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City Cast Denver

City Cast Denver

1,438 episodes — Page 8 of 29

Is Denver Headed for a Recession?

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

May 7, 202523 min

Who’s Paying for the NWSL Stadium? Plus, RIP to a Local Legend and More 16th St. Mall Ideas!

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

May 6, 202533 min

Kyle Clark on the Yadira Caraveo Exposé and Her Run for Re-Election

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

May 5, 202528 min

Trump’s $24M Takeback, First Friday 'Cash Grab,' and a Shooting at Union Station

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

May 2, 202554 min

Should Denverites Pay $70M for Another Sports Stadium?

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 1, 202530 min

Your Guide to May 2025 in Denver

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

Apr 30, 202526 min

Trans Rights Bill Stalls, Massive Wage Theft Payout, and ‘Suspicious’ Bicycling

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

Apr 29, 202532 min

Denver's Best Forbidden Food, Farmers Markets Making Bank, and Mile High Asian Food Recs

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

Apr 28, 202529 min

Immigration Bust on the Bus, Downsizing Juneteenth, and Who’s Our Next ‘Quirky’ Governor?

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

Apr 25, 202559 min

Our Biggest, Boldest, Wildest Ideas for the 16th St. Mall

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

Apr 24, 202536 min

Expert Advice for a Bountiful Mile High Garden

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

Apr 23, 202531 min

Will $800M in Debt Make Denver More 'Vibrant'? Plus, RTD Scofflaws and Divided Liberals

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

Apr 22, 202529 min

Inside the Big, New Plan To Save Downtown

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

Apr 21, 202534 min

BONUS: Karl Christian Krumpholz on Denverse: Locals Aloud

bonus

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

Apr 19, 202531 min

Corporate Sponsors Abandon Pride, Opening Denver for Business, and the ACLU’s Big Immigration Win

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

Apr 18, 202559 min

Will Denver’s Car Culture Ever Change? Plus, Vision Zero, a ‘Diverging Diamond’ and a Spicy Prediction

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

Apr 17, 202534 min

Shoddy DNA Testing, a Wrongful Conviction, and the Fall of CO’s Star Forensic Scientist

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

Apr 16, 202525 min

Big Changes at Illegal Pete's, Bennet for Governor, and The Dog Poop Hotline is Open!

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

Apr 15, 202527 min

Does Denver Have a Dog Poop Problem?

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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

Apr 14, 202544 min

Local Tariff Turmoil, Nuggets Nation Rocked, and a Republican Stands Up to Trump

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

Apr 11, 202553 min

Why Denver Is the Place To Open a Record Store Right Now

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

Apr 10, 202524 min

Is Immigration Dividing Local Liberals? Plus, Rebranding YIMBY and Scary Bike Lanes

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

Apr 9, 202528 min

What Will Colorado Get Out of Hosting Sundance?

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

Apr 8, 202525 min

Trump is Targeting Colorado College Students. What Do We Know So Far?

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

Apr 7, 202512 min

Will Colorado Expand Protections For Trans People? Plus, Dumb April Fools Jokes and Senate Dogs

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

Apr 4, 202551 min

The Mercury Cafe Is Gone. Will The Pearl Live up to Expectations?

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

Apr 3, 202522 min

Our Fave Rooftops, Patios, and Outdoor Spots Around Denver

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

Apr 2, 202525 min

Is ICE’s Detainment of Jeanette Vizguerra Legal? Plus, State Budgets and Brass Bands

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

Apr 1, 202521 min

Your Guide to April 2025 in Denver

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

Mar 31, 202523 min

Mayor Johnston’s Secret Group Chat, Homeless Service Cuts, and Taking Down the Trump Portrait

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

Mar 28, 202557 min

An Expert’s Guide to Biking in Denver

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

Mar 27, 202519 min

Spring Arts Guide: Twilight Art Tours, Free Outdoor Concerts, and More!

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

Mar 26, 202525 min

Who Still Loves Illegal Pete’s? Plus, Bernie’s Biggest Crowd and a Clapback in the Tipping Debate

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

Mar 25, 202527 min

Why Denver Firefighters Are So Mad at Their Chief and The Mayor

An overwhelming 64% of Denver’s firefighters voted last month that they have “no confidence” in their fire chief, Desmond Fulton. But Mayor Mike Johnston holds the power to hire and fire the chief, and he brushed off the firefighters’ vote. So as the fire union prepares for another round of collective bargaining with the city, producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with CBS investigative reporter Brian Maass to break down where the bad blood between the Fire Dept. and the mayor started, dig into some fresh data on what the Fire Dept. actually does, and talk about where the complicated internal politics of the department will go from here. Do you or someone you know have experience working at the Denver Fire Department? We would love to talk to them about the diversity question and everything else. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and we will reach out: 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 March 24th 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

Mar 24, 202527 min

The Big Bernie/AOC Rally, License Plate Drama, and New Stadium, Same Traffic?

It was a big week for rallies and protests — supporters of detained immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra took to the streets, union workers gathered at the Capitol, and Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are slated for a big rally in Civic Center Park this evening. Will Denver Dems show up to “fight oligarchy”? Our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dig into the local Democratic divide, plus the implications of a brand new stadium at the site of the old Gates Rubber Plant, the uncertain future of Glendale’s long-awaited entertainment district, and more wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Denver Bike Fest (April 26, City Park), the latest Glendale lawsuit, the Denver Post’s congressional vote tracker, the CSU vegetable bracket, and the Denver Gazette’s history of Gates Rubber Plant. Bree mentioned the money raised by black license plates and the Westwood Rec Center. Justine talked about Denver’s FEMA money and un-banned books. The song you heard at the end of this episode is “Oligarch Slank” by Rubedo. What do you think about the plans for the NWSL 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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this March 21st episode: Denver Health 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

Mar 21, 202554 min

Denverites Are Turning On Illegal Pete’s. Here’s What Pete Has To Say.

For almost 30 years, Illegal Pete’s has been a local darling. While Chipotle went global, Pete’s Mission-style burritos came with killer queso and great margs — and they supported local artists and community groups, too. But over the last couple years, something has changed. People are swapping stories of food poisonings, cuts to worker benefits, and less-than-awesome queso. So what happened? Producer Paul Karolyi put that big question to Illegal Pete’s founder and CEO Pete Turner, because he’s got some explaining to do. Paul mentioned Denver Gazette’s reporting on the letter that Turner and some other downtown restaurant owners sent to Mayor Mike Johnston complaining about how slow downtown’s economic recovery has been. He also recommends this fun queso taste test that Westword’s food editor and friend of the show Molly Martin did a few months ago. What do you think about Illegal Pete’s? Do you love it more than ever? Have you had bad experiences? 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 March 20th episode: Denver Health 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

Mar 20, 202534 min

Why ICE Just Detained a Famous Local Immigration Activist

While on lunch break from her job at Target, ICE officers detained local immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra on Monday afternoon, immediately drawing the country’s attention to Denver. Back during the first Trump administration in 2017, Vizguerra first captured national attention when she took sanctuary in Denver churches to avoid deportation. She was even named to Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2017. Activist and former state representative Tim Hernández returns to talk with host Bree Davies about Vizguerra’s precarious situation, what local politicians are saying about this case, and what it all means for bigger immigration fights to come. Tim mentioned Gov. Polis’s State of the State, the arrest of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, and his own work on a law he helped pass to allow state identification to be issued to undocumented Coloradans. He also talked about a Rally in support of Vizguerra happening today on Auraria Campus as well as a GoFundMe to help her family with legal assistance. Here’s the rest of the 9News clip we shared during the show. Denver7’s Brandon Richard shared Gov. Polis’s full statement on Vizguerra’s detention on X. What do you think about the detention of Jeanette Vizguerra? 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 March 19th episode: Denver Health 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

Mar 19, 202514 min

Is Denver Ready for ‘One Fair Wage’? Plus, a BRT Setback and the Bernie/AOC Rally

The Democrats in Washington are divided over how best to resist the new Trump administration, so we’re looking today at how local liberals are doing it. Some are vandalizing Tesla dealerships. Some are filling the rooms at our congressional delegation’s town halls. And some are looking forward to the big Bernie/AOC rally at Civic Center Park this Friday. Progressive champion and at-large councilwoman Sarah Parady joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the latest action and all the other big stories of the week — from a setback for the tipped minimum wage bill and the latest intrigue on the planned BRT on Federal, to the debates over widening Peña Blvd. and the defunct Park Hill Golf Course. Sarah mentioned some ethical, sustainable poop bags. Paul talked about the national push for One Fair Wage. Where do you stand on the Trump resistance question? Of everything liberal Denverites are trying, what do you think is the most effective way to push back? 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 March 18th episode: Denver Health 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

Mar 18, 202531 min

Will Your Favorite Hot Spring Be Sacrificed for Cheaper, Greener Energy?

When it comes to green energy, Colorado Governor Jared Polis likes solar and wind. He’s open to nuclear. But he’s ALL IN on geothermal, and his allies in the state legislature are pushing a measure this session to accelerate geothermal drilling across the state. So what does that mean for our many beloved hot springs? Colorado Sun reporter Parker Yamasaki has been hearing from hot springs operators across the state who are worried, and her colleague Tracy Ross has been reporting on the state’s most promising geothermal project at Mt. Princeton. They join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about whether there’s enough hot water to go around. Paul talked about the case studies in Iceland and Japan. Would you give up your favorite hot spring for cheaper electricity? 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 March 17th episode: Denver Health 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

Mar 17, 202524 min

The Merc Is Dead, Pharmacies Are Dying, but Cracker Barrel Will Live Forever

When the South Park guys bought Casa Bonita, their credo was simple: Change Nothing, Improve Everything. Now another iconic Denver institution is changing hands — this time The Mercury Cafe — and the new operators are promising the same. But they’re changing the name to The Pearl, so what else is in store for the 50-year-old bastion of alternative culture and community? Denverite neighborhoods reporter Paolo Zialcita joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about what’s next. Plus, we discuss Paolo’s reporting on why so many local pharmacies are struggling and share our wins and fails of the week. Do you think Denver has a dog poop problem? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 You’re invited! Regular guest Joshua Emerson stars in a new short film premiering at The Holiday Theater on March 25, and Paul will be moderating a discussion afterwards with Joshua and the filmmaker, Gabriel Fermin. Tickets are cheap! Get yours today. Paul talked about Cracker Barrel, Meati, and this great episode of The Journal podcast on Walgreens. Olivia mentioned a sunglasses heist. Paolo talked about paid parking at Cherry Creek Mall. We also mentioned the reality TV show “Love is Blind” coming to Denver for its ninth season. 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 14th episode: Arvada Center Visit Port Aransas 5280 Magazine Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 14, 202551 min

What’s the Real Reason Restaurants Are Closing? Plus, Denver’s Best Bánh Mì, and Downtown Green Chile

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What exactly is bánh mì? New versions of the classic Vietnamese sandwich with all kinds of surprising fillings are popping up on menus across the metro area, and our new food correspondent Helen Xu says a Denver-style could even be emerging. So producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with Helen to talk everything bánh mì. Plus, we’ve got the latest twists and turns in the debate over some local restaurants’ proposal to lower the tipped minimum wage, and Helen did her own deep dive into the hotly contested data on restaurant closures. The important question may not be how many, but which? Check out Helen’s spreadsheet on restaurant closures since January 2023 and let us know what you see in the data! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your take on the show: 720-500-5418‬ The Colorado Center on Law and Policy published its own analysis of the restaurant closure data on Tuesday. Their analysis also challenges the narrative that a rising tipped minimum wage has been the culprit for an increase in recent closures. Paul talked about the One Fair Wage movement. Helen was on the pod a few weeks ago to talk about other ways to look at the tipped minimum wage debate. For more, you can hear Paul’s interview with Culinary Creative Group CEO Juan Padró and former Bell Policy Center president Scott Wasserman on why they think lowering the tipped minimum wage is the best way to address restaurant closures. 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 13th episode: Arvada Center Port Aransas 5280 Magazine Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 13, 202529 min

What City Cast CEO David Plotz Really Thinks of Denver and the Future of This Podcast

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David Plotz has been podcasting for a long time. Twenty years ago, he sat down in a conference room with his colleagues Emily Bazelon and John Dickerson to record the very first episode of Slate’s Political Gabfest. Since then, he’s gone on to be Slate’s editor, the CEO of Atlas Obscura, and now the CEO of City Cast, the nationwide network behind City Cast Denver. He was also in town this past weekend to attend our big HEYDAY event, so producer Paul Karolyi sat down with David to talk about his outsider’s take on Denver, the one problem he thinks Denver really needs to solve, and share some insights into the business behind this podcast. 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 March 12th episode: Arvada Center Port Aransas 5280 Magazine Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 12, 202528 min

How Much Is Denver Cooperating With ICE? Plus, HEYDAY Highlights and New Private Security Downtown

“Who is Abraham Gonzalez?” That pointed question to Mayor Mike Johnston during his big congressional hearing last Wednesday sparked a wave of fresh reporting on how exactly Denver is coordinating with ICE — or not. So today Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about what national Republicans saw that the local media might be missing. Plus, there’s a new private security force on the streets in LoDo and listeners have thoughts on Mayor Mike and the state of downtown. Paul mentioned Kyle Clark’s post-hearing interview with Mayor Johnston on 9News, the Denver Post’s article on what Republicans could be planning next, and some conservative coverage of the sanctuary cities hearing. You can learn more about the new Ballpark GID and its mission here. How much do you think Denver should be coordinating with ICE? 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 March 11th episode: Arvada Center Port Aransas 5280 Magazine Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 11, 202528 min

Why Is Widening Peña Boulevard So Controversial?

What’s the best way to get to DIA? The A Line is not the most accessible option for everyone, and Peña Boulevard always seems to be slammed with traffic. With the airport already crazy crowded, and plans in the works for even more growth, city and airport leaders have been talking a lot over the past few years about expanding the highway. But then last week, the expansion proposal hit a roadblock, with City Council postponing a vote on a key contract. So today, we’re sharing a conversation we had back in August 2023 with Denver Post reporter Jon Murray about why this highway expansion is so controversial. DIA celebrated its 30th anniversary last week, with airport officials announcing plans for $12.8 billion worth of improvements and expansions over the next 12 years, including a seventh runway. What do you think should be done about the airport commute problem? 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 March 10th episode: Arvada Center Port Aransas 5280 Magazine Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 10, 202520 min

‘A Neglected Metropolis,’ the Allure of the Suburbs, and a BBQ Spot Gets Smoked

Has Denver become a “neglected metropolis”? The entire GOP caucus at the state legislature signed onto a letter to Mayor Mike Johnston this week saying they feel unsafe going to work. But the mayor told a very different story about our not-so-Mile-High crime rates to Congress in his big hearing on immigration on Wednesday. So what’s really happening on the ground? One of our favorite regular guests, stand-up comic Joshua Emerson, joins Producer Paul Karolyi and Host Bree Davies to talk about the crime narrative and some big new plans to turn it around. Plus, the allure of the suburbs and our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about the recent drama at AJ’s Pit BBQ, Rep. Emily Sirota’s “junk fees” bill, and the conflicting crime data. Bree mentioned Tyler Campo’s memorial. Joshua talked about the Avs’ hot streak and the Crosby factor. We discussed our recent episode with Senadora Julie Gonzales about the mayor’s congressional hearing and the last time he talked about his faith and immigration. He also shared this statement with us about how he felt the hearing went: “I’m incredibly proud of this city and the way we all came together to respond to a crisis with humanity and compassion. Denver showed the world that we can solve hard problems together, and I’m glad we got to tell that story to the members of Congress who actually have the power to fix our broken immigration system.” Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. What do you think about downtown? Do you have a favorite spot that gets you down there? 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 7th episode: Arvada Center Clear Creek Makerspace JCC Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 7, 202559 min

We Watched All 6 Hours of Mayor Johnston's Congressional Hearing

Mayor Mike Johnston was in DC on Wednesday for a high-stakes congressional hearing as part of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into “sanctuary jurisdictions.” With threats of federal funding cuts looming, the mayor defended his approach to immigration and faced hard questions from Republicans, including Rep. Lauren Boebert. We watched the whole marathon hearing, and then we sat down with returning guest and State Sen. Julie Gonzales, who has worked on immigration issues for more than 15 years, to decode the political theater and talk about what’s at stake for Denverites and our new neighbors. We mentioned our interview with Mayor Johnston last week and his comments on how he has been preparing for this investigation. You might also be interested in reading some of the national coverage of Mayor Johnston’s trip to DC, like this report from The Wall Street Journal, or one of these liveblogs of the hearing from our friends at Denverite or The Denver Post. We didn’t even talk about the accusation that Mayor Johnston violated federal law! Senadora Gonzales mentioned the fact that the conservative-leaning Cato Institute has reported that President Trump’s policies are costly and making America less safe. How do you think the mayor did in DC? 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 Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us THIS SATURDAY, March 8, for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. 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 the sponsored interview with Eliza Voss, Vice President of Destination Marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, learn more here. Eliza also mentioned some tips for hiking Maroon Bells and the ACRA’s new destination management plan. Learn more about the other sponsors of this March 6th episode: Arvada Center Clear Creek Makerspace Wolf Theatre Academy at JCC Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 6, 202530 min

Anonymous Federal Workers Tell All, Tipped Employees Push Back, and More Toxic Colorado Traits

Who knows Denver better than Denverites? No one. That’s why we love opening up the City Cast Denver Hotline every episode to hear from you! As we count down the last few days until our big HEYDAY event this Saturday, we’re talking about everything you’ve called in about recently — from federal workers anonymously sharing their local DOGE stories and a leak from inside Juan Padró’s restaurant empire, Culinary Creative Group, to more of your most embarrassing toxic Colorado traits. Paul mentioned the protests outside NOAA in Boulder on Monday [Denver7]. Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. 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 we should talk about on the podcast next? Got a story idea? A question for us? Or a topic you think we should discuss? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th episode: Arvada Center Clear Creek Makerspace Wolf Theatre Academy at JCC Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 5, 202529 min

Does Mayor Mike Have Tipping Fatigue? Plus, Restaurant ‘Bullies’ and a Coffee Shop Compromise

The big news this week is, well, us! Mayor Mike Johnston sat down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last week to talk about everything from the tipped minimum wage to his upcoming face-off with Rep. Lauren Boebert — and the interview caught fire. But lot of what the mayor actually said got lost in the noise, so Paul and Bree are clearing up the confusion. Plus, an interesting compromise in a zoning fight in City Park West, and a listener calls in with some jokes for Mr. Johnston before he goes in front of Boebert and the other Republicans on the House Oversight Committee this Wednesday. Paul mentioned this Denver Gazette article that left space open for people to misinterpret the mayor, along with a report from the Common Sense Institute and commentary from Heidi Ganahl and Do Better Denver. Here’s the full instagram post from Weathervane Cafe owner Lindsey Dalton and our previous episode on the zoning debate. Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. 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 March 3rd episode: Arvada Center Clear Creek Makerspace Wolf Theatre Academy at JCC Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 4, 202526 min

Lime Is Sorry for Dumping All Those Scooters in Denver

It’s been seven years since the e-scooter companies unceremoniously dumped fleets of Limes and Birds onto the streets of Denver, and many Denverites are still upset about it! But at the same time, many others have grown to rely on these micro-mobility machines. Councilman Chris Hinds, in particular, has been pushing for tougher regulations for years, and last week he put forth a new proposal to the rest of City Council, citing Denver Health data showing a huge increase in scooter-related accidents in 2024. So we reached out to Lime to hear their side of the story and where they see scooters fitting in Denver’s constantly evolving transportation ecosystem. What do you think about scooters after hearing from the Lime guys? Have you ever tossed a scooter into the creek? Or do you love using them to get around? 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 also reached out to talk to the other company licensed to operate scooters in Denver, Bird, and here’s the statement they sent us: “We at Bird are excited to work with DOTI and Denver City Council to bring the very best technology and vehicles to the Denver program. We look forward to working collaboratively with our partners to provide feedback on the draft micro-mobility ordinance to fine tune the details, but we are aligned with the vision of continuing to develop a last-mile mobility solution that focuses on safety, equity, and access.” Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. 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 3rd episode: Arvada Center Clear Creek Makerspace JCC Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mar 3, 202528 min

DOGE Cuts Hit Denver, DIA’s Next 30 Years, and a Viral Puppy Heist

Federal workers across the country are bracing for layoffs, including more than 40,000 right here in Colorado. So, how are Denverites handling all the DOGE cuts? Then, DIA turns 30 today! Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to talk about everything from the famed airport’s Blucifer conspiracy theories and tales of a luggage-eating baggage system to the renderings of the next Great Hall renovation and a surprising DIA-Elon Musk connection. Plus, a Colorado lawmaker brings her newborn to Congress, a puppy heist in Centennial, and more wins and fails of the week. Paul discussed our latest interview with Mayor Johnston and the 5280 feature on Scott Derrickson, Colorado director of The Gorge — which you can watch now on Apple TV+. Bree mentioned her friend Alisha Sweeney’s long local radio career and the upcoming 303 Day concert. Deep talked about his excitement for the 2026 elections and his new Substack! Producer Olivia would love you to see these pictures of “the Modobag.” Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this February 28th episode: CAP Management Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Feb 28, 202559 min