City Cast Denver

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A Big, Scary Idea To Save Denver Restaurants Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Ask diners. Ask servers. Ask restaurateurs. You can even ask the governor! They’ll all tell you it's time to talk about the crisis happening in Denver’s restaurants. But everyone defines it a little differently. Some are sick and tired of paying $20 for a mediocre cheeseburger. Others point to recent reports of restaurants closing — more than one in five since 2021 — and no one can agree on what to do. One of city’s most successful restaurateurs, Culinary Creative Group founder and CEO Juan Padró, has been lobbying local politicians, and he joins producer Paul Karolyi alongside former president of Bell Policy Center Scott Wasserman to talk through a big idea they think can help.

For background, Culinary Creative Group owns more than a dozen bars and restaurants in Denver, including A5, Mister Oso, Bar Dough Fox and the Hen, and the various Tap & Burgers. If all this jargon about Colorado’s minimum wage law is still confusing, we recommend this helpful breakdown from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and this glossary from our newsletter Hey Denver.

What do you think should be done about Denver’s restaurant “crisis”? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com .

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 5th episode:

Arvada Center

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A Big Win for Cars in RiNo, Another Swastika on Colfax, and a Shocking Number of Unpaid Parking Tickets Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

In an email sent late Friday, the RiNo Art District announced that cars would be returning to the 2900 block of Larimer Street, ending a nearly five-year experiment born early in the pandemic. So as the pedestrian-friendly open space went back to traffic as usual over the weekend, urbanists organized a protest, and producer Paul Karolyi was on the scene. He joins host Bree Davies to talk about who’s responsible for this turnaround and all the other big stories of the week — from the appearance of a second swastika in the window of a building on East Colfax to some upcoming Trump protests and the King Soopers strike set to begin this Thursday. Plus, we have an answer to our question of just how many unpaid parking tickets are floating around out there?

Paul mentioned the 50 Protests 50 States protest planned for February 5th at the Colorado State Capitol.

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 car-free streets? 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 4th episode:

Arvada Center

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Can Denver’s Tech Scene Bounce Back and Bring Downtown With It? Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Denver’s economy boomed in the 2010s, thanks in large part to a thriving community of local tech start-ups and entrepreneurs, which produced a handful of companies that have grown to rival some Silicon Valley giants — iBotta, HomeAdvisor, Guild Education, etc. But many of those success stories turned sour over the past 18 months, with layoffs, remote work, and cancelled downtown leases dominating the headlines. So, producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with one of the city’s most insightful tech analysts, Jeff Casimir of the Turing School of Software and Design, to talk about where he sees signs of life, the Elon Musk effect on the local scene, and what the new dynamics mean for all Denverites.

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? 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

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Will Mayor Mike Face Congress? Plus, ICE Raid Uncertainty and Smashing the Colfax Swastika Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Mayor Johnston released his big, new goals for 2025 this week, but is he going to have any time to work on them when the Trump administration is focusing so much of its new immigration crackdown on the Denver metro? Denver7 reporter Brandon Richard joins producer Paul Karolyi and stand-up comic Joshua Emerson to talk about what he learned at Johnston’s press conference yesterday, and break down all the rumors swirling about impending ICE raids coming to Aurora and surrounding areas. Plus, our wins and fails of the week.

Paul mentioned the contract King Soopers negotiated with the UFCW Local 7 in 2022. Denver7 also shared the company’s most recent offer to the union, as of Jan. 2, 2025. Paul also talked about Manny Rutinel’s congressional campaign and the swastika situation on East Colfax. Joshua talked the federal spending freeze and the reddit saga of ‘sleepytawni.’ Brandon talked about his interview with Debra Johnson and Colorado’s decrease in traffic fatalities.

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

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

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Your Guide to February 2025 in Denver Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it doesn’t have to be any less awesome. Survive the winter doldrums with our monthly guide to Denver! In this episode, we’ve got expert tips and recommendations that you won’t hear anywhere else, from a suburban pretzel shop with unforgettable architecture to a brand new short film on Max created by Denverites and shot right here in Denver.

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 February in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month.

City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like the Denver Art Museum and Clear Peak Fertility.

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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What’s Real and What’s Rumor As Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Begins Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Amid last year’s national hysteria over Tren de Aragua — the Venezuelan gang that had allegedly “taken over” several apartment buildings in the Denver metro — then-presidential candidate Donald Trump came to Colorado to announce his plans for a massive crackdown on immigration, dubbed “Operation Aurora.” Now that Trump is in office, social media is rife with stories of ICE raids, security breaches, and people being detained — so how can you tell what’s fact and what’s fiction? Host Bree Davies sits down with Westword staff writer Bennito Kelty, who has been covering the immigration issue in his hometown of Aurora, to discuss the actual impacts of a second Trump presidency and if any of the rumors are true.

Bree mentioned Bennito’s deep dive on GEO Group, the for-profit prison company running the Aurora ICE facility. She also mentioned Congress’s request for Mayor Johnston to come and testify on Denver’s sanctuary city policies in February. For more, the Colorado Sun recently reported that Trump’s Department of Justice recently ordered several local non-profits to stop their work, which will leave many people in the ICE facility in Aurora and at the immigration courts in Denver without access to legal representation.

We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag.

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 29th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Denver Art Musseum
Clear Peak Fertility

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Will King Soopers Employees Strike? Plus, a ‘Historic’ Rent Decrease and Pink Cocaine Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

It’s been three years since more than 8,000 grocery workers went on strike across the Denver metro area, but the contract they ultimately won has already expired! Negotiations on a follow-up are at a standstill, so will we see another King Soopers strike? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are previewing the strike authorization vote King Soopers workers are set for later this week and breaking down all the other big stories of the week, from the big Tren de Aragua raid to the reports of a “historic” drop in the average Denver rent. Plus, we respond to a listener question about the word “community.”

Check out our coverage of the previous King Soopers strike in 2022 where we heard from striking workers as well as UFCW Local 7 president Kim Cordova. Bree mentioned the Rocky Mountain DEA’s X account. Paul talked about his interview with Drew Hamrick of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. We looked up pink cocaine after we recorded, if you’re also curious what it is.

What do you think about a possible King Soopers strike? Would it change your grocery shopping habits? We NEED 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 January 28th episode:

Denver Art Museum presents Untitled: Artist Takeover
Clear Peak Fertility

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How Communal Living Is Making Denver More Affordable Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

As the Mile High deals with high rental and housing costs, an increasing number of Denverites are finding creative and innovative ways to live here affordably. Recently, the Boulder Housing Coalition purchased a historic mansion in Capitol Hill with plans to convert what was once a single-family home into a collaborative living space for up to 22 people. Host Bree Davies recently toured the elegant residence with realtor and co-buying expert Sarah Wells to learn more about how this type of housing creates not only an affordable option for city living, but a new way to think about what it means to share a home.

Are you interested in living at The People’s Mansion? The Boulder Housing Coalition is accepting interest forms now. Sarah is also hosting a free online class on February 11 for folks interested in learning more about co-buying.

Bree mentioned X Denver. Don’t miss our episode breaking down all the latest drama from their corporate communal living experiment.

Have you ever tried group living? Would you recommend it? 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

Make your voice heard! We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

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 24th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Denver Art Museum presents Untitled: Artist Takeover
Clear Peak Fertility

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

Will Trump Take Away EV Rebates? Plus, ICE Rumors and the New Politics of Wolves Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

As President Trump plots the end of federal subsidies for electric vehicles, Denverites are buying Teslas, Nissan Leafs, Chevy Bolts, and other EVs at record rates. Will Trump’s plans impact our state’s love affair will gas-free cars? Then, voters approved the reintroduction of gray wolves in 2020, but now that 29 wolves are ranging across our state, the program has sparked conflict between ranchers, ecology advocates, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by CPR’s climate reporter Sam Brasch to dig into these stories — plus, an exciting new play at the DCPA, a state budget fight brewing over controversial weight loss drugs, and more wins and fails of the week.

Sam mentioned his brother Jake Brasch’s new play, “The Reservoir,” the new range rider job to help with wolf reintroduction, and this discussion on wolf restoration Feb. 6. Paul talked about the Utah Hockey Club, a local setback for GLP-1 drugs, and the recent parking ticket texting scam. Bree discussed Detour’s new piece at DIA and the Colorado Rapid Response Network’s work to debunk or confirm ICE raid rumors.

What do you think about wolf reintroduction after four years of drama? The AwooOOOooo Hotline is open! 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/Denver

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

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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More Restaurant Awards Are Out! But Is It All Just Hype? Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Sometimes it feels like the local restaurant scene runs on hype. Just yesterday, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for their prestigious 2025 awards, including a bunch of local favorites. But especially as inflation pushes up the cost of going out to eat, do any of those accolades matter to eaters? Writer and former fine-dining server Jake Browne wrote a biting critique of one local awards favorite and the whole hype machine, and he joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to discuss it on the show last summer — just a few days before the Michelin Guide re-upped BRUTØ’s star.

Bree mentioned the James Beard Foundation’s announcement yesterday of the semifinalists for their 2025 awards. Paul mentioned this great article from The New York Times about how the Michelin Guide’s business model has changed and why Michelin came to Colorado in the first place.

Make your voice heard! We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag.

What do you think is Denver’s most overhyped restaurant? 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 January 23rd episode: