City Cast Denver

We’re rounding up all the news you need to know this week. First, the number one issue dominating Colorado politics for the past year and a half has been, shockingly, property taxes. With surprising alliances forming and accusations flying across the aisle, Governor Jared Polis yesterday called for (another) special legislative to negotiate a deal to avert rapid tax hikes. One of Denver’s most entertaining political analysts, Deep Singh Badhesha (aka @deepnotshallow), joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the political intrigue and explain why even non-property owners should care. Then, is the rising minimum wage killing Denver’s favorite restaurants? And our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Bree talked about the latest CDOT plans for BRT on Federal and Northside community icon Gil Carpinelli (here’s a link to the GoFundMe). Paul discussed Denver’s unspent sales tax revenues and Bo Nix. Deep mentioned the Tina Peters conviction and the Denver metro’s 2024 point-in-time homelessness count. Want to help us celebrate 900 episodes? Become a member today! For as little as $8 a month, you can support local journalism — and right now, if you sign up to be a member (or already are one) you can win VIP tickets to the Q BBQ Fest on August 23-24! All you have to do to win is let us know how City Cast Denver/Hey Denver have made you feel connected to Denver. Did we introduce you your favorite lunch spot or recommend an event where you met your best friend?Whoever sends us the best story by Monday morning wins a pair of VIP tix! Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418! Let us know you’re a member, share your story and you could win! 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 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Choir League Q BBQ Fest (Aug. 23-24) See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Denverse Magazine PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We’re celebrating 900 episodes, and we want to celebrate you! Since we began the City Cast Denver podcast and companion Hey Denver newsletter back in 2021, we have relied on you, our brilliant and hilarious listeners and readers, to share story ideas, hot takes, and questions that make us think. So to mark the big milestone, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are digging deep in the inbox to share your questions and comments on everything from dating in Denver and scooter struggles to the hottest (and coldest) takes on firefighting and local ice cream purveyors. Here’s to 900 more! Want to help us celebrate 900 episodes? Become a member today! For as little as $8 a month, you can support local journalism — and right now, if you sign up to be a member (or already are one) you can win VIP tickets to the Q BBQ Fest on August 23-24! All you have to do to win is let us know how City Cast Denver/Hey Denver have made you feel connected to Denver. Did we introduce you your favorite lunch spot or recommend an event where you met your best friend?Whoever sends us the best story by Monday morning wins a pair of VIP tix! Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418! Let us know you’re a member, share your story and you could win! Paul recommends this article for further reading on the firefighter question: “As Wildfires Burn, Are U.S. Cities Spending Too Much on Their Fire Departments?” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 August 15 episode: Choir League Q BBQ Fest (Aug. 23-24) See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Denverse Magazine PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In the super-charged partisan atmosphere of an election year, one contentious issue has emerged as a beacon of bipartisanship: Nuclear power. Both Republicans and Democrats backed Denver congresswoman Diana DeGette’s bill facilitating the construction of new reactors with cutting-edge designs, and last month President Biden signed it into law. But today’s nuclear cheerleaders could learn something from the past — so we are sharing a short audio documentary that our producer Paul Karolyi created about Colorado’s first and still only nuclear power plant, Fort St. Vrain, back in 2019. This audio documentary originally aired on the podcast Range & Slope and an abbreviated version aired on Colorado Public Radio on August 29, 2019. The song featured at the end of this story is an original composition by Jesse Wooten of Creekbed. Paul also recommends this recent article about the current debate over bringing nuclear power back to Colorado from Allen Best at the local energy blog Big Pivots. Even if Colorado does build a new reactor or convert an old coal plant to nuclear, we wouldn’t be the first state to test out a next-gen nuclear reactor. Billionaire Bill Gates was in Wyoming in June to break ground on a new reactor being built by TerraPower. Do you know any crazy fun facts about Colorado produce? We’re working on an episode about Olathe sweet corn, Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, and Pueblo chiles, and we need your help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and something people should know about Colorado’s favorite produce, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Choir League See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Denverse Magazine PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, what should the City of Denver do with a decommissioned, old power plant? The clock is ticking for a potential purchase, so producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with Westword editor Patty Calhoun to discuss why Xcel Energy hasn’t demolished the plant in Sun Valley and the possibility that it could be converted into a new food hall, as neighbors have been hoping for years. Plus, Colorado’s most famous election denier could be going to prison. As the jury deliberates in the case of former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, Paul and Patty review the arguments on both sides and the implications for November’s election. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 If you enjoyed the interview with Jacob Smith, the executive director of National Organizations for Youth Safety, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this August 13th episode: Choir League See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Denverse PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When Mayor Mike Johnston took office last year, he focused on Denver’s homelessness crisis, then the strain caused by thousands of migrants arriving from South and Central America. Now, he’s turning his attention to affordable housing, with a proposal that will likely be in front of Denver voters in November: Should Denver increase sales taxes by 0.05% to raise as much as $100 million per year for affordable housing? Robin Kniech led the charge on affordable housing as at-large member of city council for 12 years, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the gaps she sees in the mayor’s proposal and how she thinks it could reshape our city. What do you think about a sales tax hike to fund affordable housing? Will you vote for it? Or not? 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 Hey Denver 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: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Choir League See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Denverse PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, a notorious Venezuelan gang called Tren de Aragua has reportedly arrived in Denver, and they’ve already been connected to a violent jewelry store robbery, a condemned apartment complex in Aurora, and some rumored violence at a political rally. So is this gang a big problem or just another scapegoat? City Cast newsletter editor Adrian González joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about newcomer narratives, a report about plummeting birth rates, and our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. We’re giving away tickets to see some awesome chamber music! If you want to support us and see a great concert, sign up to become a member of City Cast Denver today. We’re giving away a free pair of tickets to any show on the Friends of Chamber Music’s fall season to each of the first four people who become members today. Sign up for as little as $8/month right here: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver Paul mentioned Bree’s interview with César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández, author of “Welcome the Wretched: In Defense of the ‘Criminal Alien.’” He also talked about the new gondola project in Idaho Springs and the Chez Artiste closing. Bree mentioned Mutiny Information Cafe moving to Englewood and Wash Park’s 125th anniversary. Adrian discussed llamas in the San Luis Valley and bike lane plans. Paul also recommends this recent analysis of the effects of U.S. sanctions foreign economies and politics from the Washington Post. What do you think about Tren de Aragua? We’d love to hear your thoughts. 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 Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Regional Air Quality Council - Sign up for summer ozone text alerts Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

More than 200 new laws went into effect in Colorado this week, touching on everything from concert ticket pricing transparency to gig driver protections, and each of those laws has a backstory. One in particular comes after years of back and forth between lawmakers and Wyatt’s Towing, the company Attorney General Phil Weiser found guilty of “deceptive and unfair business practices.” So will this new law finally protect Denverites from predatory towing? Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik has been reporting on Wyatt’s for years, and he joins host Bree Davies to explain what you need to know about this new law. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Sign up as a member today for ad-free listening: 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 If you enjoyed the interview with Daniel Marginson, the director of R&D with Wana Brands, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Try the new Wana Optimals from Wana Brands See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Regional Air Quality Council - Sign up for summer ozone text alerts Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A record 37.4 million domestic tourists visited Denver last year, according to new data from the city’s tourism office. But with all the crowds at Red Rocks and Rocky Mountain National Park, it feels like those people just hit all the same spots! So whether you’re entertaining visitors or looking for somewhere off the beaten path to explore for yourself, we’re here to help. Stand-up comedian JD Lopez joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to swap stories and share recs for family-friendly, outdoorsy, and adult-oriented destinations we love around the state. Don’t miss JD perform at Comedy Works’ New Faces contest next Wednesday, August 14. You can also follow JD on instagram and his podcast Left Hand Right Brain. What are your off-the-beaten-path spots in Colorado? We want your help to beat the crowds! 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 Hey Denver 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: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Regional Air Quality Council - Sign up for summer ozone text alerts Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and Westword editor Patty Calhoun is joining us to help break down the biggest stories of the week. First, who is responsible for e-scooters unsafely zipping down sidewalks? Denverites have been having that debate ever since the scooter companies first arrived in 2018, and now City Councilman Chris Hinds has a new idea to promote safe scooting. So we’re talking e-scooters, the nepotism scandal rocking Denver’s tiny suburb of Lakeside, and an interesting new vendor that made an appearance at First Friday on Santa Fe last week. Bree mentioned this past episode about Denver’s legendary lost music venue, The Family Dog. Paul quoted from this article on municipal firefighter budgets: “As Wildfires Burn, Are U.S. Cities Spending Too Much on Their Fire Departments?” What do you think about scooters on the streets of Denver in 2024? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver If you enjoyed the interview with Jacob Smith, the executive director of National Organizations for Youth Safety, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: National Organization of Youth Safety - #NYTEC2024 (Sept. 20 and 21) See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center Regional Air Quality Council - Sign up for summer ozone text alerts Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denverites are fed up! And not well fed. Because the price of going out to eat feels like it keeps going up! After scouring the city for an affordable breakfast sandwich, the owner of a local ice cream shop recently started selling his own at a Saturday morning pop-up, proclaiming “the city desperately needs this!” So we felt inspired to help, too. One of our favorite regular guests — stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson — joins today to share recommendations for the best cheap eats in Denver. We’ve got the full list of our recommendations on our website: denver.citycast.fm. But we want to hear from you, too! Where is your favorite affordable meal in Denver? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Arvada Center Regional Air Quality Council - Sign up for summer ozone text alerts Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, wildfire smoke shrouded the Mile High skyline all week long as multiple wildfires on the Front Range spread to more than 9,000 acres, as of Thursday afternoon. CSU climate geographer Lauren Gifford joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how climate change is moving so fast that even the fish in Sloan’s Lake are feeling the heat. Then, to celebrate Colorado’s 148th birthday, we’ve got another installment of our famous “1-Star Review Game” where we guess what local something disgruntled internet reviewers are complaining about! Finally, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. It's not too late to win cool prizes and have fun on your bike in our Bike Scavenger Hunt! We partnered with Bike Streets to share riddles every week in our newsletter, and all you have to do for the chance to win is snap a selfie at the secret bike-friendly destination around Denver. Sign up now! The Kiltro song we played at the end of this episode is “The Drunk.” Bree talked about Cultura Craft Chocolate. Paul mentioned a lawsuit against DPD, our limited-run special series about Colorado congresswoman Lauren Boebert, and played a funny reel shared by a fav librarian follower on our Instagram about the Rockies. Paul also recommends this article on the question of firefighting budgets in cities like Denver: “As Wildfires Burn, Are U.S. Cities Spending Too Much on Their Fire Departments?” We need your help! Do you have a favorite off-the-beaten-path tourist destination? Denver saw record tourism last year, and the hot spots are packed. So we’re compiling a list of underrated destinations to take out-of-towners. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your take on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Culinary Dropout PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community. School is starting up again soon, but it’s not too late to squeeze a few last drops out of summer. To get in the Olympic spirit, we’re putting an international twist on our monthly guide to the city, with tons of insider tips on how to make the most of August in Denver, from a mouth-watering Hong Kong-style french toast at a buzzy new restaurant to a scary cool new exhibit at one of our favorite local museums. For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Culinary Dropout. And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise. Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at [email protected] Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado has long been a stronghold for people across the country seeking abortion access — and when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, local reproductive health care providers began to see an unprecedented amount of patients seeking care. But there’s still a conservative majority on the Supreme Court and anything could happen in November, so local reproductive health care advocates are rallying to strengthen Colorado’s protections even more. Our state politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval — who has also been a reproductive justice advocate for more than a decade — joins host Bree Davies to go back through Colorado history to explain how we got here, and why she’s working on a new ballot measure to further defend abortion access. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 July 31st episode: Culinary Dropout Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, the mere proposal of a new bike lane on the Northside already has people up in arms over precious parking spots. But does a lack of parking really add up to a loss of customers? Then, Glendale has been trying for decades to revive itself as an entertainment destination for adults. With the new “4 Mile District” breaking ground and Alamo Drafthouse signing on, could this finally be the tiny municipality’s moment? Plus, listeners weigh in “Peter Pan syndrome” and its impact on dating in Denver. Paul recommends this super wild breakdown of the whole 4 Mile District Saga (so far) from the Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle and this more measured report from Westword in 2015. He is also delighted to share the Mike Dunafon/Wyclef Jean collab, “The Trap.” Newsletter editor Adrian González pointed us in the direction of this CityLab article on the bike lane situation: “Note to Store Owners: Not All Holiday Shoppers Drive.” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think about the new bike lane coming to W 29th Ave.? 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 July 30th episode: Culinary Dropout PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Enjoying a Colorado summer on these super hot days can be tough — but a easy solution? A quick camping trip in the much cooler Rocky Mountains. We’re bringing you an episode from a while back featuring City Cast Denver’s own outdoor pro Peyton Garcia, and camping novice Paul Karolyi. Together they dig into the best places to pitch a tent, what to bring, what to expect, and more tips for a smooth and simple adventure. 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 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Culinary Dropout by Fox Restaurant Concepts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up this week's news. In the wake of the news about President Biden dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, will Colorado democrats change their campaign strategies? Then, with a new Trader Joe’s slated to open in Westminster in 2025, producer Olivia Jewell Love is back with another hot City Cast Denver Top 5 list, this time, Trader Joe’s snacks. She’s joined by host Bree Davies and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to also talk about Governor Polis’ spirited CNN comments, VP Harris’s embracing of Brat Summer, the joys of Everything But the Bagel cashews, and, of course, our wins and fails of the week. We shared clips of non-Gen Zers talking about VP Harris and “Brat Summer” on CNN and Fox News. Bree talked about the burglary at Columbine Steak House and Urban Peak’s new “Mothership” housing. Olivia discussed Crush, the rescued lobster, and the end of the non-compete era for workers. Justine mentioned the horrifying treatment of Terrell Davis by United Airlines and the Mestizo-Curtis Park Pool getting a much-needed remodel. We’re doing a Bike Scavenger Hunt with Bike Streets! Check out our Hey Denver newsletter for more information, then get on your bicycle and play along! 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 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Meow Wolf Denver Health Babbel: Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery SCP Colorado Springs Hotel: Book with code CITYCAST for 20% off weekday stays! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Young people have long flocked to Denver for our proximity to the mountains, Red Rocks’ stellar concert calendar, tons of local breweries, and even access to local weed. But do they ever come here for… love? If so, how do single Denverites even meet? Westword’s Hannah Metzger and Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton from the Denver Post have both been reporting on dating in the Mile High and have some interesting insights into how people are — or aren’t — having luck finding partners. They join host Bree Davies to dig into why the apps aren’t always the place to be and how much this city’s stereotypes can help or hinder singles looking to make meaningful love connections. Hannah reported on our city’s dating scene being a “dumpster fire” and also recapped the Denver edition (and all-time least-successful season) of “Married at First Sight”. Megan interviewed the guys who took out a billboard looking for love for their single brother and wrote about how “Menver” has fizzled out; she also joined us a few months a go to talk about the dating stereotype. Do you have a Denver dating horror story — or a metro area meet-cute anecdote to share? Leave us a voicemail or shoot us a text at 720-500-5418 and you might hear it on the show! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Meow Wolf Denver Health Babbel: Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST SCP Colorado Springs Hotel: Book with code CITYCAST for 20% off weekday stays! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With a little less than two weeks left to gather the signatures needed, canvassers are working hard to get Initiative 310 on the ballot. This piece of legislation could fundamentally change the way we vote in Colorado, introducing the concept of ranked choice voting. Supporters of RCV say it would level the playing field for third party candidates and offer voters more options at the ballot box. However detractors — like today’s guest, Representative Emily Sirota — are concerned that RCV could interfere with our perfectly good system for casting votes and lead to issues like ballot spoilage. Emily joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about her last-minute amendment that could challenge the future implementation of something like RCV, and why she’s so concerned about the intentions of the big money donor behind Initiative 310. Earlier this month, Paul interviewed the folks behind Initiative 310 about why they think Colorado is ready for ranked choice voting. Still confused about what, exactly, RCV is and how it works? We published an explainer, which you can read here, and you can learn more about open primaries from our friends at Colorado Public Radio. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Meow Wolf Denver Health Babbel: Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST SCP Colorado Springs Hotel: Book with code CITYCAST for 20% off weekday stays! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After a year in office, what does Mayor Mike Johnston think he’s accomplished? Yesterday he gave the annual State of the City speech at the Paramount Theater, pointing out his housing wins and what he sees as a successful approach to welcoming newcomers. He also unveiled some projects in the works, like plans for creating a more vibrant downtown, the development of a “trust patrol” with Denver police, and a new citywide volunteer effort called “Give 5 Mile High”. But when it comes to sweeping political speeches, the devil is in the details — host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love dive deeper into the mayor’s words, actions, and the numbers to figure out what it all means for Denver and the mayor’s few years. Olivia mentioned Kyle Harris’ Denverite piece on the businesses on Broadway and the website for the Give 5 Mile High program where you can submit to be a community partner. You can watch the State of the City on the City of Denver’s Youtube; the Denver Gazette also has a full transcript of the speech. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Meow Wolf Denver Health Babbel: Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST PineMelon: Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery SCP Colorado Springs Hotel: Book with code CITYCAST for 20% off weekday stays! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Thanks to our sponsors at the Colfax Ave BID for helping us end our Colfax Week with a bang! All week long we’ve been talking about the colorful, complex, and celebrated street known as Colfax Avenue. For the week’s grand finale, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talked to Mayor Mike Johnston in front of a live audience, on perfect summer Colfax evening. Johnston rates his performance as mayor so far, discusses his approval ratings, and even weighs in on President Biden’s future. Then, Paul and Bree challenged the Mayor to a lightning round, revealing his taste in craft beer and his bike-to-work habits. You don’t wanna miss it. Thank you to all our loyal City Cast listeners who came to hang Friday night! It was great seeing you there. We’d love it if you would tag us @citycastdenver in your Instagram posts or chat about your experience on r/CityCastDenver. If you couldn’t make it this time, we hope to see you at the next one! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 July 22nd episode: Meow Wolf Denver Health Babbel: Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST SCP Colorado Springs Hotel: Book with code CITYCAST for 20% off weekday stays! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Celebrate the end of Colfax Week with our Ultimate Colfax Playlist! Presented by our sponsors at the Colfax Ave BID, you can listen along and enjoy special deals up and down Colfax this weekend at Colfax’s Independents Day It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First up, rich people in the ‘burbs are trying to block an office-to-residential building conversion and definitely don’t want a McDonald's in their neighborhood. Then, Aurora unveiled plans for a new Zyn factory, but will it be built soon enough to get Gen Z the flavored nicotine packets they love? Producer Paul Karolyi and Host Bree Davies are joined by Colorado Community Media’s DougCo and Castle Rock reporter McKenna Harford to dig into these stories, plus DCPA’s controversial new immersive show, where to find real French bread, and more highs and lows of the week. Are you down for a Bike Scavenger Hunt? We’re partnering with Bike Streets for a two-month bike adventure taking you to some of our favorite spots all over the city. Get the week’s clue in our newsletter every Friday, solve the riddle, send us a selfie outside the destination, and you’ll be eligible to win some epic prizes! McKenna mentioned this story about a Castle Rock church wanting to open a homeless shelter and the French bakery in a King Soopers. Bree talked about the GoFundMe for her neighbor who was killed by a drunk driver. What do you think about the new Zyn factory coming to Aurora? 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 Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Colfax Ave BID Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount. Regional Air Quality Council The University of Denver - Apply for DU’s new affordable housing certificate program by July 31! PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colfax Week Continues! Thanks to our sponsors at the Colfax Ave BID. Denver’s never had a ton of great options to eat out late at night — even on Colfax, where hundreds of hungry concert-goers and bar patrons pour out onto the sidewalks after last call. Ever since the pandemic, Denver’s night owls have been left hungrier than ever. But a couple of recent announcements offer a glimmer of hope: Rosenberg’s Bagels is opening a new late-night slider pop-up, and Little India on 6th Avenue is going 24/7. So host Bree Davies and her favorite late-night dining companion — artistic director for the Sie FilmCenter Keith Garcia — are on today to survey the great local options we do have and share their faves. What’s your favorite late-night spot? We want to hear what’s good after midnight. 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 Hey Denver 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 episode: “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Colfax AVE Bid Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount. Regional Air Quality Council The University of Denver - Apply for DU’s new affordable housing certificate program by July 31! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We’re stepping away from Colfax Week for an exclusive interview with Denver’s longtime congresswoman on this historic moment in the presidential race, presented by our sponsors at Colfax Ave BID. Ever since President Biden’s dismal debate performance a few weeks ago, an increasing number of Democrats in Congress have called on him to step aside as the party’s nominee, including Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, and even more have expressed doubts about his chances in November, including Colorado’s Sen. Michael Bennet. Then a shooter attempted to assassinate former president Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania this past weekend, and the entire dynamic of the race changed — or did it? Diana DeGette has represented Denver in Congress since 1997, and she’s on today to talk about where she thinks the Democrats should go from here. Bree mentioned this New York Times report that Democratic leaders are pushing to get Biden the formal party nomination in Ohio as early as next week. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Colfax Ave BID Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount. Regional Air Quality Council The University of Denver - Apply for DU’s new affordable housing certificate program by July 31! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday and we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, after the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump over the weekend, Colorado politicians on both sides of the aisle are jockeying for command of the narrative. Then, Denver Police implemented over the weekend a new program to tackle LoDo’s late-night violence issues. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the local political implications of the assassination attempt, LoDo’s let-out problem, and respond to a listener’s brilliant idea for public bathrooms. We’re compiling the ultimate Colfax Playlist! Send us your favorite songs and a little story as to why these tracks summon thoughts of our famous street and we might add it to our mixtape! Call or text the always-open Colfax Playlist Hotline at 720-500-5418 or connect via email: [email protected]. Paul mentioned our special, limited-run podcast series ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose.’ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Colfax Ave BID “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount. Regional Air Quality Council The University of Denver - Apply for The University of Denver's new affordable housing certificate program by July 31! PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome to Colfax Week! We’ve teamed up with the Colfax Ave BID for a weeklong celebration of Denver’s most iconic street. The 26-mile long strip is notorious, charming, and unexpected — and no where better embodies Colfax’s complex personality quite like the bathrooms of some of our fave establishments. AAA Spokesperson and Oak Creek Tavern owner Skyler McKinley and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join host Bree Davies to break down some of the best — and worst — places to visit on Colfax when nature calls. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Come party with us! Join us at the Colfax Indie Bash this Thursday, July 18, for a live taping of City Cast Denver, as well as local eats, a caricature artist, belly dancer, and more! The party is free, but space is limited — RSVP for your spot now and we will see you there! Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Apply for The University of Denver's new affordable housing certificate program by July 31! Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount. Regional Air Quality Council “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

This is the final episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the whole series, available now in this podcast feed or on our website. June 25 was a big election day for Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. She had five opponents for the Republican nomination in her new district in Colorado and, as we’ve learned in this limited-run podcast series, a whole lot of baggage. But we’re done dissecting her controversies and analyzing her strategies. On this final episode, arriving two weeks after her decisive victory in the CD4 Republican primary, it’s time to sit down at her kitchen table and hear her side of the story. Check out our coverage of Boebert's decisive victory in the CD4 Republican primary for a full breakdown of the results. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, how are Denverites feeling about Mayor Johnston after his first year in office? What about his work on homelessness or revitalizing downtown? A new poll shows all. Then, Democrats across the country are divided on President Biden’s chances at re-election in November, and local politicians are speaking out. Big thinker and local business owner Deacon Rodda joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into those stories and swap Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Join our bike scavenger hunt! We’re partnering with Bike Streets to bring you an an eight-week challenge to get to know the Mile High from two wheels. Check out the Hey Denver newsletter every Friday for a chance to win some EPIC prizes at the end. The first clue drops today — play along and sign up for Hey Denver if you haven’t already! Bree mentioned Sen. Michael Bennet’s Wednesday interview on CNN and Rep. Diana DeGette’s reflection on a recent meeting with the president. You’re invited to join us next week at the Colfax Indie Bash! We’re gonna record a live podcast on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston, and we’d love to see you there. RSVP for FREE right here. Paul discussed the latest dog park news out of Westminster and the bear at the Ren Faire. Bree talked about Herman’s Hideaway and the Cherry Cricket. Deacon shouted out Paul Davis Restoration. What grade would you give Mayor Johnston on his first year in office? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your take on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this July 12th episode: Blanco Cocina + Cantina PineMelon Babbel “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver is projected to see a three-day streak of temperatures over 100 degrees this weekend. So, what is causing these high temps? And what does this mean for our day-to-day lives? 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi joins host Bree Davies to break down the heat wave, the broader context, and share some advice to consider before you venture outside this weekend. For more weather news and analysis, we think Chris is really good on TikTok. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver How are you planning to beat the heat this weekend? 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 episode: Blanco Cocina + Cantina Babbel “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In a presidential election year when democracy itself is under threat, local political megadonor Kent Thiry is proposing a massive reform to Colorado’s elections. But Initiative 310 will only make it onto our November ballots if the campaign can collect 125,000 signatures by the first week of August. So producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Thiry and one of his top allies — former Denver Elections director Amber McReynolds — to talk about how this reform would work, why both Democrats and Republicans are so mad at them, and whether or not Thiry is just clearing the path for his own long-anticipated run for governor. Oh, and you better believe Paul asked what’s up with Thiry’s reported obsession with The Three Musketeers. Initiative 310 would implement “open primaries” and ranked choice voting in elections for federal and state offices in Colorado. We recently published an explainer for ranked choice voting, which you can read here, and you can learn more about open primaries from our friends at Colorado Public Radio. Paul mentioned the 2017 episode of Last Week Tonight where John Oliver explored the dialysis industry and poked fun at Thiry for dressing up like The Three Musketeers. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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 Kent Thiry and Initiative 310? 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 episode: Blanco Cocina + Cantina Babbel “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Hey Victoria, thanks for listening and leaving us a message. I agree Patty is the best! This is Paul btw. I thought you might be curious, I just checked Union Station's code of conduct and it confirms my personal experience: "Restrooms and seating within the common areas of the Great Hall are reserved for patrons of Denver Union Station, Amtrak, and the Crawford Hotel only." You can find the rest of their rules here: https://www.denverunionstation.com/content/uploads/2023/02/DUS-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

It’s Tuesday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, Union Station is set to unveil the results of a six-month, $11-million renovation this weekend, but is this a revolution for the transit hub? Or yet another evolution in its 110-year history? Then we discuss the Denver Police Department's crack down on what is apparently a huge public safety issue: expired car registrations and temporary plates. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to share license plate hacks, Union Station secrets, and respond to a listener comment on our skepticism ahead of Denver’s Fourth of July drone show last week. Paul quoted Axios Denver’s coverage of a recent public safety survey. Patty mentioned Councilman Flynn’s “investigation” into expired license plates, and we discussed Karl Christian Krumpholz’s terrific comic history of Union Station. What do you think about DPD cracking down on expired license plates? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with the Regional Air Quality Council’s Communications and Programs Coordinator, Kelsey Simpkins, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: Regional Air Quality Council Blanco Cocina + Cantina PineMelon Babbel “Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Who is responsible for making the Mile High’s food scene stand out? What restaurants have created the culinary landscape we know today as unmistakably Denver? In other words, if there was a Mt. Rushmore of this city’s dining innovators, who would be immortalized? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Westword’s food editor Molly Martin to dig into our culinary history and create the ultimate list of the people behind the biggest influences on the tastes, innovations, and culture of Denver. Paul mentioned the Jason Sheehan piece on Biker Jim that sparked this conversation. Molly talked about Bill St. John’s remembrance of Mel and Janie Master, which first mentioned the idea of a culinary Mt. Rushmore. Bree talked about Adam Cayton Holland’s reporting on the Chubby’s family saga, Alan Prendergast’s story on the formation of Greektown, Patty Calhoun’s look back at the fern bars of Denver, and History Colorado’s entry on “Daddy” Bruce Randolph Sr. and the Epworth Foundation’s Feed-A-Family program. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Blanco Cocina + Cantina Babbel Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Bree Davies's story stacks up against the rest. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s only Wednesday, so we’re rounding up a short week of news before the holiday weekend! First, a new investigation from the Denver Post attempts to answer the question of the summer: Why is the Cyclone rollercoaster at Lakeside Amusement Park still closed? Then, concerns linger about just how much money Mayor Johnston is spending on homelessness, especially after SCOTUS’s recent ruling on camping bans. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by a returning fave — comedian and Casa Bonita gorilla Joshua Emerson — to discuss all these stories, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Paul promised details on the City of Denver’s first-ever drone show for the Fourth of July (July 3, Civic Center Park) and gave a shout out to the Chipotle Boys. Bree mentioned Dozens reopening and Sol Tribe’s closure and how to get in touch with tattooists and piercers as they move to new shops. Joshua talked about Denver’s dual MVPs, the last days of the Esquire Theatre, and his collaboration “Knowing You, Denver,” opening at the Denver Art Museum this week. Come party with us on Colfax! RSVP today for the Colfax Indie Bash where we’ll be chatting with Mayor Mike Johnston and celebrating all things Colfax on July 18. Get the deets and save the date here! 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 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Thoughts of the Wild West illicit imagery of cowboys, miners, railroad workers, land speculators; jobs often held by men. But in the early days of Denver women were also working — businesswomen, called madams, ran parlor houses and brothels that served the growing city, and many women were employed as sex workers at these Lower Downtown establishments. Host Bree Davies sat down last year with History Colorado’s Assistant Curator of Serials, Ann Sneesby-Koch, to dig into the nuanced, complicated, and fascinating world of early sex work in late 1800s Denver. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Central City Opera PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community. July in Denver means it’s time for hot dogs, swimming pools, and summer fun! We’ve got plenty of super local recs, hidden gems, and some tips for keeping cool in the Mile High, like taking a dip at an off-the-radar reservoir or hitting up an indoor art show with prints inspired by cats! Come party with us at the Colfax Indie Bash! We’re doing a live podcast recording on July 18 with a very special guest, and we’d love to see you there. There’ll be food, drinks, and plenty of Colfax-y goodness. RSVP here! For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like PineMelon and Central City Opera. And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise. Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at [email protected] Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week. First, the primaries are over! Now it’s time for the Democrats and Republicans to do some soul searching — where will these two internally divided parties go from here? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by our politics and green chile correspondent, Justine Sandoval, to dig into the details of the big losses and surprising wins from this primary. Then, it’s really summer now and that means lots of outdoorsy activities and chance encounters with wild animals. Producer Olivia Jewell Love joins to share her list of the top five scariest creatures in Colorado. And of course, our wins and fails of the week. The team talked about Tiffany Caudill’’s post on X on election night and this video of the Colorado Democrats trolling GOP party chair Dave Williams. Bree mentioned Jason Sheehan’s brilliant tribute to Biker Jim. Paul discussed our interview with Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and Bennito Kelty’s piece for Westword about Bike to Work Day. Justine talked about the first case of West Nile in Colorado this year. We want to hear from you! Who would you nominate to be on Denver’s culinary Mt. Rushmore? 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 Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: RAQC Denver Health Denver Century Ride PineMelon Babbel Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Forty years ago, a group of white supremacists calling themselves The Order of Death gunned down one of Denver most beloved talk radio hosts, Alan Berg, in the driveway of his home on Adams St. off Colfax. The antisemitic attack was a shock to our city, but as antisemitism and far-right extremism have surged once again, it’s more important than ever to understand what happened and why. KNUS host Peter Boyles was Berg’s colleague and friend, and he’s on today to share his story of the attack and explain how it shaped the radio business to this day. Don’t miss Peter’s piece on the 40-year anniversary of Berg’s assassination that ran in The Denver Post earlier this month. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: RAQC Denver Health Denver Century Ride Babbel Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Coloradans voted in primary elections all across the state yesterday, with hotly contested races deciding the future of both the Democratic and Republican parties. Here in Denver, voters picked our next district attorney and decided the political future of two firebrand progressive legislators in House Districts 4 and 6. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were up late watching the results roll in, and they’re breaking down everything you need to know. Find the latest local results at Denver Elections and statewide results at the secretary of state’s website. Bree mentioned this Denver Post article on dark money in these primaries. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think about the results? 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 episode: RAQC Denver Health Denver Century Ride Babbel Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. The 16th Street Mall is still under construction, tourists have yet to return in full, and office vacancies remain high, leaving some local business owners to wonder if they can survive. Plus, the Harvey Park Grille looked to be the beginning of a neighborhood renaissance — until it closed after just four months in business. Was southwest Denver not ready for such a hip restaurant, or were there more factors at play? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the latest on the 16th St. Mall and dish on neighborhood restaurants. Plus, a listener’s spicy comment on ranked choice voting. Also, it’s election day! Don’t forget to vote! Paul and Bree discussed past guest (and Bree’s former boss) Brad Segal, who guested on our episode from last year about converting downtown office buildings to residences. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What is the best restaurant in your neighborhood? We want to hear about the spot that does everything right! Or the spot that just does enough. 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 episode: Regional Air Quality Control Council Denver Health Denver Century Ride PineMelon Babbel Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Summer in Denver has officially begun and temps are hitting the 90s. So where do you go in this city for a chilly respite? Host Bree Davies is joined by newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to share their favorite places to cool off — from cheap or free options to some pricey picks if you’re really desperate to beat that heat! Some links to learn more about all the things we talked about: National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility (Lakewood) Colorado Ice Works (Englewood) Hessaire MC18M Swamp Cooler IKEA Scavenger Hunt Free days at various museums Tubing in Golden, The Golden Mill (Golden) Great Wolf Lodge (Colorado Springs) Go dip your feet in a mountain creek (Maybe Estes Park?) Ride the Pegasus Shuttle This episode originally aired on August, 17, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: RAQC New Era Colorado Denver Health Denver Century Ride For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

This is the fifth episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Catch the first four episodes on our website: denver.citycast.fm! When Lauren Boebert announced late last year that she was moving to run for Congress in a whole new district, the experts all thought she was toast. But here we are on the eve of Colorado’s Republican primaries on June 25, and she is the clear frontrunner to win. She’s polling 35% ahead of her closest opponent, and she raised more money than all five of them combined. So on the fifth episode of this limited podcast series, we’ve got the story of how she came back from the Beetlejuice scandal stronger than ever. Heidi Beedle mentioned evangelical leader Lance Wallnau’s description of Trump as a “modern-day King Cyrus.” For more from Heidi, you can find their latest reporting at the Colorado Times Recorder. Bree Davies is our host. Paul Karolyi reported and produced this episode with tons of support from the rest of the team at City Cast, including but not exclusively Wil Fulton, Olivia Jewell Love, Andi McDaniel, Xandra McMahon, David Plotz, Andrea Silenzi, and Noah Sniderman. Our music is by Don Chicharrón and Los Mocochetes. Thanks also to Joshua Emerson for production support. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, Barnes & Noble put in the most competitive bid to purchase Tattered Cover, which is facing bankruptcy after more than 50 years as Denver’s most iconic, independent bookstore. Plus, as Denver Pride celebrates 50 years this weekend, we wonder: Is this celebration of a revolution too corporate? Host Bree Davies is joined by Kate McLachlan of the Dyketopia podcast and the Sie FilmCenter’s Keith Garcia to talk big money influence in Denver and share their top picks for how to celebrate Pride right in the Mile High. Bree mentioned the latest Masterpiece Bakeshop legal case, the LGBTQ+ community’s boycott of Coors, and local artist Sofie Birkin’s work for Starbucks. Keith shouted out the Playhaus and Junk Drawer parties, both happening this weekend, and CinemaQ going down in August. Kate talked about children’s camp classic “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme” — catch her at Pride Comedy Night and the Dyke Drama movie series. What do you think about corporate money in Pride? 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 Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this June 21st episode: Central City Opera New Era Colorado PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

How did an entire amusement park, one complete with a zoo, a steamboat on Sloan’s lake, and death defying stunts, seemingly disappear out of Denver’s memory? Manhattan Beach opened in 1890 and set the groundwork for the parks we love today like Elitch Gardens and Lakeside. Host Bree Davies sits down with David Forsyth, author of “The Amusement Park at Sloan's Lake: The Lost History of Denver's Manhattan Beach,” to chat about Manhattan Beach in its heyday, the fierce amusement park rivalries of the 19th and 20th centuries, and how Manhattan Beach’s legacy continues to shape Denver. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Central City Opera New Era Colorado PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

RuPaul’s Drag Race has rocketed many drag performers from primetime TV to international stardom — including multiple queens from right here in Denver. In their new book, “All About Yvie: Into the Oddity,” RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly explains how growing up in the Mile High City as a Black queer kid played into their formation as an artist, musician, and performer. Yvie will be appearing at the Tattered Cover to talk about their new book this Thursday, June 20; (it’s currently sold out, but check back for openings!) For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: PineMelon Central City Opera New Era Colorado If you enjoyed today's interview with RAQC's Communications and Programs Coordinator, Kelsey Simpkins, learn more here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Summer is heating up, so it’s the perfect time to pack up your bag and get out there! Even if it’s just to part of the city you’ve never been to before. Host Bree Davies is joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval, as well as local comedian and outdoor educator Eeland Stribling to recommend some epic outdoor adventures to take this summer, from the best spot to kayak on the South Platte downtown to hiking through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Eeland mentioned his “Comedians on the Fly” series on Youtube, and you can keep up with him on Instagram. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. What outdoor adventure are you planning this summer? 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 Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Meow Wolf Monarch Casino PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

This is the fourth episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the first episode, “The Escort Rumors,” the second, “How The Boebert Brand Was Born,” or the third, “The Pueblo Problem.” It all started because Congresswoman Lauren Boebert got caught in a lie. She said that all she did was dance and sing too loud during Beetlejuice: The Musical. She joked about getting kicked out and missing the end of the show. But when people saw what she really did on the high-resolution surveillance footage that leaked to the press, it changed the course of her career forever. So on the fourth episode of this limited podcast series, we’ve got the story of how the Beetlejuice scandal played out, and what it meant to the people who supported her most. Bree Davies is our host. Paul Karolyi reported and produced this episode with tons of support from the rest of the team at City Cast, including but not exclusively Wil Fulton, Olivia Jewell Love, Andi McDaniel, Xandra McMahon, David Plotz, Andrea Silenzi, and Noah Sniderman. Our music is by Don Chicharrón and Los Mocochetes. Thanks also to Joshua Emerson for production support. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, local multimillionaire Kent Thiry is bankrolling a new campaign to reform Colorado’s elections, and the signature-gathering kicked off this week. Will you give the DaVita founder’s ideas your John Hancock? Plus, public transit riders face “mounting disruptions” as RTD struggles with outages and maintenance issues, according the Denver Post. Colorado Newsline senior reporter Chase Woodruff and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join producer Paul Karolyi to break down those stories and, of course, share our wins and fails of the week. Confused about how ranked choice voting works? Check out the explainer we published in our newsletter this week. Paul referenced Chase’s excellent analysis of how effective Kent Thiry’s last few election reforms and suggests this longread from The Lever on Kent Thiry’s political ambitions. He also referenced CoLab’s recent Voter Voices survey, and the John Oliver clip of Kent Thiry. Justine talked about Sony Pictures buying Alamo Drafthouse and the labor organizing at local Live Nation venues. Paul highlighted this BusinessDen article about Indian restaurants. Chase talked about the new Denver museum and Manny Barella. What do you think about ranked choice voting? Would you prefer voting that way? Or not? 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 Hey Denver 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Meow Wolf Monarch Casino PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Most Colorado voters have received their primary ballots already and the local race for the city’s next District Attorney is certainly one to watch. Two Democratic challengers are facing off over growing concerns around gun violence, police misconduct, fentanyl-related crimes, and more. Host Bree Davies chatted with both candidates individually ahead of the upcoming election. Today, meet candidate Leora Joseph, a former prosecutor who currently runs the Office of Behavioral Health at the Department of Human Services. Check out our show from yesterday for a conversation with the other DA candidate, John Walsh. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Meow Wolf Monarch Casino Pine Melon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Primary ballots are officially out and Denverites will be voting on the city’s next District Attorney. Two Democratic challengers are up for the task, which includes addressing growing issues around gun violence, police misconduct, fentanyl-related crimes, and more. Host Bree Davies chatted with both candidates individually ahead of the upcoming election. Today, meet candidate John Walsh, a longtime Denver resident and former U.S. Attorney for Colorado. Tomorrow, hear Bree chat with candidate Leora Joseph. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Meow Wolf Monarch Casino Pine Melon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Denver Art Museum is under scrutiny after the Denver Post reported that members from the vast Indigenous community recently claimed the institution "does not seem they are willing to work with tribes,” in regards to returning stolen artifacts. This isn’t the first time the museum has been in hot water for an alleged unwillingness to repatriate artifacts — back in April, Alaskan tribes came to the museum to claim lost relics, but left empty handed. Navajo tribal member and comedian Joshua Emerson is back to chat with host Bree Davies about the complexity behind this repatriation law and what it means when the Native community is treated as a monolith. Plus, Joshua gives some insider insight into “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!”, the new documentary about the making of the Pink Palace 2.0. Joshua mentioned the DAM’s Native Arts Artist-In-Residence program and the creation of the Indigenous Community Advisory Council. History Colorado, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Parks Service all have additional information on the Native American Graves and Protection and Repatriation Act. Bree mentioned the DAM’s instagram post from over the weekend, as well as our conversation with Sam Tabachnik about his investigative reporting on the museum’s connections to the illicit antiquities trade in 2022. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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 episode: Meow Wolf Monarch Casino Pine Melon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise