City Cast Denver

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City Council’s Biggest Vote of the Decade Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

Coming up on October 21, City Council is going to make its biggest decision of not just the year, but probably the entire decade, with ramifications every Denverite who spends time downtown will feel. One of our local billionaires, Stan Kroenke, is proposing to build what could become a new downtown neighborhood, and this vote is council’s opportunity to check his plans for 6,000 residences, new bike and pedestrian bridges, and a 3-acre “signature park.” Will there be enough affordable housing? Bike lanes? Private security? And what will we call the area? City Councilmember Jamie Torres represents the area, and she joins host Bree Davies to take us inside the negotiating room ahead of the vote later this month.

City Council is hosting a public hearing on Kroenke’s plans ahead of the vote on Oct. 21, so you have a chance to make your voice heard!

Councilmember Torres mentioned our explainer of Denver’s 14 historic “view planes.”

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 we should call it? We like KroenkeTown, but 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 9th episode:

Denver Film
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Meow Wolf
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

The Slaughterhouse Whistleblower, ‘Cocks on Colfax,’ and The Denver Foodie’s Follower Count Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into all the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, The Denver Post published a sensational op-ed from a whistleblower who used to work at the slaughterhouse in Globeville that animal welfare advocates are trying to shut down with an upcoming ballot measure. So is this guy legit? Or just a political pawn? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are talking about Paul’s recent sit-down with the whistleblower in question, Jose Huizar. Plus, Denver’s last lesbian bar is closing (or maybe just rebranding?), the blowback from last week’s local influencer expose, and a listener puts us on a parking mystery at Mission Ballroom.

Come see us live! Join us on Oct. 17 for “Ballots & Beverages” at Town Hall Collaborative. We’ll be breaking down all 12 questions in front of Denver voters with some special guests. RSVP today!

Bree mentioned this reporting from Out Front on the rumors that Jody Bouffard is planning to reopen Blush & Blu as a gay bar.

What do you think about Blush & Blu’s potential rebrand? 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 8th 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

Why Strip Clubs Are Being Investigated for Wage Theft Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

Denver’s biggest strip club operator, RCI Holdings, sued Denver Labor last week in an attempt to block wage-theft investigators from looking at their internal company documents. The club owners allege that the investigators are using “overreaching and unjustified” subpoenas in an “alarming abuse of power.” But in fact, there are plenty of reasons to believe the workers at these clubs aren’t getting a fair shake. Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last year to give us the inside scoop on Denver’s precarious strip club industry.

This episode originally aired on August 7, 2023.

Join us live and in person TONIGHT! We are moderating a forum of candidates running in the most exciting and dramatic RTD Board election… maybe ever? The forum starts at 7 p.m. at the Buell Public Media Center, and it’s free and accessible. RSVP here.

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

Do you have a great Denver strip club story? We want to hear it! 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 the interview with Jess Welser, B:CIVIC'S Director, l earn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode:

Denver Film
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Meow Wolf
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

Will Colfax Survive BRT? Plus, Bad Drivers and a Hot Dog Family Secret Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the biggest news of the week. First, construction is imminent on the much-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit project along Colfax. Will the roadwork impact access to local businesses in a lasting way? Will the famous strip lose its character? Will drivers actually get out of their cars and get on the bus? Host Bree Davies is joined by Pete’s Satire bartender and AAA spokesperson Skyler McKinley and Sie FilmCenter’s artistic director Keith Garcia to discuss these changes to the neighborhood where they both work and live. Then, producer Olivia Jewell Love ranks her least-favorite halloween candy and the crew discuss the closure of Natural Grocers and Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, Mutiny Information Cafe’s grand reopening, and more wins and fails of the week.

Bree mentioned her 2023 interview with Amy Cara, one of the developers behind Cherry Creek West project, which was approved by City Council this week. Skyler discussed RTD’s lack of transparency around the firing of its police chief. Keith talked about the upcoming Denver Film Festival.

What do you think about the BRT construction’s impact on Colfax businesses? 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 4th episode:

Denver Health
Town Hall Collaborative
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery

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

6 Epic Outdoor Adventures for Your Fall Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Sure you could fight the traffic up to Kenosha Pass, but there are so many ways to enjoy a Colorado fall besides leaf peeping. It’s the prime season for fishing, spooky hikes near the city, and even some great off-the-beaten-path nature areas under your nose right here in Denver! Host Bree Davies is joined by a couple of returning favorites — our green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval and comedian and outdoor educator Eeland Stribling — to discuss their picks for some epic adventures to enjoy outside this fall.

Don’t miss Eeland in the finals of Comedy Works’ New Faces contest on Oct. 16! It’s at 7 p.m. at Comedy Works Downtown. Vote for Eeland!

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

What’s your favorite Colorado fall adventure? 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

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 3rd episode:

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

Inside the Social Media Scandal Rocking the Restaurant Scene Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

More than 221,000 people rely on The Denver Foodie on Instagram for hot local food takes and recommendations for great new places to eat. But now he’s mired in scandal and rebranding amid allegations of stealing content, ripping off clients, and selling out to soulless chains. So we’re going inside the local influencer economy to understand where The Denver Foodie went wrong and how these local sponsored content deals are driving the restaurant hype machine with two of our favorite local Instagrammers — Amanda Bittner (@theamandabittner) and Ashley (@ColfaxThings).

Ashley mentioned a previous episode where she helped us design the “First Time on Colfax Starter Pack” meme!

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 2nd episode:

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

RTD's Biggest Problem, Coors Fashion Sightings, and a Bake Fest Preview Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking through the biggest stories of the week. Everyone is talking about RTD, with eight board seats on the ballot and Governor Polis making big plans for our public transit provider. The stakes are surprisingly high! Then, reporters have called out the transit agency for a lack of transparency and CEO Debra Johnson’s non-response about the murky details regarding the ousting of RTD’s police chief haven’t helped. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking through the state of our beleaguered transit provider, plus a few listener comments on Coors and Denver Bake Fest this weekend.

Come see us live! You can RSVP now to our FREE and ACCESSIBLE forum with all three candidates running to represent District A on the RTD Board. It’s next Monday, October 7.

Do you have any questions for the RTD Board candidates? We need your help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Paul mentioned reports from Chase Woodruff at Colorado Newsline, 9News’ Kyle Clark, and CPR’s Nate Minor on the state of RTD. Bree talked about Brandon Richard from Denver7’s questioning of RTD’s CEO and Minor’s coverage of the agency’s accessible rideshare program.

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 1st episode:

Denver Health
Town Hall Collaborative
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery

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

Your Guide to October in Denver Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

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.

Welcome to October in the Mile High City! To celebrate the spooky season, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do, see, eat, and explore in and around Denver — like a trip to the Monster Mash Bash puppet house on 1491 S. Newton Street, a killer party at the historic Richthofen Castle, a visit to the very scary DIY haunted junkyard, and more.

Bree mentioned our recent episode about the history of Riverside Cemetery.

For even more tips on how to make the most of October 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 Denver Health and Town Hall Collaborative.

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

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

Trump’s Aurora Obsession, Coors and Project 2025, and Nuggs on TV Sep 27, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week. First, former president Donald Trump is officially obsessed with baseless claim that a Venezuelan gang has “taken over” Aurora and keeps threatening to come to Colorado to do… something? But will he actually make good on his claims? The Lever founder David Sirota joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to talk about how Trump’s rhetoric is affecting Aurora, swaps wins and fails of the week, and share some reporting from his new podcast Master Plan, which reveals the Coors family’s connections to Project 2025.

Check out Master Plan wherever you listen to podcasts!

Join us on Oct. 7 as we moderate a forum for the candidates running to represent District A on the RTD Board! RSVP here.

We talked about Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s new deal with 9News to create a streaming service so locals can watch Nuggs and Avs games. Paul mentioned Governor Polis’ response to president Trump’s comments on Aurora, the outcome of an ethics investigation into Glendale’s mayor, and Cherry Creek West’s rezoning. Bree talked about La Fiesta and the Denver Police Department’s new crackdown on expired license plates.

What do you think about Coors in 2024? Is the company’s brand fashionable or skunked? 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 September 27th episode:

PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery
B:CIVIC
Logan School

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

12 Radical Ideas to Make Downtown Cool Again Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Despite recent exciting developments -- like buzzy restaurants earning Michelin stars and the 16th Street Mall’s slow renovation reveal, downtown is still getting a bad rap. So what could city leaders do to bring workers back and attract more visitors to this unique part of Denver? We’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year where host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and our politics and green chile correspondent, Justine Sandoval, brainstorm a bunch of big ideas to get people excited for the future of downtown.

Bree mentioned the Cinderella City Project, pencil smokestack art, and Lawrence Halprin’s original Skyline Park design. She also talked about our episode on the likelihood of changing downtown’s empty office buildings into housing.

Do you have a big idea that could bring life back to downtown? We want to hear it! 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 September 26th episode:

PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery

B:CIVIC

Logan School

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