City Cast Denver

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Your Guide to November 2025 in Denver Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

We’re deep in the swing of the fall season, and it’s chilly! November is lovely month in the Mile High City — a time to enjoy seasonal holiday markets, deliciously warm and savory meals, and special gatherings that give back. From food recs to mountain getaways, we’ve rounded up a killer list of the best ways to enjoy Denver and beyond this November.

Be sure to check out JD’s live show, Comedy Killed the Video Star, November 21 at Mutiny Information Cafe and our list of ways to support food access organizations across the city. Paul talked about the podcast he co-hosts with our guest JD Lopez, “Hold on to Your Butts: A Podcast About the Great Franchises That Uhhhh Lost Their Way.”

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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 October in Denver, we’ll have even more tips and suggestions in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. and check our their shows below:

Learn more about the other sponsors of this November 3rd episode:

Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off.
Denver Film
Multipass

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

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BONUS: Everything You Need To Know About the DPS Races, Teachers Union Edition Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

Earlier this week, host Bree Davies sat down with BoardHawk podcast co-host Alexis Menocal-Harrigan to talk through ⁠the Denver Public Schools’ Board Races⁠. We heard from listeners aligned with the ⁠Denver Teachers Classroom Association⁠ that they felt the episode was unfair to their candidates. So, we invited DCTA president Rob Gould on to share his perspective on the same issues: The four school board seats up for grabs, how Superintendent Alex Marrero is doing, and why so many out-of-state donors are interested in the DPS board.

Rob discussed the debate around at-large candidate Amy Klein Molk’s comments on AI. For details, Chalkbeat ⁠reported on the controversy⁠.

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

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What do you think about the DPS board races? 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

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Is Denver Not Gay Enough? Plus, the Mayor’s Flock Fail and Cliff Divers on Strike! Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

More than ever, Denverites are divided on the issue of surveillance. As lawyers hammer out the details of the city’s deal with the surveillance startup Flock, criticism of Mayor Johnston’s position and approach is only growing, especially after his comments on Flock’s role in the cases of Jax Gratton and reports of a Bow Mar woman wrongly accused of theft. Political activist Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to debate the issue and speculate about the future. Plus, some LGBTQ businesses were vandalized just as Denver was passed up in its bid to host the 2030 Gay Games — is the Mile High City becoming less hospitable to the queer community? And of course, our wins and fails of the week.

Bree discussed the family detained by ICE in Durango, high voter turnout, and Rainbow Dome‘s Deadlifts at the Dome. Paul talked about the performers strike at Casa Bonita, the Halo 3 mural at the Game Stop on Colorado Boulevard, and where you can find local Flock cameras.

A celebration of life for Jax Gratton is happening this Saturday at The Pearl.

What do you think about the future of Flock in Denver? 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

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Learn more about the sponsors of this October 31st episode:

Arvada Center
Denver Art Museum
Denver Film
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

All the Dirty Details About the School Board Races and Props LL and MM Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Education is on the ballot this year. Voters statewide are looking at propositions LL and MM concerning funding for school lunch programs. In Denver, 11 candidates are vying for four open DPS board seats, and some of those races are getting spicy. DPS Parent and BoardHawk podcast co-host Alexis Menocal-Harrigan has been interviewing the contenders for those open board seats and she joins host Bree Davies to dig into the details. She also gives insight into how state budget shortfalls are impacting students, why the teachers unions vs. reformers narrative is old news, and who these board candidates are.

After we recorded, Alexis told us she misspoke about DJ Torres’ fellowship with Denver Families. His fellowship came with a $5,000 award, not $1,000.

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

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How are you voting on the school board races? 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 October 30th episode:

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Mayor Mike Johnston on Flock, His Big Bond Proposal, and ‘Denver’s Game Room’ Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Ballots are arriving ahead of the November 4 election, and Denverites are weighing Mayor Mike Johnston’s big proposal of the year — the “Vibrant Denver” bond. It would represent almost $1 billion in new debt to fund infrastructure projects across the city, but will voters see a future of possibilities? Or will they swayed by the mayor’s growing chorus of critics? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Mayor Johnston to talk about the recent outrage over his extension of Flock surveillance contracts, his handling of the budget, and why he bought the Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street.

Paul referenced our interview with Fire Department Chief Desmond Fulton, “⁠Why Firefighters Are Getting Raises When the City Is Doing Layoffs⁠.” The mayor said that his proposed budgets for the fire and police departments were “mostly flat, but ⁠according to Axios Denver⁠ the mayor’s proposed police budget for 2026 is up 2% to $281 million and ⁠according to our reporting⁠ his proposed fire budget is up about 1%, or $1.2 million, to $158,081,466. The mayor mentioned a police officer ⁠who was shot ⁠protecting a migrant shelter.

Per Paul’s question about the criteria the mayor gave to Flock for any contract extension, the mayor’s office shared ⁠this press release⁠ because the contract itself is still being reviewed by the city’s attorneys.

What do you think about the mayor’s defense of his contracts with Flock? 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 October 29th episode:

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

Wynkoop’s Car-Free Week, Chauncey Billups and a Sports Betting Rethink, and Both Sides of the Flock Debate Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

News broke last week that NBA Hall of Famer and “King of Park Hill” Chauncey Billups was allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar mafia-run poker scheme and potentially sharing insider information on NBA games that he was coaching. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the downfall of this hometown hero and if it could change the way Denverites feel about sports betting. Then, they discuss Wynkoop’s car-free trial period and hear from listeners about the STAR program, gubernatorial frontrunner and Senator Michael Bennet, and shooting police drones out of the sky.

Bree mentioned a piece from The Athletic about Chauncey Billups and our past interview with Carleigh Sailon, a clinician who helped launch Denver’s STAR Program. We also talked about our Monday interview with Senator Michael Bennet.

If Denver was a house, Union Station would be the living room. But what would be the mudroom? Or the bathroom? Or the backyard? 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.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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

If you enjoyed the interview with Dr. Eric Dorninger from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off.

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

Arvada Center
Denver Art Museum
Denver Film
Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more

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

Sen. Michael Bennet on High Housing Costs, His 38% Approval Rating, and Gov. Polis’ Vetoes Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Sen. Michael Bennet got fired up when he questioned HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy about vaccines recently. Turns out, he also gets fired up talking about the cost of living with us. Colorado’s senior senator returns to the podcast today as the leading candidate to replace Jared Polis as governor. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk to Bennet about how his approach to housing density would differ from Polis’, whether or not he supports retaliatory congressional redistricting to send more Democrats to DC, and if he would have signed three big bills Polis vetoed — rideshare sexual assault, the Workers Protection Act, and banning rent algorithms.

Paul recently spoke with Governor Jared Polis about housing affordability. We also referenced attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser’s latest interview with Kyle Clark on 9News, in which he discussed retaliatory redistricting.

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 October 27th episode:

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

Anti-Flock Rage Boils Over, the Denver Post’s Unpaid Bills, the ‘King of Park Hill’ Is Arrested Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

In a shocking and ironic revelation, CBS revealed this week that the Denver Post owes the City of Denver around $2 million in unpaid rent on its lease in the Denver Post building at Colfax and Broadway. So, how will that affect the mayor’s budget negotiations and the $200 million shortfall the city is dealing with? Then, unnamed business owners told the Denver Gazette that bicycle activists had been terrorizing them both in person and online, but who are these anonymous voices? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into the City of Denver’s landlord headache, more bicycle drama, Flock surveillance, and wins and fails of the week.

Bree talked about her interview with Clerk and Recorder Paul López, DoBetterDNVR’s post about Harm Reduction Action Center, and the Buntport Theater. Paul mentioned the Chauncey Billups’ indictment and photographer Drew Kartos’ reflections on the ‘No Kings’ viral moment. Justine discussed the latest drama with Raíces Brewing and the Broncos epic win.

What do want us to ask Mayor Johnston? We’re sitting down with Mayor Mike soon and we want to hear what questions you have for him! 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 or TikTok City Cast Denver

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 October 24 episode:

Arvada Center
Denver Art Museum
Denver Health
Denver Film
Elizabeth Martinez with Compass 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

What Happens When an AI Data Center Moves In Next Door? Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

The rise of generative AI is reshaping our culture in many ways, but it’s also reshaping our city. Here in Denver, a company called CoreSite has already built two data centers to serve the AI industry, and they are currently constructing a giant, third one in Elyria-Swansea — one of the city’s most polluted neighborhoods. So what kind of a neighbor will this new CoreSite data center be? CPR climate reporter Sam Brasch joins host Bree Davies to discuss everything you need to know about the data centers popping up down the block.

What do you think about data centers being build in Denver? 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 October 23rd episode:

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Gov. Jared Polis on RTD’s Failures, Taking on NIMBYs, and His Plans for the Future Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

While many progressives ⁠have⁠ ⁠been⁠ ⁠upset⁠ with Governor Jared Polis lately, a new national political movement is looking to him for leadership. Inspired by “Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, this new strain of liberal politics is focused on cutting red tape, building housing density and transit, and reducing barriers to new technology. So is Polis the perfect posterchild for the Abundance Agenda? And is that what Coloradans want out of their governor? A new group called ⁠Abundance Network⁠ recently invited producer Paul Karolyi to moderate a fireside chat with the governor about housing, transit, energy, and his plans for his final legislative session in January.

What do you think about Governor Jared Polis right now? What has he done well? Where has he gone astray? 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 October 22nd 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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