Podcast
City Cast Denver
Hosted by City Cast · EN
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 newsletter at denver.citycast.fm..
Named Westword's Best Podcast of 2021, 2023
99episodes
Episodes
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Zombies Are Attacking Denver! Where Do You Go? Who Do You Team Up With?
Yesterday00:31:43Tap to summarizeIt’s officially summer in the Mile High City, and for many Denverites that means it’s time to high-tail it to the nearest shady spot on the bank of a mountain creek. But what if instead of escaping our day-to-day lives, we Denverites were escaping a horde of bloodthirsty zombies? Would that shady spot offer good defenses? Provisions? And what about the long-term chances for survival? Denver Business Journal reporter Catie Cheshire joined producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love last year to swap notes and talk through our survival strategies for a zombie apocalypse in Denver. This episode first aired on Aug. 6, 2025. We discuss Catie’s report on Coors Field for Westword as the inspiration for this episode, and Paul mentioned Catie’s excellent recent report on the business leaders asking whether now is the time to demolish office buildings downtown. Olivia talked about Ark Tactical in Lakewood. Paul discussed nuclear missile silos. Who brought the best survival plan — Catie, Olivia or Paul? Also, we want to know who you’d team up with. Or are you going it alone somewhere else entirely? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver Health Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Denver State Senate Candidates Beef over Dark Money, Data Centers, and RTD's Budget
2d ago01:23:58Tap to summarizeWhile there’s been plenty of coverage of the gubernatorial, congressional, and U.S. Senate primaries, smaller but equally important battles are also being fought in Denver – like the race to represent Colorado Senate District 34 (a seat currently held by Julie Gonzales). Two Democrats are vying to represent the downtown and northwest Denver district: Andrés Carrera and Chela Garcia Irlando. They engaged in a heated forum last week on stage at Su Teatro, with our producer Paul Karolyi moderating. With the primary election just eight days away, we’re sharing this live recording of Carrera and Garcia Irlando, who fiercely debated everything from data centers and the city’s handling of the migrant crisis to RTD’s budget issues and the role of dark money in this very race. A quick clarification on the “dark money” exchange: After the forum, Conservation Colorado Victory Fund reached out to let us know that they had reported spending on the mailers Paul mentioned, but that the secretary of state’s office had not yet updated its database at the time of the forum. For more, the Colorado Sun reported last Thursday a breakdown of all the spending from groups that don’t disclose their donors in support of candidates in state legislature races, including SD34. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Would you vote for Chela or Andrés? 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 June 22nd episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver health Central City Opera Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →New Rules for City Council Lobbyists, Primary Ballot Conspiracies, and Winning Wontons
6d ago00:37:54Tap to summarizeThis week Denver City Council passed new lobbying rules aimed at increasing transparency and tracking who lobbyists work for, how much they are being paid, and what issues they are advocating for. The new ordinance also requires former elected officials and city appointees to take a break between leaving office and becoming a lobbyist. Denver Post city hall reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to talk about what really goes down at the City and County Building, plus discuss the latest election fraud conspiracy theory involving colored envelopes, and as always, wins and fails of the week! Plus, if you’re a City Cast Denver neighbor, you get a special bonus segment where the gals share the who, what, where, when of their ultimate World Cup watch party! Bree talked about Bow Mar officially becoming a gated community and this year’s Bonfils-Stanton Social Impact Awards. Olivia discussed the trout saved from the Antero Reservoir and the lack of a craft store at DIA. Elliot talked about chef Penelope Wong’s James Beard Award. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Central City Opera Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Why Some Cherry Creek Trail Art Got 'The Landlord Special.' Plus, Downtown's Perception Problem and Our Summer Concert Picks
1w ago00:40:27Tap to summarizeWhat makes a piece of public art “legitimate”? Denverite recently profiled artist Tom Dorsa, an appliance repairman by day who also installs his own artwork when and where he likes. “27 PACKETS OF TACO BELL DIABLO SAUCE” was a fixture on the Cherry Creek Trail – set amongst 48 other city-approved pieces – for more than two years before it was covered up. Podcast host and regular guest Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into the idea of sanctioned vs. unsanctioned art in public spaces. They also discuss how personal perceptions of the state of downtown can overshadow the actual experience of being there, plus the trio shares their can’t-miss concerts for the summer season! Bree mentioned the Amyl and the Sniffers show tonight at Red Rocks, as well as Sierra Ferrell’s appearance in August. Olivia talked about concert pianist Yuja Wang’s concert at Chautauqua Auditorium in July. Michelle discussed the free Flobots show on the 4th of July at Levitt Pavilion. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 If you enjoyed this interview with Kelsey Simpkins, the Communications and Programs Manager at the Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17th episode: Central City Opera Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Why Three Venues Cancelled on The Kiros/Piker Rally, a Conservative's Tour of Downtown, and Juneteenth Expands
1w ago00:32:56Tap to summarizeOver the weekend, a rally featuring congressional candidate Melat Kiros and leftist political pundit Hasan Piker was booted from three locations before settling on the steps of the Capitol. By the time the gathering kicked off Sunday afternoon, Piker had dropped out and Kiros accused her challenger, incumbent Diana DeGette, of sabotaging the rally. So, what really happened? Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies to talk through what we heard from both campaigns, plus discuss Juneteenth’s celebration expanding and Patty’s tour of Denver’s alleged “Mad Max-esque” downtown with conservative talk show duo Jeff and Bill. Bree also mentioned the Wall Street Journal’s story and the Colorado Sun’s reporting on the state of downtown. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →How to Survive a Denver Summer
1w ago00:27:56Tap to summarizeThe National Weather Service and Climate Prediction Center are forecasting a warm and wet summer this year. So, how do you cope with increasingly higher temps as we move into this sweltering season? We’re revisiting a conversation we had a while back about the best places to go, things to do, and products to buy on a budget to keep you and the fam cool all summer long. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 15th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Central City Opera Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Denver
1w ago00:32:56Tap to summarizeDo you know how many parks Denver has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map has already become a valuable tool for locals, who now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: they can also find outdoor spaces that meet their needs. Mentioned on the show: Every Park SLC - The First-Ever Guide to Every Park in Salt Lake County (City Cast Salt Lake) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Transcribe →Kyle Clark on GOP Exorcisms, CD-8 Switcheroos, and Tornado False Alarms
2w ago00:48:16Tap to summarizeCan Victor Marx conduct exorcisms over the phone? The ordained minister and front-runner in the GOP primary for governor says so, and made national news when HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver picked up 9News’ debate between Marx, State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, and State Rep. Scott Bottoms. Journalist Kyle Clark joins host Bree Davies and politics contributor Adrian Felix to dig into that unhinged Republican rodeo Kyle and colleague Marshall Zelinger moderated, plus discuss CD8 primary candidate Manny Rutinel’s sudden switch on fracking and veganism, and of course our wins and fails of the week. Plus, if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor, you get a special bonus segment where the trio discusses Bow Mar’s dystopian dream of building a wall around the tiny town and what it says about humanity. Come see us at Denver Bike Fest, this Saturday, June 13, from 3-9 p.m. at York Street Yards! Bree mentioned her interview with reporter Logan Davis about Advance Colorado, scooter accidents and kids, and DIY venue, The D.M.V. Kyle talked about the tornado false alarm and Tina Peters’ appearance at “Freedom Fest.” Adrian discussed DPD’s proposal to replace discipline with training, the return of City Park Jazz, and Kyle’s Word of Thanks fundraising for the City Park Bandstand. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Bike Fest Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Regional Air Quality Council Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Senator Michael Bennet on Housing Affordability, Redistricting, and How He’s Different From Gov. Polis
2w ago00:33:47Tap to summarizeMichael Bennet has represented Colorado in congress since 2009. Now, the U.S. senator is running for governor – and is in the midst of a heated democratic primary against fellow candidate, Attorney General Phil Weiser. Last fall, Bennet sat down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about everything from housing affordability and rent algorithms to pushing back against Trump. Just a note: we reached out to Bennet’s campaign, but were not able to get an interview ahead of this month's primaries. For more on Bennet, listen to our past episode with local historian Phil Goodstein, who shared more of the the senator’s backstory. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What are you thinking about this year’s governor’s race? 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: Denver Bike Fest Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Regional Air Quality Council Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Attorney General Phil Weiser on Data Center Moratoriums, Bike Lanes, and His Run for Governor
2w ago00:35:27Tap to summarizeGovernor Jared Polis is serving his final term and the Democratic primary race to replace him is heated. Attorney General Phil Weiser joins host Bree Davies to discuss his run for the highest office in the state and dig into everything from his position on highway expansions and zoning reform to where he stands on felonies for drug possession and data center moratoriums. Plus, they talk about Weiser’s opponent Senator Michael Bennet and his claims that the AG has accepted corporate money. Be sure to tune in to the podcast tomorrow to hear our interview with Sen. Bennet. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Ballots are in the mail! Which primary race are you watching? 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: Denver Bike Fest Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Regional Air Quality Council Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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