

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
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Apr 8, 2024 • 17min
The Contested Future of a Demolished Neighborhood
In 1965, a massive flood devastated the Mile High City. Auraria was hit particularly hard and plans were put in motion to demolish the mostly Hispanic neighborhood and replace it with a college campus. By 1972, the whole blocks were scraped away and hundreds of Aurarians had been moved out Then, it seemed that most people forgot it existed at all. But more than 50 years later, the displaced Aurarians haven’t forgotten. Host Bree Davies sits down with Denver Post reporter Elizabeth Hernandez to discuss the community’s latest battle with the college campus.Elizabeth’s recent reporting on the displaced Aurarians covers the meeting where the latest version of the Auraria Community Master Plan was discussed. The Denver Public Library also offers a full timeline and history of Denver’s oldest neighborhood prior to and after displacement. 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
Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts
PineMelon
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 5, 2024 • 42min
Wage Theft Hypocrisy, Breweries Keep Closing, and ‘Love Is Blind’ Sightings
It’s Friday and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, while Denver’s auditor’s office has been busy recovering more than $2 million in stolen wages, a state lawmaker was removed as a sponsor of a wage theft bill after allegedly committing wage theft in her own office! Then, South Broadway staple Grandma’s House announced its closure at the end of April, joining 17th Ave.’s Alpine Dog and a list of more than 30 craft breweries to close across the state in the past year — is the era of the craft brew over? Host Bree Davies is joined by returning fave, comedian and Casa Bonita performer Joshua Emerson, and longtime beertender Cory Helie to talk wage theft, beer, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the Week. If you think you have been a victim of wage theft, the auditor’s office would love to hear from you. Get in touch with them here! Joshua talked about the luxury apartment building in Englewood that is falling apart and Love is Blind’s Colorado rendezvous. Bree mentioned Denverite and fellow George Washington Patriot Chauncey Billups’ induction into the NBA Hall of Fame, and the “the PP Man” brick design on the apartment building on south Federal. Cory talked about the Nuggets superfan who got banned from Ball Arena and Lady Justice Brewing’s new digs. You can also catch Cory as host of the Ratio Free Comedy Show every Wednesday night at Ratio Beerworks. What do you think we should ask Mayor Mike Johnston in a couple weeks? We want to know what you want to hear from the mayor! 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:
Colorado Wine Board
Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 4, 2024 • 32min
Your Questions on @DoBetterDNVR, Members Clubs, and Those ‘Green’ Buildings
After 9News anchor Kyle Clark discussed the increasingly popular (and controversial) instagram @DoBetterDNVR with us last Friday, the anonymous posters behind the account sent a brigade of their followers to share their thoughts with us. So we’re opening up the mailbag and talking about all the comments, questions, and feedback. And we’re not just addressing the instagrammers posting photos of unhoused people in crisis without their consent, but also listeners’ thoughts on private members clubs, the legal dispute between two Mexican restaurants, and those two ‘green’ new buildings, The Populus and One River North. If you missed any of those episodes, here are the links to find them:
‘Inevitable’ Shelter Deaths, Poop in the Park, and Kyle Clark!
Private Member Clubs Are Thriving. Are You Cool (And Rich) Enough to Join?
Inside the Two 'Green' New Buildings Rising in Denver
Mexican Food on Trial, Banning Assault Weapons, and Casa Bonita Is 50
Bree mentioned a show at MCA Denver featuring nonconsensual photography and this piece on the crime data by Chase Woodruff. Paul mentioned this Colorado Polling Institute poll from last AugustFor 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 us by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmWhat 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
Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 3, 2024 • 29min
Is Governor Polis Trying To Take Over RTD?
What lengths will Governor Jared Polis go to to get his Front Range Passenger Rail? He and some senior Democrats are just starting to roll out their plan right now, and it is far-reaching — they’re talking about taxing rental cars to fund the project and cutting two thirds of the RTD board seats. CPR’s Andy Kenney joins producer Paul Karolyi to explain how the governor’s big plan could affect Denver’s public transportation system, and then former State Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll joins to explain why he’s already speaking out against it. Paul would like to add some context from this poll from the Colorado Polling Institute last year, showing that a majority of Denverites have a favorable opinion of RTD. 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
Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts
PineMelon
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 2, 2024 • 27min
Boebert Gets a Boost, Tattered Cover For Sale, and Your Big Dog Poop Ideas
It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about the biggest stories shaping Denver today. First up, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert got a big boost from Republican Party leaders last week, so we’re surveying the state of the races to represent Denver, Colorado Springs, the Eastern Plains and the Western Slope ahead of the congressional primaries in June. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the latest developments. Plus, Patty’s got the scoop on possible changes coming to the city-owned Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, the Tattered Cover’s bankruptcy, and the historic preservation fight over El Chapultepec. 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:
The Colorado Wine Board
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 1, 2024 • 23min
Your Guide to April in Denver
Adrian Gonzalez and Olivia Jewell Love share top picks for things to do in Denver in April, including Pizza Beer at New Belgium Brewing, a showing of 'Gone With The Wind' in Estes Park, exploring thrift stores, indulging in nachos, finding new hobbies at The Craft Box, and more fun spring activities.

Mar 29, 2024 • 46min
‘Inevitable’ Shelter Deaths, Poop in the Park, and Kyle Clark!
9News anchor Kyle Clark joins the hosts to discuss the recent shelter killings and Denver's dog poop problem. They touch on Mayor Johnston's initiatives, minority entrepreneurship, and community wins like the Denver Basic Income Project and a reopened pub. The conversation also dives into challenges faced by nonprofits and the benefits of financial assistance programs for vulnerable individuals.

Mar 28, 2024 • 29min
Private Members Clubs Are Thriving. Are You Cool (and Rich) Enough To Join?
Socializing is a hot commodity in the Mile High, and there are plenty of bars, parks, and adult-oriented entertainment spaces catering to folks looking for community. But in the last few years, a new type of organization has risen to meet growing demand from a higher-end clientele: The private members club. So our producer Paul Karolyi decided to see for himself. Host Bree Davies sits down with Paul to talk about his experience applying to be a potential insider at one of these spaces, how their inclusivity policies work in practice, and what their “curated” approach to recruitment says about Denver’s social fabric today.For more, BusinessDen reported on the Clayton Members Club & Hotel back when it opened in 2021, and 5280 Magazine reported on Clayton’s inclusivity policies. What do you think is the best way to make friends in Denver? 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: 720-500-5418For 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/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Denver Health
Rocky Mountain PBS
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

11 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 30min
A Local’s Guide to 36 Hours in Denver
Justine Sandoval, politics and green chile correspondent, joins to plan the ultimate 36 hours in Denver with the best restaurants, attractions, and outdoorsy spots. Explore iconic Denver locations like Blucifer at DIA, Union Station, Red Rocks, and more. Get insider tips on where to take visitors for a memorable Mile High experience.

Mar 26, 2024 • 28min
Mexican Food on Trial, Banning Assault Weapons, and Casa Bonita Is 50
Lawsuit threatens buzzy restaurant, Casa Bonita turns 50 without reservations. East High students push for assault weapon ban on social media. Restaurant drama unfolds - trade secrets, non-compete clauses, and disputes.