City Cast Denver

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The Best Songs that Sound Like Denver Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

What does Denver sound like? Many musicians have put their hearts and souls into writing songs about the Mile High City, but which tracks stand out? Denver Post entertainment reporter John Wenzel and local rappers Nelo and Wayne Watts – the artists behind their own ode to D-Town “Next Stop Denver” — joined host Bree Davies last fall to make an epic playlist of all the songs they think make up the sound of the city.

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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 August 21st episode:

Arvada Center

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Does Your Bartender Secretly Hate You? Plus, How to Not Get Killed By a Bear Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Multiple bear spottings around the Denver metro have got some conspiracy theories swirling online; is the drought really the reason bears are wandering down into suburban areas, or could there be other factors at play? Contributor Joshua Emerson joins producer Olivia Jewell Love to do some bear myth busting with help from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and they give some tips on what to do if you encounter one! Then, local bartenders sound off on the best (and worst) drink orders, and what they say about the Denverites who order them.

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Do you have a bear story? 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 August 20th episode:

Arvada Center
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

Can You Help Fix RTD? Plus, Another Round of 'Did That Age Well?' Denver Edition Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Did the brewery scene in Denver age well? What about the whole scooter situation? Molly Smith, host of the “Did That Age Well?” podcast, joins producer Olivia Jewell Love to decide once and for all … has Denver aged well? Then, RTD created a new ambassadors program with opportunities for local riders with “strong connections to their communities” who want to make some cash. But can it help bridge the budget shortfall RTD is facing? Plus, Phoebe Bridgers is headed to Denver for a big Ball Arena show this fall, and her fans are divided. Is a stadium tour a good thing for folky faves, or does it open the door for bigger drama?

Olivia mentioned the dog poop-vestigation City Cast Denver conducted last year. And, here’s the link to sign up to be an RTD Connect Ambassador. Molly and Olivia discussed “White Chicks” on Molly’s podcast earlier this summer.

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Who would be a good RTD Ambassador? 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 August 19th episode:

Arvada Center

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Breaking Down the Public Health Fight Over Aurora's ICE Facility. Plus, Crocs' New Tax Haven and Chipotle in Mexico Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

The state’s public health department is ordering the GEO Group to provide information about tuberculosis at an Aurora immigration detention facility, but the private corrections company has yet to comply. Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun joins politics contributor Adrian Felix in his last episode filling in as guest host to break down what’s going on at the detention center, discuss the state of downtown in light of the departure of Denver’s Chief Projects Officer Bill Mosher, and chat about the questionable international decisions made by two companies that had their start here: Crocs and Chipotle.

Patty mentioned Chipotle getting name-dropped in an episode of the NPR podcast “Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!” earlier this month.

See Patty and executive producer Paul Karolyi at Mixed Taste: Blucifer & Rocky Flats tomorrow!

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Do you think Chipotle will succeed in Mexico? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

If you enjoyed this interview with Max Shulman, the Artistic Director of Theatreworks, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 18th episode:

Arvada Center
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

Are These The Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century? Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Denver might not boast the same star-studded celebrity lists like LA or NYC, but the Mile High has its own group of movers and shakers that have their finger on the pulse in this city. We’re revisiting a conversation where producer Paul Karolyi and Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun sit down with host Bree Davies to hash out who they think are some of the most influential Denverites of the 21st century and why.

Since this episode first ran on February 3, the City of Littleton approved $5.5 million in incentives for a “Peyton Manning-inspired” restaurant and event venue in which the former Broncos star is a co-owner.

Check out Paul’s extended list of influential Denverites on his Instagram.

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Who did we miss? 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 August 17th episode:

Arvada Center

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‘Your City Could Be Better’: A Madison Landfill That’s A Smart Business Move — Presented By City Cast Denver Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

What will Denver do when it runs out of space for trash? Madison, WI, has a plan, and it’s one that other cities could follow. What could’ve just been another county landfill, slated to open in 2027, will instead be a “sustainability campus”, where local businesses will unite to more intentionally sort incoming waste, increase recycling intake, and generally aim to slow the flow of trash. And Dane County has historically handled waste disposal in a savvy way, making big bucks off of trash collection that they then use to fund future projects like this forthcoming campus. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin breaks this all down for David, and together they uncover the quirks — and opportunities — that come with talking trash.

Mentioned on the show:

Conversion of Dane County landfills into pollinator fields

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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Who's to Blame for Scooters on the Sidewalk? Plus, Pay What You Can Art and Another Dry Reservoir Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Veo scooters,bikes, and trikes are ready to ride on nearly every corner in Denver, but whose job is it to enforce their rules of the road? Contributor Michelle Jackson joins guest host Adrian Felix to discuss who should be accountable for scooters on the sidewalk. Then, a new program is making the ballet more accessible for everyone. Could other entertainment venues and organizations follow suit? A special members only segment dives into Denverites potentially being burned out on the mayor race already; become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to listen! Plus, we end the week with a classic round of wins and fails.

Michelle brought up the low water levels at Dillon Reservoir. Adrian discussed Marshall Zelinger’s conversation with Congressman Gabe Evans, and a new champagne bar coming soon.

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What show would you like to see for cheap? 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 August 14th episode:

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

Egg Salad But Make it Chic, Summer Coffee Picks, and a New Social App for the Wealthy? Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Denver is officially entering the “sando” chat. Multiple restaurants around the Mile High are now serving these Japanese milk-bread sandwiches that are just begging you to take an Instagram pic! Producer Olivia Jewell Love chats with contributors Sara Rosenthal and Adrian Felix to hear about the best places to grab one of these viral snacks and what to order. Then, a new networking app is launching in Denver touting itself as the app for “people with ridiculously high standards,” and some rumors on Instagram have people up in arms about it! Sara also brought us an updated summer list of some of her fave coffee shops, and the group weighs in on some of their tried and true orders, and a few other shops that deserve their flowers.

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

Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

Have you tried a sando? 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 August 13th episode:

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Is Waymo Watching You? Plus, Doing Boring Things in Public and a Bear Attack! Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

The robotaxi company Waymo has been testing cars around Denver. Last Thursday, one of the autonomous vehicles got itself stuck in the middle of BRT construction on Colfax and took awhile to get out. Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producer Olivia Jewell Love to discuss Waymo in Denver and what these cars full of cameras could mean for Flock-wary Denverites. Then, a local man is excited to invite neighbors to his “celebration of life,” even though he doesn’t have plans on dying anytime soon. The two discuss the latest trend of inviting your community to a hyper-niche event through printed flyers.

Olivia mentioned this article from Wired about the LA protests and Waymo’s camera technology.

Here’s the roundup of Waymos where they shouldn’t be:

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

Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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Would you come to Olivia Fest or the chile meetup? 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 August 12th episode:

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Debating Data Centers and Tipped Wages, Boosting EVs, and More Reflections on a Denver Lawmaker's Time in Office Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Rep. Alex Valdez is coming up on the term limit for his stint as the House District 5 representative, and he’s looking back on some of the highs and lows of his time under the gold dome of the Capitol. He joins guest host Adrian Felix to discuss some of his proudest moments, his regrettable votes, and what’s next for him. The two break down the “DSA takeover” of the left, as well as the future of the graduated income tax ballot initiative. Plus, Rep. Valdez shares some words of wisdom for his expected replacement, Justine Sandoval, and also well wishes for outgoing at-large Council member Sarah Parady.

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

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What will you remember from Rep. Valdez’s time in office? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

If you enjoyed this interview with Lauren Howe, the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Program Supervisor, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode:

Chalat Hatten
Blue Sky
Denver Health
Regional Air Quality Council
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

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