Podcasts about denverites

When it was first revealed that Denver was getting a new professional women's soccer team, many Denverites were thrilled! Including Mayor Mike Johnston, who has become Denver Summit FC's chief cheerleader. But he's been in hot water lately with city council, and now they're throwing the brakes on public subsidies he wants for a new soccer stadium. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi have been following the project, and they're breaking down all the latest twists and turns. Plus, some listener questions on bike lanes and Colorado's claims to food fame; and, when is it going to snow already? What do you think about the stadium politics? Should council put up the money? Or should Denver risk losing the NWSL franchise to Lone Tree or Centennial? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Be sure to grab a ticket to our first-ever The Denver-est Denver Awards, presented by our friends at Denver Health! You're cordially invited to attend a fancy holiday party slash formal awards show celebrating the very best of Denver on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater. City Cast Denver Neighbors will have received a discount code in the inbox, but everyone can buy tickets now! And we need your help picking the winners, too! Nominate your faves in our six big categories! 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 November 18th episode: Simply Eloped Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Health Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Yes, we Denverites love our green chile, but that fiery green-ish, orange-ish stew is hardly known at all in the rest of the country. Instead, we're known for things like the Denver omelet and, oddly, the cheeseburger. So it's time to set the record straight. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi invited the host of the James Beard Award-winning podcast The Sporkful, Dan Pashman, to talk through some of Colorado's greatest claims to food fame (and some we wish we could forget). Go follow The Sporkful wherever you get your podcasts to hear the episode Paul produced about his six-year quest to uncover the truth of “Colorado-style pizza,” and check out Dan's Instagram to see him taste-test Beau Jo's for the first time.  What do you think is Colorado's greatest claim to food fame? Is there anything we left out? 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 November 10th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Denver Botanic Gardens Curious Theatre Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Democrats celebrated victories across the country on Tuesday, but the story of the election here in Denver is a little more complicated. So now that the dust has settled, what do the results tell us about how Denverites are feeling about the big questions facing our city — affordability, density, safety, crime? Content creator and House District 5 candidate Rayna Kingston (aka, @raynakingdenver) joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the big picture. Plus, Denver's fastest growing company, Palantir, is moving from downtown to Cherry Creek, but their new HQ has already been vandalized? And as always, our wins and fails of the week.  Presenting… The Denver-est Denver Awards! You're cordially invited to attend a fancy holiday party slash formal awards show celebrating the very best of Denver on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater. City Cast Denver Neighbors can expect a discount code in the inbox later today, but everyone can buy tickets now! And we need your help picking the winners, too! Nominate your faves in our six big categories right now! Paul talked about influencer payola, Clerk and Recorder Paul López, our past episode on why Palantir moved to Denver, and Mondoweiss' interview with a local anti-Palantir activist. Bree mentioned the failed effort to form a GID in Cherry Creek, the Chili's on South Monaco, and Aurora city councilmember Danielle Jurinsky.  What do you think Palantir moving to Cherry Creek? 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 November 7th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass 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

Twenty years ago, the big question facing the industrial area along the South Platte River north of downtown was what to call it. Now, as many lifelong Denverites are still getting used to “RiNo,” the city's most famous arts district is at another inflection point. The artists who made the area cool are mostly gone, and the business owners have been disagreeing over the future. So as the RiNo Art District is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend, host Bree Davies sits down with the organization's new executive director, Daisy Fodness-McGowan, to swap stories of warehouse raves in the 90s and talk about the future of art in RiNo.  What do you think about RiNo's new direction? 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 the interview with Dr. Eric Doringer from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER to receive 30% off. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

On today's newscast: In the Roaring Fork Valley, officials and hunger relief organizations are trying to respond to the Trump administration's announcement yesterday that it will reinstate only partial SNAP payments; Durango City Council held a special meeting Thursday after federal immigration agents used pepper spray and rubber bullets on protesters earlier last week; and Denverites are voting whether to repeal or retain a ban on flavored tobacco products passed by city council. Tune in for these stories and more.

More than ever, Denverites are divided on the issue of surveillance. As lawyers hammer out the details of the city's deal with the surveillance startup Flock, criticism of Mayor Johnston's position and approach is only growing, especially after his comments on Flock's role in the cases of Jax Gratton and reports of a Bow Mar woman wrongly accused of theft. Political activist Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to debate the issue and speculate about the future. Plus, some LGBTQ businesses were vandalized just as Denver was passed up in its bid to host the 2030 Gay Games — is the Mile High City becoming less hospitable to the queer community? And of course, our wins and fails of the week.  Bree discussed the family detained by ICE in Durango, high voter turnout, and Rainbow Dome‘s Deadlifts at the Dome. Paul talked about the performers strike at Casa Bonita, the Halo 3 mural at the Game Stop on Colorado Boulevard, and where you can find local Flock cameras.  A celebration of life for Jax Gratton is happening this Saturday at The Pearl.  What do you think about the future of Flock in Denver? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. 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 October 31st episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film 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

Ballots are arriving ahead of the November 4 election, and Denverites are weighing Mayor Mike Johnston's big proposal of the year — the “Vibrant Denver” bond. It would represent almost $1 billion in new debt to fund infrastructure projects across the city, but will voters see a future of possibilities? Or will they swayed by the mayor's growing chorus of critics? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Mayor Johnston to talk about the recent outrage over his extension of Flock surveillance contracts, his handling of the budget, and why he bought the Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street. Paul referenced our interview with Fire Department Chief Desmond Fulton, “⁠Why Firefighters Are Getting Raises When the City Is Doing Layoffs⁠.” The mayor said that his proposed budgets for the fire and police departments were “mostly flat, but ⁠according to Axios Denver⁠ the mayor's proposed police budget for 2026 is up 2% to $281 million and ⁠according to our reporting⁠ his proposed fire budget is up about 1%, or $1.2 million, to $158,081,466. The mayor mentioned a police officer ⁠who was shot ⁠protecting a migrant shelter.  Per Paul's question about the criteria the mayor gave to Flock for any contract extension, the mayor's office shared ⁠this press release⁠ because the contract itself is still being reviewed by the city's attorneys.  What do you think about the mayor's defense of his contracts with Flock? 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 October 29th episode: ⁠Arvada Center⁠ ⁠Denver Art Museum⁠ ⁠Denver Film⁠ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

News broke last week that NBA Hall of Famer and “King of Park Hill” Chauncey Billups was allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar mafia-run poker scheme and potentially sharing insider information on NBA games that he was coaching.  Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the downfall of this hometown hero and if it could change the way Denverites feel about sports betting. Then, they discuss Wynkoop's car-free trial period and hear from listeners about the STAR program, gubernatorial frontrunner and Senator Michael Bennet, and shooting police drones out of the sky.  Bree mentioned a piece from The Athletic about Chauncey Billups and our past interview with Carleigh Sailon, a clinician who helped launch Denver's STAR Program. We also talked about our Monday interview with Senator Michael Bennet. If Denver was a house, Union Station would be the living room. But what would be the mudroom? Or the bathroom? Or the backyard? 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 the interview with Dr. Eric Dorninger from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denverites have been protesting Trump all year, but no demonstrations have been bigger than the ‘No Kings' rallies in June and this past weekend. So what does that say about the local fight against Trump? Host Bree Davies and Producer Paul Karolyi are talking about some Giants fans who went viral for the wrong reasons, and everything else they saw and heard at ‘No Kings' — plus, we take some great listener questions and talk about our experience doing four hours on KNUS conservative talk radio, debating issues and fielding calls from people who called us “snowflakes” and worse.  Check out the whole four hours on The Jeff & Bill Show's YouTube page. Bree talked about Costco's inflatable slides. Paul cited Colorado Community Media's Englewood election coverage and discussed the last few years of debate over density in Englewood. Ben Todd from Full Afterburner Calzones linked to this Jon Stewart video.  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 October 21st episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Health Denver Film Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There are only two weeks left until election day! It may not be the most important one of our lifetimes, but Denverites have some really important decisions ahead that will shape the future of our city. At a packed City Cast Denver Neighbors-only live recording last Thursday, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun and our capitol insider Deep Singh Badheshwest a to discuss the biggest issues on our ballots, from the economics of the flavored tobacco ban to the Vibrant Denver bond. Plus, plenty of predictions, gossip, and insider info.  For more background on the Department of Excise and License's proposed name change, here's the website they prepared to explain. Paul mentioned our episode with two vape shop owners advocating against the flavored tobacco ban.  What do you think about these issues? Do you have a passionate case to make for any of them, one way or another? We'd love to hear it! 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 October 20th episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Health Denver Film Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Netflix dating show “Love Is Blind” has descended on Denver, but just how much of Denver really shines through in the contestants? We binge-watched the first six episodes to suss out these Colorado blind daters and decide: is Sparkle Megan really that sparkling? Is Jordan more than just the chicken-in-a-blender guy? Do any of these people scream Denver when it comes to their personalities and interests? Host Bree Davies is joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and political spectator Adrian Felix to dish on all things Love is Blind: Denver Edition.  Catch up with us now before the next batch of episodes drops today! Who are you rooting for? Will any of the Love is Blind couples last? Are these people tried and true Denverites? 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 October 8th episode: Denver Film Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is your neighborhood ready for “gentle density”? The city's community planning and development office is starting work on a project to bring missing middle housing — duplexes, fourplexes, etc. — to more Denver neighborhoods, and that means some neighbors are gearing up for a fight! City Councilman Kevin Flynn represents southwest Denver and was re-elected after he warned against so-called gentle density. So today he joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Denver's housing challenges and a variety of other hot-button issues facing the city, including the mayor's controversial budget proposal for 2026 and a couple ballot measures Denverites will be deciding next month. What do you think about “gentle density” in your neighborhood? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. 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 October 6th episode: Denver Film Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

One of Mayor Mike Johnston's biggest priorities this year is showing Denverites how much better 16th St. looks post-construction. And as of Tuesday, he's got a big new prize to show off: The Denver Pavilions. He's arranged to buy the 27-year-old “mall on the mall” for $37 million — Coyote Ugly and all. Former Republican congressional candidate Valdamar Archuleta joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about the mayor's downtown shopping spree. Plus, we debate the latest calls to boycott an allegedly MAGA-owned business in Wheat Ridge and, of course, our wins and fails of the week. 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 https://membership.citycast.fm/  Paul mentioned a Reddit thread where protesters were discussing their actions against the Rocky Mountain Reckoning event at The Werks last Sunday. He also talked about Bake Fest this Saturday morning, RTD's Access-on-Demand rate change, and the Starbucks inside REI. Olivia talked about banned books and leaf-peepers in Georgetown. Valdamar discussed the Rockies' rebuild and recent changes at the airport, as well as this pilot's frustrations.  What do you think about the mayor buying the Pavilions? We need to hear your take! 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 October 3rd episode: Wise Window Nation Multipass 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

Denver's dating scene is changing, and it will soon be on display for the whole world to see when Netflix's “Love is Blind” premieres on October 1. The trailer dropped last week, featuring a brand new cast of Denverites hoping to find love. They've been filming in the city for the past year and reality dating show lovers are excited. So we're revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had with snow-former Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton and Westword reporter Hannah Metzger, who had each been looking into the local story of dating apps, bars, creeps, and the persistent stereotype of ‘Menver.' This episode originally aired on July 25, 2024. 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 Are you excited to watch this season of Love is Blind? What do you think of the Denverites they picked? 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 September 15th episode: Arvada Center Denver Botanic Garden Denver Health Window Nation Florence Crittenton Services Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is Ferris Bueller's Day Off the perfect movie?Follow Bree @cocodavies and check out City Cast Denver, a daily news podcast for all Denverites!Follow the show on IG @didthatagewellTikTok @didthatagewellpodThank you Spyder Moving & Storage for sponsoring Dude, IDK Studios! Visit spydermoving.com⁠ to get a free quote and follow @spydermovingcompany on IG.Check out the upcoming comedy shows at Dude, IDK at dudeidkstudios.com⁠ and follow @dude1dk⁠ on IG.

