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
136episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Kiros and Weiser Win As Voters Sour on Colorado's Political Establishment
Jul 100:31:55Tap to summarizeThe eyes of the nation were on Colorado yesterday as “anti-establishment” candidates took on some of Colorado’s longest tenured elected officials in the crucial Democratic primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, and Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love were at the victory parties, up late for the latest results, and they are breaking down what we know so far. Like, how 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette and how Attorney General Phil Weiser was able to edge out Sen. Michael Bennet in the governor’s race. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the Kiros and Weiser victories? 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 1st episode: Vail Wine Classic Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Mayor Johnston on His Big New Idea to Fix Parking Downtown
Jun 3000:35:16Tap to summarizeThere’s one issue Denverites can never seem to agree on – parking. Does the city have too much or too little? Is parking too expensive or too cheap? Mayor Mike Johnston has his own idea of what’s wrong with parking in Denver, especially downtown, and he joins Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and producer Paul Karolyi today to discuss it. Plus, the mayor shares some thoughts on America’s semiquincentennial ahead of the Fourth of July holiday this weekend. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the mayor’s $5 parking idea? 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 Did you enjoy this interview with Andy Caler from Energy Outreach Colorado? Learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 30th episode: Vail Wine Classic 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 →Your Guide to July 2026 in Denver
Jun 2900:34:15Tap to summarizeIt’s birthday time in Denver! With America’s 250th birthday on the Fourth of July, and Colorado’s 150th birthday coming up on August 1st, the City Cast Denver team is in a mood to celebrate. The hilarious host of Good Night Denver, Miriam Moreno, joins producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to share their pro tips on drones vs. fireworks, the best thrift stores to use the restroom, and the happy hour you can get to even if you don’t get off work until late. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Denver, check out Hey Denvers’s take on what to do this month. 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 looking forward to in July? 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 29th episode: Vail Wine Classic 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': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks
Jun 2800:27:14Tap to summarizeDenver voters approved a tax hike in 2022 to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth from City Council, those repairs are finally underway. Not only do sidewalks make pedestrian life safer and urban transit more accessible, but they are also an important indicator of a healthy city. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver host Bree Davies about the state of Denver's sidewalks, how this initiative is going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? 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 →Can Kiros Beat DeGette? Plus, AI ‘Polls,’ Astroturfing Local Politics, and Colfax Wins and Fails
Jun 2600:39:13Tap to summarizeDenver is on the precipice of what could be a historic moment; the city’s 30-year incumbent congresswoman, Diana DeGette, is facing a late surge in momentum from Democratic Socialists of America-backed challenger Melat Kiros. So what’s real and what’s fake in the final days leading up to primary? And could Kiros really win? Comedians and returning guests Joshua Emerson and Kate McLachlan join producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the spin coming from both campaigns and separate signal from noise. Plus, a wild astroturfing scandal in the CU Regents’ race and all our wins and fails of the week! Plus, a bonus segment! City Cast Denver Neighbors get a special bonus segment about Joshua and Kate’s shared history in Durango. They share their tips for anyone looking for a summer road trip destination. Don’t miss our weekly Friday bonus segments and become a member today for just $10 per month. Sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Paul talked about moderating the SD34 forum, the poll showing Kiros ahead, the NYC primary results, a UMS venue closing, and Wellington and Wilma Webb. Kate mentioned Bastien’s and PS Lounge on Colfax. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about astroturfing in local elections? Can you trust “the vibes”? 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 26th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →‘Quid Pro Quo Corruption’ in the Governor’s Race? Plus, Kiros’ Late Surge and More Primary Madness!
Jun 2500:39:03Tap to summarizeWhy did Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet just lend his campaign nearly $1 million? And is “former barista” Melat Kiros’s campaign surging enough to unseat Denver’s longtime congresswoman Diana DeGette? With less than a week until the primary elections, The Lever editor-in-chief David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk through all the biggest headlines and insider gossip from the most important races on Denverites’ ballots. Sirota discussed Michael Bennet’s campaign donation. 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 Who are you voting for and why? 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Danny Feely, the Director of FP&A at TaskRabbit, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Inside Alma Fonda Fina: How Johnny and Kasie Curiel Are Beating the Odds As Many Restaurants Close
Jun 2400:43:57Tap to summarizeAfter racking up two Michelin stars and opening six restaurants in less than three years, Johnny and Kasie Curiel are the Denver restaurant industry’s biggest success story. So how, at a time when so many other restaurateurs are struggling, closing, or calling for minimum wage reform, did they pull this off? And how long can it last? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the married co-owners of Fonda Fina Hospitality to talk about how they met, how their company was inspired by a national restaurant chain, and why they “literally put their lives on the line to follow their dreams,” as their friend and fellow chef Michael Diaz de Leon put it to the Denver Post. Plus, their favorite local spots to try today! Paul referenced his interview with Chef Michael Diaz de Leon from back in March 2024, when he had just stepped away from the restaurant where he earned a Michelin star. Also mentioned in this episode are Molino Chido, Diaz de Leon’s new taco spot at Stanley Marketplate; El Tule; Heretik; Hillstone; Cherry Creek Grill; and Panadería el Alamo. 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 is the secret to Johnny and Kasie Curiel’s success? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Did you enjoy this interview with Elizabeth Martinez from Compass Real Estate? Learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Zombies Are Attacking Denver! Where Do You Go? Who Do You Team Up With?
Jun 2300:31:43Tap 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
Jun 2201:23:58Tap 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
Jun 1800:37:54Tap 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
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