City Cast Denver

Be honest, you know you have one — a habit or guilty pleasure that as a proud Coloradan you know you shouldn’t indulge. When we first put out the call to hear listeners’ “toxic Colorado traits” earlier this year, we were overwhelmed with confessions so hilarious (and honest) that we had to share our own. It’s time to go deep on Mile High “obnoxious lore.” So we are revisiting that conversation with host Bree Davies and two of our favorite regular guests, stand-up comedian Kate MacLachlan and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval.  What’s you toxic Colorado trait? You’ve heard ours and some great ones from other listeners, so it’s your turn to confess! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 This episode first aired on February 24, 2025.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Trump turned his attention to Denver once again last week, with a new executive order meant to end “crime and disorder on America’s streets.” So what will the new order mean for Denverites? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sorting through the details. Then, Bree spent the weekend talking to music lovers and industry types at the Underground Music Showcase. Will it be the last? Plus, Casa Bonita’s owners Matt Stone and Trey Parker got caught up in a big national political media scandal last week, so what will it mean for your sopaipillas? And finally, your questions and comments about some recent episodes. Paul mentioned our interview yesterday with Mayor Mike Johnston, in which he addressed possible city support for UMS. We discussed the UMS owners’ announcement a few weeks ago that this would be the last year “in its current form.” Check out Westword and Denverite for more coverage of Trump’s new executive order.  What do you think should happen with UMS? 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: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode: Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

At the halfway point of his four-year term, Mayor Mike Johnston is facing some big challenges. He’s made a lot of progress on his work to end unsheltered homelessness in Denver and overseen reductions in violent crime, but as he himself said in his State of the City speech last week, the work is far from finished. Johnston returns for his regular sit-down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the criticism he’s facing from some of his strongest allies, as well as his plans to convert office space downtown, how much he’s willing to support the Broncos’ new stadium project, and what he’d say if Michael Bennet becomes governor and offers him a vacant senate seat.  What do you think about what Mayor Mike said? 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: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Fights over the mayor’s Vibrant Denver bond proposal are heating up, with some transportation advocates and one city council member concerned that the Broncos’ stadium plans could be impacting who gets the biggest piece of the $935 million dollar pie. Then, Congressman Gave Evans has been a champion of President Trump’s immigration crackdown. But a new investigation from Colorado Newsline revealed a surprising truth behind the legislator’s claims that his family immigrated to the U.S. “the right way.” Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by my musician, artist, and activist Kalyn Heffernan to dig into these stories plus our wins and fails of the week.  Paul mentioned the new Denver National Women’s Soccer League name and logo and Kyle Clark’s crusade against Polis’ bridge succeeding. Bree talked about Rupp’s Drums closing, a realtor’s claims that Barnum is “rapidly gentrifying,” and UMS partnering with Keep the Party Safe for harm reduction training. Kalyn talked about her Untitled: Artist Takeover show tonight (Friday, July 25) at the Denver Art Museum and the potential end of the UMS.  What do you think about the Broncos and the Bond? 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: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this July 26th episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

In the most contentious citywide vote in recent memory, Denverites decided back in 2023 that private developers would not be allowed to build housing and retail on the old Park Hill Golf Course. So what is going to happen on that 155 acres of open space instead? Host Bree Davies is speaking with the executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation Jolon Clark about the city’s still-unfinished negotiations to buy the land, his office’s work to design a giant new park, and why the mayor’s Vibrant Denver bond proposal sets aside $70 million for this project when Parks and Rec has so many other sources of funding.  What do you think about the plans for Park Hill Park? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston struck an optimistic note in his second State of the City speech on Monday evening, celebrating a historic drop in unsheltered homelessness and a 45% drop in homicides. But as he hits the halfway point in his four-year term, concerns are mounting about public safety, tax revenue shortfalls, and looming city layoffs. So is Johnston cruising to re-election? Or a one-term flame-out? Producer Paul Karolyi invited one of Johnston’s biggest critics, former mayoral candidate Lisa Calderón, to watch the speech and dissect Johnston’s wins, fails, and plans for the next two years.  Lisa shared some concerns about equity in DIA contracting, which you can read more about here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm How do you think Mayor Johnston is doing? Would you for for him to get a second term? 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: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mike Johnston marks the halfway point in his four-year term as mayor this week, and some of his campaign’s biggest supporters are now big mad. The bike community, in particular, has been buzzing about the mayor’s decision to remove some bike lane infrastructure, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are looking at how his recent comments around the issue compare to his promises on the campaign trail. Plus, a bike safety campaign takes over Wash Park, an anonymous city staffer shares a comment on a recent episode, and Bree has feelings to share about her recent trip to Lakeside Amusement Park.  Do you have a question for Mayor Johnston? He’s scheduled to be on the show soon, and we want to know what you think we should ask him about! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Paul quoted then-candidate Mike Johnston’s responses to the Denver Bicycle Lobby’s mayoral questionnaire. We also discussed the mayor’s recent interview with Denver7 and Lakeside’s “new” roller coaster. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Denver Art Museum Learn about “Simple Steps, Better Air” from the Regional Air Quality Council Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

From taco trucks serving up quesabirria in suburban parking lots to fine dining spots winning awards for elevated tacos and pozole, there is a wide range of Mexican food in Denver. And thanks to a slew of very talented and boundary-pushing chefs, some of Denver’s beloved and distinct Mexican food traditions are being taken in exciting new directions. So what’s hot? What’s new? And where is “Den-Mex” going next? Host Bree Davies is speaking with a man who’s been at the center of it all. Mario Martinez has worked in kitchens with some of these hotshot chefs and now he explores the metro area to find the next great taco truck for his instagram account @TheColoradoFoodies.  Check out all of Mario’s recommendations: Rosa Mexican Kitchen (Various) Luchador Taco & More (Whittier) Los Gallitos (Federal) Xiquita (Uptown) La Loteria (South Broadway) La Loma (Various) Chili Shack (Various) El Lucerito Jr. (Green Valley Ranch) Los Tres Potrillos (Food Truck) Garibaldi (South South Broadway) El Paraiso (Lakeside) Pollos El Guamuchil (Commerce City) Chivis Tacos (East Colfax) And here are the chefs that Bree mentioned: Manny Barella (Riot BBQ) Dana Rodriguez (Casa Bonita, Carne, Super Mega Bien, Work + Class) Jose Avila (La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, El Borrego Negro) Johnny Curiel (Mezcaleria Alma, Alteño, Alma Fonda Fina) Michael Diaz de Leon (formerly BRUTØ, soon to be at Molino Chido in Stanley Marketplace)  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What’s your favorite local spot for Mexican food? Have they been changing recently? New menu items? New presentation? 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: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: Denver Art Museum RAQC Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The debate over Gov. Jared Polis’ proposal to build an elevated walkway outside the Capitol has taken a turn, and for the first time he wants to hear what you think. So host Bree Davies is talking about the governor’s new survey with producer Olivia Jewell Love and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what this new survey is all about. Plus, why are Denverites in particular clamoring to move to Mexico lately? And why are they particularly susceptible to scammers?  Plus, our wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about the passing of Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson, the California Pizza Kitchen in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and the Sonic in Edgewater. Justine talked about accessibility at Rocky Mountain National Park, Margaret Atencio, and wildlife crossings, which are increasingly popular across Colorado. Olivia talked about this post on r/Denver about the patios at DIA and EV technician training in Aurora Goodwill. What do you think we should call the new Rhino in RiNo? 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: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Check out the Colfax Indie Week with the Colfax Ave BID Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

At one point last year, Colorado was number one in the U.S. for market share of new electric vehicles, even beating California. But as the state winds down its EV rebates and the Trump administration’s budget bill cuts into federal EV incentives, will Denverites still be enticed to buy eco-friendly vehicles? CPR climate reporters Sam Brasch and Ishan Thakore join host Bree Davies to dig into this issue, plus they discuss Colorado’s foray into geothermal energy, and take a closer look at how a push for electric lawn equipment could be impacted by Denver’s budget shortfall. Sam mentioned a previous appearance on our show where we talked about the rise of EVs in Colorado. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Colfax Ave Wild Iris Floral Studio Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise