City Cast Denver

Psychedelic-assisted therapy centers are set to open this spring across Colorado and applications to operate them in Denver are rolling in. But how does this new type of treatment fit into the complicated and often gray areas within decriminalized psychedelics? What types of practitioners can offer this kind of therapy? And who could benefit from the treatment? Tiney Riccardi at the Denver Post has been reporting on the long, strange trip to regulate magic mushrooms and similar substances in the state. She joins host Bree Davies to dig into the details of these therapy centers and explains what you need to know as the industry grows and evolves.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 13th episode:Denver HealthLooking 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 legislation the best way to help Denverites avoid paying $20 for a mediocre cheeseburger? Some leading Democrat lawmakers are set to introduce a new bill this week to put some legislative heft behind the proposal you heard about first on our show last week — to essentially lower the tipped minimum wage. Some restaurateurs say it’s their only hope. But this stuff is confusing! So producer Paul Karolyi is continuing the conversation with former-restaurant-worker-turned-food-reporter Helen Xu. She recently reported for Westword on some more creative (and risky) ways local restaurants are trying to offer more value, and she’s on to put this new “tip credit” proposal in context and demystify the minimum wage debate. We’ve got a sneak peek for you of the full text of the draft legislation that Rep. Steve Woodrow (Denver) and state Sen. Judy Amabile (Boulder) are reportedly planning to introduce this week. And don't miss our episode full of recommendations for our favorite cheap eats.Paul mentioned Matthew Fritz-Maur, the executive director of Denver Labor, and the city’s chief watchdog of wage theft complaints. You can hear him on an episode from last year, and get in touch with Denver Labor if you suspect you’ve been a victim of wage theft. Which Denver restaurant offers the best value? We’re looking for great deals, specials, happy hours, or flat out bargains! 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 episode:Denver HealthLooking 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 about to enter its second week, and there’s a new lawsuit from the company in the mix — but the union is pushing back. Then, as 16th Street continues to hobble along, will rumors of a rebrand and dropping of the word “mall” really be the solution? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love take a closer look at both sides of the picket line, discuss what the word mall even means in 2025, and share a listener’s correction of our Jurassic Park reference on last Friday’s show.Bree mentioned our episode about the King Soopers strike from last week.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 episode:Denver HealthLooking 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 threat of ICE raids is looming over the Denver metro area now that President Trump’s ‘Operation Aurora’ has officially begun. A reported 30 people were arrested in the first official immigration enforcement raids last Wednesday, but rumors are swirling about what exactly happened (and where those 30 people are being held). Denver Post immigration reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton has been on the ground tracking the raids, and she joins host Bree Davies to break down exactly what we know, what we don’t, and what’s coming next. Megan also responds to and explains Border Czar Tom Homan’s allegation that ICE failed to hit its goal of arresting 100 people because the “local media” tipped off activist groups. 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 10th episode:Denver HealthLooking 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

Thousands of Coloradans gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday for the biggest local protest since Trump was re-elected president. As photos and videos spread online, federal immigration officers conducted raids across the metro area, with reports of agents showing up at apartment complexes, school bus stops, and workplaces. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by activist and former legislator Tim Hernández to talk about where the growing anti-Trump energy will go from here. Plus, all the other big stories of the week, including the new dinosaur-themed establishment coming to RiNo, the ongoing Colfax Swastika saga, and our wins and fails. Tim talked about the latest council moves on needle exchange sites and the Westwood paletero cart art show happening at Re:Vision tonight. Bree mentioned Denverite’s coverage of the ICE raids at Aurora apartment complexes and Children’s Hospital’s ending gender-affirming care for youth in the wake of Trump’s threats on federal funding. Paul talked about a Denver7 Facetime interview, the fate of the Colfax swastikas, and the Comcast-Altitude deal. 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 about the fractured Trump resistance? 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 7th episode:Arvada CenterLooking 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

More than 10,000 grocery workers are set to walk off their jobs at 77 King Soopers stores across the Denver metro area today — three years after they went on strike in 2022, winning a slew of compromises from the company. But after the failed merger between the parent companies of King Soopers and Safeway in 2024, as well as three years of inflation, the situation inside Denver’s grocery stores has changed a lot. So host Bree Davies is speaking with UFCW Local 7 president Kim Cordova, who called the strikes, and then King Soopers president Joe Kelley about how negotiations broke down and what’s at stake. Joe Kelley mentioned several times that King Soopers has published their “last, best, and final offer” to the union. 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 6th episode:Arvada CenterLooking 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

Ask diners. Ask servers. Ask restaurateurs. You can even ask the governor! They’ll all tell you it's time to talk about the crisis happening in Denver’s restaurants. But everyone defines it a little differently. Some are sick and tired of paying $20 for a mediocre cheeseburger. Others point to recent reports of restaurants closing — more than one in five since 2021 — and no one can agree on what to do. One of city’s most successful restaurateurs, Culinary Creative Group founder and CEO Juan Padró, has been lobbying local politicians, and he joins producer Paul Karolyi alongside former president of Bell Policy Center Scott Wasserman to talk through a big idea they think can help. For background, Culinary Creative Group owns more than a dozen bars and restaurants in Denver, including A5, Mister Oso, Bar Dough Fox and the Hen, and the various Tap & Burgers. If all this jargon about Colorado’s minimum wage law is still confusing, we recommend this helpful breakdown from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and this glossary from our newsletter Hey Denver. What do you think should be done about Denver’s restaurant “crisis”? 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 5th episode:Arvada CenterLooking 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

In an email sent late Friday, the RiNo Art District announced that cars would be returning to the 2900 block of Larimer Street, ending a nearly five-year experiment born early in the pandemic. So as the pedestrian-friendly open space went back to traffic as usual over the weekend, urbanists organized a protest, and producer Paul Karolyi was on the scene. He joins host Bree Davies to talk about who’s responsible for this turnaround and all the other big stories of the week — from the appearance of a second swastika in the window of a building on East Colfax to some upcoming Trump protests and the King Soopers strike set to begin this Thursday. Plus, we have an answer to our question of just how many unpaid parking tickets are floating around out there?Paul mentioned the 50 Protests 50 States protest planned for February 5th at the Colorado State Capitol.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 about car-free streets? 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 February 4th episode:Arvada CenterLooking 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

Explore the challenges facing Denver's tech industry, including layoffs and remote work trends. Hear insights about the influence of AI on startups and the need for job security. Dive into the effects of industry leaders like Elon Musk and how they shape the local economy. Discover ideas for reimagining Denver's downtown to foster community engagement and support local businesses. Finally, envision a future where small enterprises thrive amid changing dynamics.

Stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson, known for his work at Casa Bonita, and Denver7 reporter Brandon Richard join the discussion. They dive into Mayor Johnston's ambitious 2025 goals amid looming ICE raids and the political climate surrounding immigration. Brandon shares insights from Johnston’s press conference and addresses community concerns about recent hate incidents. Plus, they touch on local union negotiations and an upcoming indoor fair, adding layers of humor and insight to the pressing issues facing Denver.