City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard! May 13, 2026

Show notes

Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching over us all with nearly 300 High Activity Location Observation cameras around Denver. City government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about the settlement reached after Denver Police shot at and arrested the wrong people they thought they found via HALO cam. Plus, a dating event later this month for “unvaxxed singles” has people on social media feeling all types of ways, and we are gonna be at Bike Fest and want to hear from you!

Do you ride a bike in Denver? We want to know what’s important to you! Take our Bike Community Poll, share it with a bike-riding friend (or 100), and we’ll parse through the results together at Bike Fest.

Paul mentioned this Westword story about Chris Fest this weekend at The Oriental Theater.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

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 May 13th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems May 12, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide Democrats. Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how Colorado’s’ “first in the nation” regulations, passed in 2024, ended up with a “near-total rewrite” this year, according to the Denver Post. Plus, the Trump administration is coming after Denver again – this time with a lawsuit aimed at overturning the city’s ban on assault weapons – so we’re talking about where this attack ranks among all the other times Trump has turned his attention toward the Mile High City. And finally, a listener calls in to talk about their first impressions of Veo scooters.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about Veo scooters, bikes, and trikes so far? Have you tried one? We want to hear your thoughts! 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 May 12th episode:

Denver Health
Regional Air Quality Council
Levitt Pavilion
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past May 11, 2026

Show notes

After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders have come together to raise money for a replacement. While alternate locations are in place for big events like City Park Jazz this summer, the fire and the outpouring of love sparked new questions about the history and what’s next for the park itself. So today, host Bree Davies is taking a walk through City Park’s past, present, and future with Georgia Garnsey, president of City Park Friends and Neighbors, and Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, a Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee artist who is working on the new City Park Living Land project.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about City Park? We’d love to hear your stories, memories, and hopes for the future! 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 May 11th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver May 10, 2026

Show notes

Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city’s nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended hours experiment. Plus, how to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary without feeling like you’re serving a Trump narrative.

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises May 08, 2026

Show notes

New fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, but Bennet’s got more money behind him overall, thanks to a big billionaire boost.. Meanwhile, Victor Marx is pulling in considerable money in the GOP primary – but how much does it matter when Colorado’s highest offices have been dominated by Dems? Veteran podcaster Michelle Jackson joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to follow the gubernatorial primary money, discuss the new ride-hailing sexual assault bill, and share their wins and fails of the week.

Plus, in a special Neighbors-only bonus segment, Bree offers some wild Mother’s Day alternatives to the usual brunch and bouquets. If you want to hear her recs, join our membership program today at membership.citycast.fm

Paul discussed residents suing a gym in their building over loud grunting and the new law making it illegal to block bike lanes. Bree talked about her brother-in-law Erik Ziemba’s styling for LA Times and Jessi Whitten returning to Indie 102.3 as program director. Michelle mentioned the Avs’ win and her love for Mo’ Betta Green MarketPlace and the Harvey Park Farmers Market.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about all the money in the governor’s race? Are you seeing more ads for Bennet or Weiser? 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 May 8th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame May 07, 2026

Show notes

Little Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver-favorite flavors like Salty O, Space Junkie, and more. But this also had us thinking about Colorado’s greatest contributions to the national culinary landscape – what are our claims to food fame anyway? Dan Pashman, host of the James Beard Award-Winning podcast The Sporkful, joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last November to discuss the memorable (and regrettable) dishes the Mile High City put on the map.

We mention the Sporkful episode Paul produced last year about Beau Jo’s and “Colorado-Style Pizza.”

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What Colorado-created dishes and delicacies did we miss? 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:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project May 06, 2026

Show notes

A delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike is doing his best to spark “little moments of joy,” according to the Denver Post. So, we’re asking the question: Where would you go to show off Denver? Comedian Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to speculate about the mayor’s planned itinerary. Plus, one of the most celebrated recipients of money from the Denver Downtown Development Authority is behind schedule. So, Paul and Joshua have been asking around, and we’ve got the scoop on what’s up with the Denver Immersive Repertory Theater.

Paul mentioned BusinessDen’s reporting about DIRT”s money troubles and our past conversations about DIRT.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

Where would you take the DNC leaders to show off 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: 720-500-5418

Did you enjoy today’s sponsored interview with Elizabeth Martinez from Compass Real Estate? Learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 6th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National May 05, 2026

Show notes

Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahead to the BRT line planned for Federal Boulevard, where ⁠the recent news⁠ of the proposed redevelopment of the Asia Center strip mall sparked a wave of concerns about, among other things, the impact of construction on small businesses. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk about how the community outreach is going on Federal, then dig into the data showing the effects of construction on Colfax businesses so far. Plus, a listener comment about ⁠Little Man Ice Cream’s big news⁠.

Paul mentioned the ⁠Colorado Boulevard BRT open house⁠ planned for May 13 at Clayton Early Learning Center and referenced ⁠this Denver7 report⁠ on the Colfax BRT project breaking ground in Aurora. Bree mentioned Katrina Nguyen’s post about the ⁠Asia Center redesign renderings⁠ and the ⁠Federal Boulevard BRT pop-up⁠ at Mi Casa Resource Center on May 9.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at⁠ denver.citycast.fm⁠.

Chat with other listeners on reddit:⁠ r/CityCastDenver⁠

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member:⁠ membership.citycast.fm⁠

What do you think about BRT? Worth the hassle of construction? 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 May 5th episode:

⁠Denver Art Museum⁠
⁠TaskRabbit⁠
⁠Multipass⁠
⁠Choir league⁠
⁠Cozy Earth⁠ - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

Conservatives in Colorado Have a Secret Influence Machine. And It Might Be Working. May 04, 2026

Show notes

Democrats in Colorado are expected to retain control of the state legislature, governor’s mansion, and every statewide office this year, but that doesn’t mean conservatives aren’t having an impact! Logan M. Davis is a reporter with the progressive media outlet Colorado Times Recorder, and he’s dedicated himself to untangling the mysterious web of think tanks, dark money groups and billionaires who are finding ways to push public policy in our state to the right. Davis joins host Bree Davies to dig into “The Redprint”, his ongoing investigation into how the money moves and where the power lies.

Bree and Logan talked about two ballot measures – one focused on harsher sentencing for fentanyl possession and the other to allow local law enforcement to work with ICE – that will be on Colorado ballots this fall.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

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 May 4th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Who Wants THC Drinks? Plus, Bars Banking on Nostalgia and Our Asian Food Week Recs May 01, 2026

Show notes

It looks like THC-infused drinks won’t be having a moment in Colorado any time soon. A bill to increase levels of THC allowed in beverages sold at bars and liquor stores died this week when sponsors pulled it before a vote. So, why can a neighboring state like Kansas sell these higher level drinks when cannabis isn’t even legal there? Food and culture writer Sara Rosenthal joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into hemp vs. cannabis and why bartenders may be wary of this new frontier. They also dissect the nostalgic drive behind bars with curated vinyl and vintage video games. Plus, if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor, you’ll get to hear our special members-only bonus segment highlighting our picks for Mile High Asian Food Week!

Bree mentioned Sara’s list of Denver’s “horniest bars,” the 2026 Film on the Rocks schedule, and a huge magazine theft. Sara discussed City Records and Alteño’s latest accolade. Olivia talked about migrant worker wages and City Cast Denver’s two SPJ awards, including one for the episode we did last year with conservative radio host Jeff Hunt.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about THC drinks? Do you like them? Should Denver bars be allowed to serve them? 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 May 1st episode:

The Delores Project

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

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