City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Denver Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

What’s a seemingly small project in Denver that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today.

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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The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which may change at a moment’s notice! – or making sure to drink enough water during the workday, not just when you’re hiking. Today, host Bree Davies and producer Shane Franklin are joined by City Cast Denver regular Michelle Jackson to lay out their unwritten rules of making the most of your time in the Mile High City.

Bree mentioned Patty Calhoun’s Westword story on Denver’s history with Christmas lights, the misspelling of Kalamath Street, and 9News’ extensive look at the pronunciation of street names in 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

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What is one of your unwritten rules for Denver? 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 September 25th episode:

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

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter. Denver Post arts and entertainment reporter John Wenzel joins host Bree Davies to talk about his recent guide to navigating the fest landscape and how to enjoy the screenings, parties, and more. Plus, they speculate on EDM artist GRiZ’s motives behind performing two free shows for fans this weekend after his Red Rocks concerts earlier this month sold out immediately, and John and Bree share their must-go shows this fall in 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!

Are you going to one of Griz’s free shows this weekend? 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 September 24th episode:

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

A Local Landmark Melts Away, Ball Arena’s New $135M Lobby, and Vegetarian Hot Dogs Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Ball Arena is set to get a $135 million makeover, complete with more escalators and a giant LED screen outside for fans to watch the action. Editor and founder of The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk about why Ball Arena’s owner Stan Kroenke is spending millions to update the lobby of his arena and what, if anything, it means for the fan experience. Plus, they discuss the complete melting away of St. Mary’s Glacier and the impacts of climate change on Colorado’s tourism economy.

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!

What do you think of Ball Arena’s proposed remodel? 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 September 23rd episode:

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

A New Owner Bought Park Hill's Most Notorious Strip Mall. Is Gentrification Coming Next? Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

A grocery store or a bar? This is the question at the center of the future of The Holly, a shopping center in Northeast Park Hill. The generational gathering place for Denver’s Black community is currently embroiled in a fight between a landlord and tenants – and it’s exposing a deeper conversation about who a proposed remodel of The Holly is for. Green chile correspondent (and current candidate for House District 5) Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and brand new City Cast Denver creative producer Shane Franklin to talk about why revamping a strip mall is stirring so many emotions.

Bree mentioned our episode with Julian Rubinstein, author of “The Holly: Five Bullets, One Gun, and the Struggle to Save an American Neighborhood” and Terrance Roberts, the subject of the book. She also talked about our interview with Roberts when he ran for mayor back in 2023.

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!

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

If you enjoyed this interview with Kevin Smith, the CEO of Denver Film, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode:

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

The Spicy Story Behind One of Denver's Most Famous Green Chiles Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Green chile is a staple of Colorado cuisine – both the pepper itself and the spicy, soupy stew used to smother everything from burritos and french fries to eggs and hamburgers. For decades, Denverites have been flocking to The Original Chubby’s Burger Drive In for their version of the versatile dish, and there is perhaps no version as hotly contested as Chubby’s. Our resident green chile correspondent (and current candidate for House District 5) Justine Sandoval sits down with host Bree Davies to regale her with the tale of how Chubby’s came to be and the Cordova family’s dramatic and spicy rise to the top.

We pulled some background information for this show from Adam Cayton-Holland’s 2007 Westword piece, “Smothered: The Saga of the Chubby's Empire,” (which includes a conversation with the late, great Stella Cordova herself!)

This episode first aired on October 5, 2022.

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!

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 September 21st 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’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Denver Sep 20, 2026

Show notes

Would Denver be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done.

Mentioned on the show:

Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115
Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343

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.

Could City Workers Get A Raise? Plus, New Buyers for The Mercury Cafe and Another Bear Attack Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

The Mercury Cafe is back! Again! This time around, the buyers are asking the community what they want from this legendary space before moving into it. Can a cultural icon be preserved while also evolving with the times? City government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies to peer into the crystal ball to see the Merc’s future, plus they discuss Mayor Mike Johnston’s optimistic city budget for 2027 and share their wins and fails of the week. Oh, and if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor you get a special segment just for members where Elliott and Bree daydream about their fave Denver businesses of yore.

Elliott talked about a woman’s account of surviving a bear bite and DIA’s high marks for passenger happiness. Bree discussed the community survey from the new owners of The Mercury Cafe, the Supreme Court’s ruling on mail-in ballots this midterm, Torres shutting down and moving locations, and her love letter to an old restaurant.

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!

What’s the long-gone Denver business you miss the most? 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 September 18th episode:

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

Denver’s Shining Star Chefs, Burrito Haters, and Is Downtown a Convention Destination? Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Denver chefs and restaurateurs celebrated this week when both the Michelin Guide announced its 2026 winners and the New York Times dropped its 50 best restaurants in America list! In no surprise to local foodies, culinary superstars Johnny and Kasie Curiel’s latest spot, Milpero, nabbed accolades from both. Our coffee shop connoisseur and downtown champ Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies to talk about Denver’s ever-evolving food scene, plus they discuss whether or not the Mile High City is still a place that conventions, conferences, and expos see as a viable location, and why it’s so important to know what you’re really looking for in a city before you visit.

Bree talked about the Merch Motel Instagram’s recent trip to Lakeside Amusement Park and our episode on the changing landscape of Mexican food. Michelle recommends her new fave downtown spot, The Flaming Grille.

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!

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 September 17th episode:

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

Young Coloradans Really Dislike AI and More Takeaways From a New Poll Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

A new poll out this week says Coloradans have strong feelings about AI and data centers, offering an interesting look at how age, political affiliation, and gender play into the topic. Editor and founder of The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to discuss the latest poll from local nonpartisan research group Magellan Strategies Plus, they share their feelings on how AI use is impacting their own lives – from work-related research projects and travel plans to what role they think the technology should play at their kids’ schools.

Bree mentioned a post about how schools use surveillance apps from Lyz Lenz’ newsletter, Men Yell at Me.

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!

Have you used AI at work or in your personal life? 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 Kevin Smith, the CEO of Denver Film, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode:

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

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