City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

Your Guide to May 2026 in Denver Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

It’s May! Here in Denver, that means flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the Rockies are losing – but they have not yet been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention yet. But what about all the good stuff going on outside Coors Field? Keep It Local newsletter writer Michelle Polizzi joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to share our recommendations for how to make the most of May in Denver this year – from the spot serving up a new lemon-y iced matcha to a fast-food spot embracing nostalgia in a whole new way.

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community.

Subscribe now to get our new Keep It Local newsletter every Thursday afternoon in your inbox! Paul talked about John Brisben Walker’s wikipedia page and the hike up to his castle ruins.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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

What small business would you take your mom to this Mother’s Day? 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

If you enjoyed this interview with RIAH and Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, Learn more here. Learn more about their event below:

Hip Hop On The Hill

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode:

The Delores Project

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

A New LoDo Let-Out Fix? Plus, REI Boycott Beef and Denver's Surprising Smell Ranking Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

For decades, the nightclub district in LoDo has been notorious for violence and other unsavory activities going down around 2 a.m. when the clubs let out. Many policy proposals have come and gone without changing much, and now Denver’s newly renamed Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection has a proposal that they say will reduce problems and help businesses. Denver Post reporter Elliott Wenzler has been covering the story, and she’s on with producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to dig in. Plus, listeners are divided on the proposed REI boycott, and Denver is the seventh nicest smelling city in the country, according to who?

Paul referenced our 2021 episode about nightclub owner and self-professed mafia member Valentes Corleons and this BusinessDen story about a nightclub owner who had to cancel his plans. Elliott talked about Denverite’s 2020 smell map.

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 is the nicest smelling part of the city? 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 April 29th episode:

The Delores Project

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

Downtown Ice Cream Project Melts, Frank Azar’s Hollywood Connections, and Your Bucket-List Meals Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

There will be no Museum of Ice Cream in downtown Denver – at least for now. The interactive dairy-themed selfie attraction has become the latest project turned down for support by the Downtown Development Authority. So, what gives? Are the mayor’s big plans for a downtown comeback in peril? Westword Editor-in-Chief Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the bigger picture, plus the lore of personal injury attorney and local celeb Frank Azar and a listener comment about the places to eat if you only had a week left to enjoy the Mile High City.

Paul discussed 5280 Magazine’s profile of Frank Azar.

Are you a City Cast Denver Neighbor yet? Become a member today and support local journalism!

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 the mayor’s downtown revitalization work? 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 April 28th episode:

The Delores Project
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

What We Learned While Investigating DIA Conspiracies Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

The Denver International Airport is well known for all its crazy conspiracy theories and big blue mascot out front. But what’s actually going on in those secret tunnels beneath the concourses? We’re revisiting a conversation Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi had with YouTuber Dave Chung about our investigation into all the airport lore and what we heard from the people who work there.

Follow Dave Chung on YouTube and check out the videos he made of our visit to DIA! Paul mentioned this petition circulating among airport workers calling for a dedicated security line.

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 April 27th episode:

The Delores project
If you enjoyed our interview about TaskRabbit with Danny Feely, the Director of FP&A, learn more here.

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': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Denver Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Denver? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism.

Mentioned on the show:

"Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville)
"Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible)

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.

Uproar Over Strip Mall Redevelopment, Bucket-List Restaurants, and Surveillance Tech in Schools Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

News broke this week that the owner of the Asia Center on Federal Boulevard is ⁠planning to demolish⁠ the strip mall and build in its place three floors of residences on top of ground-floor retail. That story sparked an outpouring of love for the small businesses in the Asia Center and ⁠a petition⁠ now with more than 4,000 signatures demanding “a more thoughtful and inclusive approach.” Politics contributor Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of Federal. Plus, a Satanist student in Elizabeth challenges school surveillance and a members-only bonus segment where we answer ⁠a redditor’s question⁠: If you were moving away, what three restaurants would you need to visit one last time?

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Today is the last day to help us hit our goal and get yourself one of those sweet green “I live here on purpose” Oxford Pennants. Help local journalism thrive, and sign up now at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠

Bree mentioned Aurora venue ⁠Manos Sagrados closing⁠ in May and the ⁠Denver Voice profile⁠ of Ruth Kanatser from Harm Reduction Action Center. Adrian mentioned ⁠the sculpture stolen⁠ from a family’s yard in Congress Park and Alamo Drafthouse ⁠renaming their Littleton location⁠. Paul talked about the Rapids 30th anniversary match and ⁠the photos he shared⁠ on Instagram.

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 the housing redevelopment proposed on Federal? 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 April 24th episode:

⁠Denver Art Museum⁠

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

Who is Really Winning the Scooter Wars? Plus, a 30-Year Incumbent is On the Hot Seat Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Is it time to say goodbye to Lime and Bird? Denver City Council is set to vote Monday evening on a new contract with Veo Micromobility to be Denver’s exclusive scooters and e-bike provider, but the lobbying has been intense and the votes could still fall either way. Denver Post city government reported Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the vote and what would change with Veo. Plus, Elliott recently sat down with Melat Kiros, one of two challengers hoping to unseat Denver’s longtime congresswoman, Diana DeGette, so we’re digging into an unexpectedly interesting race.

Paul discussed the Kalshi market for the CD1 Democratic nominee and the uncertainty around how many of the 30,000 Denverites enrolled in Lime’s equity access program will experience a gap in service with a changeover to Veo. Lime is partnering with Servicios de la Raza on two mobile food pantry events to say thank you and help people transition:

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Athmar Recreation Center

2680 W. Mexico Ave, Denver, CO 80219

Friday, May 8, 2026, 3 - 4 p.m.

Servicios de La Raza

3131 W. 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204

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 Denver’s congressional race? Do you know who you’re voting for yet? We’d love to hear who and why! 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 April 23rd episode:

Denver Art Museum

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

REI Union Threatens Boycott, Buzzy Ice Cream Blows Up, and Who Won the Milk-Chugging Contest? Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

A banner appeared outside REI’s flagship store at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River a few days ago, calling on REI corporate to offer the workers’ union a better contract or risk a boycott. So, what does REI’s inner turmoil mean for Denverites just looking to buy some snowboard wax? Contributor and stand-up comedian Josh Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the REI labor struggle. Plus, between reports of a “milk off” in Observatory Park and a buzzy ice cream company’s expansion, it’s dairy week in Denver.

Want a sweet, green pennant with Denver written all over it? We’re giving away custom-made Oxford Pennants to everyone who becomes a City Cast Denver Neighbor during our spring membership drive this week. Sign up now for that, more great perks, and the pride of knowing you helped support local journalist – membership.citycast.fm

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 the union fight at REI? 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 April 22nd episode:

Denver Art Museum

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

Should Coloradans Be Concerned About Our Economy? Plus, a New Vision for the Pavilions Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

A delegation of hotshot urban planning consultants was downtown last week to examine the newly city-owned Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street and propose a new vision for the site – turns out, their vision includes demolishing a lot of it. So, what’s the plan? Chief economist for the Colorado Legislative Council Greg Sobetski joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to swap stories of the Pavilions and dissect a recent open letter from 230 Colorado CEOs calling on our elected officials to fix our “deteriorating” economy.

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Join today and help local journalism thrive. Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm

Paul referenced the economic forecast Sobetski and the Colorado Legislative Council prepared for lawmakers and published in March 2026.

What do you think about the new plan for the Pavilions? 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 at denver.citycast.fm.

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 April 21st episode:

Denver Art Museum
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

When Water Will Return to Huston Lake, Downtown's Literal New Fabric, and a 'Peyton Manning-Inspired' Restaurant Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

What’s really going on with the water source that is supposed to fill Huston Lake? Is it legal to ⁠hunt beavers in Colorado⁠? Will Peyton Manning’s new restaurant serve chicken parm that ⁠tastes so good⁠? Host Bree Davies and producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi open up the City Cast Denver mailbag to hear listeners’ thoughts, expertise, and hot takes on some of our recent show topics. Plus, we shout out some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and non-profit organizations that have caught our eye recently.

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Join today and help local journalism thrive. Sign up now at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠

Paul mentioned ⁠the first trailer⁠ for Ridley Scott’s adaptation of “The Dog Stars,” starring Jacob Elordi.

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

Have a past episode you’re still dying to weigh in about? 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 April 20th episode:

⁠Denver Art Museum⁠

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected