
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

Jun 15, 2024 • 27min
Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
This is the fourth episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the first episode, “The Escort Rumors,” the second, “How The Boebert Brand Was Born,” or the third, “The Pueblo Problem.”It all started because Congresswoman Lauren Boebert got caught in a lie. She said that all she did was dance and sing too loud during Beetlejuice: The Musical. She joked about getting kicked out and missing the end of the show. But when people saw what she really did on the high-resolution surveillance footage that leaked to the press, it changed the course of her career forever. So on the fourth episode of this limited podcast series, we’ve got the story of how the Beetlejuice scandal played out, and what it meant to the people who supported her most. Bree Davies is our host. Paul Karolyi reported and produced this episode with tons of support from the rest of the team at City Cast, including but not exclusively Wil Fulton, Olivia Jewell Love, Andi McDaniel, Xandra McMahon, David Plotz, Andrea Silenzi, and Noah Sniderman. Our music is by Don Chicharrón and Los Mocochetes. Thanks also to Joshua Emerson for production support.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? 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.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

Jun 14, 2024 • 42min
Debating Democracy, RTD’s Rough Week, and Indian Restaurant Ripoffs
It’s Friday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, local multimillionaire Kent Thiry is bankrolling a new campaign to reform Colorado’s elections, and the signature-gathering kicked off this week. Will you give the DaVita founder’s ideas your John Hancock? Plus, public transit riders face “mounting disruptions” as RTD struggles with outages and maintenance issues, according the Denver Post. Colorado Newsline senior reporter Chase Woodruff and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join producer Paul Karolyi to break down those stories and, of course, share our wins and fails of the week. Confused about how ranked choice voting works? Check out the explainer we published in our newsletter this week. Paul referenced Chase’s excellent analysis of how effective Kent Thiry’s last few election reforms and suggests this longread from The Lever on Kent Thiry’s political ambitions. He also referenced CoLab’s recent Voter Voices survey, and the John Oliver clip of Kent Thiry. Justine talked about Sony Pictures buying Alamo Drafthouse and the labor organizing at local Live Nation venues. Paul highlighted this BusinessDen article about Indian restaurants. Chase talked about the new Denver museum and Manny Barella. What do you think about ranked choice voting? Would you prefer voting that way? Or not? 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:
Meow Wolf
Monarch Casino
PineMelon
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

Jun 13, 2024 • 24min
Why Leora Joseph Wants to Be District Attorney
Leora Joseph, former prosecutor and current head of the Office of Behavioral Health, talks about safety concerns in Denver, addressing the fentanyl crisis and criminal justice reform, community-oriented district attorney aspirations, challenges in policing, and shares her favorite hangout spots in the city.

Jun 12, 2024 • 29min
Why John Walsh Wants to Be District Attorney
Primary ballots are officially out and Denverites will be voting on the city’s next District Attorney. Two Democratic challengers are up for the task, which includes addressing growing issues around gun violence, police misconduct, fentanyl-related crimes, and more. Host Bree Davies chatted with both candidates individually ahead of the upcoming election. Today, meet candidate John Walsh, a longtime Denver resident and former U.S. Attorney for Colorado. Tomorrow, hear Bree chat with candidate Leora Joseph.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: 720-500-5418Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Meow Wolf
Monarch Casino
Pine Melon
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

Jun 11, 2024 • 22min
The Making of Casa Bonita 2.0 and DAM's Latest Indigenous Artifact Issues
Navajo tribal member and comedian Joshua Emerson discusses the Denver Art Museum's issues with returning stolen Indigenous artifacts and the making of Casa Bonita 2.0. They talk about the complexity of repatriation laws, the importance of community involvement, and insider insights into the Casa Bonita documentary.

Jun 10, 2024 • 28min
The Mile High’s Best and Worst Tourist Traps
Discover which Denver tourist spots are gems versus traps, like Royal Gorge's commercialism and Manitou Cliff Dwellings' questionable origins. Uncover recommendations for fun attractions like Tiny Town, Denver Zoo, and Winter Park, while reconsidering popular spots' true value. Dive into summer activities in ski towns for a different kind of adventure.

Jun 8, 2024 • 32min
Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: The Pueblo Problem
This is the third episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the first episode, “The Escort Rumors,” or the second, “How The Boebert Brand Was Born.”As a first-term member of Congress, Lauren Boebert made a name for herself by doing exactly what the conservatives of rural Colorado sent her to Washington to do: Confront Democrats. She accused a fellow representative of being a terrorist, attempted to impeach President Joe Biden, and heckled the president during his 2022 State of the Union. But being a member of Congress isn’t just about headline-grabbing antics. So on the third episode of this limited podcast series, we’ve got the story of what this celebrity MAGA warrior has actually done as a legislator and how it affected a very important group of her constituents — veterans in Pueblo, Colorado. Bree Davies is our host. Paul Karolyi reported and produced this episode with tons of support from the rest of the team at City Cast, including but not exclusively Wil Fulton, Olivia Jewell Love, Andi McDaniel, Xandra McMahon, David Plotz, Andrea Silenzi, and Noah Sniderman. Our music is by Don Chicharrón and Los Mocochetes. Thanks also to Joshua Emerson for production support.Paul mentioned a Boebert profile that ran in Politico on September 13, 2023, with the headline “Lauren Boebert Ditches the MAGA thing in Colorado,” featuring quotes from Colorado senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO).Thanks to Colorado League of Women Voters for their permission to play a clip from their candidate forum, dated October 12, 2022. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? 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

Jun 7, 2024 • 56min
Kyle Clark on His Big Week, the GOP’s Pride Fail, and Zipper Merge Fever!
It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the news of the week. First, Kyle Clark’s stellar performance as a moderator for the Congressional District 4 debates caught the attention of Jimmy Kimmel, so we had to ask him about it. The 9News anchor also joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the Colorado GOP’s weird week involving the slandering of Pride and a friendly nod to the Westboro Baptist Church. Then, an epic city council sidewalk disappointment, a celebration of the zipper merge, and more wins and fails of the week.We talked about our special series Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, as well as both Kyle and Bree’s interviews with congressional district candidate Valdamar Archuleta. Kyle mentioned 9News’ review of the handling of the initial investigation into Elijah McClain’s death and Paul shouted out Representative Steph Vigil’s legislation supporting gig workers. Bree talked about American Culture’s show this weekend at D3 Arts — and you can hear “Hey Brother, It’s Been a While”, the band’s latest release on Bandcamp.For more on the Westboro Baptist Church, Paul recommends this interview with former Westboro member Megan Phelps-Roper. It’s from a podcast he produced a few years ago, hosted by the badass local pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. What do you think about Kyle Clark’s performance at the CD4 debate last week? 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:
Central City Opera
Arvada Center Summer Concert Series
Museum of Outdoor Arts
PineMelon
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

Jun 6, 2024 • 23min
Why a Gay Republican in Denver is Rejecting His Own Party's Endorsement
Valdamar Archuleta, a gay Republican, rejects his party's endorsement over anti-LGBTQ messaging. He discusses the controversial email from the Colorado GOP during Pride Month and the need for new leadership. The conversation also touches on divisive language in politics and setting boundaries in the queer community, as well as challenging a Democratic incumbent in Denver.

Jun 5, 2024 • 24min
Goodbye Free Fares, Front Range Rail Dreams Deferred, and Banning Cell Phones
For two summers in a row, RTD ran its “Zero Fare for Better Air” free transit promotion to combat emissions. This year riders won’t be so lucky, with state funding for the program going elsewhere. That could be the least of Denverites’ worries however, with multiple central light rail lines downtown being shut down over the next few months for maintenance. And what about Governor Polis’ dream of a Front Range Passenger Rail? CPR growth and transportation reporter Nathaniel Minor joins host Bree Davies to breakdown these big transit stories, plus dig into concerns over a new law targeting cell phone usage while driving and more.Nate’s story on pedestrian activist Phyllis Mack: https://denverite.com/2024/05/17/honoring-late-denver-pedestrian-activist-phyllis-mack/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: 720-500-5418Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Central City Opera
Arvada Center Summer Concert Series
Museum of Outdoor Arts
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