
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 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

Jun 4, 2024 • 23min
Odor in the Court! Plus, Predatory Towing Crackdown and a Carpetbagger in Congress
Some residents living within smelling distance of the Nestlé Purina PetCare plant in Elyria-Swansea have had enough, and have filed a class action lawsuit against the global enterprise. Could the operation’s odiferous offenses be bad enough to be considered unlawful? Then, Governor Polis signed HB 1051 into law last week, taking aim at the predatory towing practices of Wyatts Towing in particular. Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to talk the gentrification of stinky air issues, private business-specific legislation, carpetbagger Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, and more news of the week.Bree mentioned a previous episode about Senator Julie Gonzales’ towing woes and Skyler McKinley’s deep dive into the history and water-conscious future of Riverside Cemetery. Patty talked about her co-ownership of the Wonder View Tower, which resides in congressional district 4. 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
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 3, 2024 • 23min
Is This the Wildest Primary Season Yet?
Colorado Politics statehouse reporter Marianne Goodland joins to discuss the intense primary battles in Colorado, record fundraising numbers, and growing divisions within the Democratic and Republican parties. They delve into the challenges faced by incumbents, shifting alliances, and the importance of grassroots support in various state races.

Jun 2, 2024 • 23min
“The Lunch-Meat Mafia” from Lever Time
The podcast discusses the corrupt practices of JBS, a meatpacking giant in Greeley, including bribery and unethical behavior. It highlights the company's control over the meat market and government contracts despite its history of illegal actions. The episode explores the challenges faced by independent businesses in the shadow of corporate monopolies and raises ethical questions about animal treatment in the food industry.

Jun 1, 2024 • 36min
Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: How The Boebert Brand Was Born
This is the second 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.” In the fall of 2019, Beto O’Rourke was the politician to watch. An energetic young Dem who gave Ted Cruz a run for his money in the 2018 Texas Senate race, Beto ran for president on a strong gun control message! Then one day at a rally, a woman shows up to confront the candidate with a gun on her hip. On the second episode of this limited podcast series, we learn how Lauren Boebert built the Boebert brand. 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.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 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

May 31, 2024 • 47min
Police Hiring Scandal, Speed Trap Bonanza, and a Stuffed Raccoon
Explore Denver's Police Hiring Scandal, Speed Trap Bonanza, and a Stuffed Raccoon with discussions on lowering hiring standards, speed cameras, Shaun White in Denver, Antiques Roadshow, and more city news and events!

May 30, 2024 • 27min
Your Guide to June in Denver
Discover the best ways to enjoy June in Denver with Pride parties, sangria spots, gardening tips, horror film events, tapas bars, and nostalgic food memories. Dive into the vibrant Pride celebrations and diverse parties happening throughout the city.

May 29, 2024 • 27min
Our Favorite Hikes Near Denver
Discover the best hiking trails near Denver, from easy beginner-friendly options to challenging adventure hikes. Explore scenic views at Elk Meadow Park and Roxborough State Park, historical landmarks at Georgetown, and thrilling adventures at Sky Pond and Fancy Pass. Learn about the Hanging Lake Trail reconstruction and reservation system. Share your hiking experiences and chat with other listeners on reddit. Subscribe to Hey Denver newsletter for more city news and updates.

May 28, 2024 • 28min
City Council Members Talk Protest Arrests, Low Approval Ratings, and Wage Theft
City council members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Sarah Parady discuss Denver's low approval ratings, protester arrests, controversial shelter funding, and Governor's veto of wage theft bill. They provide insights on city issues, highlighting the context missing in media reports and the complexity of governing a city in challenging times.

May 24, 2024 • 46min
Hot Garbage Summer, Putting Teens To Work, and Fentanyl Hysteria
This week Mayor Johnston rolled out a new program that would pay teens extra money for working a summer job. Will the infusion of cash be an effective way to curb youth violence? Meanwhile, the Colorado GOP sent a letter to families encouraging them to pull children out of public schools before they “turn more kids trans” — but the political benefit of this maneuver remains to be seen. Then, the Mile High’s new compost program was supposed to do wonders for our waste, but it seems more like hot garbage. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by comedian and Casa Bonita immersive actor Joshua Emerson to dig into these stories, plus the mayor’s low approval ratings, Denver sports fans’ low morale, and the low blows of a new hysteria-laced documentary on fentanyl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices