Podcasts about city cast denver

Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order last week that, among other things, bans immigration officials from any city property and requires Denver police to intervene if federal agents are compromising the safety of citizens. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into how this order could play out. Then, a new report on the “structural contraction” of the restaurant industry is sparking a new round of debate about Denver's tipped minimum wage. Plus, listeners decry the mayor's use of “Trumpian” in our interview with Johnston last week.  What do you think about Denver possibly lowering the tipped minimum wage? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: Multipass Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

March is historically the snowiest month here in the Mile High City, but after the last few weeks of historically high winter temps, who knows what to expect! What we do know is how to make the most of this month — snow or not. Comedian and returning guest JD Lopez joins City Cast's Adrian González and Paul Karolyi to share insider recommendations for the best things to do, experience, eat, and drink this month. We're talking about a overlooked museum, an underrated comedy show, and where to find the most colorful paleta carts. Plus, some bonus recs for 303 Day tomorrow.  What's your favorite way to celebrate 303 Day? We want to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show tomorrow: 720-500-5418.  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 December in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver's take on what to do this month.  If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here.  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 denver@citycast.fm 

After bubbling up over the last few months, the debate over data centers in Denver boiled over this week. Mayor Mike Johnston imposed a moratorium on new ones being built, then a community meeting erupted in chants to halt construction on one going up in Elyria-Swansea. Our green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval was at the town hall, and she joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to get into it — plus, Douglas County has a new retail theft measure that could lead to fines for businesses that don't report shoplifting and, as always, our wins and fails of the week. Paul mentioned Greeley's big arena vote and Humane Colorado. Bree talked about Blucifer's First Rodeo. Justine discussed the Westernaires dropping Native American dancing and the Garfield County sheriff's comments about Rep. Elizabeth Velasco. What do you think about data centers being build in Denver? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A moratorium on new data centers. A replacement for Flock surveillance cameras. A reversal in the Alameda Ave. safety plan debate. These are all big issues in the city right now that Mayor Mike Johnston has recently seemed to change his mind about. So, what gives? Johnston sits down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to explain these big recent shifts — plus, what he thinks about one of his big campaign donors showing up in the Epstein Files and a listener question about Denver Public Schools. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Could downtown's narrative finally be changing? From buying up the Pavilions to renovating Skyline Park, the city has been putting big money and energy toward making Denver's urban core appealing again. Developers are following suit — real estate investor Asher Luzzatto recently announced plans to spend $300 million on renovating a whole city block, including the conversion of two aging office buildings into new housing, childcare facilities, commercial space, and more. So, what else is missing? We're revisiting a classic episode from two years ago when we threw out our biggest, craziest ideas to bring life back downtown to see if city leaders took any notes.  Bree mentioned the Cinderella City Project, pencil smokestack art, and Lawrence Halprin's original Skyline Park design. She also talked about our episode on the likelihood of changing downtown's empty office buildings into housing.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm How do you think downtown has been feeling lately? Revitalized and cool again? Still not quite 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With the primaries just around the corner in June, Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser are hitting the gubernatorial campaign trail hard. This past weekend, the two leading Democratic candidates joined a forum — put on by Greater Denver Transit, the Denver Bicycle Lobby, and YIMBY Denver — to spar over their positions on everything from Peña Boulevard and rental assistance to allowing apartment buildings to ban dogs. Producer Paul Karolyi was there, and he sits down with host Bree Davies to discuss what he observed from Weiser and Bennet and how the housing and transit crowd reacted.  Paul mentioned this new Denver Post report that DIA officials have “broadened their approach” to their work addressing traffic congestion on Peña Boulevard and will now consider increasing public transit service. Check out our past interviews with AG Weiser and Senator Bennet.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Weiser and Bennet? 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 February 24th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Beau Jo's is a bona fide Colorado institution, but the full origin story of “Colorado Style Pizza” has not been told until today. Producer Paul Karolyi has been obsessed with Beau Jo's since moving here in 2015 and seeing Denverites put honey on their pizza crust. Finally, he completed a multi-year investigation of the honey-crust phenomenon and the true meaning of “Colorado Style Pizza” for the James Beard Award-winning podcast The Sporkful, culminating in an interview with Beau Jo's owner Chip Bair. Today on the podcast, we are presenting that interview in its entirety. Check out that episode of The Sporkful! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Beau Jo's and Colorado Style Pizza? 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

AI tech giant Palantir moved its HQ from Denver to Miami this week, notifying the world via a single tweet. Was this abrupt relocation in response to ongoing protests outside its Denver office or Colorado's first-in-the-nation AI bill or something else entirely? Political commentator Adrian Felix joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dig into the controversial company's departure, plus the uncertain future of Leven Supply after being seized for unpaid taxes, and our wins and fails of the week. What do you think about Palantir leaving town? 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 Adrian talked about the proposal to legalize prostitution, which we discussed earlier this week on the pod. Bree discussed the hand painted sign stolen from Duke's Good Sandwiches and Burgers and the local sign painters who created it. Paul mentioned RTD moving forward with its renaming of Civic Center Station despite pushback, Chad McWhinney and Kimbal Musk in the Epstein Files, and the Poetic Kinetics art installation coming to downtown this summer.  For more on Scott Bottoms' allegation of a “pedophile ring” at the Capitol, Mandy Connell pressed him on it on KOA yesterday.  After we recorded this episode, we heard back from AG Phil Weiser's office about Palantir and CO's AI law. His spokesperson says that they have not had any conversations with Palantir and that Weiser's position on the AI law remains unchanged since the CU Denver Artificial Intelligence Symposium last fall, when he said his office was going to “hold off on any rule making process to implement the law until after the 2026 legislative session concludes and the General Assembly has an opportunity to make substantive changes to the AI law. This approach will allow us to create the initial rules from a place of more certainty and stability in the underlying law as well as enable us to best use and conserve our limited law enforcement resources.” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Love it or hate it, TABOR — the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights — has an ongoing impact on how Colorado handles our taxes. Every few years, an initiative comes along to change this constitutional amendment — like this November, when voters could be deciding whether or not to raise taxes on the rich — but they generally fail. Could this be the one that breaks through? Host Bree Davies sits down with Paul Teske, distinguished professor at Denver's School of Public Affairs, to learn more about TABOR's fate in 2026, plus why Dems think Colorado voters are ready to enter the national redistricting fight, and what the Public Utilities Commission role is in your growing Xcel bills.  Coloradans For a Level Playing Field is the organization behind the TABOR income tax reform initiative.  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 Did you enjoy today's sponsored interview with Elizabeth Martinez from Compass? Learn more here. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A new bill at the state legislature has got Denverites talking — is it time for Colorado to decriminalize prostitution? Poet Suzi Q. Smith joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to look at precedents in Maine and Nevada, and some of the arguments against. Plus, we saw some rumors that the fancy grocery chain Erewhon might be opening in RiNo, the mayor seems to be reconsidering Flock, and we all watched the newly Oscar-nominated documentary about former Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson, “Come See Me In the Good Light.” Bree mentioned this Meow Wolf/Casa Bonita prank from 2021.  What do you think we should ask Mayor Johnston when he's on the pod soon? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Today we're opening up the mailbag! Host Bree Davies and producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi hear from listeners about everything from security concerns on RTD buses and trains to mayoral candidate Lisa Calderón's criticisms of Mayor Mike Johnston's homelessness plan. Plus, Paul responds to some criticism about his recent comments on Rocky Flats, Bree gets a mall food court recommendation, and Olivia stans rise up!  Paul mentioned this survey from YIMBY Denver.  We're always listening: Text or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418 or shoot us an email at denver@citycast.fm and share your thoughts, concerns, and questions about any episode from the last five years or pitch us your own ideas about Denver, and you might hear it on the show! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter ƒat 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 February 17 episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

For the first time in 26 years, the Underground Music Showcase will not be taking over South Broadway this summer — but when it moves to RiNo, would the fest lose its cool factor? And will it still be a showcase of local acts or become something more corporate? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love talk through the what-ifs with Shawn King, drummer of DeVotchka, who headlined the first UMS in 2001 and closed out last year's 25th anniversary. Plus, we talk about another out-of-the-box pitch for 16th Street and our wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about The Raven apartments and the proposal to ban face masks worn by law enforcement. Olivia discussed all the bird poop downtown and a change to bike and boat rentals at City Park and Wash Park. Shawn talked about dog parks and La Plaza. Check out City Cast's new podcast "Your City Could Be Better"! It's on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's inaugural episode features the host of City Cast Twin Cities talking about how Minneapolis and St. Paul mobilized so quickly and broadly against the months-long ICE operation there. What do you think about the future of the UMS in RiNo? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 13th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Thanks to multiple bond packages, the Sloan's Lake Boathouse is getting a $7 million makeover and the lake itself is set to receive $5 million in ecological restoration.  But will that be enough to save it? For years, Sloan's Lake has struggled with low water levels, leading to a toxic algae bloom that threatens the ecological future and public use of this popular body of water. We're revisiting this conversation from last year with host Bree Davies and Kurt Weaver, executive director of the Sloan's Lake Park Foundation, to learn more about why it could take a whole lot more money to save this neighborhood treasure. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

