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
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project
May 600:46:38Tap to summarizeA delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike is doing his best to spark “little moments of joy,” according to the Denver Post. So, we’re asking the question: Where would you go to show off Denver? Comedian Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to speculate about the mayor’s planned itinerary. Plus, one of the most celebrated recipients of money from the Denver Downtown Development Authority is behind schedule. So, Paul and Joshua have been asking around, and we’ve got the scoop on what’s up with the Denver Immersive Repertory Theater. Paul mentioned BusinessDen’s reporting about DIRT”s money troubles and our past conversations about DIRT. 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 Where would you take the DNC leaders to show off 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 Did you enjoy today’s sponsored interview with Elizabeth Martinez from Compass Real Estate? Learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 6th 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 →BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National
May 500:36:37Tap to summarizeConstruction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahead to the BRT line planned for Federal Boulevard, where the recent news of the proposed redevelopment of the Asia Center strip mall sparked a wave of concerns about, among other things, the impact of construction on small businesses. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk about how the community outreach is going on Federal, then dig into the data showing the effects of construction on Colfax businesses so far. Plus, a listener comment about Little Man Ice Cream’s big news. Paul mentioned the Colorado Boulevard BRT open house planned for May 13 at Clayton Early Learning Center and referenced this Denver7 report on the Colfax BRT project breaking ground in Aurora. Bree mentioned Katrina Nguyen’s post about the Asia Center redesign renderings and the Federal Boulevard BRT pop-up at Mi Casa Resource Center on May 9. 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 BRT? Worth the hassle of construction? 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 5th episode: Denver Art Museum TaskRabbit Multipass Choir league 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 →Conservatives in Colorado Have a Secret Influence Machine. And It Might Be Working.
May 400:41:04Tap to summarizeDemocrats in Colorado are expected to retain control of the state legislature, governor’s mansion, and every statewide office this year, but that doesn’t mean conservatives aren’t having an impact! Logan M. Davis is a reporter with the progressive media outlet Colorado Times Recorder, and he’s dedicated himself to untangling the mysterious web of think tanks, dark money groups and billionaires who are finding ways to push public policy in our state to the right. Davis joins host Bree Davies to dig into “The Redprint”, his ongoing investigation into how the money moves and where the power lies. Bree and Logan talked about two ballot measures – one focused on harsher sentencing for fentanyl possession and the other to allow local law enforcement to work with ICE – that will be on Colorado ballots this fall. 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 4th 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 →Who Wants THC Drinks? Plus, Bars Banking on Nostalgia and Our Asian Food Week Recs
May 100:44:12Tap to summarizeIt looks like THC-infused drinks won’t be having a moment in Colorado any time soon. A bill to increase levels of THC allowed in beverages sold at bars and liquor stores died this week when sponsors pulled it before a vote. So, why can a neighboring state like Kansas sell these higher level drinks when cannabis isn’t even legal there? Food and culture writer Sara Rosenthal joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into hemp vs. cannabis and why bartenders may be wary of this new frontier. They also dissect the nostalgic drive behind bars with curated vinyl and vintage video games. Plus, if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor, you’ll get to hear our special members-only bonus segment highlighting our picks for Mile High Asian Food Week! Bree mentioned Sara’s list of Denver’s “horniest bars,” the 2026 Film on the Rocks schedule, and a huge magazine theft. Sara discussed City Records and Alteño’s latest accolade. Olivia talked about migrant worker wages and City Cast Denver’s two SPJ awards, including one for the episode we did last year with conservative radio host Jeff Hunt. 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 THC drinks? Do you like them? Should Denver bars be allowed to serve them? 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 1st episode: The Delores Project Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Your Guide to May 2026 in Denver
Apr 3000:35:42Tap to summarizeIt’s May! Here in Denver, that means flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the Rockies are losing – but they have not yet been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention yet. But what about all the good stuff going on outside Coors Field? Keep It Local newsletter writer Michelle Polizzi joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to share our recommendations for how to make the most of May in Denver this year – from the spot serving up a new lemon-y iced matcha to a fast-food spot embracing nostalgia in a whole new way. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community. Subscribe now to get our new Keep It Local newsletter every Thursday afternoon in your inbox! Paul talked about John Brisben Walker’s wikipedia page and the hike up to his castle ruins. 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 small business would you take your mom to this Mother’s Day? 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 RIAH and Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, Learn more here. Learn more about their event below: Hip Hop On The Hill Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode: The Delores Project Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →A New LoDo Let-Out Fix? Plus, REI Boycott Beef and Denver's Surprising Smell Ranking
Apr 2900:39:14Tap to summarizeFor decades, the nightclub district in LoDo has been notorious for violence and other unsavory activities going down around 2 a.m. when the clubs let out. Many policy proposals have come and gone without changing much, and now Denver’s newly renamed Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection has a proposal that they say will reduce problems and help businesses. Denver Post reporter Elliott Wenzler has been covering the story, and she’s on with producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to dig in. Plus, listeners are divided on the proposed REI boycott, and Denver is the seventh nicest smelling city in the country, according to who? Paul referenced our 2021 episode about nightclub owner and self-professed mafia member Valentes Corleons and this BusinessDen story about a nightclub owner who had to cancel his plans. Elliott talked about Denverite’s 2020 smell map. 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 nicest smelling part of the city? 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 29th episode: The Delores Project Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Transcribe →Downtown Ice Cream Project Melts, Frank Azar’s Hollywood Connections, and Your Bucket-List Meals
Apr 2800:37:55Tap to summarizeThere will be no Museum of Ice Cream in downtown Denver – at least for now. The interactive dairy-themed selfie attraction has become the latest project turned down for support by the Downtown Development Authority. So, what gives? Are the mayor’s big plans for a downtown comeback in peril? Westword Editor-in-Chief Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the bigger picture, plus the lore of personal injury attorney and local celeb Frank Azar and a listener comment about the places to eat if you only had a week left to enjoy the Mile High City. Paul discussed 5280 Magazine’s profile of Frank Azar. Are you a City Cast Denver Neighbor yet? Become a member today and support local journalism! 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 downtown revitalization work? 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 28th episode: The Delores Project 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 →What We Learned While Investigating DIA Conspiracies
Apr 2700:50:38Tap to summarizeThe Denver International Airport is well known for all its crazy conspiracy theories and big blue mascot out front. But what’s actually going on in those secret tunnels beneath the concourses? We’re revisiting a conversation Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi had with YouTuber Dave Chung about our investigation into all the airport lore and what we heard from the people who work there. Follow Dave Chung on YouTube and check out the videos he made of our visit to DIA! Paul mentioned this petition circulating among airport workers calling for a dedicated security line. 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 April 27th episode: The Delores project If you enjoyed our interview about TaskRabbit with Danny Feely, the Director of FP&A, learn more here. 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': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Denver
Apr 2600:25:11Tap to summarizeAre DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Denver? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism. Mentioned on the show: "Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville) "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible) 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 →Uproar Over Strip Mall Redevelopment, Bucket-List Restaurants, and Surveillance Tech in Schools
Apr 2400:43:58Tap to summarizeNews broke this week that the owner of the Asia Center on Federal Boulevard is planning to demolish the strip mall and build in its place three floors of residences on top of ground-floor retail. That story sparked an outpouring of love for the small businesses in the Asia Center and a petition now with more than 4,000 signatures demanding “a more thoughtful and inclusive approach.” Politics contributor Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of Federal. Plus, a Satanist student in Elizabeth challenges school surveillance and a members-only bonus segment where we answer a redditor’s question: If you were moving away, what three restaurants would you need to visit one last time? Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Today is the last day to help us hit our goal and get yourself one of those sweet green “I live here on purpose” Oxford Pennants. Help local journalism thrive, and sign up now at membership.citycast.fm Bree mentioned Aurora venue Manos Sagrados closing in May and the Denver Voice profile of Ruth Kanatser from Harm Reduction Action Center. Adrian mentioned the sculpture stolen from a family’s yard in Congress Park and Alamo Drafthouse renaming their Littleton location. Paul talked about the Rapids 30th anniversary match and the photos he shared on Instagram. 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 housing redevelopment proposed on Federal? 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 24th episode: Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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