City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

Inside Denver’s Biggest Debates: Housing Density, the ‘Blue Ghetto,’ and the Mayor’s Budget Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Is your neighborhood ready for “gentle density”? The city’s community planning and development office is starting work on a project to bring missing middle housing — duplexes, fourplexes, etc. — to more Denver neighborhoods, and that means some neighbors are gearing up for a fight! City Councilman Kevin Flynn represents southwest Denver and was re-elected after he warned against so-called gentle density. So today he joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Denver’s housing challenges and a variety of other hot-button issues facing the city, including the mayor’s controversial budget proposal for 2026 and a couple ballot measures Denverites will be deciding next month.

What do you think about “gentle density” in your neighborhood? 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 6th episode:

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

Mayor Mike Bought a Crusty Mall, More MAGA Boycotts, and RTD Defunds Disability Service Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

One of Mayor Mike Johnston’s biggest priorities this year is showing Denverites how much better 16th St. looks post-construction. And as of Tuesday, he’s got a big new prize to show off: The Denver Pavilions. He’s arranged to buy the 27-year-old “mall on the mall” for $37 million — Coyote Ugly and all. Former Republican congressional candidate Valdamar Archuleta joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about the mayor’s downtown shopping spree. Plus, we debate the latest calls to boycott an allegedly MAGA-owned business in Wheat Ridge and, of course, our wins and fails of the week.

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/

Paul mentioned a Reddit thread where protesters were discussing their actions against the Rocky Mountain Reckoning event at The Werks last Sunday. He also talked about Bake Fest this Saturday morning, RTD’s Access-on-Demand rate change, and the Starbucks inside REI. Olivia talked about banned books and leaf-peepers in Georgetown. Valdamar discussed the Rockies’ rebuild and recent changes at the airport, as well as this pilot’s frustrations.

What do you think about the mayor buying the Pavilions? We need to hear your take! 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 October 3rd episode:

Wise
Window Nation
Multipass
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

Rents Are Dropping. So, Why Are Evictions Still Skyrocketing? Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Something very weird is happening in Denver’s rental market. For the first time in what feels like forever, the average rent is going down. But at the same time, evictions are skyrocketing! They are set to break records again in 2025 after setting a tragic high-water mark in 2024. And amid the escalating eviction crisis, Mayor Mike Johnston informed eviction defense groups last week that he was cutting their funding. So producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with the head of one of those groups, Community Economic Defense Project co-founder Zach Neumann, to talk about why evictions are up when average rents are down, and what the mayor’s decision means for the people most at-risk.

Paul mentioned his interview a few months ago with Drew Hamrick, the senior vice president of Government Affairs for the Apartment Association of Metro Denver.

What do you think about rising evictions and the mayor’s choice to shift funding? 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

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 2nd episode:

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

Your Guide to October 2025 in Denver Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

The leaves are turning, the temps are dropping, and that 12-foot plastic skeleton is back up in the neighbor’s yard. It’s officially October. So how’re you going to make the most of spooky season in Denver this year? From walking tacos on West Colfax to a chilling history museum exhibit, we’re back with our monthly guide to living the good life in the Mile High City.

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/

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 sponsored interview with Riah and Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass,learn more here.

City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Wise, Window Nation, and Multipass.

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

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

Why the Mayor Is Closing Shelters, a Felon for Governor, and Rats at Larimer Square? Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In the context of his proposed budget for 2026, Mayor Mike Johnston has announced plans to shut down two shelters, saving the city $11 million. But that’s still far from enough to cover the $250 million shortfall between 2025 and 2026. The mayor critics are growing in number and intensity, blaming him for mismanagement, so Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about who’s to blame for the budget woes and what they have to do with his new policy strategy on homelessness. Plus, a ⁠longshot candidate for governor⁠ enters the race, and a listener has questions about rats at Larimer Square.

Patty talked about ⁠the mayor’s plans⁠ for Central Park. Paul mentioned ⁠Denverite’s reporting⁠ on the city’s budget woes.

What do you think about the mayor’s new direction on homelessness? 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

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode:

⁠Wise⁠
⁠Window Nation⁠
⁠Multipass⁠
⁠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

Did That Age Well? Denver’s Most Divisive Places, Policies, and Icons Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Denver as a city is more than 160 years old. So, with quite a few decades under the city’s belt, how are things looking these days? From a former mayor’s COVID-era tweets to a popular theater with a questionable moniker, we put some of Denver’s most famous and iconic people, places, and things to the test: Did that age well? Host Bree Davies debates the Mile High City’s best and worst looks with politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and Molly Smith, host of the Did That Age Well? podcast!

Bree mentioned both her and producer Paul Karolyi‘s appearances on Molly’s podcast to talk about Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Jurassic Park.

What do you think about Denver has aged well? Or really, really hasn’t? 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 September 29th episode:

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

Did DoBetterDNVR Have a Change of Heart? Plus, Another Diner Closes and ‘Love Is Blind’ Gossip Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

For years, the social media account DoBetterDNVR has been a thorn in Mayor Mike Johnston’s side, attracting 150,000 followers with harsh personal attacks, policy critiques, and crowd-sourced photos and videos of people experiencing homelessness in crisis. Then on Monday night, the anonymous admin mysteriously deactivated the accounts on Instagram and X. Our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about why DoBetterDNVR stepped away now. Plus, a new report on how local politicians are navigating “toxic” social media, a preview the Denver season of Love is Blind that’s set to premiere next Wednesday, and all our wins and fails of the week.

UPDATE: Hours after we recorded this episode, DoBetterDNVR returned! The newly reactivated account posted a surprising message acknowledging mistakes, committing to more accurate posts, and apologizing to Mayor Johnston and his wife Courtney. We are working to verify this new post and learn more.

Bree talked about Pete’s University Park Cafe closing and Glenwood Springs. Paul discussed weed lounges, Palantir’s new merch, Rich Spirit Bagels, and our recent episode on how weird Gov. Polis is online. Justine talked about recycling plastic bottles and the new play from Jeff Campbell, Jedidiah Blackstone.

What do you think about DoBetterDNVR's change of heart? 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 September 26th episode:

Wise
Clyfford Still Museum
Window Nation - Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September
Downtown Denver Partnership
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

Denver’s Coziest, Most Creative, and Classic Coffee Shops Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Fall is officially here, and the vibes are getting cozy. But beyond a quick service pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, where do you go to settle in and really enjoy a warm and welcoming cup of coffee? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are joined by entrepreneur, content creator, and coffee shop aficionado ⁠Michelle Jackson⁠ to talk about the best 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.

Bree mentioned the lawsuit local baristas ⁠recently filed⁠ against Starbucks corporate’s new 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.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: ⁠r/CityCastDenver⁠

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

What’s your favorite coffee shop in the Denver metro? 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:

⁠Wise⁠
⁠Clyfford Still Museum⁠
⁠Window Nation⁠ - Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September
⁠Downtown Denver Partnership⁠

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

The Best Eats on Havana Street (According to Someone Who’s Trying Every Restaurant) Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

With some of the best pho, dim sum, and tacos in the city, Federal Boulevard long ago earned its reputation as a top dining destination. But lately, Havana Street in Aurora has been getting attention for its own variety of global cuisine. So, is Havana the new Federal? We posed this question to Westword food writer Antony Bruno, who’s been eating his way up Aurora’s boulevard of strip malls, box stores, and used car lots, finding delicious surprises along the way. From a tucked away taqueria to a local Korean BBQ chain, Bruno shares what he’s learned about Aurora and some of his favorites with host Bree Davies.

Antony talked about Taqueria Corona, Snowl, Dae Gee Korean BBQ, Tofu Story, Yemen Grill, Coco Loco, and Katsu Ramen. Bree mentioned the Havana Night Market’s final event of the year this Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Leezakaya.

What’s your favorite place to eat on Havana St.? 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 this interview with Window Nation's Sales Manager, Ryan Quinnell, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode:

Wise
Clyfford Still Museum
Window Nation - Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September
Downtown Denver Partnership

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

Downtown's Real Estate Roller Coaster, New Shuttles to Red Rocks, and a Sweaty Weekend at the Federal Theatre Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

A major commercial real estate company is ⁠buying up buildings⁠ in downtown Denver and wants to convert the empty offices into housing, but the mysterious landowner is ⁠standing in the way⁠. And what does the owner of Lakeside Amusement Park have to do with the mayor’s big plan to revitalize the city’s urban core? Then, RTD has committed almost $1 million to pilot a shuttle service to Red Rocks, but it ⁠won’t be serving concert goers.⁠ Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about these big stories on development and transit, plus a listener question about Clerk and Recorder Paul López’s ⁠delinquent property tax payments⁠.

Bree spoke with Paul López on Monday’s show about his beef with ⁠the mayor’s proposed budget cuts⁠. Paul mentioned CBRE’s ⁠recent analysis of downtown real estate⁠ and Evan Makovsky’s ⁠recent deal to lease space⁠ on 16th St. to Green Spaces with help from the Downtown Development Authority.

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 September 23rd episode:

⁠Wise⁠
⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
⁠Clyfford Still Museum⁠
⁠Window Nation⁠
⁠Downtown Denver Partnership⁠
⁠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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected