

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

Jul 17, 2025 • 29min
EV Rebates Dry Up, Geothermal Energy Rises, and Goodbye Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment?
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

Jul 16, 2025 • 20min
Inside the Broncos’ Secret Land Deals
In a story broken by BusinessDen in early June, it was revealed that some mysterious land deals were happening between property owners in and around Burnham Yard and a big, important entity in the city: the Denver Broncos. Further investigative reporting revealed that Denver Water — whose campus is just north of the defunct trainyard land — was also involved, even sending “intent to acquire” letters to surrounding landowners with hints of the use of eminent domain.
BusinessDen reporter Justin Wingerter and editor Thomas Gounley join host Bree Davies to share what their investigation uncovered, discuss who else might be involved, and weigh in on whether this means the Broncos and their yet-to-be-built new stadium will stay in Denver.
Historic Denver’s president John Deffenbaugh talked about the historic preservation work he’d like to see at Burnham Yard on our show a few months ago.
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 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

Jul 15, 2025 • 32min
Is Your Neighborhood Getting a Bond Project? Plus, John Elway’s Secret Superstition and the Nasty Smell at Little Man LoHi
Mayor Mike Johnston is asking voters to approve a massive new bond this November, and we finally have a pretty good idea of which projects will be included. So why is one councilmember “incredibly angry”? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk through which projects made the cut, which neighborhoods are getting ignored, and why City Council is divided. Plus, have you been to the Little Man Ice Cream in Highland lately? There’s a really nasty smell around that famous milk jug, and we figured out what it is. Plus, a listener comment on our coverage of the Venezuelan gang “takeover” story.
Paul talked about the 303 Artway and Pete’s University Park Cafe. Here are some more helpful takeaways about the proposed bond package from Denverite.
Have you been to the Little Man in Highland lately? We want to know what you think of that smell! 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 15th episode:
Colfax Ave
Wild Iris Floral Studio
Denver Health
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

Jul 14, 2025 • 32min
Colfax Has Its Haters. Here’s Why They’re Wrong
Colfax Avenue sure has a lot of haters — people who just don’t get it. But we get it! We love Colfax and wanted to test that knowledge with another round of our famous 1-star review game, Colfax edition. Recorded live at the Colfax Indie Bash last week, Colfax aficionado and host Bree Davies competes against former Colfax-area resident and comedian Joshua Emerson. Quizmaster slash producer Paul Karolyi has some surprises in store! Who knows Colfax’s haters best?
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 about these Colfax businesses? Let us know your hot take! 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 14th 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

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
Did the Grocery Union Get a Good Deal? Plus, One Year of Tren de Aragua and a Homeless Shelter Tragedy
It has been almost one year since the first rumors of a Venezuelan gang started circulating in Aurora. A new report from the New York Times Magazine looks back at how those rumors blew up into an election-defining political issue and now unprecedented ICE raids across the Denver metro. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi invited outgoing Denver Post immigration reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton to look back at the whole arc of the story and all the other biggest news of the week — from the local grocery union’s deals with King Soopers and Safeway to new safety concerns at city-run shelters.
Paul talked about dangerous elevators, Alteño, friend of the show slash CPR reporter Sam Brasch’s coverage of geothermal energy, and Hold On to Your Butts: A Jurassic Park Rewatch Podcast. Bree discussed the local implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and the restoration of the “Confluent People” mural. Megan talked about the MCA’s rooftop parties and a tragic accident at a city-run former hotel shelter.
What do you think about the Venezuelan gang story? 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 11th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
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

Jul 10, 2025 • 26min
Trans Rights Are Under Attack. Does Anyone Have a Plan?
Colorado has been a leader in transgender health care and civil rights, but since Trump won back the presidency, this community has been under attack across the country. The question for Denverites and their politicians alike has become: What’s the best way to respond? Representative Brianna Titone of Arvada is Colorado’s first openly trans legislator, and she is on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the federal government’s latest legal attacks on local institutions and share the inside story of the compromise behind Colorado’s new trans rights law, the Kelly Loving Act.
Bree and Rep. Titone discussed the Trump administration’s investigations into East High School’s gender-neutral bathroom and JeffCo’s policy on overnight sleeping arrangements for students. They also talked about the legal challenges to the Kelly Loving Act
Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash tonight! We’ll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. RSVP here.
What do you think about the state of trans rights in Colorado? 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 10th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Jul 9, 2025 • 28min
Inside Denver’s Biggest Debates: City Layoffs, Removing Welton’s Light Rail, and the Flavored Tobacco Ban
Battles over bike lanes, the uncertain future of Welton Street’s light rail line, and questions about the historic Rossonian hotel ever reopening again — these debates playing out in Denver’s District 9 are a microcosm of issues happening citywide. Councilman Darrell Watson has been representing this district, which covers neighborhoods from Globeville to South Park Hill, for nearly two years. He joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through all the big topics, plus share his thoughts on impending city layoffs, his staunch stance on the flavored tobacco ban, and his mayoral ambitions.
Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We’ll be on stage on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast. RSVP 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
What do you think about Councilman Watson? We want to hear from you, especially if you live in District 9! 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 9th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Jul 8, 2025 • 34min
Who’s Mad at the Mayor Now? Plus, South Broadway Takes Another Hit
There’s been talk about layoffs at the city for weeks, but information on just how many jobs are on the chopping block and when these layoffs are suppose to happen has been vague. One city worker tells us there a lot of concerns internally about how Mayor Mike Johnston has been approaching the city’s budget shortfall. Then, TRVE Brewing is the latest brewery to close up shop. Is South Broadway a victim of its own success? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus more chatter about the potential end of the Underground Music Showcase.
Bree mentioned John Moore’s piece on his co-founding of the UMS in The Denver Gazette and our episode last week on the topic.
Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We’ll be on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast with the mayor. RSVP 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
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
If you enjoyed this interview with Kelsey Simpkins from Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here.
Learn more about the other sponsors of this July 8th episode:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Film
Multipass
City & County Denver Tech
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

Jul 7, 2025 • 34min
What’s Actually Happening on Colfax Amid BRT Construction?
Denver’s beloved Colfax Avenue has seen better days… but it’s also seen worse days. The notorious street has been through plenty of ups and downs since it became one of the city’s main thoroughfares back when it was Route 40 — a little bit of bus rapid transit construction isn’t gonna change that! But it is changing a lot. So ahead of our live podcast recording with our sponsors at the Colfax Ave BID this Thursday at Champagne Tiger, we invited their executive director and longtime friend of the show Frank Locantore to take us for a walk and show us everything new on Colfax.
Come see us live at the Colfax Indie Bash on July 10! We’ll be on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston on the patio at Champagne Tiger, and tickets are FREE. All you need to do is RSVP and come out for some good food, great people, and a live podcast with the mayor. RSVP 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
What do you think about Colfax these days? Have you been lately? How was it? 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 episode:
Colfax Ave BID
RAQC
Denver Film presents Cinema Q
Multipass
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Jul 3, 2025 • 46min
Is Denver the Best Summer City in the US?
Bree Davies and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win?
Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe!
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode:
City & County Denver Tech
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.


