City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Denver Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

Could public financing get more Denverites involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing?

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

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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How the Pearl Fell Apart, An Affordable Housing Beef, and Live Nation Ruling Local Reax Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

One week ago, Denverites crowdfunded $83,000 to save our city’s last lesbian bar. Today, there’s a lock on the door, The Pearl’s instagram has been deleted, and the co-owners are fighting over who’s responsible. So, what happened? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and politics contributor Adrian Felix join host Bree Davies to talk through all the turmoil inside the former home of the legendary Mercury Cafe. Plus, Jefferson County is offering male contraception and our wins and fails of the week.

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! We really need your support, and if you join now you get the Oxford Pennant with a Generic Horse. Show your Denver pride in style! Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm

Adrian talked about an affordable housing project in Cap Hill and a new beer garden opening soon. Bree talked about Blucifer’s First Rodeo’s second lineup drop. Justine discussed 420 and weed sales and the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit.

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

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What do you think about The Pearl? What is your dream for that building? 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 17th episode:

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Deep Lore Behind Idaho Springs’ New Gondola, Another Downtown Closure, and Wacky Weather Wardrobe Essentials Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

After being in business since the 1980s, Moda Man is closing the doors of its downtown menswear shop. Was the pandemic to blame? Or a loss of parking to bike lanes, the lack of Denverites going back to the office, or something more? Freelance journalist Daliah Singer joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to look at how retail trends are reshaping downtown. Plus, they dig into the wild backstory of Idaho Springs’ new gondola, discuss the drought’s impact on fishing, tubing, and other beloved Colorado summer activities up in the mountains, and share their tips on how to dress for Denver’s confusing spring weather.

Olivia talked about the Colorado Sun’s reporting on some of the recent lore behind the Mighty Argo gondola project in Idaho Springs, which is set to open with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 24.

P.S. Have you ever thought about becoming a City Cast Denver Neighbor? Now is the time. For just $10 a month or $100 a year, you can support local journalism and get great perks and help us keep this show and our newsletter going!

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

Do you go downtown to shop? Are you excited about Idaho Springs’ latest tourist draw? 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 16th episode:

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

Local TV News vs. Instagram Influencers, Avs/Nuggs Playoff Stories to Watch, and Would You Eat a Beaver? Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Denver’s local TV news scene is on the precipice of a big shake-up, with Fox31’s parent company Nexstar poised to acquire 9News’ parent company TEGNA. But the $6.2 billion deal isn’t done yet, as multiple federal and state antitrust lawsuits against the merger wind their way through the courts. So, do Denverites still rely on the nightly news for the latest information? Comedian and Casa Bonita actor Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into the Denver Post’s recent story on local media and the attention economy. Plus, they discuss the best talking points for non-sports people to use during the Avalanche and Nuggets’ upcoming playoffs. Oh, and if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor, you’ll get a BONUS segment today on beavers – should we hunt them? And who would eat one?

P.S. Our spring membership drive starts today! Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor for just $10 a month or $100 a year to get great perks and help us keep this local journalism operation going!

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

Do you get your news from traditional media or social media? 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 15 episode:

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

Can 80k Save Denver's Last Lesbian Bar? Plus, Denver's Big Pitch for the DNC and 'Third Space' Overload Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was in New Orleans last week along with someone dressed up like the Big Blue Bear to help make the case that the Mile High City should host the Democratic National Convention in 2028, when the party will formally announce its next presidential nominee. Will a dancing bear do the trick? Or will Denver lose out to Boston or Philly? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how Denver’s political narrative stacks up. Plus, a lesbian bar in a legendary building raised more than $80,000 on GoFundMe over the weekend after announcing they might close, and City Cast listeners weigh in on squirrel precautions.

What do you think about The Pearl? Would you pitch in $5 a month to help keep it running? 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 14th episode:

⁠The Park People⁠
⁠TaskRabbit⁠
⁠Denver Health⁠
⁠DOTI⁠
⁠University of Denver⁠
⁠Cozy Earth⁠ - Use code COZYDENVERBOGO for an exclusive Buy One, Give One offer running from April 12th to April 18th

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

Gardening Tips for Denver's Drought Restricted Summer Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

From an unseasonably warm winter to the premature blooms of an early spring, Colorado’s wacky weather has left Denver gardeners stumped. But fear not – our resident gardening expert Ann Marie Awad is here! They sit down with host Bree Davies to answer City Cast Denver listeners and readers’ burning questions about cultivating veggies during a drought, the best chemical-free ways to ward off grasshoppers and squirrels, and why planting a tree right now might be the best thing you can do for your garden in the years to come.

Bree and Ann Marie discussed a few great resources, including the City’s “Be a Smart Ash” tree replacement program, The Park People’s Denver Digs Trees program, and the water permits available for new saplings. They also discussed Denver’s drought watering schedule, how to capture “grey water,” and the Denver Botanic Gardens and CSU Extension’s Master Gardener support services.

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 13th 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': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor — Presented By City Cast Denver Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

Denverites, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are often closed when those businesses need help. That’s why Portland is considering hiring a Night Mayor. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza about what this new position would do, and if it is the answer to the pandemic’s enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and nightlife in cities everywhere. Plus, should your city be weirder?

Mentioned on the show:

"Can a Night Mayor Revive Downtown Portland?" (City Cast Portland)

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.

Lakewood Backtracks on Housing Density, Inside the RTD Drama, and Shirtless Rockies Fans Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Lakewood voters sent a big statement to the rest of Colorado this week, with the campaign to reverse the Denver suburb’s new housing density rules dominating Tuesday’s special election. But what exactly does this election say about Coloradans and the housing affordability issue? RTD Board director Chris Nicholson joins producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to discuss the blowback to density we’re seeing across the metro area. Plus, Nicholson shares the inside story of the negotiations that led to RTD CEO and GM Debra Johnson stepping down and some new details on the push for Front Range Passenger Rail. And finally, of course, our wins and fails of the week, featuring Blucifer’s butthole and the THC-infused soda trend.

Want access to today’s inaugural Neighbors-only bonus segment? Support City Cast Denver and get lots of great perks by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm

Paul mentioned this painting based on his photo of Blucifer and the song “Blucifer” by Ritmo Cascabel.

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

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

Xcel Takes on Data Centers, RTD's Big Shakeup, and Former Mayor Hancock: Real Estate Mogul? Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

There was a huge shakeup at Denver’s transit provider RTD yesterday as CEO and GM Debra Johnson ⁠declined to renew her contract⁠, effectively ending her leadership of the agency after leading it through the pandemic, some costly light rail maintenance projects, and a recent decline in ridership. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss the breaking news before Chandra Thomas Whitfield, a host of Colorado Matters on CPR, joins to talk about ⁠Xcel’s latest proposal⁠ for data centers and what former mayor Michael Hancock ⁠has been up to⁠ since he left office in 2023.

Today is Local News Day! That means it’s a perfect time to sign up for membership to support City Cast Denver. Help make sure we can keep covering the local stories that matter to you – and get great perks! Sign up now at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠.

Bree also discussed our recent coverage of the turmoil at RTD:

Paul’s interview with ⁠Debra Johnson⁠
Paul’s conversation about the ⁠RTD board reform proposal⁠
Our Friday show with RTD director ⁠Chris Nicholson⁠

Paul mentioned a statement RTD shared in response to an interview request for Debra Johnston from RTD Board Chair Patrick O’Keefe:

"On behalf of RTD’s Board of Directors, I want to express our appreciation to Debra for her continued dedication and service to the agency, its employees, and our customers. For more than five years, she has diligently led RTD, and the Board looks forward to her continued leadership in the coming year. Debra has agreed to work closely with the Board to ensure there’s a smooth transition after the conclusion of her contract in May 2027.

Under her leadership as the General Manager and CEO, RTD has significantly improved personal safety and security, addressed a backlog of maintenance, mitigated workforce vacancy concerns, and implemented several across-the-board customer experience initiatives. The agency is in a much better place because of her dedication, and RTD’s solid foundation she created, including a strong and capable Leadership Team, will support the agency’s ongoing successes."

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 Debra Johnson leaving RTD? 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

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

Why are Denver Lakes Disappearing? Plus, Blucifer on Hulu and Disneyland on Colorado Boulevard Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

What is happening to Huston Lake? The southwest Denver body of water has almost completely dried up, taking with it some of the park’s flora and fauna and leaving neighbors concerned. Regular contributor and host of the Square State podcast Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the sorry recent state of Denver’s park lakes. Plus, they discuss the sci-fi series “Paradise,” why the Mile High City seems to be a perfect setting for so many fictional alternate realities, and answer listener questions about RTD and Denver Summit FC.

What do you think about Huston Lake drying up? 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

Paul quoted from Carl Abbott’s article about sci-fi “Rocky Mountain Refuge” and recommended Patricia Limerick’s history of Denver Water, “Ditch in Time.” Michelle talked about Epic Sky Trek in Castle Rock and remembered the lake she was talking about – Lower Church Lake.

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

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

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