City Cast Denver

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A New Approach to Housing Density, Denver's Drought Conditions, and Summit FC Needs a Mascot! Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Ski season is ending prematurely, spring flowers are popping up early, and well, it’s been hot! After our unseasonably warm and dry winter, Denver Water’s Board of Commissioners yesterday enacted Stage 1 drought restrictions. So what will that mean for Denverites? Contributor Joshua Emerson joins producer Olivia Jewell Love and host Bree Davies to confess their toxic water traits and talk about the regional context of drought conditions. Plus, they get into the debate over a new lot-splitting bill at the state legislature and pitch their ideas for Denver Summit FC’s mascot.

Bree mentioned this, but you can sign up now for City Cast Denver’s new weekly shopping guide newsletter Keep It Local! You can also email us at denver@citycast.fm if you have a local business you think we should feature.

What do you think should be Denver Summit FC’s mascot? 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

Tickets are still available for that Denver Summit FC home opener at Empower Field on Saturday!

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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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode:

Arvada Center

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Breaking Down Rep. DeGette's Viral Confrontation, Flock Replacement Delayed, and Bookstore Drama Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

A video went viral last week showing Denver’s Congresswoman Diana DeGette ⁠being confronted by activists⁠ about her stance on military aid to Israel – but there’s a deeper story behind what the footage seems to show. Producer Paul Karolyi did some digging and shares the backstory with host Bree Davies and returning guest Adrian Felix. Plus, they dig into Denver City Council’s decision to ⁠postpone the vote⁠ on a new license plate camera reader contract and discuss the ⁠fallout of another bookstore⁠ disassociating itself from former Tattered Cover CEO Kwame Spearman.

Bree mentioned ⁠Spearman’s op-ed⁠ in Westword.

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 25th episode:

⁠Arvada Center⁠

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

Is the New Broncos Stadium a Traffic Jam Waiting to Happen? Plus, Why ICE Might Be At DIA Soon Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Neighbors of Burnham Yard – the proposed site of a future Broncos stadium in La Alma Lincoln Park – are ⁠concerned about the development’s impact⁠ on traffic flow, parking, andhowpedestrian and bicycle infrastructure will be a part of the plan. Can team ownership be trusted to fully address these big picture transit issues? Denver Post city government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to share what she heard from neighbors and what’s next for this city-transforming project. Plus, they look at the connections between ⁠a new lawsuit against the city⁠ filed by a lawyer for the city, and what it could mean for the future of federal funding for Denver International Airport.

Elliott talked about the ⁠conceptual map of plans to address traffic⁠ in and out of the Burnham Yard site.

What do you think about the plan for Burnham Yard? 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 March 24th episode:

⁠Arvada Center⁠
⁠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 Denver is Grappling With the César Chávez Revelations Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

It’s been less than a week since the New York Times reported on allegations of sexual assault against labor movement icon César Chávez, and the City of Denver is already moving to rename the holiday, park, and federal building that carries his name. But what’s next? And what can labor organizers and activists learn from the story of Dolores Huerta? Former City Council president Ramona Martinez and our green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join host Bree Davies to discuss the JBS strike, the role of Chicano and Latino women in these movements, and their advice for people holding on to open secrets.

What do you think Denver should rename the park on Tennyson? 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 March 23rd episode:

Arvada Center

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'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Denver Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Denver. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

Mentioned on the show:

Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas)

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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Trans Kids on the Ballot, a Shaky Scooter Deal, and Magic Mushroom Yoga Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Coloradans will vote on two measures impacting transgender kids this fall – Ballot Initiative 109, which aims to prevent trans kids from participating in school sports, and Ballot Initiative 110, which would prohibit access to gender-affirming surgeries. Is Colorado inching backward toward its “hate state” past? Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of the live comedy show Dyketopia join host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into these measures backed by anti-LGBTQ group Protects Kids Colorado. Plus, they discuss a Title IX fight going down between JeffCo schools and the U.S. Department of Education, the Mile High City’s first licensed "microdosing cafe," and share their wins and fails of the week.

Bree talked about a Gallup poll on trans athletes and data from the Williams Institute on trans people living in the U.S.; she also mentioned a state bill that could give victims of conversion therapy the ability to sue mental health providers who perform it. Olivia talked about City Council postponing a vote on the city’s potential new e-scooter provider. This weekend’s Dyktopia show is sold out, but you can still catch Lee on some other great live shows here in Denver before they head back to NYC.

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 César Chávez revelations this week? 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 March 20th episode:

Denver Health

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

Who Profits Off 'Captive Pricing' at DIA? Plus, 'No Kings' Energy Rising and an Underrated Nugget Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Another No Kings protest is planned in Denver next week, and Colorado is grappling with President Trump’s looming imperial tendencies – what happens if Governor Polis chooses not to grant Tina Peters clemency? What could the state lose in retaliation? In the second season of Master Plan: The Kingmakers, host David Sirota and his team at The Lever dig into a decades-long scheme to make the American presidency more like a monarchy. Sirota joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to explore the local connections to this presidential power grab. Plus, we continue our conversation on “captive pricing,” drilling down specifically into concessions contracts at Denver International Airport, and take a look at an underrated Nuggets player.

We discussed the 9News investigation comparing prices on goods at DIA and the Denver Post’s coverage of the city auditor’s 2022 report on questionable airport concessions contracts. Paul talked about local airport concessions big shot Rod Tafoya.

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

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode:

Denver Health

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

What Secrets Has ICE Been Keeping in Denver? Plus, the Best Places To Be Broken Up With Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

What exactly is ICE up to in Denver? And how have ICE operations changed since Trump returned to the White House? Contributor Joshua Emerson joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to discuss some recent reporting from Colorado Times Recorder on ICE “hold rooms” across the state and a recent CU Boulder analysis of 10 years of ICE data on Denver. Plus, Joshua’s list of the best places to be broken up with.

Joshua mentioned a lawsuit against GEO Group over their $1-per-day detainee work program, which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on in February. He also talked about the comedy show he’s hosting at The Bug Theater this weekend.

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 best place to be broken up with? 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 March 18th episode:

Denver Health

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

Is Denver Suffering From ‘Brain Drain’? Plus, a Major Congressional Upset Could Be Brewing Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

What is going on inside Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure? After a string of traffic and safety-related controversies, The Denver Post reports that the department has been experiencing “brain drain,” with turnover in several senior roles in the past six months. So, what does that say about DOTI’s executive director, Amy Ford, and the future of our streets? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the drama within the department. Plus, congressional candidate Melat Kiros reportedly “trounced” Denver’s 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic assemblies over the weekend, and why are Denverites mad at Parks and Rec?

Check out our past conversations with District 1’s Democratic congressional candidates Melat Kiros and Wanda James, and current representative, Diana DeGette, plus Mayor Johnston’s recent comments on our show about the Alameda Avenue safety plan.

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 race to represent Denver in Congress? 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 March 17th episode:

Denver Health
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

Free Market Hot Dogs Prevail, Where Bills Actually Become Laws, and an Iranian Coloradan Reflects on the War Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

From expensive groceries to costly housing to pricey healthcare, affordability has been top of mind for Colorado legislators – even when it comes down to the price of a hot dog at Ball Arena. Last week, a bill aimed at capping how much businesses can charge in “captive” situations – think places like airports, stadiums, and hospitals where food options are limited – died in a legislative committee. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Yara Zokaie, joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the affordability debate, plus share what she’s hearing from family back home in Iran and which restaurants, bars, and coffee shops near the Capitol are hotspot for the lobbyists and legislators making deals.

Check out the job listing for our creative producer position with City Cast Denver!

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 price of concessions at stadiums? 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 March 16th episode:

Denver Health

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

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