

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 newsletter at denver.citycast.fm..
Named Westword's Best Podcast of 2021, 2023
Named Westword's Best Podcast of 2021, 2023
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 11, 2024 • 20min
Burning Questions About This Weekend’s Heat Wave
Denver is projected to see a three-day streak of temperatures over 100 degrees this weekend. So, what is causing these high temps? And what does this mean for our day-to-day lives? 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi joins host Bree Davies to break down the heat wave, the broader context, and share some advice to consider before you venture outside this weekend.For more weather news and analysis, we think Chris is really good on TikTok.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/CityCastDenverHow are you planning to beat the heat this weekend? 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:
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)
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Jul 10, 2024 • 29min
A Millionaire’s Case for Major Elections Reform
In a presidential election year when democracy itself is under threat, local political megadonor Kent Thiry is proposing a massive reform to Colorado’s elections. But Initiative 310 will only make it onto our November ballots if the campaign can collect 125,000 signatures by the first week of August. So producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Thiry and one of his top allies — former Denver Elections director Amber McReynolds — to talk about how this reform would work, why both Democrats and Republicans are so mad at them, and whether or not Thiry is just clearing the path for his own long-anticipated run for governor. Oh, and you better believe Paul asked what’s up with Thiry’s reported obsession with The Three Musketeers.Initiative 310 would implement “open primaries” and ranked choice voting in elections for federal and state offices in Colorado. We recently published an explainer for ranked choice voting, which you can read here, and you can learn more about open primaries from our friends at Colorado Public Radio.Paul mentioned the 2017 episode of Last Week Tonight where John Oliver explored the dialysis industry and poked fun at Thiry for dressing up like The Three Musketeers. 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/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmWhat do you think about Kent Thiry and Initiative 310? 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:
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertiseHey Victoria, thanks for listening and leaving us a message. I agree Patty is the best! This is Paul btw. I thought you might be curious, I just checked Union Station's code of conduct and it confirms my personal experience: "Restrooms and seating within the common areas of the Great Hall are reserved for patrons of Denver Union Station, Amtrak, and the Crawford Hotel only." You can find the rest of their rules here: https://www.denverunionstation.com/content/uploads/2023/02/DUS-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

Jul 9, 2024 • 30min
Expired Plates Crackdown, Union Station’s $11M Facelift, and Justice for Drones
Patty Calhoun, editor at Westword and expert on local news, shares insights on Denver's latest happenings. She discusses Union Station's stunning $11 million renovation and its historical significance. The conversation then shifts to the Denver Police Department's crackdown on expired registrations, raising community concerns about public safety. Patty also responds to listener skepticism about a recent drone show, highlighting its positive reception as a safer, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. Tune in for all the local buzz!

Jul 8, 2024 • 37min
Who Belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Denver Food?
Molly Martin, the food editor at Westword, dives into Denver's vibrant culinary scene. She discusses the idea of a 'Mt. Rushmore' for local food icons, highlighting influential figures like Daddy Bruce Randolph and the impact of the Chubby's family saga. The conversation explores how personalities like Mel and Janie Master and the Contos couple transformed Denver's dining landscape. Through anecdotes and insights, Molly reveals the rich flavors and community connections that define the Mile High's cuisine.

Jul 5, 2024 • 50min
Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About
City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Bree Davies's story stacks up against the rest.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: 720-500-5418Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
Is Lakeside Unsafe? Plus, Murky Homelessness Spending and ‘Chipotle Boys’
It’s only Wednesday, so we’re rounding up a short week of news before the holiday weekend! First, a new investigation from the Denver Post attempts to answer the question of the summer: Why is the Cyclone rollercoaster at Lakeside Amusement Park still closed? Then, concerns linger about just how much money Mayor Johnston is spending on homelessness, especially after SCOTUS’s recent ruling on camping bans. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by a returning fave — comedian and Casa Bonita gorilla Joshua Emerson — to discuss all these stories, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.Paul promised details on the City of Denver’s first-ever drone show for the Fourth of July (July 3, Civic Center Park) and gave a shout out to the Chipotle Boys. Bree mentioned Dozens reopening and Sol Tribe’s closure and how to get in touch with tattooists and piercers as they move to new shops. Joshua talked about Denver’s dual MVPs, the last days of the Esquire Theatre, and his collaboration “Knowing You, Denver,” opening at the Denver Art Museum this week. Come party with us on Colfax! RSVP today for the Colfax Indie Bash where we’ll be chatting with Mayor Mike Johnston and celebrating all things Colfax on July 18. Get the deets and save the date here!What do you think? 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:BabbelLooking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Jul 2, 2024 • 20min
The Hidden History of Early Denver's Sex Workers
Ann Sneesby-Koch, Assistant Curator of Serials at History Colorado, dives into the vibrant yet overlooked world of early Denver's sex workers. She discusses the entrepreneurial spirit of influential figures like Maddie Silks and Jenny Rogers, who ran successful parlor houses. The conversation unveils the evolution of Market Street as a sex work hub and contrasts the glamorous with the gritty realities of the profession. Ann also reflects on the societal perceptions and struggles these women faced, shedding light on their complex legacies in the Victorian context.

Jul 1, 2024 • 27min
Your Guide to July in Denver
July in Denver brings hot dogs, swimming pools, and summer fun! From off-the-radar reservoirs to indoor art shows inspired by cats, there is no shortage of unique activities. Don't miss the live podcast recording at the Colfax Indie Bash with special guests and plenty of Colfax-y goodness. Discover local cafes, Italian festivals, and cat-inspired art galleries. Get ready for Sturgis t-shirts, Denver newsletters, and festive 4th of July shirts in this entertaining podcast episode.

Jun 28, 2024 • 52min
Why Progressives Lost, Dems’ Cringey Stunt, and Colorado’s Scariest Animals
Guest Justine Sandoval, a politics and green chile correspondent, joins the hosts to discuss the outcomes of the primary elections and the future of the divided Democratic and Republican parties. They also talk about Colorado's scariest animals and share wins and fails of the week.

Jun 27, 2024 • 23min
The Antisemitic Assassination That Shocked Denver
Forty years ago, a group of white supremacists calling themselves The Order of Death gunned down one of Denver most beloved talk radio hosts, Alan Berg, in the driveway of his home on Adams St. off Colfax. The antisemitic attack was a shock to our city, but as antisemitism and far-right extremism have surged once again, it’s more important than ever to understand what happened and why. KNUS host Peter Boyles was Berg’s colleague and friend, and he’s on today to share his story of the attack and explain how it shaped the radio business to this day. Don’t miss Peter’s piece on the 40-year anniversary of Berg’s assassination that ran in The Denver Post earlier this month. 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:
RAQC
Denver Health
Denver Century Ride
Babbel
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise


