City Cast Denver

It was a raucous night on Colfax last night -- as usual -- and the renovated garage behind Bruz Off Fax was no exception. A distinguished panel of Colfax aficionados inaugurated the first class of five Colfax icons to our new Colfax Hall of Fame in front of a crowd at the Colfax Indie Bash. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were joined by Westword founder and editor Patricia Calhoun, Sie FilmCenter artistic director Keith Garcia, and owner and bartender of the Oak Creek Tavern, Skyler McKinley. Together this motley crew weighs in on the people, places, and things that embody the spirit, grit, and magical weirdness of our massive main street!For even more weekend event recs and local stories that matter, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866.Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:“Independents Day” on Colfax Ave.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

Next time you find yourself in LoDo or wandering around near Union Station, look down. Just below the streets of downtown, there’s a maze of old, out-of-commission tunnels that used to connect our hotels, restaurants, and stores of yore. Glimpses of these alternative pathways still exist at street level, if you know where to look. Back in January, host Bree Davies spoke with Tracy Beach, author of “The Tunnels Under Our Feet: Colorado’s Forgotten Hollow Sidewalks,” about this turn of the last century phenomenon. Beach explains what the tunnels were used for, who used them, and how to spot the remnants of these lost transit spaces today. This interview first aired on January 5, 2023. Bree and Tracy discussed the racist anti-Chinese riot of 1880 (which Bree talked with Dr. William Wei about on this show in 2021). Bree also mentioned Children’s Hospital’s new policy on gender-affirming surgery and “Casa Beer.”What do you think about Salt Lake City? Are they worthy of being our rival? Hit us with your hottest take on SLC, and you might hear it on the show soon. Text it to us or leave us a voicemail at the SLC Hotline: 720-500-5418For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:“Independents Day” on Colfax Ave.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

Robert Speer. Michael Hancock. Benjamin Stapleton. Federico Peña. Wellington Webb. Each mayor of Denver leaves their mark on the city — for good, for bad, and often for both. So what can we expect from Mike Johnston? He is the latest to lead the massive, unwieldy bureaucracy that is our city government. How will his administration bend the arc of Denver history? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi speak with Nicki Gonzales, a professor of history at Regis University and former state historian, to help us set expectations for the Johnston Era. Paul mentioned Denver’s role in the brilliant utopian sci-fi novel “New York 2140” by Kim Stanley Robinson, one of the modern masters of science fiction. Bree talked about Mayor Johnston's emergency declaration on homelessness.What do you think about Salt Lake City? Is it our rival city? Or would some other city be a more suitable rival? Text or leave us a voicemail with your SLC take, 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 by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:“Independents Day” on Colfax Ave.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 was inaugurated yesterday, with an inspiring speech and… a killer music festival? It’s Tuesday, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about all the local stories that mattered this week, from outgoing Mayor Michael Hancock’s last kiss goodbye to the vibes of Johnston’s first day in office. Plus, we respond to your comments on yesterday’s Colfax meme and some not-so-nice comments that our colleagues at City Cast Salt Lake made about Denver. Wanna see our Colfax meme? Check out @colfaxthings on Instagram to see our “Colfax Starter Pack” and peep some more hilarious comments. Also, come out on Thursday, July 20, for a live recording where we’re going to induct the first class of Colfax icons — people, places, and things — to a Colfax Hall of Fame. RSVP here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenverText 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:Independents Day on Colfax Ave.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

Do you remember your first time on Colfax Avenue? It was probably equal parts exhilarating, interesting, confusing, and entertaining, as Denver’s most famous strip tends to be. But we wanted to get to the heart of what makes a true “Colfaxian experience” — like, why does this particular street attract and inspire so much weird wonderfulness? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love decided to go right to the source, calling up Ashley, the human behind Colfax Things, an awesome Instagram account devoted to the wild, wacky, and wonderful nature of the Mile High’s most misunderstood place. Together, the crew builds a “First Time on Colfax Starter Pack” meme, in an attempt to distill the street’s glory into prime — and hopefully, viral? — internet content. Check out the meme we made with Colfax Things on her Instagram or the official City Cast Denver IG!Bree mentioned Nathaniel Minor’s reporting for Denverite on the failure of Vision Zero, and the 42 traffic deaths this year already. Special thanks to our sponsor, Colfax Ave, the Colfax Ave Business Improvement District. Join us for a LIVE recording of City Cast Denver this Thursday, July 20th, from 6-9 p.m. at Bruz Off Fax as part of the Colfax Ave Indie Bash! Bree will be joined by a special guest panel on stage live to help nominate and select the first-ever “Colfax Hall of Fame”. RSVP for free and we will see you there!For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenverText 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:Colfax Ave Business Improvement DistrictLooking 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

With our first new mayor in 12 years set to be inaugurated on Monday, we’re running out of time to resolve the most pressing issues of the Hancock Era. One of the most persistent sources of tension? Those iconic green-and-white “Denver Native” bumper stickers. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk it out with returning favorite Joshua Emerson, stand-up comic and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission. Then, a round of wins and fails from the week and Peyton is out, so Bree is sharing her top picks for your weekend. Paul mentioned “zombie buildings,” the Great American Beer Fest, and the true story of the transplant behind the “Native” stickers. Bree mentioned water fountains without water, the El Chapultepec Legacy Project, and the celebrated Clara Brown. Josh talked up Jamal Murray and rising rents. We all praised John Wenzel’s work with The Denver Post. Here’s his profile of Josh from earlier this year. Meet us on Colfax! RSVP here for our live recording on the ‘Fax next Thursday, July 20, and bear witness to the induction of the first class of the Colfax Hall of Fame. And if you think you know who should be on that list, send us a text or leave us a voicemail with your nomination, name, and neighborhood, and we might play it at the show: 720-500-5418Here are links to the events Bree recommended: Wakanda Forever INSIDE the Historic Elitch Theater Friday Night Bazaar in the River North Art District Taylor Swift Eras Before, During, and After Parties New Moon Magick Makers Market And Josh recommended Chelsea Kaiah and Cody Norton’s opening at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder on Friday and DeadRoom Comedy live at Leon Gallery on Saturday. For even more weekend event recs and local stories that matter, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866.Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Regional Air Quality Council Colorado Wine Board Denver Art Museum presents “Desert Rider” 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 there anything worse than a bad hike? Maybe you ran out of water. Maybe you didn’t pack the micro-spikes. Maybe you’ve been walking for 6 hours straight and you’re just plain sick of it! But this is Colorado, and we’ve got tons of great hiking trails for all occasions and skill levels. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to dish on the latest hiking news and share some favorite hiking trails — whether you’re answering the call to adventure, hoping for more of a stroll, or if all you really care about is that nice, cold beverage waiting for you at the end. UPDATE 7/27/23: Jeffco Sheriff’s Office released a warning to hikers two days after airing this episode to be on the lookout for a sexual predator wanted in the Conifer and Evergreen area. The suspect has been targeting solo female hikers in the area, with incidences at this park—so please hold off on solo hiking for now and remain vigilant! It’s time to talk Colfax. RSVP here for our live recording on the ‘Fax next Thursday, July 20, and bear witness to the induction of the first class of the Colfax Hall of Fame. And if you think you know who should be on that list, send us a text or leave us a voicemail with your nomination, name and neighborhood, and we might play it at the show: 720-500-5418Paul mentioned the fundraiser to support police sergeant Justin Dodge and his family, declining crowds on 14ers, and CPR reporter Nate Minor’s coverage of that dang empty lot at Colfax and Broadway. Here are links to all the hikes we mentioned: South Loop Trail at Elk Meadow Park (Near Evergreen) Enchanted Mesa behind Chautauqua Park (Boulder) Fountain Valley Loop Trail at Roxborough State Park (Near Morrison) Brother’s Lookout and Three Sisters Loop (Near Evergreen) Trail to the A (Outside Fort Collins) Picketwire Canyon Trail (Near Rocky Ford) Silverdale Heritage Trail (Near Georgetown) Sky Pond (Rocky Mountain National Park) Fancy Pass and Missouri Lakes Loop (Near Leadville) For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverText 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: Regional Air Quality Council Colorado Wine Board Denver Art Museum presents “Desert Rider” 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

Mike Johnston will be sworn in as Denver’s 46th mayor on Monday, and he’s already making moves. He hired a transition team and packed his calendar with community listening sessions. But will he roll out his “micro-communities” plan for homelessness that he campaigned so hard on? What about handling the perceptions and realities of public safety that Denver has been struggling with? And our most pressing issue: Can Mike make downtown cool again? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and returning fave, Westword editor Patty Calhoun, to talk through this week’s cover story on how Denver’s new belt buckle-wearing mayor could really help Denver get its mojo back.Patty mentioned Kyle Harris’s reporting for Denverite on the status of the permit for the Park Hill Golf Course, the Museum of Illusions coming to 16th St. Mall, and 9News’ recent reporting on 911 wait times. Patty also talked about Stephen Brackett’s idea to start a city office of a “night mayor.” He was on our show sharing more of his ideas to turn around Denver’s nightlife back in April. Where do you think Taylor Swift will be spotted around town this weekend? She’s playing two sold out shows at Empower Field, but she’ll probably see some sights, right? Call in to the Denver Era Hotline, text or leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood and best guess for where to spot T Swift, 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 by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Regional Air Quality Council Colorado Wine Board Denver Art Museum presents “Desert Rider” 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

¡Viva! Streets! took over Broadway once again, literally intersecting with the Lowrider Show and Shine event outside the Denver Art Museum. And that had us wondering: Could this new clash of pedestrian life and car art culture start a new conversation about transit in Denver? Then, the Denver Post reported on how the Mile High stacks up when you compare rent hikes with average income increases — meaning, your housing nightmares were real all along. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi to talk about all the local stories that mattered this week, plus a question for local Swifties ahead of the Eras Tour stop at Empower Field this weekend and some commentary from you, our dear listeners!We shared some questions and comments on our recent episodes about police returning to DPS and local beverage trends this summer. Our Question of the Week: Where would Taylor Swift take John Mayer out to dinner before her shows at Empower Field? Text or leave us a voicemail with your answer, 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 by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Regional Air Quality Council Colorado Wine Board Denver Art Museum presents “Desert Rider” 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

To the chagrin of many summer lovers, Denver’s public pools are once again operating with limited hours, due to — you guessed it — staffing problems. And that’s after they raised wages last summer! So why, as the Colorado Sun recently reported, are Denver teens increasingly skipping out on summer jobs? Host Bree Davies sits down with our official teen correspondent Shana Saint-Phard, who just graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and is not working this summer, to ask the big question: Why aren’t teens working anymore?Before she graduated, Shana was a reporter with The TJ Journal. Check out her work here. Bree mentioned the end of toll-free travel on I-70’s new express lane and the reduced toll program for neighbors affected by the highway expansion. Who do you think should be in a Colfax Hall of Fame? We’re collecting nominations ahead of our live Colfax event on July 20, and we want to hear from you! We're looking for true Colfax icons -- be they people, places, or things that embody everything Colfax. Leave us your name, neighborhood, and nomination in a text or voicemail, 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 by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Regional Air Quality Council Colorado Wine Board The Denver Art Museum’s new exhibit “Desert Rider” 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