City Cast Denver

Federal workers across the country are bracing for layoffs, including more than 40,000 right here in Colorado. So, how are Denverites handling all the DOGE cuts? Then, DIA turns 30 today! Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to talk about everything from the famed airport’s Blucifer conspiracy theories and tales of a luggage-eating baggage system to the renderings of the next Great Hall renovation and a surprising DIA-Elon Musk connection. Plus, a Colorado lawmaker brings her newborn to Congress, a puppy heist in Centennial, and more wins and fails of the week. Paul discussed our latest interview with Mayor Johnston and the 5280 feature on Scott Derrickson, Colorado director of The Gorge — which you can watch now on Apple TV+. Bree mentioned her friend Alisha Sweeney’s long local radio career and the upcoming 303 Day concert. Deep talked about his excitement for the 2026 elections and his new Substack! Producer Olivia would love you to see these pictures of “the Modobag.” Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.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 February 28th episode:CAP ManagementLooking 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

Regardless of the wacky weather that always hits in March, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the Mile High this month. Wondering what to do? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From a local artist’s new show opening in RiNo to a must-try sweet treat from a South Broadway gem, we’ve rounded up our best bets and personal faves just for you to check out in March.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. Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.For even more tips on how to make the most of March in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. If you enjoyed the sponsored interview with Eliza Voss, Vice President of Destination Marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, learn more here. Eliza also mentioned some tips for hiking Maroon Bells and the ACRA’s new destination management plan. Learn more about our other sponsors of this February 27th episode: CAP ManagementAnd 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.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Mike Johnston returns! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with the mayor ahead of his trip to Washington for a high-profile congressional hearing on his approach to immigration next week, during which he will likely face hard questions from the likes of Rep. Lauren Boebert and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. With federal funding at stake, the mayor discusses his approach to what will surely be a media circus, as well has his thoughts on the recent debates over the tipped minimum wage, walkable and bike-able spaces, Colfax businesses struggling with BRT construction, and the future of downtown — plus, the recent wins he’s proud of and a sneak peak at his next big projects. What do you think about how the mayor is doing? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418Do you have what it takes to win our Denverest Denverite Costume Contest? We’re giving away an amazing prize pack to the person who can impress our panel of celebrity judges with a unique and super Denver-y costume. It’s all going down at HEYDAY, our indoor fair on March 8. To enter the contest and receive access to your 2 free tickets to HEYDAY, simply follow this link to submit your entry form. 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.fmLearn more about the sponsors of this February 26th episode:CAP ManagementLooking 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

Is Denver about to get a whole lot noisier? City Council is considering an update to our regulations governing sound, which could mean earlier trash pick-ups and louder public festivals. So producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are talking about what the change would mean, as well as the city’s most common and unique noise complaints. Plus, the debate over lowering the tipped minimum wage is boiling over, with many Democrats lining up to support the local restaurant owners who say they are in crisis. But what about the workers? Then, listeners respond to our segment from last Friday about Denver’s own The Lumineers.Paul talked about a few of the restaurateurs and influencers who testified in favor of the tipped minimum wage bill, labor costs at one Culinary Creative Group restaurant, and mentioned an op-ed from Denver auditor Timothy O’Brien. Still confused about the tipped minimum wage and how it works? Here’s a helpful fact sheet on tipping rules and regulations and a tip glossary from our own Hey Denver newsletter. Bree mentioned some of her writing on the late DIY venue in RiNo, Rhinoceropolis. Do you have what it takes to win our Denverest Denverite Costume Contest? We’re giving away an amazing prize pack to the person who can impress our panel of celebrity judges with a unique and super Denver-y costume. It’s all going down at HEYDAY, our indoor fair on March 8. To enter the contest and receive access to your 2 free tickets to HEYDAY, simply follow this link to submit your entry form. Have you ever had a problem with noise in the city? 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/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fmLearn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode:CAP ManagementLooking 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

Everyone’s got that thing they do as a Denverite that’s not exactly hurting anyone, but probably isn’t something to brag about. Like leaving every Rockies game after three innings because you know how it’s gonna end, or keeping out-of-state tags on your car a little too long after you move here. Host Bree Davies is joined by two longtime Denverites, comedian Kate McLachlan and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to confess their own toxic Colorado traits, and reveal some from listeners. What is your “toxic Colorado trait? We want to hear your most toxic trait! Share it anonymously if you must. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418Do you have what it takes to win our Denverest Denverite Costume Contest? We’re giving away an amazing prize pack to the person who can impress our panel of celebrity judges with a unique and super Denver-y costume. It’s all going down at HEYDAY, our indoor fair on March 8. To enter the contest and receive access to your 2 free tickets to HEYDAY, simply follow this link to submit your entry form. 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.fmLearn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode:5280 MagazineLooking 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

Could ongoing BRT construction mean the end of the road for long-standing Colfax businesses? The public transit project has been in the works for years, but the real impacts of sidewalk closures and disappearing parking spots are finally hitting home. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Westword staff writer Jason Heller to talk through his reporting on how business owners are balancing concerns with the prospect of better bus lanes. Plus, they dig into more news of the week, including The Lumineers’ new album and frontman Wesley Schultz’s guide to Denver, gender-affirming care for kids returning to area hospitals, and the questionable names being thrown around for Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League franchise.Jason talked about new music from Plague Garden. Bree mentioned a 2013 New York Times article on The Lumineers and budget cuts impacting childcare programs across the state. Paul talked about the “Watershed Alliance" for Sloans Lake. What do you think about The Lumineers? Are they a distinctly Denver band to you? Do you have a great Lumineers story to share? We’d love to hear it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Do you have what it takes to win our Denverest Denverite Costume Contest? We’re giving away an amazing prize pack to the person who can impress our panel of celebrity judges with a unique and super Denver-y costume. It’s all going down at HEYDAY, our indoor fair on March 8. To enter the contest and receive access to your 2 free tickets to HEYDAY, simply follow this link to submit your entry form. 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.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this February 21st episode: University of Colorado Denver Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 5280 Magazine 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

A little over a month into the 2025 state legislative session, and things are already heating up — Will this finally be the year lawmakers can coax Denver developers to build condos? Will a new gun control bill make it across the governor’s desk? Is the labor movement on the precipice of a long-awaited victory or yet another setback? And what about the state senator who recently resigned in part over allegations that she put her aides to work bartending at political fundraisers? Chief legislative reporter Marianne Goodland of Colorado Politics joins host Bree Davies to take us inside the biggest battles going down under the gold dome.Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.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? 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 February 20th episode: University of Colorado Denver Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 5280 Magazine 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

The King Soopers strike is over… for now. As the company and the union return to the bargaining table, we question what really brought them to this latest agreement? Producer Paul Karolyi tells host Bree Davies about recent conversations he had with strikers on the picket line and how they characterized the public’s response to the labor dispute. Then, frustrated downtown restaurant owners sent a letter to Mayor Johnston blaming him for a laundry list of issues impacting their businesses. But the data paints a more complex picture. Bree and Paul dig into these stories plus a listener’s thoughts on the conundrum facing First Fridays on Santa Fe. What do you think about the King Soopers strike? 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: 720-500-5418‬Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.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.fmLearn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode: University of Colorado Denver Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 5280 Magazine 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

How do you know you’re a true Denverite? Was it when you found yourself in the midst of a Chipotle vs. Illegal Pete’s fight? Or that time you woke up at 6 a.m. to meet friends for a hike while still nursing a hangover from a wild show at Red Rocks? We’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had last year with two hilarious guests — Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of Dyketopia — to help finish this sentence: You’re not a real Denverite until…UPDATE: After we recorded, we learned that Snooze takes reservations now, but only on weekdays. You can also join their waitlist online, though you’d miss out on some sweet, sweet brunch anticipation time!Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.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? 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 February 18th episode: University of Colorado Denver Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 5280 Magazine 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

Is the Art District on Santa Fe’s First Friday summer art walk event in danger of going away? Concerns over crowd sizes at this annual block party has the city hesitant to issue needed permits, leaving the popular event in limbo. Then, a group of women on their way to a protest last weekend were accosted downtown by two men in a truck, and told Westword they didn’t feel like law enforcement took the incident seriously. Host Bree Davies is joined by returning faves Hey Denver newsletter editor Adrian González and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into these stories, plus the King Soopers picket lines’ impact on Girl Scout cookie sales, Kendrick Lamar’s Denver rec center appearance, and more wins and fails of the week. Justine talked about the City of Denver’s Black History Month public art tour. Adrian discussed United Airlines’ new flight training center and Osaka Ramen’s impending closure. Bree mentioned the Denver Coliseum being used as a temporary shelter and the children who froze to death in Detroit.Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.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 February 14th episode: Denver Health University of Colorado Denver 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