

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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 31min
Mayor Mike’s Broken Bike Promises, Lakeside’s Murky Future, and a City Planner Claps Back
Mike Johnston marks the halfway point in his four-year term as mayor this week, and some of his campaign’s biggest supporters are now big mad. The bike community, in particular, has been buzzing about the mayor’s decision to remove some bike lane infrastructure, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are looking at how his recent comments around the issue compare to his promises on the campaign trail. Plus, a bike safety campaign takes over Wash Park, an anonymous city staffer shares a comment on a recent episode, and Bree has feelings to share about her recent trip to Lakeside Amusement Park.
Do you have a question for Mayor Johnston? He’s scheduled to be on the show soon, and we want to know what you think we should ask him about! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Paul quoted then-candidate Mike Johnston’s responses to the Denver Bicycle Lobby’s mayoral questionnaire. We also discussed the mayor’s recent interview with Denver7 and Lakeside’s “new” roller coaster.
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
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode:
Denver Art Museum
Learn about “Simple Steps, Better Air” from the Regional Air Quality Council
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more
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

Jul 21, 2025 • 24min
The Mexican Restaurants You Need To Try Right Now
From taco trucks serving up quesabirria in suburban parking lots to fine dining spots winning awards for elevated tacos and pozole, there is a wide range of Mexican food in Denver. And thanks to a slew of very talented and boundary-pushing chefs, some of Denver’s beloved and distinct Mexican food traditions are being taken in exciting new directions. So what’s hot? What’s new? And where is “Den-Mex” going next? Host Bree Davies is speaking with a man who’s been at the center of it all. Mario Martinez has worked in kitchens with some of these hotshot chefs and now he explores the metro area to find the next great taco truck for his instagram account @TheColoradoFoodies.
Check out all of Mario’s recommendations:
Rosa Mexican Kitchen (Various)
Luchador Taco & More (Whittier)
Los Gallitos (Federal)
Xiquita (Uptown)
La Loteria (South Broadway)
La Loma (Various)
Chili Shack (Various)
El Lucerito Jr. (Green Valley Ranch)
Los Tres Potrillos (Food Truck)
Garibaldi (South South Broadway)
El Paraiso (Lakeside)
Pollos El Guamuchil (Commerce City)
Chivis Tacos (East Colfax)
And here are the chefs that Bree mentioned:
Manny Barella (Riot BBQ)
Dana Rodriguez (Casa Bonita, Carne, Super Mega Bien, Work + Class)
Jose Avila (La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, El Borrego Negro)
Johnny Curiel (Mezcaleria Alma, Alteño, Alma Fonda Fina)
Michael Diaz de Leon (formerly BRUTØ, soon to be at Molino Chido in Stanley Marketplace)
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’s your favorite local spot for Mexican food? Have they been changing recently? New menu items? New presentation? 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 July 21st episode:
Denver Art Museum
RAQC
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
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

Jul 18, 2025 • 50min
Denverites Fleeing to Mexico, Gov. Polis’s Big Beautiful Bridge, and the New RiNo Rhino’s Real Name
The debate over Gov. Jared Polis’ proposal to build an elevated walkway outside the Capitol has taken a turn, and for the first time he wants to hear what you think. So host Bree Davies is talking about the governor’s new survey with producer Olivia Jewell Love and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what this new survey is all about. Plus, why are Denverites in particular clamoring to move to Mexico lately? And why are they particularly susceptible to scammers? Plus, our wins and fails of the week.
Bree talked about the passing of Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson, the California Pizza Kitchen in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and the Sonic in Edgewater. Justine talked about accessibility at Rocky Mountain National Park, Margaret Atencio, and wildlife crossings, which are increasingly popular across Colorado. Olivia talked about this post on r/Denver about the patios at DIA and EV technician training in Aurora Goodwill.
What do you think we should call the new Rhino in RiNo? 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.
Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode:
Check out the Colfax Indie Week with the Colfax Ave BID
Wild Iris Floral Studio
Denver Health
Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment.
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

Jul 17, 2025 • 30min
EV Rebates Dry Up, Geothermal Energy Rises, and Goodbye Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment?
At one point last year, Colorado was number one in the U.S. for market share of new electric vehicles, even beating California. But as the state winds down its EV rebates and the Trump administration’s budget bill cuts into federal EV incentives, will Denverites still be enticed to buy eco-friendly vehicles? CPR climate reporters Sam Brasch and Ishan Thakore join host Bree Davies to dig into this issue, plus they discuss Colorado’s foray into geothermal energy, and take a closer look at how a push for electric lawn equipment could be impacted by Denver’s budget shortfall.
Sam mentioned a previous appearance on our show where we talked about the rise of EVs in Colorado.
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 July 17th episode:
Colfax Ave
Wild Iris Floral Studio
Denver Health
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

Jul 16, 2025 • 21min
Inside the Broncos’ Secret Land Deals
In a story broken by BusinessDen in early June, it was revealed that some mysterious land deals were happening between property owners in and around Burnham Yard and a big, important entity in the city: the Denver Broncos. Further investigative reporting revealed that Denver Water — whose campus is just north of the defunct trainyard land — was also involved, even sending “intent to acquire” letters to surrounding landowners with hints of the use of eminent domain.
BusinessDen reporter Justin Wingerter and editor Thomas Gounley join host Bree Davies to share what their investigation uncovered, discuss who else might be involved, and weigh in on whether this means the Broncos and their yet-to-be-built new stadium will stay in Denver.
Historic Denver’s president John Deffenbaugh talked about the historic preservation work he’d like to see at Burnham Yard on our show a few months ago.
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:
Colfax Ave
Wild Iris Floral Studio
Denver Health
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

Jul 15, 2025 • 34min
Is Your Neighborhood Getting a Bond Project? Plus, John Elway’s Secret Superstition and the Nasty Smell at Little Man LoHi
Mayor Mike Johnston is asking voters to approve a massive new bond this November, and we finally have a pretty good idea of which projects will be included. So why is one councilmember “incredibly angry”? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk through which projects made the cut, which neighborhoods are getting ignored, and why City Council is divided. Plus, have you been to the Little Man Ice Cream in Highland lately? There’s a really nasty smell around that famous milk jug, and we figured out what it is. Plus, a listener comment on our coverage of the Venezuelan gang “takeover” story.
Paul talked about the 303 Artway and Pete’s University Park Cafe. Here are some more helpful takeaways about the proposed bond package from Denverite.
Have you been to the Little Man in Highland lately? We want to know what you think of that smell! 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
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode:
Colfax Ave
Wild Iris Floral Studio
Denver Health
Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more
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

Jul 14, 2025 • 33min
Colfax Has Its Haters. Here’s Why They’re Wrong
Colfax Avenue sure has a lot of haters — people who just don’t get it. But we get it! We love Colfax and wanted to test that knowledge with another round of our famous 1-star review game, Colfax edition. Recorded live at the Colfax Indie Bash last week, Colfax aficionado and host Bree Davies competes against former Colfax-area resident and comedian Joshua Emerson. Quizmaster slash producer Paul Karolyi has some surprises in store! Who knows Colfax’s haters best?
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 about these Colfax businesses? Let us know your hot take! 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 14th episode:
Colfax Ave
Wild Iris Floral Studio
Denver Health
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

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 8min
Did the Grocery Union Get a Good Deal? Plus, One Year of Tren de Aragua and a Homeless Shelter Tragedy
It has been almost one year since the first rumors of a Venezuelan gang started circulating in Aurora. A new report from the New York Times Magazine looks back at how those rumors blew up into an election-defining political issue and now unprecedented ICE raids across the Denver metro. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi invited outgoing Denver Post immigration reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton to look back at the whole arc of the story and all the other biggest news of the week — from the local grocery union’s deals with King Soopers and Safeway to new safety concerns at city-run shelters.
Paul talked about dangerous elevators, Alteño, friend of the show slash CPR reporter Sam Brasch’s coverage of geothermal energy, and Hold On to Your Butts: A Jurassic Park Rewatch Podcast. Bree discussed the local implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and the restoration of the “Confluent People” mural. Megan talked about the MCA’s rooftop parties and a tragic accident at a city-run former hotel shelter.
What do you think about the Venezuelan gang story? 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.
Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver
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 July 11th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment.
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

Jul 10, 2025 • 28min
Trans Rights Are Under Attack. Does Anyone Have a Plan?
Colorado has been a leader in transgender health care and civil rights, but since Trump won back the presidency, this community has been under attack across the country. The question for Denverites and their politicians alike has become: What’s the best way to respond? Representative Brianna Titone of Arvada is Colorado’s first openly trans legislator, and she is on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the federal government’s latest legal attacks on local institutions and share the inside story of the compromise behind Colorado’s new trans rights law, the Kelly Loving Act.
Bree and Rep. Titone discussed the Trump administration’s investigations into East High School’s gender-neutral bathroom and JeffCo’s policy on overnight sleeping arrangements for students. They also talked about the legal challenges to the Kelly Loving Act
Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash tonight! We’ll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. RSVP here.
What do you think about the state of trans rights in Colorado? 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
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
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

Jul 9, 2025 • 30min
Inside Denver’s Biggest Debates: City Layoffs, Removing Welton’s Light Rail, and the Flavored Tobacco Ban
Battles over bike lanes, the uncertain future of Welton Street’s light rail line, and questions about the historic Rossonian hotel ever reopening again — these debates playing out in Denver’s District 9 are a microcosm of issues happening citywide. Councilman Darrell Watson has been representing this district, which covers neighborhoods from Globeville to South Park Hill, for nearly two years. He joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through all the big topics, plus share his thoughts on impending city layoffs, his staunch stance on the flavored tobacco ban, and his mayoral ambitions.
Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We’ll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. RSVP here.
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 about Councilman Watson? We want to hear from you, especially if you live in District 9! 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 9th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
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