

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

Jun 2, 2024 • 23min
“The Lunch-Meat Mafia” from Lever Time
The podcast discusses the corrupt practices of JBS, a meatpacking giant in Greeley, including bribery and unethical behavior. It highlights the company's control over the meat market and government contracts despite its history of illegal actions. The episode explores the challenges faced by independent businesses in the shadow of corporate monopolies and raises ethical questions about animal treatment in the food industry.

Jun 1, 2024 • 36min
Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: How The Boebert Brand Was Born
This is the second episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the first episode, “The Escort Rumors.” In the fall of 2019, Beto O’Rourke was the politician to watch. An energetic young Dem who gave Ted Cruz a run for his money in the 2018 Texas Senate race, Beto ran for president on a strong gun control message! Then one day at a rally, a woman shows up to confront the candidate with a gun on her hip. On the second episode of this limited podcast series, we learn how Lauren Boebert built the Boebert brand. Bree Davies is our host. Paul Karolyi reported and produced this episode with tons of support from the rest of the team at City Cast, including but not exclusively Wil Fulton, Olivia Jewell Love, Andi McDaniel, Xandra McMahon, David Plotz, Andrea Silenzi, and Noah Sniderman. Our music is by Don Chicharrón and Los Mocochetes. Thanks also to Joshua Emerson for production support.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 Congresswoman Lauren Boebert? 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

May 31, 2024 • 47min
Police Hiring Scandal, Speed Trap Bonanza, and a Stuffed Raccoon
Explore Denver's Police Hiring Scandal, Speed Trap Bonanza, and a Stuffed Raccoon with discussions on lowering hiring standards, speed cameras, Shaun White in Denver, Antiques Roadshow, and more city news and events!

May 30, 2024 • 27min
Your Guide to June in Denver
Discover the best ways to enjoy June in Denver with Pride parties, sangria spots, gardening tips, horror film events, tapas bars, and nostalgic food memories. Dive into the vibrant Pride celebrations and diverse parties happening throughout the city.

May 29, 2024 • 27min
Our Favorite Hikes Near Denver
Discover the best hiking trails near Denver, from easy beginner-friendly options to challenging adventure hikes. Explore scenic views at Elk Meadow Park and Roxborough State Park, historical landmarks at Georgetown, and thrilling adventures at Sky Pond and Fancy Pass. Learn about the Hanging Lake Trail reconstruction and reservation system. Share your hiking experiences and chat with other listeners on reddit. Subscribe to Hey Denver newsletter for more city news and updates.

May 28, 2024 • 28min
City Council Members Talk Protest Arrests, Low Approval Ratings, and Wage Theft
City council members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Sarah Parady discuss Denver's low approval ratings, protester arrests, controversial shelter funding, and Governor's veto of wage theft bill. They provide insights on city issues, highlighting the context missing in media reports and the complexity of governing a city in challenging times.

May 24, 2024 • 46min
Hot Garbage Summer, Putting Teens To Work, and Fentanyl Hysteria
This week Mayor Johnston rolled out a new program that would pay teens extra money for working a summer job. Will the infusion of cash be an effective way to curb youth violence? Meanwhile, the Colorado GOP sent a letter to families encouraging them to pull children out of public schools before they “turn more kids trans” — but the political benefit of this maneuver remains to be seen. Then, the Mile High’s new compost program was supposed to do wonders for our waste, but it seems more like hot garbage. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by comedian and Casa Bonita immersive actor Joshua Emerson to dig into these stories, plus the mayor’s low approval ratings, Denver sports fans’ low morale, and the low blows of a new hysteria-laced documentary on fentanyl.

May 23, 2024 • 35min
Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: The Escort Rumors
Controversial Congresswoman Lauren Boebert's scandalous rumors and legal battles are explored, including allegations of past escort work and interactions with Senator Ted Cruz. The podcast delves into evidence verification, defamation case rulings, and the importance of journalistic ethics in reporting on Boebert's political career.

May 22, 2024 • 23min
The Secrets Beneath Denver's Oldest Operating Cemetery
At first glance, Riverside Cemetery’s parched plots might appear to be abandoned — but a closer look reveals the graveyard is actually ahead of the curve when it comes to water conservation. The dusty burial ground is also the city’s oldest-operating cemetery, home to headstones for some of the Mile High’s earliest and most important figures — including Clara Brown and Silas Soule, and the most Civil War veterans of any graveyard in the state. As Memorial Day approaches, Skyler McKinley went digging around to find out more about the long lost history of important Denverites and what the future could look like if more cemeteries embraced an environmentally-conscious approach.Read Skyler’s cover story on Riverside Cemetery for Westword this week. Bree and Skyler also talked about the Tabor Grand Opera House, which once stood at 16th and Curtis Streets.We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag. Thanks!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:Meow Wolf’s DanceportationLooking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

May 21, 2024 • 25min
Crime Stat Hysteria and Illegal Hot Dogs in LoDo
Topics include dismantling of an anti-war protest camp, Colorado's crime statistics, illegal hot dog sales in Denver, and reflections on the Stanley Hotel's film industry past. The complexity of crime data is discussed along with the ethical implications of consuming non-permitted hot dogs. Also, there is exploration of the city's film culture and the importance of recognizing past events.


