City Cast Denver

This week’s discussion dives into the ambitious yet failed plans for a Hooters-style food hall in Denver. The hosts dissect the rapid decline of upscale food courts and the woes of luxury living as residents of X Denver face unfulfilled promises. There's a humorous look at the struggles of a local chef's food hall grappling with high costs and foot traffic. They also touch on the importance of community support, from local favorites to mental health initiatives, all while celebrating quirky tote bags in energetic conversation.

Join David Gilbert, a local history enthusiast and parent, as he shares the best budget-friendly holiday fun in Denver. He discusses delightful traditions like choosing a holiday tree and highlights family activities including free hot cocoa and festive scavenger hunts. David also emphasizes magical light displays, such as those at the City Building and the Mile High Tree. Furthermore, he shares tips for enjoying family dining experiences and community events, ensuring memorable holiday moments without breaking the bank.

Lizzie Goldsmith, Producer for City Cast Denver, shares exciting recommendations for December in the Mile High City. She highlights festive shopping spots and unique social experiences, including a chocolate lover’s paradise and afternoon tea at renowned venues. Lizzie discusses the inclusive contra dance events and Sister Nancy's electrifying performance. Family-friendly activities like drive-through light shows and concerts also feature prominently, ensuring there's something joyful for everyone this holiday season!

Amy Ford, the head of Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, discusses the city's ongoing infrastructure improvements. She talks about the balance urban planners must strike between bike lane safety and community needs, particularly concerning the contentious 29th Avenue project. Ford also highlights challenges with e-scooter accessibility and the importance of urban planning for people with disabilities. Additionally, she addresses the frustrations with Denver's composting services and the goal of achieving a 50% waste diversion rate by 2027.

It’s Tuesday, and we’re flipping through the headlines you need to know before the holiday break. First, the 160th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre is on Friday, and Colorado is still grappling with how we’ve interpreted our own shameful history. Then, Mayor Johnston is already backtracking on some controversial comments he made on Trump’s “Operation Aurora,” DPS votes to shut down more neighborhood schools, and state legislators look to overhaul the system for filling vacant seats. Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to dig into these headlines plus the Casa Bonita union vote and more.Bree and Olivia talked about our show last week on endangered architecture with Historic Denver’s John Deffenbaugh; here’s the correct information on the location of our smoke stacks in the City and County’s seal. Bree also mentioned our list of local volunteer opportunities we published in the Hey Denver newsletter. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 26th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Unit E Records Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Molly Martin, Westword's food and drink editor, known for her annual bar list, teams up with Justine Sandoval, a political and culinary correspondent, to explore Denver's diverse drinking scene. They dive into the charm of local dive bars and trendy lounges, emphasizing the unique vibes that each spot offers. Highlights include insights on eclectic venues and the nostalgic value of neighborhood bars. Personal anecdotes add lively flair to their recommendations, making the Mile High bar culture come alive!

Join stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson, known for his Casa Bonita documentary, and Noelle Phillips, an award-winning environmental journalist, as they dive into Denver's latest buzz. They discuss the implications of Trump's fracking advocate appointment and the city's proposal to transform a gravel pit into pickleball courts. Plus, they explore the vibrant return of affordable pizza and critique local education decisions like the delay of an African American studies course. Humor and insight collide in this engaging conversation about community and culture!

We know art is big business in this city — world-renowned artists exhibit their work here, live music dominates our many music venues, and Denver has become a go-to place for hit Broadway shows. But what about the artists who live here? Like other working people, creatives often hold down multiple jobs just to afford living here. Recently, writer and photographer Manuel Aragon wrote about the affordability crisis many artists face — and offered some creative solutions Denver could embrace to keep artists in the Mile High City. He joins host and fellow arts advocate Bree Davies to talk about the state of the arts, his concerns about actual affordability, and his hope for the city to be a place that embraces the people who make this place look, sound, and feel so unique.For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬If you enjoyed the interview with Denon Moore, the Business Support Director of Colfax Bid, learn more here.Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 21st episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Meow Wolf Denver Health Unit E Records Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s an age-old question in Denver: Which buildings are worth preserving, and which ones, well, aren’t? From gentrification and housing affordability to the impacts on a city’s cultural significance and the built environment, historic preservation plays varying roles across Mile High neighborhoods. Host Bree Davies sits down with John Deffenbaugh, the president and CEO of Historic Denver, to talk through his philosophy on preservation, and take a look at some current properties with fates being debated over — like Elitch Gardens, the Zuni Street power plant, a mid-century modern office building in City Park West, and more.For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsors of this November 20th episode: PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery Meow Wolf Denver Health Unit E Records Warren Village Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Patty Calhoun, editor at Westword and an authority on Denver's local affairs, dives into recent controversies surrounding Governor Jared Polis’ unexpected endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This has raised eyebrows regarding public health and vaccine policies. They also discuss the uncertain future of the RiNo Business Improvement District, with property owners questioning its effectiveness. Plus, hear about the frustrations of Denver residents facing recycling challenges, particularly in multi-family units, underscoring a need for improved sustainability practices.