City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

Polis and Boebert at the Rockies Game, Denver's Next Top Mascot, and More from the Mailbag! Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Could prediction markets in politics mean more participation from voters? What if the Denver Summit FC’s mascot was a giant sun? Where’s the best place in the city to watch Denver’s own Nini Coco compete in the ⁠finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race⁠ next week? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are digging into the City Cast Denver mailbag today to respond to listeners’ questions, comments, and thoughts. Plus, Governor Jared Polis and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert ⁠snapped a photo together⁠ at the Rockies’ home opener on Friday and of course we have thoughts about it!

Paul mentioned Blaze, ⁠Water World’s new mascot⁠. Thanks to listener Benton who pointed us toward the new ⁠support line for folks struggling⁠ with gambling issues: 1-800-MY-RESET

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 Polis snapping a selfie with Boebert? 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 7th episode:

⁠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

Are Denver Restaurants Really in Crisis? It’s Complicated. Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

It feels like every week, another Denver restaurant is closing – Enzo’s End Pizzeria served its last slice on Friday, Imperial Chinese shuttered out of the blue after 41 years, and local chain Little India announced it will close its 32nd Ave. and Lowell Blvd. location in the coming months. Is it due to rising food costs? The ongoing concern of high rents? Or, is it the price of labor? Last month’s 2025 State of Denver Restaurants Report points to the city’s rising tipped minimum wage as a major issue for restaurants, bars, and cafes; Councilman Darrell Watson has even hinted at a plan to address labor costs. But Lindsay Dalton, co-owner of The Weathervane Cafe, disagrees and she’s part of a growing chorus of business owners who are pushing back. She joins host Bree Davies to make her case.

Lindsay mentioned the city’s 2023 minimum wage report and Matthew Fritz-Maur, who runs the Denver Labor division of the Denver Auditor’s office and who was on the podcast in 2023 talking about his investigation into wage theft at strip clubs. Weathervane Cafe was previously featured in a New Yorker article last year about President Trump’s ‘No Tax on Tips’ policy.

We reached out to Denver Labor to ask more about Fritz-Maur’s critiques of the restaurant report. He was unable for comment, but a spokesperson shared this fact sheet their office has prepared and the following statement about that document: “We compiled it as restaurants have reached out to us with questions about [Colorado Restaurant Association’s] information and generally about the tip credit. We have multiple times asked CRA for their source material to support their findings and they have not yet provided it to us. The Auditor’s Office and Denver Labor is neutral on the issue of adjusting the tip credit, but we feel it is our responsibility to provide business owners and the public with independent research to make informed decisions.”

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 tipping in Denver? Is it out of control? Would Denverites get "sticker shock” from all-inclusive pricing? 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

'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

If you were one of the over 60,000 fans cheering for the Denver Summit last weekend, you may already know this, but Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office?

Mentioned on the show:

The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [⁠⁠⁠The Denver Post⁠⁠⁠]

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.

Alamo Drafthouse's QR Code Backlash, Election Denier Reconsidered, and What's So Funny About RTD? Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Union workers at Alamo Drafthouse in Sloan’s Lake are walking out today over frustrations with the company’s move to a QR code-based food ordering system, saying it overcomplicates interactions with customers. Contributor Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to discuss what it means for a theater chain that built a brand on being aggressively anti-phone. Plus they discuss the latest news in the saga of disgraced Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, what this joke map of RTD’s light rail stops says about how we view Denver, and of course, our wins and fails of the week.

Bree talked about the new Gems & Minerals Hall coming to the Museum of Nature and Science, the ongoing JBS strike, and Denver City Council’s vote for a new contract with Axon. Paul quoted numbers from this Westword report on the local Alamo unions and discussed this statement from the company about the QR ordering change; he also talked about Copper Kettle Brewing’s impending closure and Jersey Mike’s downhill slide. Michelle mentioned Mo’Betta Greens.

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 3rd episode:

Multipass

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

Prediction Markets Hit Local Politics, Axon Replaces Flock, and a Great Local Pet Store Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Harbingers of dystopia or the hottest trend in tech — Kalshi, Polymarket, and other prediction market platforms have come for local politics. You can right now bet on buzzy issues like the hotly contested race to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, but also on the utterly banal, like the temperature in Denver today. City Cast Denver contributor and founder of investigative journalism site The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the local prediction markets. Plus, City Council approves Mayor Mike Johnston’s new contract for Axon license plate readers, and Sirota’s got a rec for the best pet supply store in town.

Subscribe to “Keep It Local,” our new Thursday afternoon shopping guide for curated recommendations of local small businesses. Paul also mentioned the podcast Election Profit Makers and our recent episode with Dr. Paul Teske of CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs.

Do you have a gambling problem? In Colorado, you call the 24/7 confidential hotline or text 1-800-GAMBLER

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 prediction markets for local issues? We want to hear your take on Kalshi and Polymarket! 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 2nd episode:

Multipass

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

Your Guide to April 2026 in Denver Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Spring is springing! Flowers are blooming! Who was hoping for a a real winter this year, anyway? Denverites are up and about, and the city is buzzing with great new places to eat and cool things to do. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to drink a beer while the kiddos play or searching your new favorite coffee shop that also serves as a revolutionary reading library, we’ve got plenty of very real, personal recommendations for how to make the most of April in Denver. Plus, if you were assembling the perfect Denver picnic, what locally produced or made foods would need to be in there? And where are you plopping down your blanket?

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’s in your Ultimate Denver Picnic Box? We want to hear the great stuff we missed! 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 today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass,⁠ ⁠⁠learn more here.⁠

Check out the upcoming events Andy mentioned here:

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode:

⁠Multipass⁠

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

Local Dems Playing Dirty, César Chávez Ripple Effects, and Westword's New Era Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

While many Denverites were protesting at No Kings, watching the Denver Summit FC kickoff, or just enjoying the sun, Democrats from all over the state descended on Pueblo for their state assembly to nominate candidates for the primary election in June. Producer Paul Karolyi was in Pueblo following the action, and he’s on with Westword editor Patty Calhoun to share his reporting on some allegations against the frontrunner attorney general candidate, Jena Griswold, which surfaced mere hours before the vote. Plus, Patty discusses the news that she is retiring from Westword, and we hear from host Bree Davies who was on location Monday morning with green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval for a press conference at the Corky Gonzalez Library.

Patty mentioned retired judge Ann Frick’s op-ed for Westword about Secretary of State Jena Griswold – “⁠Jena Griswold’s Fabrications Are Disqualifying in AG’s Race⁠.” She also discussed ⁠Westword’s past coverage of Griswold’s “reign of error”⁠ as secretary of state and ⁠her own work⁠ on the former nuclear bomb plant Rocky Flats.

Paul discussed the new allegations from former Griswold staffer Reese Edwards (⁠Part 1⁠ and ⁠Part 2⁠)

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 have a gardening question for our expert? Ann Marie Awad is ready to dig in and do the research to get you the answer you (and your plants) need. 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 March 31st episode:

⁠Multipass⁠
⁠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

How Will Lakewood Vote on Density? And What Will It Mean for Casa Bonita? Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Lakewood City Council passed a massive zoning ordinance last year to make it easier to build more types of housing. But implementation is on hold – several neighborhood groups gathered enough signatures, and now all of Lakewood will decide in a special election on April 7. So, today we’re bringing you both sides of the debate: First, Karen Gordey, manager of the “yes” campaign, joins host Bree Davies to lay out why some neighbors are concerned about the character of Lakewood being lost to density. Then, City Council member Roger Low explains why people like him on the “no” side of the debate want to keep new zoning rules and encourage housing density.

What do you think about the density debate in Lakewood? 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

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': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Denver Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

More affordable housing is needed in places like Denver. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?

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.

Which Dem Could Take Back CD8? Plus, Wait Times at DIA and Pizza Donuts at Coors Field Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

The fight for Congressional District 8 is heating up – known to swing both ways, the race is anyone’s game. In a party with a growing divide, democratic centrist Shannon Bird and progressive Manny Rutinel are both vying for the seat, so how will things shake out for the dems? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to discuss the CD8 tossup, plus talk about ⁠new over-the-top snacks⁠ coming to Coors Field, Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun’s ⁠big retirement announcement⁠, and of course, our wins and fails of the week.

Paul talked about Welton Street Café winning its $1 million case ⁠against a shoddy contractor⁠, and the ⁠GoFundMe for Eduardo Morales⁠, a TSA agent who was killed in a hit and run accident. Justine talked about the panaderia saving Jim’s Burger Haven from a ⁠big bun shortage⁠. Bree mentioned the Denver Post’s reporting on ⁠Bruce Brown’s mustache⁠.

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 March 27th episode: