City Cast Denver

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Did a Bike Lane Get Scrapped Over a Leaked Email? Plus, Maurice Sendak, Budget Battles, and Deep-Fried Turkey Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday and we’re looking at the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, city officials have rolled back plans for a protected bike lane on W. 29th Ave — again. Not only are cycling advocates upset, but a leaked email from the City and the parking plight of one homeowner are making the debate even more complicated. Then, as housing continues to be a top concern, the mayor and city council are tussling over Denver’s 2025 budget and what should — and shouldn’t — be included. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the thorniest debates, plus your questions on the fate of key structures at Elitch Gardens pending the area’s redevelopment and where to find deep fried turkey for Thanksgiving.

Bree also talked about the new Maurice Sendak show at the Denver Art Museum. If you want to weigh in on what’s in Denver’s budget for 2025, City Council is hosting a public hearing on Oct. 28. You can sign up to speak here.

Have thoughts on the W. 29th Avenue bike lane debate or Denver bike lanes in general? Give us a call or send us a text on the Big Bad Bike Lane Hotline: 720-500-5418.

Thank you so much to everyone who signed up during our fall membership campaign! But it’s not too late to support the hard work we do every day. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. So if you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference!

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand Reopening here
Denver Art Museum
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery

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

Amid Union Push, Two Casa Bonita Performers Tell All Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

In the documentary “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker depict themselves as saviors of the Pink Palace, spending unexpected millions to bring Lakewood’s beloved eatertainment icon back from bankruptcy. But a few weeks after the documentary’s premiere, it’s become clear that the South Park creators haven’t figured it all out quite yet. Two Casa Bonita performers — WM. Riley Holmes and our regular guest Joshua Emerson — join producer Paul Karolyi today to talk about why they and more than 70 of their colleagues have petitioned to form a union with IATSE and Actors Equity, and discuss Matt and Trey’s response.

We broke the story of the Casa Bonita performers pushing to unionize in our newsletter Hey Denver last week. Subscribe now and never miss another important update!

Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Denver and Hey Denver running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference!

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

What do you think about the unionization effort at Casa Bonita? 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 21st episode:

Denver Film Fest
Denver Public Library - RSPV to the grand Reopening here
Denver Art Museum

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

What’s in the Secret Aurora Gang Video? Plus, Denver’s Wildest Urban Legends and MAKfam’s Cup Crooks Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, Aurora councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky made an appearance at Trump’s rally at the Gaylord last Friday, now she claims she’s in possession of “haunting” video related to Venezuelan gang activity and is calling for an investigation into Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Then, a reddit thread popped up with some wild urban legends about the Mile High City. Are any of them true? Producer Paul Karolyi, host Bree Davies, and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into the lore, speculate about Jurinsky’s video, and share their wins and fails of the week.

Paul spoke in more detail about his experience at the Trump rally on friend of the show JD Lopez’s podcast Left Hand Right Brain. He also talked about CBS’s 2023 report on Denver sending newcomers to Aurora, the mysterious building at Denver Federal Center, new business filings, and a big pumpkin. Olivia talked about some great voter guides for suburban elections and MAKfam. Bree mentioned our episodes about those “We Buy Ugly Houses” signs and Denver’s old Chinatown, as well as the Broadway Halloween Parade this weekend.

What should we ask Mayor Johnston next week? Something about the election? How he feels about the Broncos’ rookie quarterback? His favorite new donut shop? We would love to put your questions to him directly. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and he might answer you directly: 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 October 18th episode:

PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery

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

Denver Health Is in a ‘Death Spiral.’ Should We Raise Taxes To Help? Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Denver’s safety net hospital is in a “death spiral.” Denver Health officials told City Council earlier this year that they are facing a $155 million deficit due to all the uncompensated care they provide unhoused people, migrants, and anyone else who needs medical attention — and they want Denver voters to help pay the difference! Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne joins host Bree Davies to share the unique funding situation Denver Health faces compared to other safety net hospitals around the country and make her case for your vote on a 0.34% sales tax increase this fall.

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

Will you vote to increase taxes for Denver Health? 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

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

Colfax’s Crime Problems, Employee Ownership Promises, and Campaign Mailer Mania Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

It’s Wednesday, and we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, Natural Grocers announced the closure of its Capitol Hill location at the end of the month, citing crime and safety issues. But a look at the crime data points to a more complicated situation on Colfax. Then, employee ownership is on the rise in Colorado and has emerged as a big issue in the debate over the proposed slaughterhouse ban in Denver. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are taking a look at what employee ownership really means — for the contested Globeville slaughterhouse, but also Fancy Tiger Crafts Co-op and Beau Jo’s.

Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Denver and Hey Denver running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Denver today. Every member makes a difference!

Paul talked about Jason Blevins’ coverage in the Colorado Sun of the Beau Jo’s employee-ownership announcement that never materialized and our previous coverage of the “Colorado-style pizza” saga. He also mentioned Fancy Tiger’s employee-ownership transition and the recent announcement that the craft store is closing.

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

What do you think about employee ownership? Do you have personal experience to share? We’d love to hear about it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

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

The Local Stories About to Be National Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Chicago's own Jacoby Cochran along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake.

City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who Will Set the Vision for RTD? Oct 12, 2024

Show notes

On Monday, Oct. 7, in conjunction with the Denver Press Club, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi moderated a forum for the candidates running to represent central and southeast Denver on the RTD Board — Kiel Brunner, Bob Dinegar, and Chris Nicholson. Please enjoy this recording of our live conversation with the RTD District A candidates, and don’t forget to vote!

There are several RTD Board seats up for grabs this election — find out which district you live in and more information on the RTD Board before filling out your ballot!

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

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

CO’s Tightest Race Heats Up, Trump’s Visit, and Ink! Coffee Goes Bankrupt Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week! First, after promising to come see the alleged Venezuelan “gang takeover” situation for himself, former president Donald J. Trump is scheduled to visit Aurora today. But what does he think he’s gonna see from the Gaylord, anyway? Then, the hottest local election is in the new Congressional District 8, with money pouring in and attack ads all over the internet. Our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk Evans/Caraveo, Trump’s visit, and dissect the politics of gentrification as the local coffee chain Ink! declares bankruptcy, seven years after their notorious 2017 faceplant. Plus, our wins and fails of the week.

We are off on Monday for Indigenous Peoples Day! We’ll be back in your podcast feed on Tuesday to kick off our fall membership campaign. Get hyped! Help us crush City Cast Salt Lake! Sign up for ad-free podcast listening today: membership.citycast.fm/denver

Bree mentioned Artcade happening downtown this weekend. Paul talked about the new Boulder-set movie Elevation. Justine talked about the Denver Post’s endorsement of Proposition 79.

Don’t miss our contributor Joshua Emerson’s “Bad Indian” documentary premiere and comedy show at The Bug on Monday evening! Tickets are going fast!

What do you think about gentrification in 2024? 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/Denver

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

Denver Film
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Meow Wolf
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST

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

Our Search for the Mythical Yawlp Inside Meow Wolf [Sponsored] Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

Get ready for a Cosmic Howl! It’s that time of year at Convergence Station when the veil between worlds becomes thin and all sorts of spooky creatures slip into our world. We heard rumors about a particularly rare beast haunting Eemia, and today you’re invited to join host Bree Davies on a search for the elusive garbage loving Yawlp.

Meow Wolf is hosting a month of spooktacular events and activities at Convergence station, including the big Cosmic Howl Celebration on Oct. 31!

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

New Dirt Emerges in the Denver Foodie Scandal Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

The internet is abuzz with allegations that a local food influencer has been ripping off restaurants and stealing from other creators. 9News investigative reporter Jeremy Jojola dug into The Denver Foodie’s alleged scamming and even convinced the guy behind the account, Jonathan Davis, to do a phone interview. But things only got weirder from there. New accusations are flying, including at Jojola himself, and Davis is facing a lawsuit with another huge local instagram account. Host Bree Davies sits down with Jojola to lay out the facts and explain what he found when he went behind the Instagram filter.

We talked about Jeremy’s initial investigation and reporting on the alleged food influencer scam. Earlier this week, The Denver Foodie (@WhatsUpDenver303) released a video in response to the 9News piece. Bree also interviewed local creators Amanda Bittner (@TheAmandaBittner) and Ashley (@ColfaxThings) about the business of influencing in Denver.

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

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 10th episode: