City Cast Denver

Democrats celebrated victories across the country on Tuesday, but the story of the election here in Denver is a little more complicated. So now that the dust has settled, what do the results tell us about how Denverites are feeling about the big questions facing our city — affordability, density, safety, crime? Content creator and House District 5 candidate Rayna Kingston (aka, @raynakingdenver) joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the big picture. Plus, Denver’s fastest growing company, Palantir, is moving from downtown to Cherry Creek, but their new HQ has already been vandalized? And as always, our wins and fails of the week.  Presenting… The Denver-est Denver Awards! You’re cordially invited to attend a fancy holiday party slash formal awards show celebrating the very best of Denver on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater. City Cast Denver Neighbors can expect a discount code in the inbox later today, but everyone can buy tickets now! And we need your help picking the winners, too! Nominate your faves in our six big categories right now! Paul talked about influencer payola, Clerk and Recorder Paul López, our past episode on why Palantir moved to Denver, and Mondoweiss’ interview with a local anti-Palantir activist. Bree mentioned the failed effort to form a GID in Cherry Creek, the Chili’s on South Monaco, and Aurora city councilmember Danielle Jurinsky.  What do you think Palantir moving to Cherry Creek? 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 clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 November 7th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. 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

Twenty years ago, the big question facing the industrial area along the South Platte River north of downtown was what to call it. Now, as many lifelong Denverites are still getting used to “RiNo,” the city’s most famous arts district is at another inflection point. The artists who made the area cool are mostly gone, and the business owners have been disagreeing over the future. So as the RiNo Art District is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend, host Bree Davies sits down with the organization’s new executive director, Daisy Fodness-McGowan, to swap stories of warehouse raves in the 90s and talk about the future of art in RiNo.  What do you think about RiNo’s new direction? 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 If you enjoyed the interview with Dr. Eric Doringer from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER to receive 30% off. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston celebrated victory on Tuesday night as Denver voters approved his Vibrant Denver bond proposal by wide margins. But not everyone was smiling as the results rolled in. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi break down the numbers from election night — from the flavored tobacco ban to city council at-large election reform — and talk about what it says about where Denver is headed. Plus, we take a look at some surprising results from across the metro area and the country. What do you think about the results of the election? 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 November 5th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s election day! Last-minute voters are mulling over the mayor’s Vibrant Denver bond proposal, the flavored tobacco ban, and more — but where are they getting their information on these important issues? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about politics influencers and the changing norms on social media, including an interesting post about our interview with gubernatorial hopeful Senator Michael Bennet. Plus, we discuss the potential $50 million remodel of Civic Center Park and Patty answers our new favorite question: If Denver was a house…  We talked about this post from Sen. Michael Bennet on X.com featuring a clip from our interview with him last week, and Bennet’s recently announced opposition to the Nexstar/TEGNA merger. We also discussed Denverite’s coverage of the influencers being paid to promote the Vibrant Denver bond. Patty plugged her event at the Denver Press Club this Thursday: “Consider the Alternative: Open Mic. What do you think about construction? Is it a sign of progress or a nuisance we should postpone? 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 November 4th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass 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

We’re deep in the swing of the fall season, and it’s chilly! November is lovely month in the Mile High City — a time to enjoy seasonal holiday markets, deliciously warm and savory meals, and special gatherings that give back. From food recs to mountain getaways, we’ve rounded up a killer list of the best ways to enjoy Denver and beyond this November. Be sure to check out JD’s live show, Comedy Killed the Video Star, November 21 at Mutiny Information Cafe and our list of ways to support food access organizations across the city. Paul talked about the podcast he co-hosts with our guest JD Lopez, “Hold on to Your Butts: A Podcast About the Great Franchises That Uhhhh Lost Their Way.”  Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Denver, we’ll have even more tips and suggestions in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. and check our their shows below: Seuss Mace on 11/07 Intemat Basement on 11/07 Bone Thugs N Harmony on 5/22 Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 3rd episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver. Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at denver@citycast.fm  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Earlier this week, host Bree Davies sat down with BoardHawk podcast co-host Alexis Menocal-Harrigan to talk through ⁠the Denver Public Schools’ Board Races⁠. We heard from listeners aligned with the ⁠Denver Teachers Classroom Association⁠ that they felt the episode was unfair to their candidates. So, we invited DCTA president Rob Gould on to share his perspective on the same issues: The four school board seats up for grabs, how Superintendent Alex Marrero is doing, and why so many out-of-state donors are interested in the DPS board.  Rob discussed the debate around at-large candidate Amy Klein Molk’s comments on AI. For details, Chalkbeat ⁠reported on the controversy⁠.   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 the DPS board races? 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise

More than ever, Denverites are divided on the issue of surveillance. As lawyers hammer out the details of the city’s deal with the surveillance startup Flock, criticism of Mayor Johnston’s position and approach is only growing, especially after his comments on Flock’s role in the cases of Jax Gratton and reports of a Bow Mar woman wrongly accused of theft. Political activist Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to debate the issue and speculate about the future. Plus, some LGBTQ businesses were vandalized just as Denver was passed up in its bid to host the 2030 Gay Games — is the Mile High City becoming less hospitable to the queer community? And of course, our wins and fails of the week.  Bree discussed the family detained by ICE in Durango, high voter turnout, and Rainbow Dome‘s Deadlifts at the Dome. Paul talked about the performers strike at Casa Bonita, the Halo 3 mural at the Game Stop on Colorado Boulevard, and where you can find local Flock cameras.  A celebration of life for Jax Gratton is happening this Saturday at The Pearl.  What do you think about the future of Flock in Denver? 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 clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or 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 October 31st episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film 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

Education is on the ballot this year. Voters statewide are looking at propositions LL and MM concerning funding for school lunch programs. In Denver, 11 candidates are vying for four open DPS board seats, and some of those races are getting spicy. DPS Parent and BoardHawk podcast co-host Alexis Menocal-Harrigan has been interviewing the contenders for those open board seats and she joins host Bree Davies to dig into the details. She also gives insight into how state budget shortfalls are impacting students, why the teachers unions vs. reformers narrative is old news, and who these board candidates are.  After we recorded, Alexis told us she misspoke about DJ Torres’ fellowship with Denver Families. His fellowship came with a $5,000 award, not $1,000.  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 How are you voting on the school board races? 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 October 30th episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ballots are arriving ahead of the November 4 election, and Denverites are weighing Mayor Mike Johnston’s big proposal of the year — the “Vibrant Denver” bond. It would represent almost $1 billion in new debt to fund infrastructure projects across the city, but will voters see a future of possibilities? Or will they swayed by the mayor’s growing chorus of critics? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Mayor Johnston to talk about the recent outrage over his extension of Flock surveillance contracts, his handling of the budget, and why he bought the Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street. Paul referenced our interview with Fire Department Chief Desmond Fulton, “⁠Why Firefighters Are Getting Raises When the City Is Doing Layoffs⁠.” The mayor said that his proposed budgets for the fire and police departments were “mostly flat, but ⁠according to Axios Denver⁠ the mayor’s proposed police budget for 2026 is up 2% to $281 million and ⁠according to our reporting⁠ his proposed fire budget is up about 1%, or $1.2 million, to $158,081,466. The mayor mentioned a police officer ⁠who was shot ⁠protecting a migrant shelter.  Per Paul’s question about the criteria the mayor gave to Flock for any contract extension, the mayor’s office shared ⁠this press release⁠ because the contract itself is still being reviewed by the city’s attorneys.  What do you think about the mayor’s defense of his contracts with Flock? 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 October 29th episode: ⁠Arvada Center⁠ ⁠Denver Art Museum⁠ ⁠Denver Film⁠ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

News broke last week that NBA Hall of Famer and “King of Park Hill” Chauncey Billups was allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar mafia-run poker scheme and potentially sharing insider information on NBA games that he was coaching.  Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the downfall of this hometown hero and if it could change the way Denverites feel about sports betting. Then, they discuss Wynkoop’s car-free trial period and hear from listeners about the STAR program, gubernatorial frontrunner and Senator Michael Bennet, and shooting police drones out of the sky.  Bree mentioned a piece from The Athletic about Chauncey Billups and our past interview with Carleigh Sailon, a clinician who helped launch Denver’s STAR Program. We also talked about our Monday interview with Senator Michael Bennet. If Denver was a house, Union Station would be the living room. But what would be the mudroom? Or the bathroom? Or the backyard? 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 If you enjoyed the interview with Dr. Eric Dorninger from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film 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