballot, a Shaky Scooter Deal, and Magic Mushroom Yoga
Coloradans will vote on two measures impacting transgender kids this fall – Ballot Initiative 109, which aims to prevent trans kids from participating in school sports, and Ballot Initiative 110, which would prohibit access to gender-affirming surgeries. Is Colorado inching backward toward its “hate state” past? Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of the live comedy show Dyketopia join host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into these measures backed by anti-LGBTQ group Protects Kids Colorado. Plus, they discuss a Title IX fight going down between JeffCo schools and the U.S. Department of Education, the Mile High City’s first licensed "microdosing cafe," and share their wins and fails of the week. Bree talked about a Gallup poll on trans athletes and data from the Williams Institute on trans people living in the U.S.; she also mentioned a state bill that could give victims of conversion therapy the ability to sue mental health providers who perform it. Olivia talked about City Council postponing a vote on the city’s potential new e-scooter provider. This weekend’s Dyktopia show is sold out, but you can still catch Lee on some other great live shows here in Denver before they head back to NYC. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the César Chávez revelations this week? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Who Profits Off 'Captive Pricing' at DIA? Plus, 'No Kings' Energy Rising and an Underrated Nugget
Another No Kings protest is planned in Denver next week, and Colorado is grappling with President Trump’s looming imperial tendencies – what happens if Governor Polis chooses not to grant Tina Peters clemency? What could the state lose in retaliation? In the second season of Master Plan: The Kingmakers, host David Sirota and his team at The Lever dig into a decades-long scheme to make the American presidency more like a monarchy. Sirota joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to explore the local connections to this presidential power grab. Plus, we continue our conversation on “captive pricing,” drilling down specifically into concessions contracts at Denver International Airport, and take a look at an underrated Nuggets player. We discussed the 9News investigation comparing prices on goods at DIA and the Denver Post’s coverage of the city auditor’s 2022 report on questionable airport concessions contracts. Paul talked about local airport concessions big shot Rod Tafoya. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Did you enjoy today’s sponsored interview with Elizabeth Martinez from Compass Real Estate? Learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode: Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
What Secrets Has ICE Been Keeping in Denver? Plus, the Best Places To Be Broken Up With
What exactly is ICE up to in Denver? And how have ICE operations changed since Trump returned to the White House? Contributor Joshua Emerson joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to discuss some recent reporting from Colorado Times Recorder on ICE “hold rooms” across the state and a recent CU Boulder analysis of 10 years of ICE data on Denver. Plus, Joshua’s list of the best places to be broken up with. Joshua mentioned a lawsuit against GEO Group over their $1-per-day detainee work program, which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on in February. He also talked about the comedy show he’s hosting at The Bug Theater this weekend. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think is the best place to be broken up with? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 18th episode: Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Is Denver Suffering From ‘Brain Drain’? Plus, a Major Congressional Upset Could Be Brewing
What is going on inside Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure? After a string of traffic and safety-related controversies, The Denver Post reports that the department has been experiencing “brain drain,” with turnover in several senior roles in the past six months. So, what does that say about DOTI’s executive director, Amy Ford, and the future of our streets? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the drama within the department. Plus, congressional candidate Melat Kiros reportedly “trounced” Denver’s 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic assemblies over the weekend, and why are Denverites mad at Parks and Rec? Check out our past conversations with District 1’s Democratic congressional candidates Melat Kiros and Wanda James, and current representative, Diana DeGette, plus Mayor Johnston’s recent comments on our show about the Alameda Avenue safety plan. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the race to represent Denver in Congress? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 17th episode: Denver Health Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise