City Cast Denver

Palestinian solidarity protesters interrupted two congressional town halls in the metro area last week, calling attention to Rep. Jason Crow and Senator Michael Bennet’s support for Israel, but also the role of one of Denver’s largest and most mysterious companies: Palantir Technologies. So we’re revisiting a conversation producer Paul Karolyi had a few years ago with Bloomberg Businessweek reporter Max Chafkin about his reporting on the defense contractor’s co-founder Peter Thiel, how Palantir makes money, and why it moved to Denver in 2020. This episode first aired on October 18, 2021. Chafkin’s biography of Peter Thiel is called “The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power.” Host Bree Davies mentioned two stories about former Palantir workers — one about a group of employees who sent an open letter to NPR and another from More Perfect Union about a former worker who became disillusioned about the company. What do you think about Palantir? We want to know what you think about our new neighbor! 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 other sponsors of this June 2nd episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Xcel Energy Denver Fringe Festival Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After almost a year of slowdowns, RTD announced this week that every light rail line is finally back up to full speed. But will riders return to the trains? State Representative Alex Valdez joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to talk about the pandemonium in our streets, from RTD’s plateaued ridership to Gov. Jared Polis’s veto of the big Uber sexual assault bill. Plus, we discuss a fantastic Denverite article about Denver Health’s ambulance crews and share our wins and fails of the week. Do you have a question for Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas? We’re sitting down with the chief soon, and we want to know what you think we should ask him. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and we might put your question to Chief Thomas: 720-500-5418 Paul talked about Blazing Bird, downtown bike lanes, and the sexual assault statistics that Uber and Lyft have reported. Alex discussed City Council’s vote on the NWSL stadium proposal and new condos for sale downtown. Bree mentioned the recent spate of measles cases in Colorado. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 May 30th episode: Central City Opera - use the code CITYCAST to get 20% off select dates Xcel Energy Denver Fringe Festival Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

June is on its way and that means fun in the sun for the Mile High City! From a brand new bubble tea shop serving up whimsical refreshments to a hot springs with cool pools and new water slides, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do, see, drink, eat, and explore in Denver and beyond. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Denver, we’ll have even more tips and suggestions in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week. Our monthly guides are brought to you by Multipass! If you enjoyed today’s sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here and get details of all the events Andy mentioned below: Shroomski Melt Pride at the Pearl Queer Circus 2025 Goat Yoga Learn more about the other sponsors of this May 29th episode, like Xcel Energy and the Denver Fringe Festival, as well as Central City Opera (just use the code CITYCAST to get 20% off select dates!) And we’re also powered by our neighbors, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about becoming a City Cast Denver Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm! 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]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dropping the word “mall” from 16th Street wasn’t Mayor Mike Johnston’s only big announcement last week. He also revealed that flagging sales and property tax revenues alongside increasing costs have led to a $250 million budget deficit, and the city government is preparing for layoffs, furloughs, and other cuts. So Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to connect the dots between the big push to revitalize downtown and the threat of layoffs in city offices. Plus, we discuss Gov. Jared Polis’s personal pet plan for downtown: an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting Civic Center Park to the Capitol. Patty mentions Alan Prendergast’s remembrance of how 16th Street became a mall in the first place. Paul talks about the draft 20-year plan for downtown, which won’t go into effect before Denverites share their feedback and City Council votes later this year, and the last 20-year plan for downtown, which was adopted in 2007. He also talks about Denverite’s reporting on the auditor’s work on employee morale inside the city government. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode: Central City Opera - use the code CITYCAST to get 20% off select dates Xcel Energy Denver Fringe Festival Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Back in 2015, Denver voted to extend tourism taxes to pay for the expansion of the National Western Center in order to keep the Stock Show from leaving town. But earlier this month, City Council twice delayed a vote that would release $800 million of that money. They were listening to pushback from community members who say they want the National Western Center Authority to commit $16 million to help mitigate displacement and gentrification. The Authority says they’ve already offered plenty of community benefits. So ahead of council’s final deliberation on the issue on Monday, host Bree Davies is sitting down with both sides — first, Steve Nalley is chief real estate officer of the National Western Center and second, Alfonso Espino from the GES Community Investment Fund. We discuss the 2015 vote in this episode quite a bit. Check out the ballot language for yourself to see what voters approved back then. What do you think about the community leaders’ $16 million ask? Should they get the money? And who should pay? 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: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After months of speculation, the open secret is now official: Denver’s 43-year experiment in calling our downtown pedestrian retail artery a “mall” is officially over. It’s just 16th Street now, according to Mayor Mike Johnston and the Downtown Denver Partnership. But will Denverites call it that? And will it help bring downtown back to life? Stand-up comedian and regular contributor Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to get into Denver’s feelings about the name change. Plus, we’ve got some ideas for how to spend you long Memorial Day weekend and, of course, our wins and fails of the week. What do you think about 16th St. dropping the word “mall”? We want to hear what you think! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Don’t forget! We’re off on Monday for Memorial Day. Don’t expect a new episode in your feed until Tuesday morning. After we recorded this episode, the Department of Excise and License finalized the city’s new rules governing open-consumption areas, including on 16th St. Paul talked about the “satirical” deadnaming website, a Rockies lawsuit, and this fantastic piece about how the 16th St. Mall came to be in the first place from Alan Prendergast in Westword. Bree mentioned about the end of El Noa Noa, her love for Chef Zorba’s and Alameda’s “road diet.” Joshua discussed tornados and Aurora’s new public art. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 May 23rd episode: Denver Health City & County Denver Tech Central City Opera - use the code CITYCAST to get 20% off select dates Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Does Denver have too many parking spaces? Or too few? It’s a controversial topic guaranteed to start an argument, but in recent years the idea of reducing parking has become increasingly popular among transit activists and policy circles. Then earlier this week, a Denver City Council committee passed a bill that would eliminate something called “parking minimums.” So what the heck does that mean? And would it go far enough? Host Bree Davies posed those questions and more to CU Denver professor Ken Schroeppel last March when this whole parking debate was first starting to heat up. This episode first aired on March 18, 2024, before the state bill Bree and Ken discuss passed into 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 Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Would you support Denver eliminating parking minimums? 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 May 20th episode: Denver Health “Meet Sunny!” - City & County Denver Tech Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Last month marked the 113th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While the tragedy struck more than 2,000 miles from Denver, the story of the “unsinkable” ship has always struck a special chord here in Mile High, where historic preservationists saved the home of famed survivor Margaret “Molly” Brown. Right now, there are two very different Titanic exhibitions happening — one, a technologically enhanced immersive experience immersive and the other, an intimate look at Brown herself. Politics and green chile correspondent (and Molly Brown fan) Justine Sandoval joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi on a tour of both Titanic shows and to discuss which one they think is the best bang for your buck. Have you been to either of the Titanic exhibitions? 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: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 21st episode: Denver Health “Meet Sunny!” - City & County Denver Tech Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Thousands of local grocery workers could be back on the picket lines by the end of the month, and a new investigation from Consumer Reports into alleged “price tag errors” at King Soopers is changing the narrative around another possible strike. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the shifting politics of your grocery bill and other big stories of the week — from Mayor Johnston changing his mind on raises for his top deputies to some really shady deals going down inside the McDonald’s at Colfax and Pennsylvania. And of course, we hear from you! This time, a listener has a new theory for why YIMBYs tend to be nerdy white guys. We talked about our coverage of the King Soopers strike back in February, featuring interviews with UFCW Local 7’s Kim Cordova and King Soopers president Joe Kelley. Paul talked about the New York Times’ coverage of digital price tags. What’s your favorite grocery store and why? We want to hear about Denver’s best grocery stories, from the specialty markets to the places with the best deals. 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 May 20th episode: Denver Health “Meet Sunny!” - City & County Denver Tech Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ryan Ross is a Denverite with a big idea. As a private investigator with an office right on the 16th St. Mall, he’s watched downtown go through it all over the past few years — from the pandemic to seemingly endless construction to whatever 16th St. is becoming now. But instead of just grumbling about it all, Ryan has put together an ambitious plan of his own, chock full of big ideas to address concerns about public safety, slow business, and inconvenient transit options. Host Bree Davies sits down with Ryan to hear about how a gondola is just the beginning. 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? 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 May 19th episode: Denver Health City & County Denver Tech Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It has been a very eventful couple of weeks for City Council, so we are skipping past the monotonous procedural blah blah blah to the decisions that matter — money, politics, power, and womens professional soccer. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by environmental advocate Ean Thomas Tafoya to talk about Council’s moves to approve the plan for a new NWSL stadium in Baker, delay a vote on expanding the National Western Center, and all the recent drama around proposed exceptions to the voter-approved expansion of composting and recycling in Denver. Plus, our wins and fails of the week! What do you think about the new exceptions to Waste No More? Is the mayor right to be loosening the requirements? 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 We talked about license plate cameras. Bree discussed the city’s climate rebates and our episode with Councilmember Jamie Torres about the Ball Arena development’s CBA. Ean talked about the proposed raises for Denver’s cabinet members and the DIA execs’ work trip to Spain, which we discussed on the podcast a few days ago. Paul discussed AG candidate David Seligman and Morris the Alligator passing away. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is the tide turning against oil and gas in Colorado? Last week, Denver City Council turned down a $25 million contract with Suncor, the Commerce City oil refinery that has been the subject of scrutiny by neighborhood groups and climate activists for decades over pollution issues. But one industry leader dismissed the move as “political grandstanding.” So host Bree Davies is talking to Denver Post environmental reporter Noelle Phillips, who has been covering the Suncor debate for years to talk about why the pushback is coming now and what it’s really going to mean for Denverites. 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 should be done about Suncor? Shut it down and risk higher gas prices? Or let the market do its work? 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 May 15th episode: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In 2023 and 2024, the Denver metro area saw an influx of nearly 43,000 newcomers from Central and South America. But the encampments full of families that were a common sight 18 months ago have mostly disappeared, and the window washers are all but gone from Denver’s intersections. So, now that the newcomers are no longer making headlines, where did they all go? ⁠Westword staff reporter Bennito Kelty⁠ sits down with Host Bree Davies to discuss ⁠his latest reporting⁠ on the status of the newcomers, and what the City of Denver does — or doesn’t know — about where all of these folks ended up. 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? 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 May 14th episode: ⁠CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship⁠ ⁠Levitt Pavilion⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST ⁠Prolonlife.com/city ⁠- Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise

DIA executives flew first-class to Spain earlier this year and, according to a new investigation from CBS Colorado, the work trip cost about $165,000. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are looking a little closer at the airport’s spending and the big raises Mayor Mike Johnston wants to give his top lieutenants, including DIA CEO Phil Washington. Plus, will Governor Jared Polis veto the big rent algorithm bill that the state legislature passed? We’re tackling all the biggest stories of the week and answering listener questions about speeding enforcement, the Rockies’ historically bad record, and movie soundtracks. Paul mentioned our interview with Drew Hamrick of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. Are you a member of City Cast Denver? We’re giving away two tickets to bRUNch Running's "Brunch at Night" event, a pre-Colfax Marathon Shakeout Run and party at Snooze Union Station this Thursday May 15. If you’re a City Cast Denver member, send us your “Snooze hack” — the thing you do to get the most out of a trip to Denver’s most popular brunch destination. Text or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418 or email us via [email protected], let us know you’re a member, and tell us your “Snooze hack” and you might win! What do you think about the DIA execs’ trip to Madrid? 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: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 13th episode: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s no secret — Denverites love a good drink! From neighborhood watering holes to craft cocktail lounges, there’s a place for every kind of imbiber. So, how do you choose? We’re revisiting a conversation from last year with host Bree Davies and two City Cast Denver regulars, Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin and our own politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval, to parse through the dozens of options and come up with the ultimate list of the Mile High’s best taverns, taprooms, lounges, and pubs! This conversation was based on Molly’s “Best Bars We Can’t Live Without” for Westword. If you would like to help support Molly as she goes through cancer treatments, check out this GoFundMe. Do you have a favorite bar that didn’t make the list? 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: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After five months of debate and debauchery, Colorado’s state lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session in Denver on Wednesday. So what passed? What failed? And what is Governor Polis going to veto next? Our capitol insider Deep Singh Badhesha was there for all the madness, and he’s on today’s Friday news roundup with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to give us the scoop. Then, the advocacy group YIMBY Denver has a new survey out showing broad support for more housing, but the numbers show a more complicated picture. And of course, our wins and fails of the week. You can check out the cross-tabs for the YIMBY Denver survey for yourself. Bree mentioned FLOCK cameras, a DoorDasher in detention, and the immigration support group Casa de Paz. Paul talked about Clever Girl at Zeppelin Station and a prized green chile recipe. Deep discussed the Nuggets big loss against Oklahoma and the judge who extended a restraining order against the Trump administration in a local immigration case. Paul also talked about Hold On to Your Butts, his new Jurassic Park rewatch podcast with friend of the show JD Lopez, which you can subscribe to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. What do you think about Denver’s push for housing density? Would you like fourplexes in your neighborhood? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 May 9th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It feels like every week Denverites are grappling with some shocking new way that President Trump is using the power of the federal government to reshape life here in the Mile High. This week, it’s art. Trump’s National Endowment for the Arts cut almost a half-million dollars in previously awarded grants last Friday to 22 local arts organizations, including the Denver Art Museum and Su Teatro, because their programs didn’t conform with the president’s new “priorities.” So host Bree Davies is talking to Youth on Record executive director and veteran arts fundraiser Jami Duffy about the impact on the local arts community, how much leverage Trump really has, and how the local arts world is pushing back in all different ways. In response to Trump’s NEA grant cuts, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation announced this week a new 2025 Arts & Culture Rapid Response Grant program to help make up the shortfall for the local organizations that lost money. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 8th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Trump rolled back his most expansive tariffs a couple weeks ago, but who knows. He might change his mind! And that’s got many Denverites worried about the possibility of a recession. So is that gonna happen? And what would a recession mean for us here the Mile High? Greg Sobetski is the chief economist for Colorado’s state legislature, which means it’s his job to answer this exact question for our top elected officials. Host Bree Davies sits down with Greg to get the inside scoop on the ripple effects across the local economy and how to decipher all the talk of “uncertainty.” Do you have any life hacks or tips for living a frugal Mile High life? We want to assemble a Denver recession survival guide, and we need your help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your suggestions 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 May 7th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There is less than one week until City Council votes on a $70 million plan to support the proposed NWSL stadium at the site of the old Gates Rubber Factory, and the debate is finally heating up! After we shared CU Denver professor Geoff Propheter’s critical take on the podcast last week, we heard from the owners, the mayor’s office, city council members, and both supporters and detractors of the project. So producer Paul Karolyi dug into the details, and he’s on with host Bree Davies to share more info you need to know before the vote. Plus, we discuss a couple of recent highs and lows from the local music world and hear some of your ideas to revamp the 16th St. Mall. We also have one further clarification on the specific source of the proposed $70 million expenditure. A spokesperson for the Dept. of Finance told us that, “Because the interest earnings on the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond can offset $60 million of the total $70 million cost of the Santa Fe Yards project, only approximately $10 million would come out of the city’s capital improvement fund. This $10 million would be split over 2026 and 2027, so about $4-6 million each year.” What do you think about the proposal to spend $70 million on the NWSL stadium development project? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Also, we have been thinking a lot lately about the possibility of a recession, and we want your help! Do you have any Denver hacks or tricks for squeezing the most out of every dollar? Help us make a Denver recession survival guide with a voicemail or a text: 720-500-5418 Bree mentioned DéCollage, whose new album you can stream/buy now and who you can see live at UMS this summer! She also talked about the passing of singer-songwriter Jill Sobule — Emily Ferguson at Westword wrote a nice tribute to the former Denverite. Paul shared NWSL co-owner Rob Cohen’s quote from this Denverite article about the stadium proposal, discussed Councilmember Sarah Parady’s line of questioning in this council meeting last week, and alluded to the fact that Denver voters already approved a $975 million bond to, among other things, install air conditioning at the 29 DPS schools without it. 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 May 6th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax BID Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After she lost her seat in Congress last November, Yadira Caraveo stepped back from politics and opened up about her struggles with mental health. But a few weeks ago, she announced a campaign to retake the District 8 seat from Republican Gabe Evans. Picking back up on a previous investigation regarding complaints about Carveo’s office culture, Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Paul talked to four of her former aides and published a blockbuster exposé revealing allegations of traumatic mistreatment. So host Bree Davies is sitting down with Kyle Clark, who interviewed Caraveo about mental health and her run for re-election two days before the big story broke, to break down this complicated political moment and what it could mean for the Democrats’ push to retake control of Congress in 2026. 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 Yadira Caraveo’s chances for re-election? 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 May 5th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Trump ratcheted up the pressure on Denver this week to change its approach to immigration, yanking back $24 million the city already spent sheltering newcomers and signing a new executive order going after “sanctuary jurisdictions.” So producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are talking about the latest twist in Trump’s Operation Aurora with one of our favorite regular guests, comedian and Casa Bonita performer Joshua Emerson. Plus, we dig into the recent turmoil around First Fridays on Santa Fe, Denver’s “budget freeze,” and share all our wins and fails of the week. Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! It’s the last day of our spring membership campaign, so it’s your last chance to get your own City Cast Denver Neighbors mug. Members also enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Paul talked about scammers, Altitude Plus, security calls and a tragic shooting at the Union Station bus terminal. Bree talked about Jax Gratton and Huston Lake Park. Joshua mentioned Kent Monkman at the Denver Art Museum, and DOTI, as well as his show Friday night at the Buntport and the screening of his documentary “Bad Indian” at the Sie FilmCenter on Sunday. What do you think about First Friday on Santa Fe? How do you feel about the changes this year? 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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 May 2nd episode: Choir League Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Energy Outreach JCC Denver Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Should Denver taxpayers pony up $70 million to help build a new soccer stadium? The mayor is behind the proposal, citing a new report touting a $2.2 billion economic impact, but it still has to get through City Council. So is that deal too good to be true? And what does it matter to Denverites? Host Bree Davies sits down with CU Denver Professor Geoff Propheter, one of the country’s leading experts on sports stadiums and public policy, to dig into the details and find out: Does a public subsidy for the cost of a new stadium make sense for Denver right now? Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm Do you think Denver should pitch in $70 million for the new stadium? 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: membership.citycast.fm If you enjoyed our interview with Jennifer Gremmert, the CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this April 29th episode: Choir League Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council JCC Denver Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

May is almost here! There’s so much to do, see, eat, and more around Denver as we look forward to warmer temps. So, how do you choose? From music bingo at a tucked-away brewery to the best ways to connect with your neighbors, we’ve rounded up our best picks and tips for enjoying the Mile High. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Denver, we’ll have even more tips and suggestions in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week. City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Choir League, Regional Air Quality Council, Energy Outreach, JCC Denver, and Aura Frames (Get $35 off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST). And we’re also powered by our neighbors, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about becoming a City Cast Denver Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm! 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 looked like this year’s big trans rights bill was going to sail through the state legislature, despite the usual conservative Christian opposition, but now the local LGBTQ community itself is divided. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the changing local politics around LGBTQ rights and why the Kelly Loving Act might not pass. Plus, a beloved Mexican restaurant is paying out a massive settlement to former employees and we hear from listeners about “suspicious” bike riding, Tacos Rapidos, and a little hidden gem you might not have heard of — Wynkoop Brewing. Bree mentioned the origin of “Tacos Raps,” from the song “Danver” by Fed Rez. Paul quoted from a recent op-ed titled, “Hell is Empty, and All the Devils Are in Denver” and highlighted the wage theft enforcement of Denver Labor. Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the debate over the Kelly Loving Act? Should Colorado push forward on trans rights even if it means risking a major lawsuit? 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 April 29th episode: Choir League Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Energy Outreach JCC Denver Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s finally farmers market season! And there’s no shortage to choose from in the Mile High, but the local politics and regulations around homemade foods could put some vendors in a tight place. Plus, changing ideas of what “belongs” at a farmers market could mean different, and maybe even AI generated, goods for sale. Host Bree Davies sits down with our regular food contributor Helen Xu to learn more about the intriguing business of farmer’s markets, the recent attempt to reform the Cottage Foods Act and how that debate will affect your favorite tamale seller. Finally, Helen gives some of her picks for Mile High Asian Food Week, which is happening right now! Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. This is the "Expanding Cottage Foods Act" that Helen talked about dying this session in committee. 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 Have you ever bought prepared food off of Facebook marketplace? We want to know how it went! 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: Choir League Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Energy Outreach JCC Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

9News obtained footage of US marshals boarding a crowded RTD bus on Colfax to capture an escapee from Aurora’s ICE detention facility. So on this week’s Friday news round-up, our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins us to talk about the latest local developments in the federal immigration crackdown — from the ACLU’s legal challenge to deportations to the precarity of transportation funding. Then a listener asks: Do you have to be “quirky” to become governor of Colorado? Plus, Juneteenth’s funding cuts, a major abortion clinic closes, and more wins and fails of the week. Bree mentioned the Westword story “Satan Sheets,” an immersive Titanic exhibit, the Fat & Fresh market happening this weekend, the Throughline episode on the Alien Enemies Act, Dr. Warren Hern’s retirement, and the documentary “After Tiller.” Paul referenced this NYT article about John Hickenlooper’s 2020 presidential campaign, the Juneteenth Music Festival’s funding trouble, and Rep. Emily Sirota’s work to pass CO’s new “junk fees” law. Justine talked about the National Womens Soccer League stadium’s funding getting one step closer to a full City Council vote. Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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: PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Denver Art Museum Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The 16th St. Mall is in the middle of an identity crisis. The City of Denver has now spent more than $175 million to renovate the downtown commercial corridor, but many businesses have closed since construction started in 2022 and perceptions of crime linger. And now apparently we’re supposed to stop calling it a “mall”? With the not-a-mall set to reopen fully this summer, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sitting down with our green chile and politics contributor Justine Sandoval to brainstorm ideas to make 16th St. appealing — and lucrative — for locals and tourists alike. Bree mentioned this thread on reddit and our hot dog tour of Denver with Biker Jim. What local business would you want to see open a location on 16th St. Mall? 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 April 24th episode: PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Denver Art Museum Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s that time of year when Denverites all seem to be asking the same question: When are we going to see the spring’s final frost? But for gardeners, it’s not just small talk. They need to know! So while we refresh our weather forecasts, host Bree Davies is sitting down with City Cast Denver’s resident gardening expert, Ann Marie Awad, to talk about when it’ll be safe to put your plants in the ground and answer all your other burning questions about Denver’s dense soil, favorite perennials, the ever-present menace of squirrels, and more! Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm For more gardening fun with Ann Marie Awad, check out her past appearances answering listener gardening questions in 2024 and 2023. She will also be hosting an event with ColoRadio this Friday at the Denver Press Club with a couple of vendors from the Denver VOICE. 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’s your favorite garden store? 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 this interview with Jennifer Gremmert, the CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode: PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Denver Art Museum Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston just finished touring Denver’s neighborhoods pitching his next big proposal to voters: An $800 million bond. Nearly 6,000 people have responded to the city’s survey asking for specific ideas and priorities, but not everyone is excited about the city taking on all that new debt. So will voters go for a third huge bond in 8 years? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are digging into the Vibrant Denver bond roadshow — plus, listener questions and comments on what’s dividing local liberals and RTD scofflaws. It’s time for our spring membership campaign! Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm Paul quoted Nate Minor’s 2020 article about RTD fare-evaders, shared from this Denver Post article about the Vibrant Denver bond, discussed the results of the survey the mayor’s office did on how Denverites would want to see that $800 million spent, and mentioned Greeley’s new arena-centric entertainment district project. There’s also a breakdown of the 2017 bond that voters passed and where that money has been spent so far. What do you think about how RTD charges for fares? 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 April 22nd episode: PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Denver Art Museum Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Downtown Denver has seen better days. A new Gensler survey shows only 55% of Denverites reported having a “great experience” downtown in 2024, down from more than 70% in surveys conducted in 2021 and 2023. But construction on the 16th St. Mall is supposed to be finished soon! And the mayor has a big, complicated plan to give the recovery an even bigger boost. So host Bree Davies is sitting down with Brad Segal, the founder and president of PUMA, a real estate economics and planning firm that consulted on the plan, to explain how the Denver Downtown Development Authority is supposed to bring life back downtown — and why its success matters to all Denverites. It’s time for our spring membership campaign! Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm You may remember Brad from his previous appearance on City Cast Denver discussing downtown’s many empty office buildings and the prospect for converting them into housing. Brad discussed how “tech-heavy” downtown business is and that particular industry’s recent dynamics. For more on that, check out this episode with our favorite local tech analyst Jeff Casimir. 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 the state of downtown Denver? Are you optimistic about the mayor’s plan? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Denver Art Museum Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We’ve got something special for you this weekend. It’s a special bonus episode from our friends at Denverse Magazine. They recently launched a podcast called Denverse: Locals Aloud, featuring loose, long form, weekly conversations with Denver locals from all walks of life. The guest on this one is local illustrator Karl Christian Krumpholz, who offers his personal guide to Denver’s storied bar scene. New episodes of Denverse: Locals Aloud are released weekly on Spotify, Apple Music, and Substack, where paid subscribers get access to exclusive episodes and the full Denverse Magazine archives. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After a couple of hard pandemic years and a few more of slow recovery, the big story this week was Mayor Mike Johnston’s work to open Denver for business. On this week’s Friday round-up, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by former councilmember Robin Kniech to talk about the substance and politics behind his new Denver Permitting Office, as well as the “plummeting” corporate sponsorship of Denver Pride, how this year’s Pride Parade might feel different, and all our wins and fails of the week. How do you feel about corporate support for Pride this year? We want to hear from you! 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 Bree talked about the documentary Secret Mall Apartment, playing at the Sie FilmCenter this weekend. She also mentioned the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the 5-4 podcast on Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. Paul talked about Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog, the mods of r/Denver, and recommends this Denver Post investigation into the permitting backlog from back in 2022. Robin talked about the ACLU’s recent win and the leader of Colorado’s Libertarian Party. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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: The Delores Project Denver Health Energy Outreach PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The conversation around transportation in Denver can often feel like two steps forward, one step back. RTD built out a massive network of light rail lines thirty years ago, but now thousands of Denverites have abandoned the trains. Our elected officials talk a lot about ending traffic fatalities, but hesitate on making transformative changes to our streets. For almost ten years, Nate Minor has reported on Denver’s unique transportation quandaries and challenges, driving the conversation on everything from RTD to bike lanes. But now he’s leaving town for a job in Minnesota. So he’s back on with host Bree Davies one last time to look back and share a few predictions. Nate mentioned Mayor Johnston’s comments on transportation on our show back in February. 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? 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 Delores Project Denver Health Energy Outreach PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A Coloradan named Michael Clark walked free this week after spending 12 years in prison for a murder he says he did not commit. But Clark’s story is just one of hundreds of cases potentially affected by the alleged mishandling of DNA at the hands of a star forensic scientist with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation who is now under investigation herself. Host Bree Davies sits down with Senior Investigative Reporter Jenny Deam of the Denver Gazette to get a grasp on Clark’s case, understand the ramifications of the mounting DNA scandal, and dig into what it could mean for hundreds of victims and the accused in Colorado cases going back nearly 30 years. 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? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: The Delores Project Denver Health Energy Outreach PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After months of rumors and speculation, Sen. Michael Bennet announced on Friday that he is officially running for governor — but he also wants to stay in the Senate while he campaigns so he could appoint his own successor if he wins. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the campaign announcement that’s got local Dems abuzz — plus, we share a follow-up on the turmoil at Illegal Pete’s and respond to even more of your takes on Denver’s dog poop problem. Paul mentioned the Denver Post editorial about Michael Bennet’s succession plan and Axios Denver’s report on local opinions on Democrats. For more on Bennet, we talked to historian Phil Goodstein about Bennet’s biography ahead of his most recent re-election to the Senate. Bennet himself was previously on the podcast talking about his effort to ban TikTok. Bree mentioned her piece on the dog poop problem for Westword way back in 2016. 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? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off The Delores Project Denver Health Energy Outreach PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s a simple question with a deceptively complicated answer: Does Denver have a dog poop problem? When our CEO David Plotz came to Denver, he was overwhelmed with Mile High piles of dog poop, and he asked us to figure it out. So we put the call out to listeners, and dozens and dozens of you called and wrote in with tips, ideas, and steaming hot takes. Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love enlisted one of our favorite regular contributors, Helen Xu, to track down the most promising leads and we’ve got some very real answers to share. Wanna hear even more from our dog poop investigation? Become a member for Paul’s unedited interview with Vince Voll, the dog poop entrepreneur, and dig into all of Helen’s data in our newsletter Hey Denver. Sign up now at denver.citycast.fm! If you would like to contract Vince Voll for dog waste cleaning services, you can reach him at (719) 371-8289, and if your apartment building has a dog poop mystery on its hand, you might be interested in Pooprints. Paul also mentioned this blog post from Denver Parks & Rec about the public health impact of dog poop. 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 Does Denver have a dog poop problem? We still want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: The Delores Project Denver Health Energy Outreach PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Trump’s tariffs have already hit Denver, causing massive drops in stock prices and higher costs for businesses and consumers. But are they hitting us harder than other cities? Then, the Nuggets canned their beloved coach, Michael Malone, and opted not to renew the contract of General Manager Calvin Booth. Fans and sports analysts alike flipped out — but could this be the vibe shift the Nuggs need? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by standup comedian and Casa Bonita performer Joshua Emerson to dig into these news stories and share all our wins and of the week. Does Denver have a dog poop problem? We want to know what you think! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 We talked about Westword’s coverage of the Bike Lane Uprising app. Bree mentioned Nuggets coverage on the DNVR Nuggets and Locked on Nuggets podcasts, and Bill Simmons’ show. She also talked about the benefit show for local photographer Michael McGrath. Paul talked about Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-D3), Wynkoop Brewing near Union Station, and the proposal for Denver to spend $70 million on the NWSL stadium. Joshua mentioned City Cast CEO David Plotz’s observation about Denver’s dog poop and Sundance’s Indigenous Program. Grab tickets to Joshua’s new show, Dead Man Talking, tonight at the Savoy! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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: Visit Port Aransas Denver Urban Gardens PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Despite the steady increase in annual sales of vinyl records since 2008, record stores across the country have been closing — except in Denver! The Mile High record store scene is as strong as ever. We’ve got new shops popping up and old favorites like Wax Trax expanding to new locations. Record Store Day, aka Black Friday for music lovers, is this Saturday, April 12, so host Bree Davies is sitting down with Denver Post arts and entertainment reporter John Wenzel to talk about how Denver is bucking the national trend and where you can get all the special releases. For a full list of participating record stores across the state, see Record Store Day’s official roundup. Bree mentioned Wax Trax’s “rules” for Record Store Day. For more on the Vinyl Me Please saga, check out John and Bree’s previous conversation on City Cast Denver. What’s your favorite record store in Denver? Are you going to be there on Saturday? Shout out your fave and tell us why! 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 April 10th episode: Visit Port Aransas Denver Urban Gardens PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is biking downtown a dream or nightmare? Could Ezra Klein’s “Abundance Agenda” work in Denver? Where do local liberals really stand on President Trump’s immigration crackdown? We've been getting tons of texts, voicemails, and emails about recent episodes of the podcast, so today host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are dipping into the mailbag to discuss these topics and more! Do you have a question for us about Denver? We would love to know what you’re wondering. 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 April 9th episode: Visit Port Aransas Denver Urban Gardens PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Two weeks ago Sundance Film Festival announced it was leaving Utah and moving to Colorado. Following nearly a year of negotiations, the potential offer of millions in tax incentives for the local film industry, and a battle against Cincinnati and Sundance’s original home of Park City, Boulder ultimately won the bid. After decades in one place, what made this movie institution decide to head to Colorado? And what could it mean for our state’s existing film industry? We’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year that host Bree Davies had with Ali Vallarta, the host of City Cast Salt Lake and former Sundance staffer, to talk about the potential impacts of this big move. This episode first ran on January 16, 2025. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver and Youtube Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Port Aransas Denver Urban Gardens PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

International students from Colorado State University in Fort Collins and the University of Colorado’s Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses recently had their visas revoked by the U.S Department of Homeland Security. But reasoning for the revocations remains unclear, and the schools have not provided much information on the status of their students. Denver Post reporter Elizabeth Hernandez sits down with host Bree Davies to talk through what we know about the students so far and share what immigration law experts see in these unprecedented cases of visa revocation. What do you think? Are you an international student living in Colorado or know someone who is? We want to hear from you. You can choose to remain anonymous — text or leave us a voicemail 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 What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: Port Aransas Denver Urban Gardens PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Monday was Trans Day of Visibility and Senate Democrats introduced two new bills that would expand protections for trans Coloradans — and in particular, trans kids — and no GOP Senators supported the legislation. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are joined by KUNC government and politics reporter Lucas Brady Woods to dig into how these bills could impact everything from school dress codes to gender-affirming care. Then, Olivia brings a list of the best and worst April Fools' Day pranks from politicians across the state — including Governor Polis’ South Park statehouse portrait. Plus, police on ponies, dogs in the Capitol, and more wins and fails of the week! Bree mentioned the KUNC podcast The Colorado Dream and its season called “The Hate State.” She also talked about Brittany Petterson’s baby in DC (again), the study of the impacts of the fentanyl criminalization bill and the fundraiser for Rainbow Dome. Olivia talked about the police horse force downtown and the Onyx, Denver’s brand new women’s rugby team. Lucas talked about frustrations with the vacancy process, the semi-positive ending for state budget cuts and Rep. Karen McCormick's Golden Retriever, Pippin, and other dogs of the Capitol. 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. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver 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: Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Old Denver vs. new Denver. It’s a fight as old as the city. But as the Mile High inevitably changes, can these opposing forces work together to make something great? After a 50 year run, the Mercury Cafe closed its doors and this month, The Pearl opened up in its place. The new owners say they want to honor the legacy of the Merc, but — are they obligated to? New owners Dom Garcia, Ashlee Cassity, and Sheli Gilman sit down with host Bree Davies to talk about changes they are making to the place, why your favorite piece of Mercury Cafe ephemera may have disappeared from its walls, and how they feel about workers unionizing. Bree mentioned a previous City Cast Denver interview with former Mercury Cafe owner Danny Newman. 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? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

More sunny days are on the way and we know you want to be outside to make the most of the Mile High’s gorgeous spring weather. But we know a good patio is more than just an umbrella and some chairs, so we went looking for the outdoor spots to hang in the Denver metro and beyond. From downtown rooftops to earthy, cozy patios on riverbanks, host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to round up their fave places to grab a drink and socialize outside. 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 Where are your fave rooftops and patios around Denver? Tell us! Text or leave 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: Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s been two weeks since ICE picked up immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra and her lawyers are now arguing that her detainment is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment. Meanwhile at the statehouse, lawmakers are debating the financial impacts of reproductive healthcare access on the state’s budget after voters enshrined the right to abortion in the Colorado constitution last year. Host Bree Davies is joined by Denver Post immigration reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton to discuss her latest coverage, and a listener calls in with a list of brass bands to know around the Mile High. Listener Billy from Lakewood recommended Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band, Badaboom Brass Band, Gora Gora Orkestar, and Brothers of Brass. 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? 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: Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order CAP Management Midrolls Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ahh April, a time of rebirth, rejuvenation, of coming back to life after a long winter. So what new and interesting things are popping up around town? Where are the fresh and exciting ideas that will define the rest of Denver’s year? We’ve got plenty of recommendations and tips on our monthly guide to Denver, from a surprising strawberry and olive cocktail to a Rockies Opening Day party you don’t want to miss. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of April 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 CAP Management and Bookshop.org (Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order). 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

While President Trump is dealing with his own group chat drama, Mayor Mike Johnston is under fire for using the encrypted messaging system Signal to conduct official city communications. But is the mayor’s secret “Strike Force” an issue of transparency or just business as usual? Then, City Council made a surprise move this week, rejecting a $3 million contract with the service provider Salvation Army over safety concerns at one of Denver’s homeless shelters. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by former mayoral candidate and returning fave Lisa Calderón to dig into all the drama — plus, a new food hall, dems respond to the presidential portrait drama, and more wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Chef Jose Avila’s new spot and the Trump portrait at the statehouse. Bree mentioned the death of Brian Vogt, the CEO of Denver Botanic Gardens, and new speed cameras. Lisa mentioned her organization Women Uprising. What do you think about the mayor’s use of Signal? Should they add Paul to the group chat? 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 March 28th episode: 5280 Magazine Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

One of our infamous spring blizzards could still be on the horizon — but for now the weather in Denver is gorgeous! It’s a great time to pump up those tires, grease up that chain, and hop on your bike. Whether you’re exploring a new part of the city, navigating an unfamiliar route, or swerving around potholes, biking in Denver can be kinda of hairy. So we’re revisiting a great chat host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi had with a person who knows Denver by bike as well as anyone — veteran bike courier Matt Sanchez. Matt shares the best and worst places to ride your bike 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 Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Do you have a favorite bike trail or path? What do you think Denver’s bike infrastructure is missing? 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: 5280 Magazine Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Spring is here, and the Mile High has no shortage of arts events to fill your calendar. From provocative museum exhibitions and twilight art tours to festivals big and small, there are so many ways to enjoy the creativity of this city! Host Bree Davies sits down with radio host and venue owner Bruce Trujillo and City Cast Denver regular Joshua Emerson to share our top picks for arts happenings in Denver and across Colorado this spring. Check out all the happenings at Bruce’s new venue, Manos Sagrados, in Aurora. Find out about Joshua’s upcoming shows and support his trip to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer! 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’s your favorite thing that secretly lights up at night? We want to know where to walk in the spring twilight! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: 5280 Magazine Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spoke to a massive crowd when their “fight oligarchy” tour stopped in Civic Center Park on Friday. Sanders claims it was the “largest rally” he’s ever had, but just how many folks were there? Host Bree Davies and Producer Paul Karolyi were at the park and dug into all the conflicting claims. Then we open up the City Cast Denver mailbag for some burning hot takes, including a spicy one from a Denver representative who is co-sponsoring the tipped minimum wage bill and a passionate defense of Illegal Pete’s CEO Pete Turner. Rep. Alex Valdez was responding to comments that Councilperson Sarah Parady made on our show last week. Don’t miss our interview with Pete Turner if you haven’t heard it yet! The band Paul struggled to pronounce is named Xiuhtezcatl. Here’s the New York Times article he mentioned about the controversy around the name “Illegal Pete’s.” Did you go to the rally? What did you think of it? The City Cast Denver Hotline is always open — give us a call or shoot us a text: 720-500-5418 and tell us what you’re thinking. 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 March 25th episode: 5280 Magazine Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise