City Cast Denver

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Is Mayor Johnston Making Denver Streets Less Safe? Alameda, Bike Lanes, Waymo, and More Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Neighbors in West Wash Park have now gathered more than 1,000 signatures calling for Mayor Johnston to reverse the city’s plan for traffic calming on Alameda Ave. to the original, three-lane proposal. They argue that there’s no way the new four-lane plan is just as safe, as DOTI head Amy Ford has argued. But could that possibly be true? CU Denver civil engineering professor Wes Marshall has been watching the debate play out, and he’s on today to help cut through the noise — and answer the bigger question: Is Mayor Johnston making Denver streets less safe?

Do you think Mayor Johnston is making Denver streets less safe? 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

Wes Marshall is also the author of “Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System.” Bree quoted a recent Denver Post op-ed by the co-chairs of the DOTI advisory board Aylene McCallum and Allen Cowgill: “The previous administration made great progress in achieving these visions [for a connected Denver], but today, under Mayor Johnston’s leadership, that progress has stalled and, in specific instances, has even been reversed.”

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

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If you enjoyed this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode:

Denver Health
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
Denver Botanic Gardens
Foothills Animal Shelter

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

‘Cars Ruin Cities,’ Local Movie Theater Love, and Who Pays for Wildfire Safety? Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

It’s been an unseasonably warm December, and that means the risk of wildfires is relatively high. So, producer Olivia Jewell Love and producer Paul Karolyi discuss how Xcel Energy is preparing for a possible pre-emptive power shutdown this week. Plus, we unravel the mystery of the street safety signs that were hacked last Friday to read “Cars Ruin Cities” and respond to listener questions about movie theaters, tipping, and South Park’s latest take on Denver.

Paul talked about the controversy around Xcel’s unannounced pre-emptive power shutdowns last year.

What do you think about all these hacked street signs? What would you put on one? 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 December 16th episode:

Denver Health
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
Denver Botanic Gardens
Foothills Animal Shelter
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

Senate Candidate Julie Gonzales on Sexism in the Democratic Party, Working With Trump, and Being a Horse Girl Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Coloradans are increasingly disillusioned with traditional political institutions, including the Democratic Party, which polled at 68% unfavorable in a recent Magellan Strategies survey. So why did current State Senator Julie Gonzales, once a darling of the Democratic Socialists of America, decide to run for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat? Gonzales joins host Bree Davies to discuss her relationship with her party, where she sees opportunities to work with Trump, and how her approach would differ from her opponent, incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper.

We’ve invited Hickenlooper to come on the pod to discuss his campaign soon. What should we ask him about? 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

Today is the last day to vote for the finalists of the Denver-est Denver Awards! Your vote will determine the winners of Best Artist, Best Small Business, Biggest Win, and more. And don’t forget to buy your ticket to the show on Dec. 18 and see the winners announced live on stage at The Oriental Theater. Vote here and get your tickets now!

Help us hit the goal for our year-end membership drive! You’ll get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. Enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm

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 December 15th episode:

Denver Health
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
Denver Botanic Gardens
Foothills Animal Shelter

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

Insider Dems Dirty Dealings, RTD’s Disability Access Lawsuit, and the NWSL Stadium Subsidy Vote Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

After the announcement of State Sen. Julie Gonzales’ bid to unseat U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, stories emerged alleging Democratic Party insiders tried to deter her from running. Comedian Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the details of Hick’s primary strategy, as well as Denver’s questionable new homeless service provider contracts, disability activists’ lawsuit against RTD, and more wins and fails of the week.

Vote for the finalists of the Denver-est Denver Awards! Your vote will determine the winners of Best Artist, Best Small Business, Biggest Win, and more. And don’t forget to buy your ticket to the show on Dec. 18 and see the winners announced live on stage at The Oriental Theater. Vote here and get your tickets now!

Paul quoted this Denver Post reporting on RTD’s on-time performance, in which buses “lagged at 83%” as of July of 2025 (On-time performance for light rail recovered to 91% this year). Paul also discussed the Sports Castle and the Denver Summit FC stadium vote. We mentioned Atlantis ADAPT’s lawsuit against RTD and multiple stories on Denver’s homeless shelter contracts from Denverite’s Kyle Harris. Bree talked about Westwood resident Norma Brambila. Joshua discussed a new Native community-focused housing and healthcare building.

What do you think about the Hickenlooper vs. Gonzales race? 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.

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode:

Denver Health
Colfax Ave BID
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment.

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

A Very Mile High Holiday Gift Guide Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

What gift do you get the Denverite who seems to have everything? Or your friend who suddenly became a minimalist and has, like, no material possessions? Fear not, the Mile High is filled with exciting and unique potential gifts — from newly released books from great local authors to quirky classes they can take! Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Olivia Jewell Love and content creator/political candidate Rayna Kingston to share recommendations for some of the best gifts you can find around Denver this holiday season.

Where do you like to shop local for holiday gifts? 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

Rayna mentioned these thrifting accounts for bundled gifts: @thriftgirlieclub and @cherrypickedthreads_. Olivia mentioned some of the neurodivergent friendly programming happening at the Autism Community Store.

