

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

Apr 23, 2024 • 30min
Rockies’ Viral Fail, Polis Sides With Renters, and Local Startup Strikes Gold!
It’s Tuesday, and host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are rounding up the biggest stories in Denver this week. We’re talking about why even the FAA is now trying to figure out what’s wrong with the Colorado Rockies, Colorado’s new law protecting renters from “discriminatory evictions,” and what a Denver startup’s big IPO means for the city. Plus, we answer a listener question about the WNBA coming to Denver.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:
104.7 The Drop
Monarch Casino
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Apr 22, 2024 • 31min
The Battle for Denver's Best Bagel is On!
Denver’s never really been a big bagel town… until now! In the past year, several hot new bagel shops have opened their doors, offering carb-tastic delights the Mile High has never tasted before. So how do some of these buzzy new bagel-makers stack up to the OGs? Host Bree Davies and our resident foodie slash newsletter editor Peyton Garcia are joined by two bona fide bagel fanatics — Denverite transportation reporter Rebecca Tauber and listener Shira Weiner — to taste test Moe’s, Rosenberg’s, Call Your Mother, and Rich Spirit. 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:104.7 The DropLooking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 19, 2024 • 47min
Meow Wolf Layoffs, Nightmare Denver Blunt Rotations, and To Catch a Predator
It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, Meow Wolf announced 165 layoffs this week, including 50 at Denver’s Convergence Station, which turns three years old in September. So host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and one of our favorite regular guests — stand-up comic and Casa Bonita entertainer Joshua Emerson — are talking about where Meow Wolf goes from here. Plus, we’re celebrating 420 early with our dream (and nightmare) blunt rotations, Denver style. And as always, our wins and fails of the week. Bree mentioned our episode with David Thomas, the professor of fun; our visit to the nightclub inside Convergence Station; the Lost Highways episode on the DPD; our walking tour of Cap Hill’s LGBTQ history; her interview with former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur; and our coverage of the allegations facing Jay Bianchi. Paul talked about Colorado’s new neural data protection law and Mayor Johnston’s latest encampment sweep. Joshua discussed DU’s big hockey win. Bree mentioned the charges against Jay Bianchi and a child sex abuse vote at the statehouse.Bree asked which legislator was the only one not to vote for the neural data bill. Check out all the votes on all the different versions of the bill here. How do you feel about Meow Wolf after almost three years 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/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival”
PineMelon
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 18, 2024 • 25min
A 420 Friendly Guide to Denver’s Best Munchies
Producer Olivia and politics correspondent Justine share top Denver munchies, including deluxe nachos, unique chip combos, oysters, and mochi donuts. They discuss sweet treats, satisfying sips, and favorite munchy meals around the city.

5 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 20min
Denver’s Best and Worst Streets to Bike On
Experienced bike courier Matt Sanchez shares insider tips on biking in Denver, discussing hidden gems, routes to avoid, and a fresh perspective. They explore the evolution of bike couriers, efficient cycling challenges, Denver's bike paths, and bike-friendly streets. Plus, a sneak peek of the upcoming live podcast with Mayor Mike Johnston.

Apr 16, 2024 • 28min
Could the Assault Weapons Ban Pass? Plus, Shelter Security Concerns and John Leguizamo
It’s Tuesday, and we’re rounding up the stories that matter in Denver this week. First, the Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill on Sunday that would ban the sale of assault weapons. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the changing debate around guns and the battle to come in the Senate. Plus, Mayor Mike Johnston offered some harsh words to Salvation Army over escalating security concerns at the former DoubleTree shelter, and a major celebrity sighting in Westwood. Finally, your comments on the Xcel blackouts last week. Bree talked about The Pest. Axios Denver’s Alayna Alvarez has more details on John Leguizamo’s visit to Westwood. 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/Denver What do you think about an assault weapons ban? Would you like to see the state senate pass it? Or not? 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: 720-500-5418Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Museum of Outdoor Arts presents “La Primavera Festival”
PineMelon
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 15, 2024 • 17min
Data Shows Denver is Over the Subaru
Guests Ann Marie Awad and Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton discuss the Denver Subaru stereotype. They debunk the myth that Subarus are the most popular cars in Colorado. The podcast explores alternative popular vehicles like Ford F-150 trucks. They also delve into the cultural identity associated with Subarus in Colorado.

Apr 12, 2024 • 49min
Xcel’s Big Fail, a $25K Facebook Block, and the 'Chile Crunch' Trademark
It’s Friday and we’re looking back at a big week in Denver. First, the wind! Xcel Energy preemptively shut off power to thousands of residents of the metro area ahead of last week’s windstorm, and that… didn’t go over well. So we’ve got CSU climate geographer Lauren Gifford joining producer Paul Karolyi and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to talk about Xcel, some controversial proposals to change public comment at Denver City Council, as well as this week’s wins and fails. Justine talked about The Village and La Plaza CO. Lauren mentioned about this First Friday staple. Paul discussed the “chile crunch” trademark, Nathan MacKinnon’s MVP night, the Drip Coffee protests, and native plants in city parks.What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418Wanna win a couple of free VIP tickets to an amazing new wine fest? Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour in Denver on May 11, and we want to see you there! All you’ve got to do is join our membership program today. We’ll select the 5th new member to win the tix. But every single member will receive a discount code for $100 off the price of admission on Monday. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/Denver. 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 episode:Visit Meow Wolf!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 11, 2024 • 26min
Can Mayor Johnston Reduce Gun Violence by 20%?
Colorado recorded a record-high number of gun deaths in 2021, according to the Colorado Sun. While gun violence has waned since then, it’s not decreasing fast enough for many Denverites, including Mayor Mike Johnston. He announced last week his new plan to reduce gun crime in Denver by 20% in 2024 by expanding the city’s focus on high-crime areas known as “hot spots.” So host Bree Davies is sitting down with former mayoral candidate and criminal justice professor Lisa Calderón to talk about how Johnston’s strategy compares with his predecessor and what she’d be doing differently. Bree mentioned the new plan Mayor Mike Johnston announced Wednesday to fund newcomer response, including budget cuts to many city departments. Lisa talked about this community event coming up on May 13. Do you have a question for Mayor Mike? We’re sitting down with the mayor later this month, and we want your help! Do you have a question you want to ask him? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question 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:Visit Meow Wolf!Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Apr 10, 2024 • 21min
Is Denver’s Population in Decline?
Colorado state demographer Elizabeth Garner discusses Denver's population trends, including declining growth, outflux of demographic groups, and housing challenges. They explore historical growth patterns, migration trends, and the importance of accurate data for funding and competition in the city.


