City Cast Denver

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What’s Your Favorite Coffee Shop? Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

It’s a fact: Denver is a coffee town. Whether it’s beloved local chains or third wave cafes, the Mile High City abounds with cozy coffee shops offering all sorts of different experiences. Entrepreneur, content creator, and coffee shop aficionado Michelle Jackson joined host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love last September to talk about the local spots that bring the ambiance, offer creative drink choices, and capture what it means to be the best at the coffee game in the Mile High City. We’re revisiting that classic episode today.

For a true coffee nerd’s take, check out listeners Nate and Marie Evans’ breakdown of their favorite spots. Bree mentioned the lawsuit local baristas had filed against Starbucks corporate’s dress code. Michelle mentioned Weathervane’s “grandma-core” cabins that you can rent in Clear Creek County. She also mentioned the podcast she hosts for Colorado CarShare, “How You Got There.”

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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What’s your favorite coffee shop in Denver? 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 February 5th episode:

Arvada Center
South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
Multipass

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Could Gutting the RTD Board Make Buses Run Better? Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

RTD is struggling right now. Denver’s public transit provider is facing low ridership numbers (even relative to peer cities) and a massive projected budget deficit — and that’s without even mentioning the paltry 83% bus on-time percentage. So what should be done? Governor Jared Polis and the legislature brought together a committee of experts last year to do months of research, debate, and come to a proposal that might just help get you home on time. Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the chair of the committee, founding partner of CRL Associates Maria Garcia Berry, and the vice chair, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition’s transportation advocate Jaime Lewis, to get into the details.

For more background, Paul spoke with RTD’s CEO and GM, Debra Johnson, back in December.

What do you think about this proposal to reform 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

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode:

Arvada Center
South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
Multipass

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The 21 Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century (So Far) Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

What makes Denver Denver? Better yet, who defines us as a city? Thinking back on the last quarter century, there have been many politicians, personalities, and people with plenty of money to throw around who have shaped the image, built environment, and ethos of the Mile High City. Producer Paul Karolyi presents his list of the “21 Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century” to host Bree Davies and Westword editor Patty Calhoun, and the trio dig in and debate — Who deserves a higher spot? Who should be number one? Who got snubbed?

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Who do you think got left out? Who would you have in the top 10? 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 February 3rd episode:

Arvada Center
South by Southwest
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

Your Guide to February 2026 in Denver Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

It’s February! The season of love. But in this month’s guide to Denver, we’re going beyond flowers and chocolate. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producer Olivia Jewell Love join host Bree Davies to share the best things to do, see, drink, eat, and explore in and around the Mile High City this month, with some fun twists on the traditional romantic gestures — from a “herstorical” take on Henry VIII at the theater to date night at a food court that’s worth a drive.

Bree mentioned a mini-documentary on the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs.

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.

For even more tips on how to make the most of December in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month.

If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out their upcoming events below!

City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Arvada Center, South by Southwest, and Multipass.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here.

Check out upcoming events below:

And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise.

Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at denver@citycast.fm

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The ‘F--- ICE Latte’ Moment, Mayor Johnston’s Reelection Prospects, and an Open Carry Protest Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Many local small business are closing their doors today joining a national strike against President Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota and the killing of Alex Pretti last Saturday — and others are offering special promotions and discounts. Comedian power couple Jacob Rupp and Miriam Moreno join host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the “F--- ICE Latte” moment. Plus, an open carry protest in Castle Rock was planned and abruptly cancelled — why? And we talk about Mayor Mike Johnston’s new goals for 2026, his biggest political liabilities going into a likely re-election campaign, and our wins and fails of the week.

Come see us tonight at Jacob and Miriam’s comedy show! There are still tickets available for “Good Night Denver” at Dude IDK Studios at 8pm. Get yours here!

Bree talked about Dr. Daddio and West Side Books’ new era. Jacob talked about Nikola Jokić’s injury, Duke’s Good Sandwiches and Burgers, and Adam Cayton-Holland’s movie at Sundance. Paul mentioned DougCo’s new public comment policy, Johnston’s latest move to resist Trump, the role of surveillance cameras in the Leetsdale fire investigation, and Sueños Cantina. Miriam discussed Legal Night at Centro San Juan Diego.

What do you think is the most effective form of protest? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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Does a Pride Flag Belong in ‘Shrek the Musical’? A New Censorship Debate Rages in DougCo Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

One of Denver’s more conservative south suburbs is abuzz with debate over an unlikely subject — “Shrek: The Musical.” When performers in Parker incorporated a pride flag into the musical, some members of the audience complained, and officials with the Town of Parker shared their concerns with actors. But is that censorship? And more importantly, how would Lord Farquaad handle this? Comedian and co-mastermind of Dyketopia Kate McLachlan joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dissect the controversy and debate: Is Shrek actually a gay icon?

Do you think Shrek is a gay icon? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this January 29th episode:

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The Dems’ New Ideas on Affordability, More ICE Fallout, and Running for Congress With Wanda James Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

The president seems to have changed his mind. While the crackdown in Minneapolis is changing course, many Denverites are still debating the best way to fight back. CU Regent and small business owner Wanda James is challenging Denver’s longtime representative in Congress, Diana DeGette, because she’s got a different approach. She joins host Bree Davies to talk about the latest on the immigration crackdown, Trump’s threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, and dig into the buzzword of the moment — affordability. Plus, Wanda’s campaign for Congress.

What do you think about these new ideas on affordability? 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

Bree and Wanda discussed these three new affordability bills Democrats are pushing at the state legislature this session. To hear one of the other candidates challenging Diana DeGette, here’s our episode with Melat Kiros from last month, and here’s our most recent episode with DeGette herself, recorded in 2024 when Democrats were debating whether or not then president Joe Biden should step aside.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode:

Denver Art Museum

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What is ICE Up To In Colorado Right Now? Plus, Huge Pizza News and Reframing the Rental Conversation Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Along with the rest of the country, Denverites are reeling from the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss the local reactions, including from Pretti’s parents in Arvada. Plus, what’s the deal with the “Ace of Spades” cards ICE agents left on detainees cars after a traffic stop outside Vail? We also talk about the new conservative-backed ballot measure to limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration agents and some good news! Longmont pizzerias are putting on a Colorado Pizza Festival in September.

Come see us live this Friday! We are the guests for Dude IDK’s monthly late-night talk show Good Night Denver. It’s super funny, and we’d love to see you there. Get your tickets here!

Paul mentioned photographer Drew Kartos (who has photos from last weekend’s protests up on his Instagram), the recent NYT/Siena poll on President Trump’s immigration crackdown, this helpful history of playing cards in Vietnam, and the distinction between ICE and the Border Patrol. Bree quoted this Al Jazeera interview with a former border patrol officer.

How do you think Coloradans will vote on that ballot measure? We’d love to hear your predictions! 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 Hey Denver 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 January 27th 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

Data Centers, Democratic Infighting, and Trans Kids: Previewing the 2026 CO Legislative Session Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

2026 is shaping up to be a turning point year for the Democrats in Colorado. Internal disagreements on hot topics like data centers and AI threaten to divide the state’s governing party, while important June primaries for the top statewide offices have many lawmakers looking to the future. So, as the legislature convenes for what will be Gov. Jared Polis’ final session in control of the veto pen, what will the Dems be able to agree on? Politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Polis’ last big projects, the internal Democratic divisions, yet another budget deficit, and why everyone can’t stop talking about “affordability.”

Paul mentioned Sam Brasch’s reporting on the dueling data center bills for CPR and the heavily amended Kelly Loving Act that passed last year. Bree talked about the episode we made with Sam about the data centers already operating in Denver.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver 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 January 26th episode:

Denver Art Museum

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Mayor Johnston’s ‘Biggest Fears,’ Rents Keep Dropping, and a Massive Medicaid Fraud Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

The fight over safety on a stretch of Alameda Avenue in Wash Park continues — will the city’s new plan to test an ⁠altered safety plan⁠ make anyone happy? Then, rents are dropping, apartment vacancies are up, and the ⁠mayor is concerned⁠. Why? Politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to talk about the latest twist in the Alameda sage, the inflection point in our rental market, and of course our wins and fails of the week.

Paul talked about our ⁠guest diversity report⁠ for 2025, Colfax Ave BID executive director Frank Locantore’s ⁠push for housing⁠, and a ⁠medicaid fraud scandal⁠. Bree mentioned a Telluride town councilmember’s ⁠hot mic moment⁠. Deep discussed ⁠Bo Nix’s broken ankle⁠ and⁠ YouGov’s poll⁠ on Colorado’s Trump disapproval rating.

What do you think about Alameda Ave.? 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

Come out to our next member event! We’re hosting it at Convivio Café, and if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor you’re invited. Sign up now and get the details at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at ⁠denver.citycast.fm⁠.

Watch clips from the show on YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@citycastdenver⁠ or Instagram ⁠@citycastdenver⁠

Chat with other listeners on reddit: ⁠r/CityCastDenver⁠

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

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

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