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 December 11th episode:

Denver Health
Colfax Ave BID
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off

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

What Did Denver Eat This Year? Martinis, Ham Sandwiches, and Pickled Everything Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Creative takes on the classic martini, pickles on pizza, and … a hotly contested debate over the tipped minimum wage? It was an up and down year for Denverites looking for a good meal at a fair price. ⁠Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin⁠ returns to talk about all the hottest trends, most exciting new restaurants, biggest stories, and best bites of the year with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi.

⁠Vote for the finalists⁠ of the Denver-est Denver Awards! Your vote will determine the winners of Best Artist, Best Small Business, Biggest Win, and more. And don’t forget to ⁠buy your ticket⁠ to the show on Dec. 18 and see the winners announced live on stage at The Oriental Theater. ⁠Vote here⁠ and ⁠get your tickets⁠ now!

What was your best bite of the year? 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

Some of the great places we mentioned:

Paul mentioned ⁠the saga of Clever Girl⁠ and the ⁠record low amount⁠ of American adults who say they drink alcohol.

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 December 10th episode:

⁠Denver Health⁠
⁠Colfax Ave BID⁠
⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
⁠Aura Frames⁠ - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off

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

Hickenlooper’s New Challenger, RTD’s Rocky Road Ahead, and Secret Influence Over Alameda Ave.? Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

State Sen. Julie Gonzales announced yesterday that she’s challenging John Hickenlooper for his seat in the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a very Denver Democratic primary next June. So, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about how this race reflects the broader divide within the Democratic Party, from Gonzales and Hickenlooper’s respective policy achievements to their approaches to resisting President Trump. Plus, internal city documents reveal just how much influence a wealthy neighbor had over the change to DOTI’s traffic calming plans for Alameda Avenue, and we respond to listener feedback on our interview with RTD CEO Debra Johnson.

Bree mentioned the potential redesign of the cloverleaf interchange at Federal Boulevard and Colfax Avenue.

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 about Gonzales vs. Hickenlooper? Who will you vote for? 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 December 9th episode:

Denver Health
Colfax Ave BID
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off
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

Our Best Bets for Mile High Family Fun This Holiday Season Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

‘Tis the season for holiday markets, ugly sweater parties, and pop-up bars aplenty — but what about the kids? Where do parents and caregivers take the little ones to have fun without breaking the bank? Last year, host Bree Davies sat down with fellow parents Linnea Covington, managing editor at DiningOut, and David Gilbert, writer and local history buff, to come up with a killer list of fun and affordable ways to keep kiddos entertained — from seasonal light displays to free visits with Santa and more.

Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm

Bree mentioned a video of the old, elaborate holiday displaysat the long-demolished Buckingham Square in Aurora.

What’s your favorite thing to do with the fam over the holidays? 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

There are plenty of things to do for adults, too! Check out our events calendar plus even more news from around the city by subscribing 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

Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 8th episode:

Denver Health
Colfax Ave BID
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Use code CITYCAST for $35 off

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

$5 for a House in Congress Park? Plus, Sen. Winter’s Complicated Legacy and Why China Loves ‘Colorado’ Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

State Sen. Faith Winter was killed in a car accident last week, and the internet is buzzing with heartfelt tributes, but also rumors about the circumstances and some really nasty speculation. So how should we make terms with her multifaceted legacy? Congressional candidate Melat Kiros joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Faith Winter and alcohol at the Capitol. Plus, a new local startup wants to sell you a house for $5, a viral video is sparking heated conversations about refugees in Aurora, and the hottest fashion trend in China is “Colorado”? And as always, we wrap with our wins and fails of the week.

Paul mentioned Troy Guard’s new restaurant and his previous comments about Denver’s restaurant scene, as well as a new exhibit at History Colorado and this New Yorker article about America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Bree talked about the federal funding cuts for housing, and a cool new building on Speer.

What do you think about the new real estate sweepstakes? 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.

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode:

Warren Village
The People Park
Colfax Ave BID
Multipass
Ballpark Denver
Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment.

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

And the Nominees Are… Vote Now for the 2025 Denver-est Denver Awards! Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

We’re celebrating all the Rocky Mountain highs and lows of the year by giving our the inaugural Denver-est Denver Awards! Join us on Dec. 18 for special celebrity guests, live music, comedy, and a formal awards presentation to the Best Artist of the Year, the Best Bar/Restaurant, the Biggest Win, and more. We received hundreds of heartfelt nominations and today on the podcast, host Bree Davies and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love reveal the finalists for our six categories. Now it’s up to you to vote for the winners! Who will you pick for the Denver-est Denverite of the Year?

Vote for the finalists now! And get your tickets for the party on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater!

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 of the finalists? Tell us who you’re voting for and why! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your message on the show: 720-500-5418

If you enjoyed the sponsored segment conversation with Maya Osterman-Van Grack, the Executive Director of Programs for Mirror Image, and their Community Engagement Manager, Michael Board, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 4th 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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