The number of Denverites who don't like Mayor Mike Johnston has grown by a lot, according to a new poll from the Colorado Polling Institute. But at the same time, Denverites are more optimistic about the city's future and think it's safer than it was when he was inaugurated. So what's going on? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the new CPI poll and how some big recent stories might be affecting the numbers. Plus, we're checking in on some of our predictions for 2025 and a listener calls in to demand an update on the long-awaited animatronic dinos in RiNo.  What do you think about the future of the city? Are you optimistic or pessimistic? 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 September 9th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When a new national women's soccer stadium was announced earlier this year, a lot of Denverites were excited. But when the mayor proposed around $70 million to support the project, the debate became contentious. And no, post-layoffs, the prospects are looking murky. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sitting down with City Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez, who was a big booster of the project in her District 7, to talk through the latest and all the other big issues facing her district, including Broadway businesses' recent struggles and why she thinks the mayor's hyper focus on downtown might mean he's neglecting other parts of the city. 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 September 8th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After Waymo's surprise announcement earlier this week, Denver is abuzz with talk of driverless cars. The ride-share service isn't live yet, but the Waymos are on our streets, and Denverites' feelings are big. Local writer and events producer Jake Browne joins producer Olivia Jewell Love and host Bree Davies to talk autonomous cars — plus, a Ballpark resident recently installed something called a “blue chirper” on her building, and this new era of hostile architecture is dividing the neighborhood. And as always, all our wins and fails of the week.   We discussed previous episodes with Jake involving Michelin star hype and the best things we ate in 2024, as well as Olivia's deep dive into Gov. Jared Polis' weird online persona. Jake talked about the Rockies and Adam Cayton-Holland's call for a boycott and r/Denver's mods. Olivia mentioned Gov. Polis' latest Taylor Swift post. Visit Colorado's recent ad, and the Denver Gazette's recent reporting on Ballpark. Bree discussed Hannah Metzger's tour of Denver with her six-year-old niece and Riverdale Animal Shelter.  ICYMI: We are launching the City Cast Denver Creator Community. It's a network of local creators elevating the stories that matter most in their communities. Sound up your alley? Apply here or send to a friend who could be a good fit. What do you think about Waymo coming to Denver? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. 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 September 5th episode: Colfax Ave BID Multipass 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

Mayor Johnston logged on for his third Ask Me Anything on Reddit earlier this week, fielding questions from anonymous Denverites on everything from the recent city layoffs to his favorite cheeseburger. But did constituents think the conversation was worth it? Then, gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet is wading into the controversy over a new Buc-ee's planned north of Colorado Springs, but why he's so interested in a mega gas station is a mystery — and producer Paul Karolyi has a theory. He's joined by host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian Joshua Emerson, to dig into these stories plus the biggest wins and fails of the week.  Bree mentioned the community coming out to support Petals and Pages after vandalism, the mayor's new “outreach with enforcement” approach to public drug use, and the closing of Arapahoe House in 2018. Joshua talked about… Paul discussed Sardar Biglari and Cracker Barrel's Colorado connection, the Denver Rock Drill redevelopment getting off the ground, and our most recent interview with Mayor Johnston. He also mentioned Colorado Politics' reporting on John Malone and Ian Griffis. After we recorded this episode, Phil Weiser's campaign shared this statement on the Buc-ees: Protecting our public lands and open spaces means we must be committed to the fight against President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum selling them off to the highest bidder. Leaders committed to fighting this administration are what will stop their illegal actions—not political statements about where a Buc-ee's should be located. My focus as attorney general and as the next Governor is on doing everything I can to push back against Trump's and Burgum's illegal actions to sell off our open spaces and undermine our protections of our land, air, and water---not on where a Buc-ee's should or should not be built. Our state is one of local control. Under our state constitution, we follow the principle that purely local matters are best left to local towns, cities, and their voters to decide.  If local voters do not agree with a local decision, our system allows them to voice their disapproval and hold their elected officials accountable at the ballot box. 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 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 August 29th episode: KUVO Jazz Colfax BID Multipass 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. Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Denverites have been talking a lot about Israel and its retaliation on Gaza. College students are now under federal investigation for a Gaza solidarity protest. Local courts are deciding if the Boulder attacker was guilty of a hate crime. A wave of antisemitism has put our Jewish neighbors at risk. And Colorado voters will soon weigh the merits of Democratic candidates who speak openly about ending U.S. support for Israel. So producer Paul Karolyi is speaking with Brandon Rattiner, the senior director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, about the investigation, the changing local politics around Israel, and what it has all meant for Colorado's Jewish community. Brandon mentioned a photo of a child in Gaza that appeared on the front page of the New York Times. We recommend reading the whole article on people starving in Gaza, including the editor's note Brandon was referencing about that specific child's pre-existing condition. 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 how the changing local politics around Israel's attack on Gaza? 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 August 25th episode: KUVO Jazz Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The average Denverite probably isn't walking around thinking about the special legislative session next week or debating specific line items of the Vibrant Denver bond with their friends. So what's really on their minds?  Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love walked up and down 16th St. for a few hours earlier this week to talk to Denverites about what's most important to them — everything from the mayor's work on homelessness and bringing life back downtown, to the sorely missed Mellow Mushroom and what local billionaire Stan Kroenke eats for lunch. Thanks to everyone who talked to us!  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Dr. Jessica Apted, the Medical Director of Sploot, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsors of this August 14th episode: Arvada Center Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We've got some news from the world of AI. We're also going over the hottest new developments around town (praying for a RiNo Trader Joe's). As always, we're also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!   Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com.   Troys Takes:   The Tom Brady Statue   UFC heads to the White House   Best sports movie all time?     Toms Takes: Developing Denver   20,000 SF grocery store hopefully coming to RiNo   Skyline Park Upgrades breaking ground late 2025     Ryan's Takes:   actvo.ai   Denver Product Leaders Meetup     Events:   Denver Brunch Fest Giveaway Winners   Masquerade Party @ Welton Room   Red Rocks Schedule     ​​Music produced by Troy Higgins   Goodboytroy.com

Denverites are trying to square something: the city's about to lay off employees but at the same time it wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in projects. We ask Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about that, tensions with Trump, turning office towers into apartments, and the future of the Broncos. Then, remembering a Hiroshima survivor in Denver 80 years after the bombing. Plus, the State Fair is back with a new general manager with an eye on the future. And Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident has a new single: Colorado. 

The Center on Colfax recently announced they would no longer be accepting donations from Chevron, as long as the oil and gas giant was providing fuel to Israel. Meanwhile, Colorado's senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper voted against a measure that would have stopped some arms shipments to Israel. So are Denverites' opinions shifting when it comes to the war on Gaza? Then, internet provocateurs Do Better Denver have been exposed — but do the identities behind the account matter in the bigger picture? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss these stories and more news of the week.  Paul talked congressional candidate Melat Kiros, who is challenging Diana DeGette to represent Denver, and her history of speaking out on Gaza.  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: Regional Air Quality Council Multipass Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're riffing on some new developing Denver stories, and seeking out the winner of our Denver Brunch Fest giveaways! As always, we're also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week! Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com.   Troys Takes   Jodan Addison Suspended   Sanders to start Friday night's preseason opener   Episode 101 for NFL Preview?     Toms Takes   Developing Denver:   $30 Million Dollar Upgrade at Civic Center Park   Part of a $100M dollar downtown plan     Events   Denver Brunch Fest   Jamie XX @ Civic Center Park   Masquerade Party @ Welton Room   Gorgon City, Boiler Room + More @ Civic Center Park   Red Rocks Schedule     Denver Brunch Fest Giveaway on our socials!!!   Music produced by Troy Higgins   Goodboytroy.com

When Denver, Colorado Mayor Mike Johnston isn't sparring with congressional Republicans over immigration (and being threatened with jail time), he's pushing his city to eliminate homelessness, continuing his crusade for high-quality, affordable education and inspiring Denverites to give five hours of volunteer service each month. “I love the Give5 Mile High program,” said Citizen co-founder Larry Platt. “It's kind of the answer to Trumpism, right? All of us coming together in common purpose?” On this episode of How To Really Run A City, former Mayor Michael Nutter and former Mayor Kasim Reed, with Platt, join Mayor Johnston to dissect the initiatives that are making Denver a prosperous and communitarian city for all its citizens. “What I try to do is bind people,” Johnston says. “I bind together people that are broken. I bind together people who have been pulled apart from each other. I feel like this is the work mayors are called to do.” “And that's why we do this podcast,” Reed says. “It is so important for people who care about this country to hear stories like yours.” Join us for an energizing conversation about everyday citizens rising to meet the expectations of their city and charting a path out of the tribalism that grips the nation. Remember to subscribe to the podcast to keep up on all the latest episodes. Watch and follow new episodes on YouTube. As cities go, so goes the nation!

When Denver, Colorado Mayor Mike Johnston isn't sparring with congressional Republicans over immigration (and being threatened with jail time), he's pushing his city to eliminate homelessness, continuing his crusade for high-quality, affordable education and inspiring Denverites to give five hours of volunteer service each month. “I love the Give5 Mile High program,” said Citizen co-founder Larry Platt. “It's kind of the answer to Trumpism, right? All of us coming together in common purpose?” On this episode of How To Really Run A City, former Mayor Michael Nutter and former Mayor Kasim Reed, with Platt, join Mayor Johnston to dissect the initiatives that are making Denver a prosperous and communitarian city for all its citizens. “What I try to do is bind people,” Johnston says. “I bind together people that are broken. I bind together people who have been pulled apart from each other. I feel like this is the work mayors are called to do.” “And that's why we do this podcast,” Reed says. “It is so important for people who care about this country to hear stories like yours.” Join us for an energizing conversation about everyday citizens rising to meet the expectations of their city. As cities go, so goes the nation!

July 29,  2025 -  We're joined by Tom from FABRIC, a hemp-beverage brand giving 2% of all proceeds back to mental health, profiling unique Australian ingredients and committed to building community and providing Coloradan's an alternative way to drink and socialize.   FABRIC: drinkfabric.com instagram.com/drinkfabric   As always, we're also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!   Follow WDG: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whats_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsgooddenver   Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com.   Troy's Takes:    Jokic's Horse Wins   Kaitlyn Clark's Stalker Sentenced to 2 years in prison   NFL is coming   Denver Brunch Fest Giveaway on our socials!!!   Music produced by Troy Higgins   Goodboytroy.com

President Trump turned his attention to Denver once again last week, with a new executive order meant to end “crime and disorder on America's streets.” So what will the new order mean for Denverites? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sorting through the details. Then, Bree spent the weekend talking to music lovers and industry types at the Underground Music Showcase. Will it be the last? Plus, Casa Bonita's owners Matt Stone and Trey Parker got caught up in a big national political media scandal last week, so what will it mean for your sopaipillas? And finally, your questions and comments about some recent episodes. Paul mentioned our interview yesterday with Mayor Mike Johnston, in which he addressed possible city support for UMS. We discussed the UMS owners' announcement a few weeks ago that this would be the last year “in its current form.” Check out Westword and Denverite for more coverage of Trump's new executive order.  What do you think should happen with UMS? 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 July 29th episode: Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the most contentious citywide vote in recent memory, Denverites decided back in 2023 that private developers would not be allowed to build housing and retail on the old Park Hill Golf Course. So what is going to happen on that 155 acres of open space instead? Host Bree Davies is speaking with the executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation Jolon Clark about the city's still-unfinished negotiations to buy the land, his office's work to design a giant new park, and why the mayor's Vibrant Denver bond proposal sets aside $70 million for this project when Parks and Rec has so many other sources of funding.  What do you think about the plans for Park Hill Park? 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 July 24th episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 22,  2025 -  We're joined by Lacey Spruce from Drink Denver who is telling us all about the Denver Brunch Festival. Join in to hear who won our ticket giveaway, and stay through to hear what we've got on our radar this week.   As always, we're also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!   Follow WDG: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whats_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsgooddenver Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com.     Troy's Takes:    WNBA Pay   Patrick Mahomes Dad Bod?   Remember Ozzy Osbourne   Events:   Cirque du Solei ECHO @ Ball Arena   Denver Brunch Fest   Red Rocks Schedule       Music produced by Troy Higgins   Goodboytroy.com  

The debate over Gov. Jared Polis' proposal to build an elevated walkway outside the Capitol has taken a turn, and for the first time he wants to hear what you think. So host Bree Davies is talking about the governor's new survey with producer Olivia Jewell Love and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what this new survey is all about. Plus, why are Denverites in particular clamoring to move to Mexico lately? And why are they particularly susceptible to scammers?  Plus, our wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about the passing of Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson, the California Pizza Kitchen in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and the Sonic in Edgewater. Justine talked about accessibility at Rocky Mountain National Park, Margaret Atencio, and wildlife crossings, which are increasingly popular across Colorado. Olivia talked about this post on r/Denver about the patios at DIA and EV technician training in Aurora Goodwill. What do you think we should call the new Rhino 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 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/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Check out the Colfax Indie Week with the Colfax Ave BID Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At one point last year, Colorado was number one in the U.S. for market share of new electric vehicles, even beating California. But as the state winds down its EV rebates and the Trump administration's budget bill cuts into federal EV incentives, will Denverites still be enticed to buy eco-friendly vehicles? CPR climate reporters Sam Brasch and Ishan Thakore join host Bree Davies to dig into this issue, plus they discuss Colorado's foray into geothermal energy, and take a closer look at how a push for electric lawn equipment could be impacted by Denver's budget shortfall. Sam mentioned a previous appearance on our show where we talked about the rise of EVs in Colorado. 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 July 17th episode: Colfax Ave Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 15,  2025 -  We're clawing back a newsletter mistake that went out last week. Then we're riffing on some new Denver Developments and a game of would you rather brought to you by The Denver Brunch Festival!   As always, we're also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!   Follow WDG: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whats_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsgooddenver   Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com.   Developing Denver:   Upton Residences Penthouse Collection starting at $1.3M   Latest Look at Fox Park Project in Globeville     Events:   Denver Brunch Fest (Giveaway on socials)   Cirque du Solei ECHO @ Ball Arena   The Amazing Acro-Cats @ Bug Theatre   Red Rocks Schedule     Music produced by Troy Higgins   Goodboytroy.com  

Colorado has been a leader in transgender health care and civil rights, but since Trump won back the presidency, this community has been under attack across the country. The question for Denverites and their politicians alike has become: What's the best way to respond? Representative Brianna Titone of Arvada is Colorado's first openly trans legislator, and she is on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the federal government's latest legal attacks on local institutions and share the inside story of the compromise behind Colorado's new trans rights law, the Kelly Loving Act. Bree and Rep. Titone discussed the Trump administration's investigations into East High School's gender-neutral bathroom and JeffCo's policy on overnight sleeping arrangements for students. They also talked about the legal challenges to the Kelly Loving Act Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash tonight! We'll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. RSVP here.  What do you think about the state of trans rights in Colorado? 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 July 10th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Regional Air Quality Council Denver Film Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 8,  2025 -  We've got Kari Eckert from the Robbie's Hope foundation to talk about their initiatives focused on helping prevent suicide and encourage more positive communication around mental health for America's youth. More information about Robbie's Hope and their upcoming MCA exhibit, “Through Their Eyes” below!   https://foundation.robbies-hope.com/ https://hopefull-conversations.simplecast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robbieshope1/   Robbie's Hope Handbook and Resources: https://robbies-hope.com/resources/#for-parents-&-trusted-adults   Robbie's Hope “Through Their Eyes” exhibit at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art is running  Aug 6th - Sept 14th!   "Through Their Eyes" aims to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of young people dealing with mental health issues. The exhibition features a diverse collection of artwork, including paintings, digital media, poetry, and music, all created by talented teen artists who have bravely shared their personal experiences and perspectives.  The works have been curated from Robbie's Hope's annual juried art competition, The Hall of Personal Expression. As always, we're also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!   Follow WDG: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whats_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsgooddenver   Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com.   Troy's Takes:    Jokic's Horse wins   Chris Paul Retiring   Most expensive summer league ticket ever     Developing Denver:   Potential Plan for New Broncos Stadium in Burnham Yard     Events:   Denver Brunch Fest (Giveaway on socials)   Inner Circle Takeover @ Larimer Lounge   Summer Concert Series @ Denver Botanic Gardens   Summer of Loud @ The Junkyard   Red Rocks Schedule     Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com  

Denverites are paying higher rates for water this year, in part, to fund construction on the expansion of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County. But longtime Denverites will be forgiven for asking: Didn't dam-building in the West go the way of the dodo decades ago? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with Denver Water's new CEO/Manager Alan Salazar to talk about the legal battle his agency has been waging with environmentalists over the expansion of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County and how he's thinking about Denver's future growth.  For more on the details of the legal fight over Gross Reservoir, we recommend the Colorado Sun's ongoing coverage. And if you haven't seen it, you should really check out “I water that way” by the Splashstreet Boys.  What do you think about Denver Water's expansion of Gross Reservoir? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the other sponsors of this June 11th episode: RAQC Central City Opera Denver Health Multipass Edgewater Music Festival Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dropping the word “mall” from 16th Street wasn't Mayor Mike Johnston's only big announcement last week. He also revealed that flagging sales and property tax revenues alongside increasing costs have led to a $250 million budget deficit, and the city government is preparing for layoffs, furloughs, and other cuts. So Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to connect the dots between the big push to revitalize downtown and the threat of layoffs in city offices. Plus, we discuss Gov. Jared Polis's personal pet plan for downtown: an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting Civic Center Park to the Capitol.  Patty mentions Alan Prendergast's remembrance of how 16th Street became a mall in the first place. Paul talks about the draft 20-year plan for downtown, which won't go into effect before Denverites share their feedback and City Council votes later this year, and the last 20-year plan for downtown, which was adopted in 2007. He also talks about Denverite's reporting on the auditor's work on employee morale inside the city government.  What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode: Central City Opera - use the code CITYCAST to get 20% off select dates Xcel Energy Denver Fringe Festival Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Is the tide turning against oil and gas in Colorado? Last week, Denver City Council turned down a $25 million contract with Suncor, the Commerce City oil refinery that has been the subject of scrutiny by neighborhood groups and climate activists for decades over pollution issues. But one industry leader dismissed the move as “political grandstanding.”  So host Bree Davies is talking to Denver Post environmental reporter Noelle Phillips, who has been covering the Suncor debate for years to talk about why the pushback is coming now and what it's really going to mean for Denverites.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think should be done about Suncor? Shut it down and risk higher gas prices? Or let the market do its work? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret — Denverites love a good drink! From neighborhood watering holes to craft cocktail lounges, there's a place for every kind of imbiber. So, how do you choose? We're revisiting a conversation from last year with host Bree Davies and two City Cast Denver regulars, Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin and our own politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval, to parse through the dozens of options and come up with the ultimate list of the Mile High's best taverns, taprooms, lounges, and pubs! This conversation was based on Molly's “Best Bars We Can't Live Without” for Westword. If you would like to help support Molly as she goes through cancer treatments, check out this GoFundMe.   Do you have a favorite bar that didn't make the list? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: CU Denver's Jake Jab Center for Entrepreneurship Levitt Pavilion Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It feels like every week Denverites are grappling with some shocking new way that President Trump is using the power of the federal government to reshape life here in the Mile High. This week, it's art. Trump's National Endowment for the Arts cut almost a half-million dollars in previously awarded grants last Friday to 22 local arts organizations, including the Denver Art Museum and Su Teatro, because their programs didn't conform with the president's new “priorities.” So host Bree Davies is talking to Youth on Record executive director and veteran arts fundraiser Jami Duffy about the impact on the local arts community, how much leverage Trump really has, and how the local arts world is pushing back in all different ways.  In response to Trump's NEA grant cuts, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation announced this week a new 2025 Arts & Culture Rapid Response Grant program to help make up the shortfall for the local organizations that lost money.  What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 8th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices