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
142episodes
Episodes
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Is Mayor Mike Coming for Mutual Aid Mondays? Plus, the Unhoused Woman Dividing Wash Park
May 1800:34:43Tap to summarizeMayor Johnston promised to solve unsheltered homelessness in his first term – nearly three years into it, there are still questions about the success of this costly and ambitious plan. Denverite reporter Kyle Harris recently published two stories highlighting the complexities of the Mile High City’s homeless issue, and he joins host Bree Davies to discuss the conundrum of a woman living in her car in the Washington Park neighborhood and the fate of a weekly free meal and meet-up serving unhoused people in front of the City and County Building. The two consider how these stories connect to the bigger conversation about homelessness in Denver in 2026. 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 May 18th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Sphere of Six 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': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Denver
May 1700:29:30Tap to summarizeWould Denver be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital? Mentioned on the show: "The deadliest road in America" (Vox) 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 →Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
May 1500:51:05Tap to summarizeIt’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and died in a collision with a Frontier plane during takeoff. Each day has brought new headlines, insights, and twists into the shocking incident, including legal action some passengers are now taking against the airport. So was DIA negligent? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to discuss the accident at DIA — as well as the highs and lows of the state legislative session, which wrapped on Wednesday — and play a listener’s twisted game: Are you actually a Denverite? Plus, a bonus! City Cast Denver Neighbors are getting a special members-only bonus segment about some new reporting on a major employer that might be ordering workers back to the office soon. Subscribe now to get all the details! Membership.citycast.fm Paul mentioned the great early returns already coming in on our Denver Bike Community Poll, which we will reveal around Bike Fest on June 13. Take it now if you ride a bike in Denver! Olivia mentioned the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and the geese outside the Littleton ARC. Justine discussed the smoke rising over Suncor this week. 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 accident at DIA? 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 May 15th episode: Denver Health Regional Air Quality Council Levitt Pavilion Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
May 1400:35:58Tap to summarizeBetween Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes into making a 5-star restaurant than just awesome food. We are revisiting a conversation from earlier this year where host Bree Davies chats with Kevin Nguyen, the award winning architect behind some of Denver’s most celebrated restaurants, like Brutø, The Wolf's Tailor, Hey Kiddo, Hop Alley, Xiquita, and more. The two parse out what else can really make, or break, an elite restaurant experience. Paul mentioned our cool new shopping guide newsletter Keep it Local – make sure you’re subscribed to get it in your inbox every Thursday afternoon! A big thanks as well to Keep it Local’s sponsors, the Denver Economic Development & Opportunity office and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. 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 Which restaurant do you think has the best 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 May 14th episode: Denver Health Regional Air Quality Council Levitt Pavilion Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
May 1300:43:08Tap to summarizeFlock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching over us all with nearly 300 High Activity Location Observation cameras around Denver. City government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about the settlement reached after Denver Police shot at and arrested the wrong people they thought they found via HALO cam. Plus, a dating event later this month for “unvaxxed singles” has people on social media feeling all types of ways, and we are gonna be at Bike Fest and want to hear from you! Do you ride a bike in Denver? We want to know what’s important to you! Take our Bike Community Poll, share it with a bike-riding friend (or 100), and we’ll parse through the results together at Bike Fest. Paul mentioned this Westword story about Chris Fest this weekend at The Oriental Theater. 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 May 13th episode: Denver Health Regional Air Quality Council Levitt Pavilion Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
May 1200:38:38Tap to summarizeThe 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide Democrats. Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how Colorado’s’ “first in the nation” regulations, passed in 2024, ended up with a “near-total rewrite” this year, according to the Denver Post. Plus, the Trump administration is coming after Denver again – this time with a lawsuit aimed at overturning the city’s ban on assault weapons – so we’re talking about where this attack ranks among all the other times Trump has turned his attention toward the Mile High City. And finally, a listener calls in to talk about their first impressions of Veo scooters. 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 Veo scooters, bikes, and trikes so far? Have you tried one? We want to hear your thoughts! 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 12th episode: Denver Health Regional Air Quality Council Levitt Pavilion 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 →After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
May 1100:37:15Tap to summarizeAfter City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders have come together to raise money for a replacement. While alternate locations are in place for big events like City Park Jazz this summer, the fire and the outpouring of love sparked new questions about the history and what’s next for the park itself. So today, host Bree Davies is taking a walk through City Park’s past, present, and future with Georgia Garnsey, president of City Park Friends and Neighbors, and Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, a Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee artist who is working on the new City Park Living Land project. 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 City Park? We’d love to hear your stories, memories, and hopes for the future! 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 11th episode: Denver Health Regional Air Quality Control Levitt Pavilion 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': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
May 1000:23:20Tap to summarizeDenverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city’s nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended hours experiment. Plus, how to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary without feeling like you’re serving a Trump narrative. 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 →Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises
May 800:48:36Tap to summarizeNew fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, but Bennet’s got more money behind him overall, thanks to a big billionaire boost.. Meanwhile, Victor Marx is pulling in considerable money in the GOP primary – but how much does it matter when Colorado’s highest offices have been dominated by Dems? Veteran podcaster Michelle Jackson joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to follow the gubernatorial primary money, discuss the new ride-hailing sexual assault bill, and share their wins and fails of the week. Plus, in a special Neighbors-only bonus segment, Bree offers some wild Mother’s Day alternatives to the usual brunch and bouquets. If you want to hear her recs, join our membership program today at membership.citycast.fm Paul discussed residents suing a gym in their building over loud grunting and the new law making it illegal to block bike lanes. Bree talked about her brother-in-law Erik Ziemba’s styling for LA Times and Jessi Whitten returning to Indie 102.3 as program director. Michelle mentioned the Avs’ win and her love for Mo’ Betta Green MarketPlace and the Harvey Park Farmers Market. 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 all the money in the governor’s race? Are you seeing more ads for Bennet or Weiser? 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 8th episode: Denver Art Museum TaskRabbit Multipass Choir league Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame
May 700:40:20Tap to summarizeLittle Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver-favorite flavors like Salty O, Space Junkie, and more. But this also had us thinking about Colorado’s greatest contributions to the national culinary landscape – what are our claims to food fame anyway? Dan Pashman, host of the James Beard Award-Winning podcast The Sporkful, joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last November to discuss the memorable (and regrettable) dishes the Mile High City put on the map. We mention the Sporkful episode Paul produced last year about Beau Jo’s and “Colorado-Style Pizza.” 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 Colorado-created dishes and delicacies did we miss? 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 Art Museum TaskRabbit Multipass Choir league Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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