City Cast Denver

City Cast

Join Host Bree Davies and the City Cast Denver crew every weekday morning as we celebrate, explore, and challenge an ever-changing Denver. It’s the daily news podcast for all Denverites — whether you’ve been here for six months or six generations. We’ll break down the news you need (and want) to know with journalists and culture makers; activists and artists; neighbors and ne’er-do-wells — and John Elway, if he ever returns our calls. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/denver. *Named Westword's Best Podcast of 2021, 2023 read less

Our Editor's Take

City Cast Denver is a local news podcast for Denver, Colorado. Bree Davies hosts this show that covers politics, culture, dining, and more. Her colleagues and special guests often join her for discussions.

One such podcast guest was Colorado representative Tim Hernández. Bree had had Tim on the podcast before he took office when he was a teacher. He explains how being a public figure has changed his activism. His new platform makes his actions more visible. It helps him amplify issues that need more attention.

Some City Cast Denver episodes are less serious. In one, podcast producer Paul Karolyi and City Cast newsletter editor Brooke Garcia discuss places to eat meat-free in Denver. Restaurateur Michael Olivas joins them to offer his perspective. He owns the Glendale location of a plant-based restaurant called Native Foods. Michael shares some updates to the menu of the Chicago flagship location. He's happy to report that they've started making their own seitan.

There's helpful content for omnivores, as well. Paul hosts a tribute to a Colorado delicacy: Rocky Mountain Oysters. They are bull testicles that chefs slice, bread, and fry. Newsletter editors Peyton Garcia and Adrian González discuss trying them. Adrian ate them in college at an old Colorado establishment called Buckhorn Exchange. His father prepared the dish as a restaurant chef in Mexico, where they're called criadillas. Adrian's father told him he didn't like them and would never try them again.

City Cast Denver is also an excellent resource for local events. Peyton returns to tell Bree and Paul what's on her calendar for the following month. She describes the Candlelight Concerts series at The Kirk of Highland. The venue is a beautiful old church. Candles provide the only lighting for these special performances. Orchestras, string quartets, and other performers play popular music with different themes. Learning about events in advance can help listeners buy tickets before they sell out.

The City Cast Denver podcast releases several shows each week. Regular episodes vary in length from 19 to 55 minutes.

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Episodes

Why Conservatives Can’t Stop Talking About Trans People
Yesterday
Why Conservatives Can’t Stop Talking About Trans People
Conservatives have been ramping up their attacks on trans people across the country, including right here in Colorado. But local Democrats just passed two big bills advancing trans rights, despite hours of testimony that included dehumanization and deadnaming (i.e. calling someone by their birth name after they’ve gone through a gender transition). Colorado Times Recorder reporter Heidi Beedle has been on the anti-trans hate beat for years, attending far-right rallies and talking to conservatives across the Front Range — she’s on with host Bree Davies to discuss these latest attacks, how Democrats are pushing back, and how she expects this issue will play into the big elections later this year. For more, check out Heidi's latest reporting on the far-right’s anti-trans efforts.  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: 104.7 The Drop  Monarch Casino  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 State About To Boost Funding for RTD?
2d ago
Is the State About To Boost Funding for RTD?
After years of rumors and speculation, Governor Jared Polis and some of the leading Democrats in the statehouse put forth a serious proposal a couple of weeks ago to reform the Denver metro area’s public transit operator, RTD. It turns out that many Denverites agree that RTD could be better, but no one agrees on how to fix it! So producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with one of the primary sponsors of the big RTD reform bill, Rep. Meg Froelich of Englewood, to talk about why the initial proposal flopped, what Polis and his allies are thinking now, and where the calls for reform go from here.  Rep. Froelich mentioned the bill to eliminate parking minimums in new development projects. When we last talked about that proposal on the podcast, our guest Dr. Ken Schroeppel said we could go even further.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think should be done to fix RTD? We want to hear from public transit users! 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: 104.7 The Drop  Monarch Casino  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
Meow Wolf Layoffs, Nightmare Denver Blunt Rotations, and To Catch a Predator
1w ago
Meow Wolf Layoffs, Nightmare Denver Blunt Rotations, and To Catch a Predator
It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, Meow Wolf announced 165 layoffs this week, including 50 at Denver’s Convergence Station, which turns three years old in September. So host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and one of our favorite regular guests — stand-up comic and Casa Bonita entertainer Joshua Emerson — are talking about where Meow Wolf goes from here. Plus, we’re celebrating 420 early with our dream (and nightmare) blunt rotations, Denver style. And as always, our wins and fails of the week.  Bree mentioned our episode with David Thomas, the professor of fun; our visit to the nightclub inside Convergence Station; the Lost Highways episode on the DPD; our walking tour of Cap Hill’s LGBTQ history; her interview with former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur; and our coverage of the allegations facing Jay Bianchi.  Paul talked about Colorado’s new neural data protection law and Mayor Johnston’s latest encampment sweep. Joshua discussed DU’s big hockey win. Bree mentioned the charges against Jay Bianchi and a child sex abuse vote at the statehouse. Bree asked which legislator was the only one not to vote for the neural data bill. Check out all the votes on all the different versions of the bill here.  How do you feel about Meow Wolf after almost three years 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon 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
Denver’s Best and Worst Streets to Bike On
Apr 17 2024
Denver’s Best and Worst Streets to Bike On
It’s time to pump up those tires, grease up those chains, and hop on a bike! Whether you’ve got a nice new e-bike or you’re dusting off old reliable, we’re coming up on the best time of year to enjoy a bike ride in Denver. So instead of getting caught up in the usual debates over bicycles — not enough dedicated lanes! Too many angry drivers! — we’re sitting down with someone who knows our city’s bike infrastructure as well as anyone. Matt Sanchez has been a full-time bike courier for 11 years, and he’s on with his guide to under-appreciated gems, routes to avoid, and a fresh new perspective on biking in Denver.  Paul mentioned our upcoming live podcast as part of “The Road Ahead 2024” event with Transportation Solutions, which you can get tickets to now! What would you ask Mayor Mike Johnston? We’re sitting down with the mayor later this month, and we want your help! Do you have a question for the mayor? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it in the interview: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon 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
Could the Assault Weapons Ban Pass? Plus, Shelter Security Concerns and John Leguizamo
Apr 16 2024
Could the Assault Weapons Ban Pass? Plus, Shelter Security Concerns and John Leguizamo
It’s Tuesday, and we’re rounding up the stories that matter in Denver this week. First, the Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill on Sunday that would ban the sale of assault weapons. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the changing debate around guns and the battle to come in the Senate. Plus, Mayor Mike Johnston offered some harsh words to Salvation Army over escalating security concerns at the former DoubleTree shelter, and a major celebrity sighting in Westwood. Finally, your comments on the Xcel blackouts last week.  Bree talked about The Pest. Axios Denver’s Alayna Alvarez has more details on John Leguizamo’s visit to Westwood.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver  What do you think about an assault weapons ban? Would you like to see the state senate pass it? Or not? 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 episode: Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival” PineMelon 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
Xcel’s Big Fail, a $25K Facebook Block, and the 'Chile Crunch' Trademark
Apr 12 2024
Xcel’s Big Fail, a $25K Facebook Block, and the 'Chile Crunch' Trademark
It’s Friday and we’re looking back at a big week in Denver. First, the wind! Xcel Energy preemptively shut off power to thousands of residents of the metro area ahead of last week’s windstorm, and that… didn’t go over well. So we’ve got CSU climate geographer Lauren Gifford joining producer Paul Karolyi and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to talk about Xcel, some controversial proposals to change public comment at Denver City Council, as well as this week’s wins and fails.  Justine talked about The Village and La Plaza CO. Lauren mentioned about this First Friday staple. Paul discussed the “chile crunch” trademark, Nathan MacKinnon’s MVP night, the Drip Coffee protests, and native plants in city parks. 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 Wanna win a couple of free VIP tickets to an amazing new wine fest? Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour in Denver on May 11, and we want to see you there! All you’ve got to do is join our membership program today. We’ll select the 5th new member to win the tix. But every single member will receive a discount code for $100 off the price of admission on Monday. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/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/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Meow Wolf! 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
Can Mayor Johnston Reduce Gun Violence by 20%?
Apr 11 2024
Can Mayor Johnston Reduce Gun Violence by 20%?
Colorado recorded a record-high number of gun deaths in 2021, according to the Colorado Sun. While gun violence has waned since then, it’s not decreasing fast enough for many Denverites, including Mayor Mike Johnston. He announced last week his new plan to reduce gun crime in Denver by 20% in 2024 by expanding the city’s focus on high-crime areas known as “hot spots.” So host Bree Davies is sitting down with former mayoral candidate and criminal justice professor Lisa Calderón to talk about how Johnston’s strategy compares with his predecessor and what she’d be doing differently.  Bree mentioned the new plan Mayor Mike Johnston announced Wednesday to fund newcomer response, including budget cuts to many city departments. Lisa talked about this community event coming up on May 13.  Do you have a question for Mayor Mike? We’re sitting down with the mayor later this month, and we want your help! Do you have a question you want to ask him? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Meow Wolf! 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
GOP vs. the Press, Cherry Creek Rises, and a Pizza Truce
Apr 9 2024
GOP vs. the Press, Cherry Creek Rises, and a Pizza Truce
Over the weekend, Colorado Sun politics reporter Sandra Fish was asked to leave the Colorado GOP’s big assembly in Pueblo after party chair Dave “Let’s Go Brandon” Williams deemed her reporting “unfair.” But is it fair to boot a journalist from an event just because you don’t like their reporting? Then, the downtown doldrums saga continues as Cherry Creek’s real estate attracts national attention. How can two areas of the same city less than five miles from each other have be experiencing such drastically different economic outlooks? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi tackle these questions and take a moment to reflect on a long-running pizza beef that may have finally come to an end.  We mentioned both our Cherry Creek Week series from last year about the tension around growth and development in the area, as well as our our Pizza Week series from 2022. Do you have Denver gardening questions? Our gardening expert can help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it an upcoming episode: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Meow Wolf 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 Contested Future of a Demolished Neighborhood
Apr 8 2024
The Contested Future of a Demolished Neighborhood
In 1965, a massive flood devastated the Mile High City. Auraria was hit particularly hard and plans were put in motion to demolish the mostly Hispanic neighborhood and replace it with a college campus. By 1972, the whole blocks were scraped away and hundreds of Aurarians had been moved out Then, it seemed that most people forgot it existed at all. But more than 50 years later, the displaced Aurarians haven’t forgotten. Host Bree Davies sits down with Denver Post reporter Elizabeth Hernandez to discuss the community’s latest battle with the college campus. Elizabeth’s recent reporting on the displaced Aurarians covers the meeting where the latest version of the Auraria Community Master Plan was discussed. The Denver Public Library also offers a full timeline and history of Denver’s oldest neighborhood prior to and after displacement.   For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon 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
Wage Theft Hypocrisy, Breweries Keep Closing, and ‘Love Is Blind’ Sightings
Apr 5 2024
Wage Theft Hypocrisy, Breweries Keep Closing, and ‘Love Is Blind’ Sightings
It’s Friday and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, while Denver’s auditor’s office has been busy recovering more than $2 million in stolen wages, a state lawmaker was removed as a sponsor of a wage theft bill after allegedly committing wage theft in her own office! Then, South Broadway staple Grandma’s House announced its closure at the end of April, joining 17th Ave.’s Alpine Dog and a list of more than 30 craft breweries to close across the state in the past year — is the era of the craft brew over? Host Bree Davies is joined by returning fave, comedian and Casa Bonita performer Joshua Emerson, and longtime beertender Cory Helie to talk wage theft, beer, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the Week.  If you think you have been a victim of wage theft, the auditor’s office would love to hear from you. Get in touch with them here!  Joshua talked about the luxury apartment building in Englewood that is falling apart and Love is Blind’s Colorado rendezvous. Bree mentioned Denverite and fellow George Washington Patriot Chauncey Billups’ induction into the NBA Hall of Fame, and the “the PP Man” brick design on the apartment building on south Federal. Cory talked about the Nuggets superfan who got banned from Ball Arena and Lady Justice Brewing’s new digs. You can also catch Cory as host of the Ratio Free Comedy Show every Wednesday night at Ratio Beerworks.  What do you think we should ask Mayor Mike Johnston in a couple weeks? We want to know what you want to hear from the mayor! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your Questions on @DoBetterDNVR, Members Clubs, and Those ‘Green’ Buildings
Apr 4 2024
Your Questions on @DoBetterDNVR, Members Clubs, and Those ‘Green’ Buildings
After 9News anchor Kyle Clark discussed the increasingly popular (and controversial) instagram @DoBetterDNVR with us last Friday, the anonymous posters behind the account sent a brigade of their followers to share their thoughts with us. So we’re opening up the mailbag and talking about all the comments, questions, and feedback. And we’re not just addressing the instagrammers posting photos of unhoused people in crisis without their consent, but also listeners’ thoughts on private members clubs, the legal dispute between two Mexican restaurants, and those two ‘green’ new buildings, The Populus and One River North.  If you missed any of those episodes, here are the links to find them: ‘Inevitable’ Shelter Deaths, Poop in the Park, and Kyle Clark! Private Member Clubs Are Thriving. Are You Cool (And Rich) Enough to Join? Inside the Two 'Green' New Buildings Rising in Denver Mexican Food on Trial, Banning Assault Weapons, and Casa Bonita Is 50 Bree mentioned a show at MCA Denver featuring nonconsensual photography and this piece on the crime data by Chase Woodruff. Paul mentioned this Colorado Polling Institute poll from last August 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 us 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: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your Guide to April in Denver
Apr 1 2024
Your Guide to April in Denver
Happy April, Denver! As we inch closer to real spring and out of the grasp of false spring, we can expect to see our fair Mile High City blooming this month. But which of the proverbial flowers will be worth stopping to smell? Producer Paul Karolyi is joined by newsletter editor Adrian Gonzalez and producer Olivia Jewell Love to share our top picks to eat, drink, do, and experience around Denver this month. Paul recommended this podcast episode with Adam McKay on Hattie McDaniel. Links to all our picks: City Cast Denver Live on April 25! - “Mile High Mobility Through Bus Rapid Transit” Pizza Beer at New Belgium Brewing Fruta preparada/Prepared fruit (maybe at La Michoacana?) “Gone With The Wind” 85th Anniversary Showing (Estes Park) Colorado Rockies schedule Hang out in a park (maybe join a sports league?) ThriftCon Eat some nachos (Maybe at a place from this thread?) Find a new hobby at The Craft Box (Wheat Ridge) What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Colorado Wine Board Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
‘Inevitable’ Shelter Deaths, Poop in the Park, and Kyle Clark!
Mar 29 2024
‘Inevitable’ Shelter Deaths, Poop in the Park, and Kyle Clark!
It’s Friday and we’re looking back on the biggest stories of the week. 9News anchor Kyle Clark joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to break down the escalating controversy around the recent killings at the former DoubleTree shelter off I-70 and Quebec. One council member is blaming the contractor, but is this all Mayor Johnston’s problem to solve? Plus, the metro area’s biggest dog park is being overwhelmed with dog poop and, as always, our wins and fails of the week.  We discussed Mayor Johnston’s All In Mile High Dashboard. Check out his progress for yourself! Bree talked about Curious Theater and the Denver Basic Income Project. Paul mentioned empty warehouses, Denver’s pizza reputation, and this now-gone piece of art on the Cherry Creek Trail. Kyle talked about Denver’s minority entrepreneurship fund and the Vine St. Pub. What do you think about year two of Mayor Johnston’s quest to end homelessness? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS 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