From gaining Michelin star status to collecting a bounty of James Beard Awards, Denver's culinary profile keeps rising. But beyond decorated chefs, all star meals, and international media attention lies a low-key secret to the Mile High's dining out success — a well-designed restaurant. Award winning architect Kevin Nguyen grew up in Aurora and has been the mind behind the look and feel of spots like Brutø, The Wolf's Tailor, Hey Kiddo, Hop Alley, Xiquita, and many more. He joins host Bree Davies to dig into why the placement of a restaurant's entrance and the sound of a dining room are just as important as what's on the menu. A few years ago, we took a tour of Casa Bonita with “Professor of Fun” David Thomas to learn about how the design of this iconic eatertainment space is as much about its built environment as it is the cliff divers. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What's your favorite Denver Restaurant? What place makes dining out in Denver worthwhile? 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 February 11th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

2025 was potentially the final year of the Underground Music Showcase — ticket sales were down, money was tight, and the future of the fest was uncertain. But the RiNo Business Improvement District stepped in, Youth On Record sold its share, and now the fest will live in RiNo. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love discuss this new era and potential vibe shift for the 25 year-old event, plus dig into new legislation being proposed that could impact big booze manufacturers, and hear from listeners about their not-so-great RTD experiences.  Bree mentioned this amazing list coffee shops from City Cast Denver listeners Nate and Marie Evans! 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 February 10th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Lisa Calderón thinks Denver is in trouble, and she wants to save it. Last week, the activist and professor of criminal justice announced a bid for mayor in 2027 — her third time running for the position. Lisa sits down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how she would balance the city's budget issues, what she believes Mayor Johnston has gotten wrong about housing and homelessness, and why she thinks there's more to the renaming of the 16th Street Mall than just a pricy rebrand. Learn more about ⁠Lisa's campaign⁠ here.  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 Who do you think should run for mayor of Denver in 2027? 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 February 9th episode: ⁠Clyfford Still Museum⁠ ⁠Denver Health⁠ ⁠South by Southwest⁠ - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

Denverites want more affordable housing, but can they agree on how to make it happen? A couple members of YIMBY Denver have a proposal to “upzone” broad swaths of the city to allow more duplexes and triplexes, and their proposal could hit our ballots in November. So, what will Denver decide? RTD Board Director Chris Nicholson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of housing density, the big fight over possible RTD reform at the state legislature (Chris already picked his side), and all our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about new signage at Rocky Flats, Davon Williams, and Denver Community Planning and Development's “Unlocking Housing Choices” project. Bree discussed the transportation policies of gubernatorial candidates Phil Weiser and Michael Bennet, as well as Leo Tanguma's new exhibit, the latest twist with Your Mom's House, and our episode earlier this week with two of the people proposing a radical RTD reform. If you're as curious as we are to hear more from Bennet and Weiser on transportation, YIMBY Denver is hosting a forum with both candidates on Feb. 21.   What do you think about housing density? Should Denver upzone single-family home lots? 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. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 6th episode: Arvada Center South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It's a fact: Denver is a coffee town. Whether it's beloved local chains or third wave cafes, the Mile High City abounds with cozy coffee shops offering all sorts of different experiences. Entrepreneur, content creator, and coffee shop aficionado Michelle Jackson joined host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love last September to talk about the local spots that bring the ambiance, offer creative drink choices, and capture what it means to be the best at the coffee game in the Mile High City. We're revisiting that classic episode today. For a true coffee nerd's take, check out listeners Nate and Marie Evans' breakdown of their favorite spots. Bree mentioned the lawsuit local baristas had filed against Starbucks corporate's dress code. Michelle mentioned Weathervane's “grandma-core” cabins that you can rent in Clear Creek County. She also mentioned the podcast she hosts for Colorado CarShare, “How You Got There.” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What's your favorite coffee shop in Denver? 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 February 5th episode: Arvada Center South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

RTD is struggling right now. Denver's public transit provider is facing low ridership numbers (even relative to peer cities) and a massive projected budget deficit — and that's without even mentioning the paltry 83% bus on-time percentage. So what should be done? Governor Jared Polis and the legislature brought together a committee of experts last year to do months of research, debate, and come to a proposal that might just help get you home on time. Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the chair of the committee, founding partner of CRL Associates Maria Garcia Berry, and the vice chair, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition's transportation advocate Jaime Lewis, to get into the details.  For more background, Paul spoke with RTD's CEO and GM, Debra Johnson, back in December.  What do you think about this proposal to reform RTD? 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 February 4th episode: Arvada Center South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What makes Denver Denver? Better yet, who defines us as a city? Thinking back on the last quarter century, there have been many politicians, personalities, and people with plenty of money to throw around who have shaped the image, built environment, and ethos of the Mile High City. Producer Paul Karolyi presents his list of the “21 Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century” to host Bree Davies and Westword editor Patty Calhoun, and the trio dig in and debate — Who deserves a higher spot? Who should be number one? Who got snubbed? 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 Who do you think got left out? Who would you have in the top 10? 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 February 3rd episode: Arvada Center South by Southwest Multipass Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It's February! The season of love. But in this month's guide to Denver, we're going beyond flowers and chocolate. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producer Olivia Jewell Love join host Bree Davies to share the best things to do, see, drink, eat, and explore in and around the Mile High City this month, with some fun twists on the traditional romantic gestures — from a “herstorical” take on Henry VIII at the theater to date night at a food court that's worth a drive.  Bree mentioned a mini-documentary on the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs.  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 December in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver's take on what to do this month.  If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out their upcoming events below! City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Arvada Center, South by Southwest, and Multipass.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out upcoming events below: Lob Denver - Feb 28th Elevation After by Colorado Bassheads Shroomski Night - Valentines Scorned Lover's Valentine's Day Show Love & Dabs: A HiGhTaTs Valentine's Exclusive 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 denver@citycast.fm  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Many local small business are closing their doors today joining a national strike against President Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota and the killing of Alex Pretti last Saturday — and others are offering special promotions and discounts. Comedian power couple Jacob Rupp and Miriam Moreno join host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the “F*ck ICE Latte” moment. Plus, an open carry protest in Castle Rock was planned and abruptly cancelled — why? And we talk about Mayor Mike Johnston's new goals for 2026, his biggest political liabilities going into a likely re-election campaign, and our wins and fails of the week. Come see us tonight at Jacob and Miriam's comedy show! There are still tickets available for “Good Night Denver” at Dude IDK Studios at 8pm. Get yours here! Bree talked about Dr. Daddio and West Side Books' new era. Jacob talked about Nikola Jokić's injury, Duke's Good Sandwiches and Burgers, and Adam Cayton-Holland's movie at Sundance. Paul mentioned DougCo's new public comment policy, Johnston's latest move to resist Trump, the role of surveillance cameras in the Leetsdale fire investigation, and Sueños Cantina. Miriam discussed Legal Night at Centro San Juan Diego.  What do you think is the most effective form of protest? 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. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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: Denver Art Museum South by Southwest Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

One of Denver's more conservative south suburbs is abuzz with debate over an unlikely subject — “Shrek: The Musical.” When performers in Parker incorporated a pride flag into the musical, some members of the audience complained, and officials with the Town of Parker shared their concerns with actors. But is that censorship? And more importantly, how would Lord Farquaad handle this? Comedian and co-mastermind of Dyketopia Kate McLachlan joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dissect the controversy and debate: Is Shrek actually a gay icon? Do you think Shrek is a gay icon? 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 January 29th episode: Denver Art Museum South by Southwest Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The president seems to have changed his mind. While the crackdown in Minneapolis is changing course, many Denverites are still debating the best way to fight back. CU Regent and small business owner Wanda James is challenging Denver's longtime representative in Congress, Diana DeGette, because she's got a different approach. She joins host Bree Davies to talk about the latest on the immigration crackdown, Trump's threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, and dig into the buzzword of the moment — affordability. Plus, Wanda's campaign for Congress.  What do you think about these new ideas on affordability? 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 and Wanda discussed these three new affordability bills Democrats are pushing at the state legislature this session. To hear one of the other candidates challenging Diana DeGette, here's our episode with Melat Kiros from last month, and here's our most recent episode with DeGette herself, recorded in 2024 when Democrats were debating whether or not then president Joe Biden should step aside.  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 January 28th episode: Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Along with the rest of the country, Denverites are reeling from the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss the local reactions, including from Pretti's parents in Arvada. Plus, what's the deal with the “Ace of Spades” cards ICE agents left on detainees cars after a traffic stop outside Vail? We also talk about the new conservative-backed ballot measure to limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration agents and some good news! Longmont pizzerias are putting on a Colorado Pizza Festival in September.  Come see us live this Friday! We are the guests for Dude IDK's monthly late-night talk show Good Night Denver. It's super funny, and we'd love to see you there. Get your tickets here! Paul mentioned photographer Drew Kartos (who has photos from last weekend's protests up on his Instagram), the recent NYT/Siena poll on President Trump's immigration crackdown, this helpful history of playing cards in Vietnam, and the distinction between ICE and the Border Patrol. Bree quoted this Al Jazeera interview with a former border patrol officer.   How do you think Coloradans will vote on that ballot measure? We'd love to hear your predictions! 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 January 27th episode: Denver Art Museum Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

2026 is shaping up to be a turning point year for the Democrats in Colorado. Internal disagreements on hot topics like data centers and AI threaten to divide the state's governing party, while important June primaries for the top statewide offices have many lawmakers looking to the future. So, as the legislature convenes for what will be Gov. Jared Polis' final session in control of the veto pen, what will the Dems be able to agree on? Politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Polis' last big projects, the internal Democratic divisions, yet another budget deficit, and why everyone can't stop talking about “affordability.”  Paul mentioned Sam Brasch's reporting on the dueling data center bills for CPR and the heavily amended Kelly Loving Act that passed last year. Bree talked about the episode we made with Sam about the data centers already operating 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? 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 January 26th episode: Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The fight over safety on a stretch of Alameda Avenue in Wash Park continues — will the city's new plan to test an ⁠altered safety plan⁠ make anyone happy? Then, rents are dropping, apartment vacancies are up, and the ⁠mayor is concerned⁠. Why? Politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to talk about the latest twist in the Alameda sage, the inflection point in our rental market, and of course our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about our ⁠guest diversity report⁠ for 2025, Colfax Ave BID executive director Frank Locantore's ⁠push for housing⁠, and a ⁠medicaid fraud scandal⁠. Bree mentioned a Telluride town councilmember's ⁠hot mic moment⁠. Deep discussed ⁠Bo Nix's broken ankle⁠ and⁠ YouGov's poll⁠ on Colorado's Trump disapproval rating. What do you think about Alameda Ave.? 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 Come out to our next member event! We're hosting it at Convivio Café, and if you're a City Cast Denver Neighbor you're invited. Sign up now and get the details at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at ⁠denver.citycast.fm⁠. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@citycastdenver⁠ or Instagram ⁠@citycastdenver⁠ Chat with other listeners on reddit: ⁠r/CityCastDenver⁠ Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: ⁠membership.citycast.fm/Denver⁠ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

New campaign finance reports just released show a combined $9 million coming in for both Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser's gubernatorial campaigns. But where all that money is flowing from is a little murky. David Sirota, editor in chief of The Lever, joins host Bree Davies to dig into the dark money dirt, as well as President Trump's recent meddling in Colorado's attempt to cap credit card interest rates and the financial fallout from the recent Telluride ski patrol strike.  Bree mentioned a post from the ski blog Peak Rankings and The Lever's excellent podcast and newly released book, Master Plan. Sirota talked about the Clean Campaign Act of 2019.  What do you think about Sirota's dark money loophole proposal? Should legislators close it? 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

Anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the Capitol last Saturday, but the turnout paled in comparison to the bigger demonstrations we saw last year. Producer Paul Karolyi joins host Bree Davies to talk about the past year of anti-Trump resistance in Denver as we watch violence play out on the streets of Minneapolis. Plus, a Denver city council member has a big new idea to help out pet owners and we hear a couple of listener hacks to navigate the rising cost of takeout. Paul talked about this betting market for the CD8 Democratic primary and the Colorado Sun's coverage of Gov. Polis' State of the State speech last week.  What's the best happy hour in town? We want to hear about your fave! 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

A moving company recently published data showing that fewer people are moving to Colorado than moving away — but should our state really be concerned about becoming “the New Jersey of the West”? Factors like aging, housing affordability, international migration, and falling birthrates paint a more complex picture. Host Bree Davies sits down with State Demographer Kate Watkins to discuss everything from the impacts of a slowing economy to declining school enrollment, and what really contributes to growth or decline of our population. Kate also shares some future forecasting on what the population of the Mile High City could look like in 2060. Kate talked about the State Demography Office's 2025 report on Colorado's housing shortfall. We're hiring for an Audience Development Manager! If you want to help us take our social media and marketing to the next level, check out the full job description to see if you'd be a good fit. What do you think about Colorado's changing population? 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 January 20th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Will Aldi conquer Denver's grocery market? After the national chain announced plans to open dozens of new locations in Colorado, Denverites have been champing at the bit for a new supermarket option. Then, landlords of now-closed Secret Garden Bar & Café in Cheesman Park are on the hunt for a new restaurant operator, but where does that leave union negotiations with the former staff? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into these big stories, plus discuss a homeless shelter provider's decision to take away room keys from residents, one food writer's concerns about takeout meals becoming too expensive to be worth it, and wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about the the Colorado Symphony's new bus ads and the GoFundMe for Angelo Simpson, who lost his life in an unsolved hit and run.  Olivia talked about a new stamp and how lawmakers talk about Gov. Polis. Justine discussed the Nuggets new tactile broadcast technology for blind and low vision fans and the truck that hit the RTD's A Line. Just a note — we will be off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so no new podcast episode on Monday. Oh and check out our photo gallery from the 2025 Denver-est Denver Awards show! What do you think about getting takeout? Worth the convenience or getting too expensive? 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 clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 January 16th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After President Trump ordered a freeze on tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for child care and low income family support programs in Colorado, Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against the administration to block it. Then, a judge issued a temporary restraining order, meaning the funding freeze has been halted temporarily. As this issue winds its way through the court system, thousands of families are at risk of losing support and some child care providers say they are worried about shutting down altogether. Host Bree Davies sits down with Mathangi Subramanian, Director of Early Childhood Policy at the Colorado Children's Campaign, to understand what the loss of federal dollars could mean for families and child care providers, and how the cuts could impact the state's economy for years to come. 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? Are you a parent or child care provider navigating this system in Colorado?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 January 15th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Earlier this week, a Denver City Council committee discussed a potential proposal to ban law enforcement, including ICE agents, from wearing face coverings during arrest or deportation operations. If such legislation did pass, how would it be enforced? Then, hundreds of people showed up to a town hall meeting in December to protest the city's use of Flock cameras — the contract with the tech surveillance company ends in March, so where does Denver stand? Host Bree Davies sits down with council member at-large Sarah Parady to dig into these topics, plus discuss her thoughts on TABOR, childcare funding challenges, jail sentences, and why she voted against using $50 million of Denver's money to buy the land for the future National Women's Soccer League stadium. 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 January 14 episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It's official: Mayor Mike Johnston confirmed that Denver is throwing its hat in the ring for the 2028 Democratic National Convention. But twenty years ago when the Mile High City previously played host to the DNC, the city and the economy looked a lot different — and the protests were big. Then, German grocery store chain Aldi is coming to Colorado — could more competition mean better prices for consumers? Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor in-chief Patty Calhoun to dig into these big stories, plus discuss homicide and car theft rates going down, more thoughts on President Trump and the Tina Peters situation, and hear a comment from a listener on Denver's department stores of yore. Bree talked about the “new” Dozens Restaurant location at 14th Street and Court Place and our 2023 interview with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. Patty mentioned Westword's reporting on issues in the Golden Triangle and their paper's member event tonight at the Westword offices, looking back at 2025 and eyeing this year's celebration of the state's 150th birthday. Check out Mark Barnhouse's books on the heyday of shopping in the Mile High: Lost Department Stores of Denver and The Denver Dry Goods: Where Colorado Shopped with Confidence. 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: American Red Cross Denver Health Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed his 50th lawsuit against the President Trump last week, this time pushing back on the administration's freezing of millions in childcare funding and support for low-income families. It's just the latest in the AG's maneuvers to resist what he calls a “revenge campaign” by Trump against our Democrat-dominated state. Today we're revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had nearly a year ago with Weiser after he announced his run for governor, discussing everything from rental market price fixing and deportation laws to cell phone bans and youth mental health issues. For more on the governor's race, we also recently spoke with Weiser's main opponent in the Democratic Party's primary, Michael Bennet. That primary election is coming up this June.  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 Phil Weiser's run for governor? Would you vote for him? 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 January 12th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

An ICE officer shot and killed a Colorado woman on the streets of Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking protests and renewed debate here in Denver over President Trump's crackdowns on immigration and fraud. Comedian Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about ICE in Denver, Trump's retaliatory cuts to childcare and other social services, and his other recent comments about Colorado. Plus, does the quarterback of the Denver Broncos hate dogs? And finally, our wins and fails of the week. We're hiring! Do you want to be City Cast Denver's new audience development manager? Or do you know someone who'd be a perfect fit? Check out the full job listing and apply here.  What do you think about Bo Nix's relationship with dogs? Is he being weird? Does it not matter to 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 Joshua talked about Team Nonexistent, Gov. Polis' latest controversial tweet, and the monthly clavé jam at Manos Sagrados. Bree mentioned the Corporation for Public Broadcasting dissolving and Kokoro's 40th anniversary. Paul talked about a recent Colorado youth hockey scandal, Denver's new micro-mobility operator, our episode about Lime scooters from last March, and Bo Nix's new line of “Overdogs” merch in support of Denver Rescue Mission. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 January 9th episode: Multipass University of Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Could Denver host the Democratic National Convention in 2028? Colorado's Congressional Democrats already signed a letter of support for Denver's bid, but is the Mile High City — and the local Democratic Party — a good candidate for the big event? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Denver Post City Government Reporter Elliott Wenzler to discuss the bid. Plus, City Council approved a new common consumption area in RiNo this week, but why aren't there free-drinking zones all over the city by now? Finally, as a special bonus in the members-only version of this episode, Elliott joins us for the debut of a new game we're trying out that's all about our mental maps of the city.  Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today! Get that special version of this episode and plenty more perks and insider benefits by becoming a member for only $10 per month. Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm. What do you think would be the best spot for a common consumption area? 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 January 8th episode: Multipass University of Denver  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After the wild ups and downs of 2025, we're looking ahead to another crazy year. But what specific flavors of wild should Denverites expect this year? Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love join host Bree Davies to swap their biggest and boldest predictions for the Mile High City in 2026. Plus, some bonus forecasts from a bunch of friends of the pod.  What do you think of our predictions? What's the most likely or unlikely to happen for real? 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 January 7th episode: Multipass University of Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Donald Trump ordered an attack on Venezuela last Friday and U.S. armed forces have captured the country's president, Nicolás Maduro. So, what does Denver have to do with it? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are dissecting all the local connections, from Trump citing Aurora in his justification of the attack and Governor Jared Polis' controversial response to the possibility that local oil and gas companies might be involved in the next phase of the president's plan. Plus, tons of great listener comments and questions.  Paul quoted CPR's fact-checking of Trump's Saturday press conference and 9News' coverage of Lauren Boebert's recent tension with Trump.  What do you think? We always want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your question or hot take, as well as 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 January 6th episode: Multipass University of Denver Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Nobody understands a city's pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026's biggest local stories. City Cast Denver host Bree Davies joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverText 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 January 5th episode:MultipassUniversity of Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Happy new year! We're kicking off 2026 with our monthly guide to the best of Denver, with plenty of expert and hard-won tips and tricks for making the most of this Mile High life. City Cast producer Adrian González joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the coolest stuff going on this month. Plus, Paul's got some personal tips for enjoying everything new at the Stock Show this year.  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.  Paul would like to clarify that Red Robin's corporate headquarters is not technically in Denver, but in fact in Greenwood Village. Adrian recommends these kintsugi workshops: Hoamsy Workshop hosted by pottery artist Alexis (two workshops in January) Ceramics in the City (no workshops in January but they offer them often) Kintsugi: Golden Mending at Breckenridge Ceramic Studio For even more tips on how to make the most of January in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver's take on what to do this month.  If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out upcoming events below: Exposed Storytelling Sentences. Comedy Show The Sickest Comedy Show Learn more about the other sponsors of this January 2nd episode: Simply Eloped Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off 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 denver@citycast.fm 

Tens of thousands of Coloradans have protested at anti-Trump rallies this year, and while most of these gatherings have been peaceful, political violence has been on the rise. KNUS conservative radio host Jeff Hunt attended many of these demonstrations throughout 2025, where he recorded self-described “gotcha”-style videos. At an anti-ICE protest in June, he was kicked in the back while recording, on a day that also saw the arrests of 18 protesters. Host Bree Davies spoke with Jeff about his experience, how he approaches political debates, and the question of violence and safety in Denver. On the other side of a tumultuous year, we're bringing back this conversation for a closer look at how national political tensions have played out in the Mile High. You can find a rough transcript of this conversation here. Check out Jeff Hunt's protest videos for yourself: Here's the one from the conservative “March for Life” This one is from the Bernie/AOC rally in March This is the one he referenced featuring protesters warning others not to talk to him And here's the one where he gets kicked  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 December 30th episode: ⁠Simply Eloped⁠ ⁠Cozy Earth⁠ - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Did Illegal Pete's bite off more than it could chew by opening three new locations last year? Were the restaurants just hit especially hard by COVID? Or is something else to blame for the way some Denverites have turned on the local restaurant chain? It all started earlier this year, when Reddit was ablaze with stories of food poisonings, cuts to worker benefits, and less-than-awesome queso. So, executive producer Paul Karolyi sat down with founder and CEO Pete Turner to see what he had to say about these claims. We're revisiting this conversation today, plus some additional developments in the Illegal Pete's saga — especially since the complaints haven't stopped.   Paul mentioned 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 last year.  What do you think about Illegal Pete's? Have you noticed anything different 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. 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 sponsor of this December 29th episode: Simply Eloped Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Anti-Palantir protesters gathered outside the AI surveillance giant's new headquarters in Cherry Creek on Sunday, while the company's billionaire CEO, Alex Karp, reportedly just bought a massive monastery outside Aspen. So, is Gov. Jared Polis having second thoughts about inviting Palantir to Colorado? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the latest on Palantir, as well as the news that Your Mom's House wasn't paying its taxes. Plus, we hear from a listener about the allegations of a toxic workplace at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and pick our biggest fails of the year.  Patty talked about this 2024 profile of Bowen Yang in The New Yorker.  What do you think is the biggest fail of the year? 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. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 December 23rd episode: Simply Eloped Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

City Cast Denver listeners nominated Denver's new NWSL franchise, Denver Summit FC, as one of the biggest wins of the year at our Denver-est Denver Awards last week, and the city is undeniably abuzz with excitement over the prospect of a professional womens soccer team. But how much public money should the City of Denver put up to support the team? City Council is voting tonight on the proposal to spend $50 million to buy land and build support infrastructure for a new stadium, so we're revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had earlier this year with one of the country's foremost experts on the politics of stadiums, CU Denver's own Dr. Geoff Propheter.  Denverite reported on the details of the community benefits agreement that Denver Summit FC reached with neighbors of the proposed stadium site.  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 public funding to support a new soccer 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this December 22nd episode: Simply Eloped Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

More than 100,000 Coloradans were left without electricity this week as Xcel Energy preemptively shut down power lines to mitigate the risk of wildfire — just like they did last April. But the controversy is way different this time. Comedian and longtime friend of the show JD Lopez returns with producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to parse the politics of power. Plus, we discuss Denverite's investigation into allegations of toxic work culture at the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, pick Denver's Word of the Year 2025, and share our wins and fails of the week. Paul mentioned the podcast he and JD host, “Hold on to Your Butts: A Podcast About Great Franchises that Uhhhhh Lost their Way.” He also talked about the “gonzo lawyer,” the decline of the “slop bowl,” the Broncos' new anime connection, and this reddit thread he posted about Denver's word of the year. Olivia talked about zebra mussels. JD sang “Colorado Christmas” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  What do you think should be Denver's word of the year? 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. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 December 19th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Foothills Animal Shelter 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

Denverites were going at each other this year, with some juicy fights on and off social media. From politics to restaurants to pop culture, host Bree Davies sits down with producer Paul Karolyi and resident Denver gossip Adrian Felix to hash out the biggest beefs of 2025, and decide who came out on top.  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 was this year's “Biggest Beef”? 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 December 18th episode: Denver Health Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Denver Botanic Gardens Foothills Animal Shelter Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Neighbors in West Wash Park have now gathered more than 1,000 signatures calling for Mayor Johnston to reverse the city's plan for traffic calming on Alameda Ave. to the original, three-lane proposal. They argue that there's no way the new four-lane plan is just as safe, as DOTI head Amy Ford has argued. But could that possibly be true? CU Denver civil engineering professor Wes Marshall has been watching the debate play out, and he's on today to help cut through the noise — and answer the bigger question: Is Mayor Johnston making Denver streets less safe? Do you think Mayor Johnston is making Denver streets less safe? 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 Wes Marshall is also the author of “Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System.” Bree quoted a recent Denver Post op-ed by the co-chairs of the DOTI advisory board Aylene McCallum and Allen Cowgill: “The previous administration made great progress in achieving these visions [for a connected Denver], but today, under Mayor Johnston's leadership, that progress has stalled and, in specific instances, has even been reversed.” 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 this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode: Denver Health Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Denver Botanic Gardens Foothills Animal Shelter Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It's been an unseasonably warm December, and that means the risk of wildfires is relatively high. So, producer Olivia Jewell Love and producer Paul Karolyi discuss how Xcel Energy is preparing for a possible pre-emptive power shutdown this week. Plus, we unravel the mystery of the street safety signs that were hacked last Friday to read “Cars Ruin Cities” and respond to listener questions about movie theaters, tipping, and South Park's latest take on Denver.   Paul talked about the controversy around Xcel's unannounced pre-emptive power shutdowns last year.  What do you think about all these hacked street signs? What would you put on one? 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 December 16th episode: Denver Health Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Denver Botanic Gardens Foothills Animal Shelter Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Coloradans are increasingly disillusioned with traditional political institutions, including the Democratic Party, which polled at 68% unfavorable in a recent Magellan Strategies survey. So why did current State Senator Julie Gonzales, once a darling of the Democratic Socialists of America, decide to run for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat? Gonzales joins host Bree Davies to discuss her relationship with her party, where she sees opportunities to work with Trump, and how her approach would differ from her opponent, incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper. We've invited Hickenlooper to come on the pod to discuss his campaign soon. What should we ask him about? 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 Today is the last day to vote for the finalists of the Denver-est Denver Awards! Your vote will determine the winners of Best Artist, Best Small Business, Biggest Win, and more. And don't forget to buy your ticket to the show on Dec. 18 and see the winners announced live on stage at The Oriental Theater. Vote here and get your tickets now! Help us hit the goal for our year-end membership drive! You'll get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. Enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this December 15th episode: Denver Health Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off Denver Botanic Gardens Foothills Animal Shelter Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise