City Cast Denver

It might not feel like it, but today is election day. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sharing a juicy update on the scammer running unopposed for school board in Englewood and talking about what they’ll be watching for as the results come in tonight. Then, the trials over the 2019 killing of Elijah McClain took an unexpected turn last week, with one officer making the unusual move of taking the stand in his own defense. And finally, we respond to your questions and comments about food deserts, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and trick-or-treat candy policies. After we recorded the show yesterday, the Adams County jury delivered its verdict in the case against Aurora police officer Nathan Woodyard -- not guilty. Don’t forget to vote! We broke down Prop HH with CPR politics reporter Andy Kenney CPR, The Denver Post and The Colorado Sun have each got a guide for all the statewide issues Denverite has more on the local questions and races And check out our newsletter archived for more stories and context behind all these races: denver.citycast.fm. 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: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board The Arvada Center’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Between the ongoing I-70 traffic conundrum, housing affordability issues in basically every ski town, pricey passes to overcrowded lift lines, resort workers unionizing left and right, and, of course, the imminent threat of changing climate, the ski world seems to touch every aspect of life in Colorado. So as resorts open across the state, producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the ultimate ski industry insider, Luis Benitez, to talk through the civic, environmental, and labor issues at stake on the slopes this winter, and share insight into the plans and operations of some of the biggest resort operators in the world. Luis mentioned data comparing winter holiday traffic and summer traffic on I -70, per CDOT’s numbers. Paul quoted articles about the latest challenges in the ski industry from Denver Business Journal and 5280 Magazine. You can read more about Luis Benitez’s campaign to establish a federal office for the outdoor recreation industry in 5280 Magazine. 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: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board The Arvada Center’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Epic weed drama erupted this week, with the outing of a “rat in the community” who allegedly made dozens of complaints about public consumption to city officials, which led to the massive crackdown on not-quite-legal weed parties over the summer. With weed sales still trending down, we’re asking: Is this the last gasp of the Green Rush? Or a mess we voters made for ourselves? Our green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to sort through the drama and the state of legal weed. Then, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. This episode features very explicit language. It also features a clip from this episode of the Stoned Appetit podcast. Paul mentioned former Denverite Eric Michiels, The Tank, and The Tank’s Grammy contender “Slow Beethoven.” Justine talked about Ken Buck and the TikTok restaurant drama in Atlanta. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Thursday, and we are so ready for the weekend. So as usual, newsletter editor and our resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins to talk through Denver’s hottest food news: first, a Japanese restaurant that claims to be the oldest in the state is closing in Cherry Creek, while a hot new Japanese place called Kumoya is promising to change the game in Highland. And speaking of everything old being new again, we dig into the recent explosion of interest in neighborhood markets, aka bodegas, and ask: can they thrive in car-centric Denver? Finally, we share our picks for your weekend. Bree mentioned past guest Gil Asakawa’s excellent book “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat! A Tasty History of Japanese in America” and DeVotchka’s upcoming shows at The Stanley Hotel. Paul mentioned Rhein Haus (downtown) and Ay Papi (Cherry Creek). Peyton recommended this event for Native American Heritage 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: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome to November, the month of 5 p.m. sunsets, extended family visits, early holiday shopping, and colder temps. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producer Olivia Jewell Love rounded up their top picks to help you figure out how to entertain that random cousin visiting for a long weekend and drum up some unique ways to make this the best Friendsgiving yet! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi weigh in to help decide on our official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for November — as in maybe you’ll see us there! 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: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Election day is just a week away and while it’s an off-year, there are plenty of important races and issues at stake across the metro area. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the unique character running unopposed in Englewood, a potentially pivotal measure on homelessness in Boulder, and all the dark money swaying the races for the Denver Public Schools Board. Then, Paul and Bree respond to your comments on Hawaiian food, Fort Collins, and whether or not Denver is part of the Midwest. For more on the DPS board races, our friends at Chalkbeat have a breakdown of who’s running and what’s at stake. Do you think Denver is in the Midwest? We want to hear from you! Shoot us a text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show soon: 720-500-5418 Help us celebrate our 700th episode and become a member of City Cast Denver today! It’s the best way to make sure we’re around for another 700 at least. Plus, members get access to an ad-free podcast feed, which is pretty cool! Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. 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: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With Halloween coming up tomorrow, we’re thinking about everything that goes bump in the night. But the importance of Denver’s nighttime economy far exceeds the one-night-only, trick-treat trading that’ll be going down tomorrow evening. For years our nightlife has been both a big business and the scene of high-profile violence — particularly around let-out time late at night in LoDo. Youth on Record co-founder Stephen Brackett saw the nightlife conundrum first-hand coming up in Denver’s music scene — then he picked up some innovative ideas while touring the world with his band Flobots. Now he’s bringing it all together with ONE Denver (formerly 87 Foundation), a new non-profit working to create a safer (and more profitable) nightlife scene for everyone. Host Bree Davies sat down with Brackett a few months ago inside ONE Denver’s HQ, aka the old El Chapultepec to learn more. For the latest on Brackett’s quest to create a formal Office of Nighttime Economy, Westword recently reported on the name change and Brackett’s experience on Mayor Johnston’s transition committee for arts & venues. 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: The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Our friends at Metropolitan State University of Denver (aka MSU or just plain “Metro”) recently hosted our very own Bree Davies on their podcast spotlighting notable alumni. Bree discusses her time as a roadrunner and the impact MSU had on her career in the media. We thought it was a great conversation, so we’re delighted to share it with you. You can subscribe to MSU Denver Alumni Bird Talk wherever you get your podcasts. 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

Four years after the killing of Elijah McClain, Aurora police are finally on trial. But what about the systemic injustices embedded within our law enforcement system? Reporter Andrew Fraieli spent months investigating a law that was supposed to help track police conduct across the the state, but he found loopholes, glaring omissions, and missing records of dangerous on-duty behavior. Andrew joins host Bree Davies to talk about this explosive piece of collaborative reporting along with state representative Tim Hernández, a fierce critic of the system. Plus, the Rocky Mountain highs of being a Nuggets fan and the lows of local governments weighing into global politics. Andrew mentioned Colorado joining a lawsuit against Meta and the Aurora City Council’s statement on Gaza. Tim talked about a court ruling in Buena Vista over universal pre-k funding and the Nuggets season-opening win. Bree mentioned Club Q’s reopening as “The Q” inside the Satellite Hotel in Colorado Springs. 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We’re talking noodles, dumplings, and cocktails unapologetically seasoned with MSG as host Bree Davies chats with newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producer Olivia Jewell Love about their preview of the new MAKfam restaurant in Baker (Opening Nov. 1). Then, it’s all about that Spam musubi — Denver has seen a welcome proliferation of Hawaiian restaurants serving up their own version of Pacific Island cuisine lately. So, what’s bringing so many Hawaiians to Colorado in the first place? Plus, the best place to see a dancing ghost, Boulder’s big bite night, and more events for your weekend. Check out this piece from the New York Times for more background on the “Hawaiian Plate Lunch.” Here are links to all the events Peyton mentioned: First Bite Boulder (Boulder) Monster and Horror Art Expo (Lakewood) Dancing in the Dark: A Haunted House Experience (Aurora) TurkeyU BBQ Class (Fort Collins) 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

Can you believe it’s already been 100 days since our new mayor Mike Johnston was inaugurated? He hasn’t even had time to put art up on the walls of his office! But he has been hard at work trying to deliver on his pledge to get 1,000 unhoused people off the streets by the end of the year. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Johnston to talk about some of the controversies he’s stirred up so far, his decision to cancel a planned micro-community in the Golden Triangle, and what he’s been up to apart from homelessness and housing. 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 our work and become a member today: 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 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 talking about all the stories that matter this week. First up, Governor Jared Polis made a tone-deaf statement about transit, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talking transit and digging into a pile of fresh data from RTD’s Zero Fare for Better Air months this past summer. Then, Denverites aren’t the only ones gearing up for an election this month, so we’re surveying the wildest election-related shenanigans playing out across the suburbs, from the NIMBY recall in Englewood to a Fort Collins city council candidate with white nationalist ties. Finally, we respond to a question about Bree’s latest beef with McDonald’s. 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

The City of Denver’s official budget for 2024 determines how the powers that be will spend a whopping $1.74 billion over the next year. But it’s also a test of how a new mayor and a majority new city council stand by their campaign promises, what city issues take priority this year, and how well these governing bodies work together (or don’t.) Axios Denver’s Alayna Alvarez joins host Bree Davies to breakdown what the budget is for, what we might see big money for next year, and why it matters to the everyday Denverite. Check out Alayna’s coverage of the budget for Axios Denver, plus see a full breakdown of the budget process and how you, a noble citizen, can get involved. Got a question for Mayor Mike Johnston? We’re talking to the mayor soon for the first time since his inauguration, and we want your help! What should we ask him about? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Tattered Cover filed for bankruptcy this week after a rough few years for the beloved Denver institution. Three of the bookseller’s seven locations will close and 27 employees will lose their jobs as the company fights for survival. So, what does it all mean for the devoted customers, local authors, and remaining workers? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by author Erika T. Wurth to discuss Tattered Cover’s murky future. Plus, Colorado Parks and Wildlife fends off a zebra mussel invasion and a toast to Meow Wolf’s new watering hole. Paul mentioned the train that derailed and collapsed a bridge over I25 last Sunday. The authorities have since identified a cause of the accident. The bridge report he discussed is here. Bree talked about Batchcamp, a chrome extension to download and save your entire Bandcamp library in case the company goes sideways. She also mentioned Tattered Cover’s previous owners and their statement on BLM. Erika talked about the latest twist in the campaign to ban books in Douglas County. Erika’s novel, White Horse, is now out in paperback. You can also hear more of her excellent writerly opinions on TikTok. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: “Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The weekend is so close you can almost taste it. So we’re digging into the biggest food story of the week: A blockbuster trial involving DIA, two homegrown burger empires, allegations of bribery, and a car chase on I70. Newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to break down the DIA concessions scandal that went to court this week. Plus, Peyton shares her top picks for the super spooky weekend to come. Would you prefer Cherry Cricket over Smashburger at DIA? We want to hear where you like to eat at the airport, and what you think might be missing from the menu. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Bree mentioned our episode about the Cherry Cricket. The podcast about spiritualism she mentioned was in fact American Hysteria host Chelsey Weber-Smith discussing the topic in a members-only episode of You’re Wrong About. Here are links to all the events Peyton highlighted: Carving & Cocktails (Union Station) South Broadway Halloween Parade (Baker) Spirits & Spirits (Four Mile Historic Park) Trick-or-Treat Trail (Denver Zoo) 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: “Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Earlier this month, History Colorado released a major report documenting the history of Indigenous “boarding schools” across our state, including one in Denver, between 1880 and 1920. The media covered the report as a landmark step forward from a tragic chapter in our state’s history, and some have called on Governor Jared Polis to make a formal apology on behalf of the state. But while our elected officials are celebrating the report as a positive step toward healing and reconciliation, many Indigenous people are not. So today, host Bree Davies speaks with the co-chairs of the Denver American Indian Commission — stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson and past guest Raven Payment — about what this report means to Denver’s Indigenous community. Bree mentioned History Colorado’s recent history of rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities. We recommend Westword’s reporting around the new Sand Creek Massacre exhibit to learn more. 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 sponsor of this episode: “Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum 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 talking about all the local stories that matter this week. Four years after Elijah McClain was stopped by Aurora police, an Adams County jury last week delivered a verdict in the first of three trials over the 23-year-old’s death. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi lay out the facts and talk about the questions still left unanswered. Plus, why is Commerce City so mad at Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke? Hint: It’s not because the Nuggs and Avs are still not on TV. Also, we respond to listener comments and questions about Denver’s hardcore scene, that 1-star review for the Brown Palace, and one of Denver’s best carrot cakes. 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: “Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

This morning on the podcast, we did our best to understand the most confusing and most impactful question on Colorado ballots this year — Prop HH. Andrew Kenney, politics reporter for CPR, explained why some conservatives are calling it a back-door TABOR killer. So after the convo, producer Paul Karolyi turned the mics back on to ask Andy about all the other times Democrats have gone after TABOR and what happened. If you have more TABOR or Prop HH questions, send them our way at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer!

The Wall Street Journal called it a “back-door tax hike.” Colorado conservatives are calling it a TABOR killer. Even Democrats are divided on it. But Governor Jared Polis insists it’s the best thing to do about rising property tax rates. Prop HH is the biggest, most confusing, and potentially most impactful question on Colorado ballots this fall. So producer Paul Karolyi sat down with our favorite Polis whisperer, CPR politics reporter Andrew Kenney, to explain Prop HH and what our libertarian-leaning governor is thinking. Read Andy’s coverage of TABOR and Prop HH for CPR — like how the proposition could impact school funding, what education advocates see as the good in the measure, and why TABOR refunds have been bigger than years’ past. 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 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 Art Museum’s Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Triangle Bar closed “indefinitely” last Sunday, owner Scott Coors blamed homeless encampments, and the press ran with an easy narrative. Earlier this week, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi barely scratched the surface of the escalating controversy around the gay bar’s demise, but there’s clearly way more to the story. So today on the show, Bree and Paul get into the real stuff with our resident gay bar expert Keith Garcia to go beyond the easy scapegoat and discuss your comments and voicemails about bar management, the importance of queer spaces, and how the Coors boycotts Harvey Milk co-led in the 1970s played into the closure of Triangle Bar in 2023. Plus, our trip to Casa Bonita and this week’s Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows. Paul talked about the Broncos’ owners, Cowboy Crocs, and Lauren Boebert’s divorce. Bree mentioned FAIM’s last show, happening at D3 Arts this Saturday. Keith talked about the new Bigfoot video and the upcoming 46th Annual Denver Film Festival. You can also watch Keith tell a salacious story from his teenage dreams at this Saturday’s Coming Out Edition of Mortified Colorado! 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Thursday, and we’re here to get you ready for a great Denver weekend! Newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins to talk through the latest food news and exciting new places to eat — so long as your heart’s not set on Casa Bonita. It’s been months, and we’re tired of disappointing out-of-towners who want to eat at the still-not-really-open Pink Palace. No, we don’t have a hook-up! A new interview with CB’s chef Dana Rodriguez has got us thinking about how much track is left in front of this hype train. Plus, Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are asking: Who’s building Denver’s first “food truck park”? Where’s the best place to indulge your sweet tooth for this Saturday’s National Dessert Day? And what cool things are happening around town this weekend? Here are links to all the events Peyton mentioned: Ghosts in the Gardens (Denver Botanic Gardens) Solar Eclipse (Various) World Migratory Bird Day (Arvada) Colorado Food Showcase (National Western Center) For even more news and cool events 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

Three thousand Kaiser Permanente employees went on strike across Colorado last week and, although their bosses didn’t cave, all those nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers are back at work. So, how do labor negotiations work in an industry where patients’ lives are part of the equation? Plus, the Triangle Bar’s recent decision to close “indefinitely” last Sunday received a lot of press attention after a co-owner put the blame on homelessness. Big parts of this story felt like they were missing, so producer Paul Karolyi did some digging — and found interesting connections to the Coors brewing family. He and host Bree Davies dig into these stories and all the other news that matters this week, along with thoughts (and corrections!) from you, our dear listeners. Paul mentioned this story about Scott Coors from The Advocate. 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

We had so much fun last month with our game show based on 1-star reviews of Denver icons, we decided to bring it back! But this time producer slash quizmaster Paul Karolyi cooked up a bubbling cauldron of extra spooky 1-star reviews for some of Denver’s scariest places. It’s a haunted edition of Thank You So Much For Your Feedback. This time, returning champion JD Lopez defends his title against host Bree Davies to decide once and for all: Who knows Denver’s haters best? What do you think of the 1-star review game show? If you love it as much as we do, consider becoming a member of City Cast Denver today! It’s the best way to make sure this show keeps going strong for years to come. Plus, you get an ad-free podcast feed for as little as $8 per month. Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Don’t miss JD’s victory over producer Olivia Jewell Love in the first edition of our 1-star review game show, and catch more of JD on his podcast Left Hand Right Brain. 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 digging into all the local stories that mattered this week. First, this week’s influx of Central and South American migrants has put Denver’s shelter system to the test. So, how is the city handling hundreds of arrivals each day, on top of our existing crisis of unhoused people? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by artist Diego Florez-Arroyo to talk through the current migrant situation, along with Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week — which include a bright spot in the ongoing predatory towing industry saga, the epic bummer that is “Red Pant Man,” and a brief foray into the life of an artist under capitalism. Catch the debut of Cuauhtémoczin, Diego’s first play, at the Holiday Theater this weekend. Looking for ways to support migrants arriving in Denver? Check out the City’s list of donation needs and employment opportunities. Paul mentioned DIA’s new growth plans, Denver’s latest response to the increase in migrant arrivals, the “radical” idea to fix towing, and people driving up mountains. Bree talked about Red Pant Man. 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 our work: Become a member of City Cast Denver today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Are food halls officially over? Axios Denver reports that food halls across the Denver metro are closing or being sold. Is this the end of an era? Or a post-pandemic blip? It’s Thursday, so newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to talk food halls and all the latest dining news. Then, Peyton shares some cool events happening this weekend, and the crew picks our official City Cast Denver “Maybe,” as in maybe you’ll see us there. Here are links to all the events Peyton mentioned: NEA Big Read Kick-Off Party (Congress Park) Art + Architecture Loop (Lowry) Choctoberfest (Aurora) La Llorona Festival (West Colfax) 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 been more than a month since RTD’s Zero Fare For Better Air promotion beckoned riders to just get on the bus. So, did they? And what about the Johnston administration throwing around the idea of banning all vehicles from making right turns at red lights? Oh, and Governor Polis is getting giddy about a Front Range-serving rail system — but do voters have the appetite for another train project? Host Bree Davies brought these hot topics and more to returning fave, CPR’s growth and transit reporter Nathaniel Minor, for a deeper look behind the big transportation headlines of the last few weeks. Check out Nate’s reporting on the dangers of the trend toward bigger, heavier cars (and the possible legislation being proposed to address it), his ride-along with Polis on the possible Front Range train of the future, and the ongoing woes of RTD’s funding for FasTracks. 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

Mayor Mike Johnston says he plans to house 1,000 people before the end of 2023, and so far he’s got 119, according to his new dashboard. But some people are already getting mad about it. Producer Paul Karolyi talked to a handful of people behind the scenes and things are, well, complicated. Then, host Bree Davies connects dots in the latest legal entanglements involving school board vice president Auon'tai Anderson, two DPS parents, and Colorado’s new social media law. Plus, a listener responds to our conversation about Colorado’s biggest polluters. Paul discussed Westword’s reporting on the pushback to proposed micro-communities in Holly Hills and the Golden Triangle. Bree mentioned the LGBTQ community’s boycott of Florida orange juice in the late ’70s and Anita Bryant’s pie-in-the-face TV moment, as well as Theo Wilson’s comments on this podcast in defense of DPS board vice president Anderson. Become a member of City Cast Denver today! If you like the podcast and want to keep it going strong for years to come, the best way to support us would be to become a member today. Join for as little as $8 per month and get an ad-free podcast feed as a special thank you from us. Learn more at 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 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

‘Tis the spooky season! October is upon us and there are so many cool things to do, see, and imbibe across the metro area this month. From the pumpkin patch to the coffin racetrack — yes, you heard that right — host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love have combed the calendar to handpick eight of the best Halloween-y things to do. Produce Paul Karolyi and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia join the fun, and by the end of this haunted ride, you’ll have the official City Cast Denver best bet for October! Here are links to all the events Olivia and Bree recommended: Olivia’s Picks: Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms, October 6-8 (Littleton) Cider Days, October 7-8 (Lakewood) Sober Paint and Sip, October 7 (City Park) Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival, October 28 (Manitou Springs) Bree’s Picks: Denver Oddities and Curiosities Expo, October 7 (Central Business District) Lemur and Friends Graveyard Market, October 22 (Congress Park) Dyketopia Halloween Spectacular, October 20-21 (Highland) Muertos en Westwood, November 3-5 (Westwood) 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: 4 Noses Brewing Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s no secret — Colorado’s air quality is suffering, and last Friday regulators approved yet another new plan to address the state’s biggest polluters. But environmentalists and critics have already spotted several loopholes that could allow companies like Suncor Energy, Molson Coors, and Cargill Meat Solutions to “pay to pollute,” as our guest today explains. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Denver Post environmental reporter Noelle Phillips, who’s been following Colorado’s ongoing political pollution battle for years. Plus, we wrap up with our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Become a member of City Cast Denver today! We work hard to make this podcast every day, providing you with useful interviews and our hard-earned recs for the best of Denver. The best way to support our work is to become a member today for as little as $8/month. Plus, you’ll get an ad-free feed to enjoy as our way of saying thanks. Learn more and sign up today at membership.citycast.fm. Paul mentioned his 2021 interview with Rep. Joe Neguse about the new Climate Corps, as well as cottonwoods and bald eagles at Barr Lake. Bree mentioned Jon Caldara’s poop obsession and Cervantes’ new artist-friendly merch policy. Noelle talked about her work with the Denver Newspaper Guild and pedestrian deaths. What do you think should be done about Suncor? We want to hear from you. Would you pay an extra dollar per gallon if it meant Suncor stopped polluting? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your response 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: 4 Noses Brewing Ambient Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

As we wrap up a week of fall getaways, we wanted to leave you with an enticing list of delicious destinations — restaurants we’d go the extra mile (or hundreds of miles) for! Whether you are looking for perfect pizza a mere 45 minutes away or charcuterie so good it’s worth planning a weekend around, producer Paul Karolyi and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia have got you covered. Plus, stick around for a round-up of the coolest events going down this weekend, and Paul and Peyton’s pick for our official City Cast Denver “Maybe” — as in maybe you’ll see us there! Here are links to the spots we discussed: Antonio’s Real NY Pizza (Estes Park) Cafe Vino (Fort Collins) The Friar’s Fork & Sanctuary (Alamosa) Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm (Boulder, UT) Check out denver.citycast.fm for host Bree Davies’ two bonus road-trip-worthy restaurants Paul mentioned this New Yorker story about Hell’s Backbone Grill from 2018. 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: 4 Noses Brewing Ambient Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What’s the most haunted place in all of Colorado? A lot of folks would tell you it’s the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, but is that place really haunted by anything other than Stanley Kubrick’s decision to film “The Shining” somewhere else? So to continue our weeklong celebration of Colorado’s best fall getaways, we called up Thad Mighell, curator of contemporary art at Understudy and paranormal superfan, to run down his list of the most haunted destinations in Colorado. Become a member of City Cast Denver today! Become a member is the best way for you to support all the hard work we put into this show every day. So if you loved Mayoral Madness or appreciate our search for the best of everything Denver has to offer, sign up to become a founding member today. It’s just $8 per month. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Here are links to all Thad’s haunt spots: St. Elmo Ghost Town (Chaffee County) Hotel Jerome (Aspen) Hotel Colorado (Glenwood Springs) 3rd Bridge (Bennett) UFO Watchtower (San Luis Valley) Cripple Creek (Teller County) 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: 4 Noses Brewing Ambient Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Pickleball fever has swept the country, and after three years of explosive growth it looks like it’s not going anywhere (much to the neighbors’ chagrin). So how are Denverites learning to live with the distinctive dinks and thocks? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking through the latest pickleball battles in Denver, Glendale, and Centennial, plus the latest on Mayor Mike Johnston’s quest to end homelessness in his first term. Then, we respond to a listener’s critique of our episode on the push to rename six Denver parks. Become a founding member of City Cast Denver today! There are four full-time journalists working hard every day to bring you a useful and engaging daily podcast about Denver. If you want to support our work, the best way to make sure we’ll be around for years to come is join now for as little as $8 per month. Sign up and learn more at membership.citycast.fm. Bree mentioned Mayor Johnston’s new House1000 dashboard, as well as the Denver Post and Denver7’s coverage of this week’s sweep at 8th and Logan. Paul talked about pickleball reporting from Denverite, Westword, and Fox31. 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 Walls 4 Noses Brewing Ambient Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

All this week, we’re celebrating the gorgeous season that is fall in Colorado. Today, we’re focusing on perfect weekend getaways — the best places to go, things to see and do in just one overnight stay. From mountain towns to chile country, we’ve rounded up all the most charming locales we love for soaking in this cool and colorful season. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are joined by returning fave, Denver Instagram celebrity Amanda Bittner, to map out the best destinations with camping recs, must-try culinary delights, and underrated leaves to peep. What’s your favorite fall getaway? We want to share all the best road trip destinations, haunted locales, and leaves to peep. So text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬ Wanna support City Cast Denver? The best way to keep this podcast going strong for years to come is to become a founding member today. You’ll get an ad-free podcast feed and the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting local journalism — all for as little as $8 per month. Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. For even more news from around the city and links to all our weekend fall getaway recs, 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: 4 Noses Brewing — Their new taproom is opening in Park Hill on Oct. 20 Ambient Colorado, a new podcast by nature lovers for nature lovers Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

More than ten thousand people with big dreams arrived in the Mile High City for this year’s Denver Startup Week, and AI was the talk of the town. So will Denver become a hub for this massive tide-changing trend in technology that has congress confused and tech folks energized? Adeel Khan founded his first startup earlier this year, and he was in the thick of networking-palooza all week long. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Adeel to talk about the debates dividing Denver’s business community, Mayor Mike Johnston’s approach to the economy, and all things AI. Plus, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week touch on a new hotel project that just got new support from City Council, the definition of Colorado green chile, and more. Become a founding member of City Cast Denver today! It’s the best way to support local journalism and all the hard work that goes into making a daily podcast. Join now for as little as $8 per month and get access to an ad-free podcast feed. Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Paul discussed this Jam Band Hero, our 2021 episode on the allegations against Jay Bianchi, and forgot to mention this update to the situation with his Grateful Dead-themed bar So Many Roads. Bree talked about her uncle Ed Kutz and his bff Reed Weimer’s role in saving the Sid King’s Crazy Horse sign from going to the dump 40 years ago. She also mentioned a past City Cast Denver episode about the story of Colorado Mexican Food with Patty Calhoun and Gustavo Arellano. 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: “Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: Love in Exile” at the Newman Center (Sept. 30) BadBoyBoards Lighthouse Writers Workshop Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

This weekend marks the tenth anniversary of what our guest calls “Comedy Christmas” — aka, the High Plains Comedy Festival. Returning fave Joshua Emerson, who also co-chairs the Denver American Indian Commission, is telling jokes on stage at High Plains for the second year running. He joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to share his High Plains hacks, recommend a few shows (with tickets still available), and dish on how Denver comedy stacks up to other cities. Plus, Paul takes the reins to share his top event picks, and we make our official City Cast Denver ‘Maybe’ for your weekend. Become a founding member of City Cast Denver today! Between the useful dives into pressing issues and our constant search for the best of Denver, making this podcast every day takes a lot of work. So if you care about local journalism and want to support our work, become a founding member for as little as $8 per month today. Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Here are some links to the events Paul mentioned: National Public Lands Day Coach Prime and the CU Buffs vs. Oregon Ducks (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.) “Making Our Mark: An Exploration of Vandal Futurism” (RedLine Contemporary Art Center) Battle of the (Brewery) Bands (The Crypt) Paul also mentioned 5280 Magazine’s list of the best college football bars in 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: Denver Walls is a new mural fest coming to RiNo later this month “Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: Love in Exile” at the Newman Center (Sept. 30) BadBoyBoards Lighthouse Writers Workshop Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

At the height of the racial justice protests of 2020, Denverites — like the rest of the country — reckoned with our past. Statues depicting bigots and racists were torn down, and quietly the City of Denver assembled a commission to examine, research, and reassess the names of our parks — green spaces like Jefferson Park, La Alma-Lincoln Park, but also some lesser known park names with potentially troubled pasts. Today host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk through the six park names the commission put up for debate and discuss why they think we should — or shouldn’t — be giving some of these park names the boot. What do you think about renaming these six parks? We would love to hear from you, too. Got a strong defense of Lincoln? Or maybe there’s a park name you’d really like to see go? Leave us a voicemail or a text at 720-500-5418, and you might hear it on the show soon! Paul mentioned past guest Chase Woodruff’s newsletter exploring the literature of the West — “Lit Out West.” 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: “Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: Love in Exile” at the Newman Center (Sept. 30) BadBoyBoards Lighthouse Writers Workshop Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are breaking down all the local stories that matter. First, a report of a so-called “homeless bar” with “prostitution tents” at 23rd and Champa Street had the national tabloids looking Denver’s way. But what was really going on there anyway? Then, overdose deaths are making headlines again in Colorado, this time because more and more of these incidents are happening in public, forcing passersby into the role of makeshift first-responders. Plus, listeners share their comments on a recent guest on our show and debate how CO’s vaping congresswoman’s anti-trans rhetoric can have real-life consequences. Bree mentioned CBS Colorado’s coverage of Aurora mayor Mike Coffman’s foray into cosplaying the experience of being homelessness. 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 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: “Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: Love in Exile” at the Newman Center (Sept. 30) BadBoyBoards Lighthouse Writers Workshop Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With the opening of Yuan Wonton’s new shared brick-and-mortar restaurant in Park Hill, the food trend of the fall is officially the humble dumpling. But what can we consider to be a dumpling? Is it just a pocket of dough filled with … something? Or is it much more nuanced? 5280 Magazine’s assistant food editor Ethan Pan is a bonafide dumpling lover, digging into the hype and searching for Denver’s best in his new column for 5280 Magazine — “In the Fold.” So we sent newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia out with Ethan to the trendiest new dumpling spot, then they sat down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk all things dumplings. Here are some links to all the dumpling places we discussed: Yuan Wonton (Park Hill) Ace Eat Serve (Uptown) ChoLon (Central Park) Oak at Fourteenth (Boulder) Seoul ManDoo (Aurora) Bryan’s Dumpling House (Greenwood Village) Yummy Dumpling (Federal Heights) The Easy Vegan (City Park Farmers Market + various other locations) Paul also mentioned the latest news about plant-based protein company Meati and its Thornton “mega factory.” Consider becoming a founding member of City Cast Denver today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the deets and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: “Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: Love in Exile” at the Newman Center (Sept. 30) BadBoyBoards Lighthouse Writers Workshop Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert had a big night out at the theater in Denver this past weekend, complete with vaping, loud singing, and being escorted out. But is this just a case of Big Divorced Energy from the MAGA darling? Or a sign of something bigger? The story (and the surveillance tapes) exploded this week, just as Boebert was attempting to roll out a new image, so we’re breaking it all down. Newly elected state representative Tim Hernández joins our state politics and green chile correspondent, Justine Sandoval, to discuss the congresswoman’s night out in Denver with producer Paul Karolyi. Plus, all the other local stories that mattered this week and this week’s Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows. Do you want to be a founding member of City Cast Denver? We’ve been publishing a daily podcast for more than two years, bringing you useful interviews with mayoral candidates and deep dives into important subjects like development in Cherry Creek and pizza. Consider joining to support our work, plus get an ad-free version of the podcast for as little as $8 per month. Learn more and sign up today at membership.citycast.fm. Paul mentioned a Politico article on Boebert, Meati’s growth, Thornton’s water woes, the Marijuana Mansion’s sale price, the new design rendering for Cherry Creek West, and our episode with Colorado Springs representative Stephanie Vigil. Justine talked about a bear and state parks passes. Tim discussed the officer who shot Jor’Dell Richardson and this Colorado Politics article about legislator pay. 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: Thirst Denver BadBoyBoards Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After months of anticipation and rumors, the Michelin Guide bestowed five local restaurants a Michelin star at an exclusive ceremony in RiNo on Tuesday evening. There were big winners and big snubs. But was this moment the validation for Colorado’s dining scene that we thought? Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about who won, who lost, and talk through a revealing new report from the New York Times about how Michelin really works. Plus, our picks for the coolest events going down this weekend. Would you hike four miles for Arby’s? We want to know if you’ve ever participated in a stunt like that and what you’d hike four miles to try first. Leave us a voicemail or a text at 720-500-5418, and you might hear it on the show soon! Here are links to the events Peyton mentioned: Hispanic Heritage Celebration (Aurora) Michelada Fest at Mile High Flea Market (Henderson) Sand Creek Mural Festival (Central Park) Hunger Free 303 (Wash Park) For even more news and cool events 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: Thirst Denver BadBoyBoards. The first five listeners who show up to their new retail location’s opening today (Sept. 14) and mention City Cast Denver will get a free cutting board! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The humble user review — taken alone, is just one person’s opinion. But put a bunch together, and that aggregated star rating can make or break a local business. So today, we’re going inside the minds of the people leaving one-star reviews for some of our favorite Denver places. Producer slash quizmaster Paul Karolyi puts producer Olivia Jewell Love and returning fave JD Lopez to the test. Can they guess famous Denver landmarks based only on one-star reviews? Who knows Denver’s haters best? For more from JD, you can hear him share his ice cream obsession on our ice cream battle episode from July or interview local creatives on his podcast Left Hand Right Brain. 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 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: Thirst Denver BadBoyBoards Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s easy to walk down the streets of Denver and see the major issues facing our city — housing, homelessness, public safety, etc. It’s much less clear how Denverites really feel about those issues. A brand new nonprofit polling group, Colorado Polling Institute, has stepped forward to fill the gap, promising regular surveys of how Denverites feel about their mayor, city council, encampment sweeps, DIA, RTD, and more. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to break down the CPI’s first batch of cold, hard polling facts. Patty mentioned Westword’s coverage and a piece about the first CPI poll in the Denver Gazette 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 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: BadBoyBoards Thirst Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s easy to forget, but Denver is still a young city, constantly searching for an identity. So it’s confounding why there’s so little research on a characteristic as important as the way we speak. Do Denverites even have an accent? Or maybe there’s more than one? Fortunately, we found some researchers at CU Boulder who are working to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on the particulars of Mile High speech patterns. Host Bree Davies sat down with Jeremy Calder, an assistant professor in the linguistics department, and graduate student Andrew Ting last spring to discuss their “Voices of Colorado” project to hear what they’ve learned about how Denverites speak. What do you think about the Denver accent? Text or leave us a voicemail at (720) 500-5418‬. Just remember to include your name and neighborhood, and we might play it on the show! Paul mentioned the recent sale of the Milk Market food hall, the new effort to block the expansion of Gross Reservoir, and his interview last year with KUNC water reporter Luke Runyon: “Is Denver Hoarding Water?” For more of our water coverage, check out these episodes: Is Colorado On Its Way to A True Water Crisis? (May 8, 2023) Can Science Fix Our Water Woes? (Jan. 26, 2023) Could Denver Run Out of Water? (June 13, 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 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: Thirst Denver BadBoyBoards Denver Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston is tackling Denver’s homelessness crisis head on, but the city might not be able to wait for long. When Denverite reporter Kyle Harris spent 21 hours at a calzone shop on Broadway, he met a business owner who’s been pushed past his limit and heard rumors of a possible violent revolt spreading through encampments. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Kyle to talk about what else he saw that night and what that charged situation on Broadway says about the interconnected nature of our unhoused crisis. Plus, another round of wins and fails of the week — aka, our Rocky Mountain highs and lows. Paul talked about UFOs in Southern Colorado, the Colorado Doula Project, Deion Sander’s post-game interview last Saturday, and Bomani Jones’ insights in this terrific documentary. Bree discussed sexual assault in the music scene and a local abortion clinic’s major milestone. Kyle talked about Barry’s on Broadway and the new “bike bus” near Sloan’s Lake. 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: Denver Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When a brand new Denver restaurant landed on Bon Appétit’s most anticipated openings list, we were sooooo curious — what’s the big whoop about Sap Sua? Fast-forward to now and the contemporary take Vietnamese cuisine has got people talking. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into all the latest food and dining news with newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia, who also gives us an update on what common consumption is — and is not — and ponders whether a new CBD coffee shop popping up in Platt Park is past its prime or right on the mark. Plus, our recommendations for your weekend. Paul mentioned some Harvard University research on CBD. We wanna hear from you, dear listeners: What’s the best bakery in the Denver metro? Call our hot pastry hotline and leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show! 720-500-5418. Phone shy? Email us: [email protected]. And finally, your official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend. Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show - our official “City Cast Denver Maybe” pick! Cuisine and Culture — Tracing Andean Culture Wheat Ridge’s International Heritage Festival/Oktoberfest 9/11 Heroes Run 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 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 Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

For more than 100 years, the brick power plant at Zuni Street and West 14th Avenue generated electricity for Denver using steam. But now that the plant has been retired, it presents a conundrum: Should the crusty old building and its two smokestacks be demolished? Or somehow redeveloped into an asset for the Sun Valley neighborhood? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi visit the defunct Zuni Generating Station with Denver’s first-ever chief urban designer Eugenia di Girolamo to talk about how the building known to some as “The Devil’s Castle” could become Denver’s next iconic landmark. The Denver Post has more on the old Xcel Generating Station, and the Colorado Encyclopedia has more on the Denver Tramway Powerhouse (Aka, the REI building). Bree talked about the latest development in DPS’s “seclusion room” controversy and flu season. What non-residential building would you most want to live in? Residential conversions are all the rage, but is everyone thinking way too small! Of all the non-residential buildings in Denver, which would you most want to move into? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your pick 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: Denver Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s a cool place, full of cool things to do each and every month — and September is no exception. But how do you choose what to fill your calendar with when the Mile High has so much to offer? Host Bree Davies and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia each picked four awesome September events to share, and producer Olivia Jewell Love has the harrowing task of picking the official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for your month — as in “maybe” you’ll see us there! Here are links to all the events Bree and Peyton recommended: Peyton’s Picks Art Drop Day, TODAY! (Citywide) CHOW in the Park, September 11 (City Park) Bugs and Brews, September 21 (Westminster) Denver Oktoberfest, September 22-24 (Ballpark) Bree Picks Westwood Chile Fest, September 9 (Westwood) Pee Wee’s Big Adventure Screening, September 10 (Congress Park) High Plains Comedy Fest, September 21-23 (South Broadway) Far East Center Mid-Autumn Festival, September 30 (Westwood) Peyton mentioned Mimi Luong — whose family started the Far East Center — and we interviewed her about Denver’s Lunar New Year celebration; she also talked about our interview with John Hinman, founder of CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness). 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 sponsor of this show: -Denver Center for the Performing Arts 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

When State Senator Julie Gonzales wrote the Towing Bill of Rights last year, she had no idea that she’d have to get towed herself to find out just how badly tow companies have been skirting her law. The legislator took to social media last week to share a parking saga gone wrong that ended up exposing some shady towing practices. The senator joins host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission Joshua Emerson, to talk about what happened, and how she’s already working on strengthening the law next legislative session. Plus the crew digs into their wins and fails of the week — Joshua gushes over a new baby orangutan at the Denver Zoo, Bree is weirdly obsessed with Jack Harlow’s new video, “Denver,” and so much more. Sen. Gonzales mentioned Stop Fraud Colorado, where consumers can report towing issues and fraudulent situations with tow companies. Check out Joshua Emerson at the High Plains Comedy Fest this September. Bree talked about Overdose Awareness Day, and checking out Harm Reduction Action Center for more ways to help. 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: Colorado Restaurant Association “Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Michelin Guide is giving some mystery, top tier restaurants highly coveted stars at their invite-only event on Sept. 12, but why wait? Turns out the world’s most prestigious dining guide went ahead and crowned some Denver Metro restaurants with a coveted spot on its Bib Gourmand list, which is kind of like an upscale version of the “value menu” for fine dining. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia explains why this all matters to host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love. Then, the crew digs into Arvada’s latest move toward public consumption and wonders why Denver is dragging its feet about beers on the street. Finally, the official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for your weekend — as in maybe you’ll see us there! — is chosen. Olivia mentioned Rylee Dunn’s reporting for the Arvada Press if you’re looking for that hyper-local Old Towne news. ‘Tis the season for pumpkin….everything. So we wanna know: what’s your take on pumpkin beer, and what’s the best one? Call our Pumpkin Spice or Nah hotline at (720) 500-5418 or send us an email at [email protected]. And finally, your official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend. Wings over the Rockies City Park Lake Clean Up Coors Field Brew Fest Amor la Mexicana 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: Colorado Restaurant Association “Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center 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

They don’t make stuff like they used to…turns out that’s true for Denver’s buildings as well. Art Writer and Architecture critic Michael Paglia has written about the Mile High’s growth spurts over many decades for Westword, and he’s seen some multi-story highs and lows, architecturally speaking. Michael joins host Bree Davies to discuss the city’s built environment of the 21st century — the good, the bad, and the really, really ugly — while pointing out some of the bright spots in our architectural story. Read some of Michael’s in-depth pieces for Westword on Denver’s Architecture, both good and bad: “Ten of the Best New Buildings in Downtown Denver” (2019) “The Ten Worst 21st Century Buildings in Downtown Denver” (2015) “With the AIA Convention in Denver, A Look at Ten Architectural Gems” (2013) Bree and Michael talk about the One River North building with the canyon in the middle, as well as these buildings (and here’s a lil’ map of them, if you wanna do a tour): Prism - 999 17th Street Coloradan - 1750 Wewatta Street Via - 828 Broadway 2785 Speer - 2785 Speer Boulevard 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: Colorado Restaurant Association “Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center 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