

City Cast Denver
City Cast
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 16, 2024 • 21min
The Uncertain Future of Colorado's Most Iconic Hotel
Dig into the uncertain fate of the iconic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, from failed sales to potential film center ambitions. Explore the mysteries surrounding the hotel's ties to 'The Shining' and its future in the film industry. Uncover the complex negotiations and speculations for the hotel's transformation and cultural impact.

May 15, 2024 • 22min
Denver’s Forgotten Queer History
Exploring Denver's LGBTQ history and culture in preparation for the city's bid to host the 2030 Gay Games. Reflecting on the deep roots of the gayborhood in Capitol Hill with a comics artist and historian. Learning about the LGBTQ+ community's history in Denver's Broadway area and the impact of zoning laws. Discussing the founding of the Manateean Society in Denver and its role in the local gay community. Delving into the significance of Cheesman Park as a central hub for the LGBTQ+ community and hosting Denver Pride events.

May 14, 2024 • 25min
The ‘Spicy Food’ Problem and Newcomers, A Hot Springs Expansion, and Nuggets Bounce Back
Exploring challenges for newcomers with spicy food complaints, renovations at Glenwood Springs Hot Springs, Nuggets' playoffs comeback, and banter on license plates and driving habits

May 13, 2024 • 27min
What Denverites Need To Know About CO's New Laws
Marianne Goodland, a longtime statehouse political reporter, discusses the recent legislative session in Denver. Topics include RTD reform, bipartisan agreements, property tax challenges, K-12 funding protection, housing laws, and budget constraints impacting bill progress.

May 10, 2024 • 46min
A Concert Ticket Fix, Road Rage, and Jamal Murray’s Tantrum
Local music industry veteran Bruce Trujillo and award-winning comedian Joshua Emerson join the host to discuss a new bill for concert ticket transparency, Colorado's road rage stats, Nuggets' playoffs behavior, and more. They also touch on personal experiences with guns, service dogs on flights, and critique music choices at Red Rocks Amphitheater. The conversation covers a wide range of topics from comedy ticket sales to Denver sports.

May 9, 2024 • 25min
Why Denver Still Lags Behind Other Cities on Homelessness
Journalists Chris Osher and Jenny Deam investigate Denver's homelessness crisis, revealing the city's lag behind others like Seattle and Houston. They discuss the challenges in providing permanent housing, contrast Denver's approach with Houston's success, and highlight shortcomings in Denver's rapid rehousing program. The podcast also analyzes Mayor Mike Johnston's housing dashboard and addresses the difficulties in transitioning homeless individuals to stable housing.

May 8, 2024 • 2min
Introducing ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose’
The first episode of ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose’ is coming on May 15.What do you think about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? 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: 720-500-5418You can also email us at denver@citycast.fm and support the show by becoming a member at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

May 8, 2024 • 25min
RiNo’s Vinyl Future, Music Promoter Arrested, and Meow Wolf’s Growing Pains
Expansions, mismanagement, and a major arrest — we’re rounding up the biggest news stories of the Denver art scene this week. After years of rumors, former jam band promoter and venue owner Jay Bianchi was finally arrested on charges of sexual assault. Then, Meow Wolf is sending mixed signals with a major expansion announcement in the midst of company-wide layoffs, while the leadership at Vinyl Me, Please’s new record pressing plant in RiNo have just been fired and sued by their own board. Host Bree Davies sits down with Denver Post entertainment reporter John Wenzel to dig into the details of everything going down in the arts world.John joined us back in 2022 to talk about Denver Meow Wolf workers unionizing and in 2023 to talk about Vinyl Me, Please and a new “music district” in RiNo. Also, check out our past episode with one of the women who accused Bianchi of sexual assault way back in 2021. Listen to John’s band Undersale on Bandcamp and find more information about their show with Guided By Voices this Friday, May 10, at the Marquis Theater.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:
Colorado Wine Board
Levitt Pavillion
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

May 7, 2024 • 32min
Lawmakers Who Drink, Banning Rent Algorithms, and an Exciting Announcement
Stories about alcohol abuse at the state capitol are nothing new, but a series of high-profile incidents have cast the boozy culture of politics into the spotlight. So as lawmakers are sprinting to the end of the legislative session this week, host Bree Davies sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about alcohol’s role in politics, plus we’ve got the latest updates on the Palestinian solidarity protest ongoing at Auraria and the bill that would’ve banned algorithms from determining your rent. City Cast Denver members listening on the ad-free feed also get an exclusive preview of a special project we’re gearing up to release later this month. If you’re not a member yet and you want to hear that sneak peek for yourself, sign up today at membership.citycast.fm.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:
PineMelon -- the farmers market, delivered. PineMelon is a new generation online grocery platform with a strong commitment to supporting local farmers and delivering fresh, quality ingredients to our customers.
Use the code CITYCASTDENVER to get $75 off your first grocery order today!
Colorado Wine Board
Levitt Pavillion
Denver Botanic Garden’s Spring Plant Sale
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

May 6, 2024 • 22min
What Federal ‘Rescheduling’ Means for the Local Weed Scene
Cannabis has been a "Schedule I" drug for decades, meaning the federal government regulates it the same way as heroin. But that could be changing soon, with the recent surprise news of a potential rescheduling. Host Bree Davies sits down with former cannabis reporter, founder of Grasslands PR Agency, and industry insider Ricardo Baca to learn more about why local cannabis leaders are so excited about this and how it could change the world of legal weed as we know it.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 the future of weed? 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:
Colorado Wine Board
Levitt Pavillion
Denver Botanic Garden’s Spring Plant Sale
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise