
City Cast Denver
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
Latest episodes

Jul 13, 2024 • 42min
Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: Our Evening With Lauren Boebert
This is the final episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the whole series, available now in this podcast feed or on our website. June 25 was a big election day for Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. She had five opponents for the Republican nomination in her new district in Colorado and, as we’ve learned in this limited-run podcast series, a whole lot of baggage. But we’re done dissecting her controversies and analyzing her strategies. On this final episode, arriving two weeks after her decisive victory in the CD4 Republican primary, it’s time to sit down at her kitchen table and hear her side of the story.Check out our coverage of Boebert's decisive victory in the CD4 Republican primary for a full breakdown of the results. 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/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418Looking 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 12, 2024 • 57min
Biden Divides Local Dems, Busting Denver Stereotypes, and a Ren Faire Intruder
It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, how are Denverites feeling about Mayor Johnston after his first year in office? What about his work on homelessness or revitalizing downtown? A new poll shows all. Then, Democrats across the country are divided on President Biden’s chances at re-election in November, and local politicians are speaking out. Big thinker and local business owner Deacon Rodda joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into those stories and swap Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Join our bike scavenger hunt! We’re partnering with Bike Streets to bring you an an eight-week challenge to get to know the Mile High from two wheels. Check out the Hey Denver newsletter every Friday for a chance to win some EPIC prizes at the end. The first clue drops today — play along and sign up for Hey Denver if you haven’t already!Bree mentioned Sen. Michael Bennet’s Wednesday interview on CNN and Rep. Diana DeGette’s reflection on a recent meeting with the president. You’re invited to join us next week at the Colfax Indie Bash! We’re gonna record a live podcast on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston, and we’d love to see you there. RSVP for FREE right here. Paul discussed the latest dog park news out of Westminster and the bear at the Ren Faire. Bree talked about Herman’s Hideaway and the Cherry Cricket. Deacon shouted out Paul Davis Restoration.What grade would you give Mayor Johnston on his first year in office? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your take on the show: 720-500-5418For 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.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this July 12th episode:
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
PineMelon
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)
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, 2024 • 22min
Burning Questions About This Weekend’s Heat Wave
Denver is projected to see a three-day streak of temperatures over 100 degrees this weekend. So, what is causing these high temps? And what does this mean for our day-to-day lives? 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi joins host Bree Davies to break down the heat wave, the broader context, and share some advice to consider before you venture outside this weekend.For more weather news and analysis, we think Chris is really good on TikTok.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/CityCastDenverHow are you planning to beat the heat this weekend? 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 episode:
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)
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, 2024 • 31min
A Millionaire’s Case for Major Elections Reform
In a presidential election year when democracy itself is under threat, local political megadonor Kent Thiry is proposing a massive reform to Colorado’s elections. But Initiative 310 will only make it onto our November ballots if the campaign can collect 125,000 signatures by the first week of August. So producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Thiry and one of his top allies — former Denver Elections director Amber McReynolds — to talk about how this reform would work, why both Democrats and Republicans are so mad at them, and whether or not Thiry is just clearing the path for his own long-anticipated run for governor. Oh, and you better believe Paul asked what’s up with Thiry’s reported obsession with The Three Musketeers.Initiative 310 would implement “open primaries” and ranked choice voting in elections for federal and state offices in Colorado. We recently published an explainer for ranked choice voting, which you can read here, and you can learn more about open primaries from our friends at Colorado Public Radio.Paul mentioned the 2017 episode of Last Week Tonight where John Oliver explored the dialysis industry and poked fun at Thiry for dressing up like The Three Musketeers. 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 about Kent Thiry and Initiative 310? 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 episode:
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertiseHey Victoria, thanks for listening and leaving us a message. I agree Patty is the best! This is Paul btw. I thought you might be curious, I just checked Union Station's code of conduct and it confirms my personal experience: "Restrooms and seating within the common areas of the Great Hall are reserved for patrons of Denver Union Station, Amtrak, and the Crawford Hotel only." You can find the rest of their rules here: https://www.denverunionstation.com/content/uploads/2023/02/DUS-Code-of-Conduct.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 9, 2024 • 32min
Expired Plates Crackdown, Union Station’s $11M Facelift, and Justice for Drones
Patty Calhoun, editor at Westword and expert on local news, shares insights on Denver's latest happenings. She discusses Union Station's stunning $11 million renovation and its historical significance. The conversation then shifts to the Denver Police Department's crackdown on expired registrations, raising community concerns about public safety. Patty also responds to listener skepticism about a recent drone show, highlighting its positive reception as a safer, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. Tune in for all the local buzz!

Jul 8, 2024 • 39min
Who Belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Denver Food?
Molly Martin, the food editor at Westword, dives into Denver's vibrant culinary scene. She discusses the idea of a 'Mt. Rushmore' for local food icons, highlighting influential figures like Daddy Bruce Randolph and the impact of the Chubby's family saga. The conversation explores how personalities like Mel and Janie Master and the Contos couple transformed Denver's dining landscape. Through anecdotes and insights, Molly reveals the rich flavors and community connections that define the Mile High's cuisine.

Jul 5, 2024 • 52min
Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About
City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Bree Davies's story stacks up against the rest.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/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418Looking 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 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Is Lakeside Unsafe? Plus, Murky Homelessness Spending and ‘Chipotle Boys’
It’s only Wednesday, so we’re rounding up a short week of news before the holiday weekend! First, a new investigation from the Denver Post attempts to answer the question of the summer: Why is the Cyclone rollercoaster at Lakeside Amusement Park still closed? Then, concerns linger about just how much money Mayor Johnston is spending on homelessness, especially after SCOTUS’s recent ruling on camping bans. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by a returning fave — comedian and Casa Bonita gorilla Joshua Emerson — to discuss all these stories, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.Paul promised details on the City of Denver’s first-ever drone show for the Fourth of July (July 3, Civic Center Park) and gave a shout out to the Chipotle Boys. Bree mentioned Dozens reopening and Sol Tribe’s closure and how to get in touch with tattooists and piercers as they move to new shops. Joshua talked about Denver’s dual MVPs, the last days of the Esquire Theatre, and his collaboration “Knowing You, Denver,” opening at the Denver Art Museum this week. Come party with us on Colfax! RSVP today for the Colfax Indie Bash where we’ll be chatting with Mayor Mike Johnston and celebrating all things Colfax on July 18. Get the deets and save the date here!What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418For 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.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:BabbelLooking 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 2, 2024 • 21min
The Hidden History of Early Denver's Sex Workers
Ann Sneesby-Koch, Assistant Curator of Serials at History Colorado, dives into the vibrant yet overlooked world of early Denver's sex workers. She discusses the entrepreneurial spirit of influential figures like Maddie Silks and Jenny Rogers, who ran successful parlor houses. The conversation unveils the evolution of Market Street as a sex work hub and contrasts the glamorous with the gritty realities of the profession. Ann also reflects on the societal perceptions and struggles these women faced, shedding light on their complex legacies in the Victorian context.

Jul 1, 2024 • 28min
Your Guide to July in Denver
July in Denver brings hot dogs, swimming pools, and summer fun! From off-the-radar reservoirs to indoor art shows inspired by cats, there is no shortage of unique activities. Don't miss the live podcast recording at the Colfax Indie Bash with special guests and plenty of Colfax-y goodness. Discover local cafes, Italian festivals, and cat-inspired art galleries. Get ready for Sturgis t-shirts, Denver newsletters, and festive 4th of July shirts in this entertaining podcast episode.