City Cast Denver

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Coach Prime’s Lost Shine, Record Evictions, and Why Chipotle Left Denver Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into all the stories Denverites are talking about this week. First, football is back! ESPN is broadcasting CU head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs’ season opener from Folsom Field in Boulder this Thursday evening, but unlike at every home game last season, tickets are not sold out. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk about the fizzling enthusiasm for Coach Prime and his uneasy relationships with the press and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Then, we discuss the CEO carousel at Denver’s most famous burrito company (and revisit why Chipotle left the Mile High in the first place), and respond to your comments and questions on landlords and A/C in DPS.

How do you feel about Coach Prime going into his second season at CU? Text or leave us avoicemail 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 August 27th episode:

Denver Health
PineMelon - Use promo code LABORDAY for $100 off your first delivery

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

Should Safeway and King Soopers Be Allowed To Merge? Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Ever since the parent companies of King Soopers and Safeway agreed to a $24.6 billion merger back in 2022, many Denverites have been worried about the future of their neighborhood grocery stores. Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser investigated the deal and filed a lawsuit to block it back in February, and then the Federal Trade Commission followed with a challenge of their own a few weeks later. The FTC’s case is going before a federal judge in Portland, Oregon, in a trial starting today, and Weiser’s is set to begin here in Colorado next month. Host Bree Davies spoke with Weiser earlier this year about why he felt it was necessary to intervene.

What do you think about King Soopers and Safeway merging? 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 and get ad-free listening by becoming a member: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver

If you enjoyed the interview with Daniel Marginson, the R&D Director of Wana Brands, learn more here.

Learn more about the other sponsors of this August 26th episode:

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

Who Needs Air Conditioning? Plus, Canceling Buffalo Bill and Spotting Wolf Pups Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, DPS students returned to hot, sweaty classrooms this week as 29 Denver public schools are still without air conditioning. DPS leaders have a plan to help, but is anyone asking the right questions about the cost of a cool, consistent 72°? Chalkbeat Colorado bureau chief Melanie Asmar and stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson join producer Paul Karolyi to talk A/C in DPS, as well as a new city-led reconsideration of historic Denverite William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

Paul mentioned the ALLCITY Network’s fundraising, REI’s recent stumbles, $5 cocktails, and this episode of The Daily about air conditioning. Joshua talked about Denver’s latest jobs report and wolf pups. Melanie discussed peaches on pizza and compost pick-ups expanding

What do you think about the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave & Restaurant & Gift Shop? We’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts about the city-owned landmark! 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 episode:

Meow Wolf
Wana Brands
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

How Renters Are Fighting Back Against Rats, Trash, and Conflicts of Interest Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Trash mountains, rat infestations, no hot water for days — every day seems to bring a new horror story about unlivable conditions facing renters across the metro area. Out in Aurora, dozens of tenants were forced onto the streets when the city condemned their apartment building (and the landlord blamed a Venezuelan gang). Meanwhile, in Denver, a group of tenants is calling on the state attorney general to investigate alleged conflicts of interest around the city’s new rental licensing program. Denver Post neighborhoods reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton and Westword reporter Catie Cheshire join host Bree Davies to discuss their recent reporting on tenant issues, the landlords behind the horror stories, and the new tools some renters are using to push back.

Bree mentioned Hey Denver‘s’ guides on getting your safety deposit back, how to form a tenants union, and other resources for renters in Denver.

You are officially enlisted to Landlord Watch! If you’re a renter, we want to hear about your experiences, good or bad. Do you have a great landlord you want to shout out? Or a terrible landlord story to tell? 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: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

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

The 8 Most Denver Spots You Should Visit Right Now Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

Heartbreak — it’s a familiar feeling for Denverites over the past few years as too many longtime favorites shut down. Soon, you won’t be able to stand on 13th Ave. with another late-night slice from Benny Blanco’s. You’ll never catch a matinee at The Esquire or the Chez Artiste ever again. Mutiny Info Cafe is pulling up stakes for Englewood and The Mercury Cafe is up for sale again. The future of Denver’s most defining institutions is unclear — so we’re celebrating the ones that are still going strong! Oak Creek bar owner and AAA spokesperson Skyler McKinley and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join host Bree Davies to celebrate the reliable restaurants, bars, and attractions that still make Denver feel like Denver.

Bree mentioned her Westword cover story on the youth boxing program at 20th Street Rec Center.

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 are your favorite Old Denver spots? 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:

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

Biker Jim is Back! Plus, an Affordable Housing Win and a Bike Lane Setback Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re digging into the biggest stories of the week. First, a surprising twist in the saga of Biker Jim. Denver’s iconic hot dog entrepreneur walked away from his eponymous restaurant earlier this year amid a sticky legal situation, but now he’s back — and he brought dessert. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about Biker Jim’s next act, as well as the resolution of the 29th Ave. bike lane battle and an update on Cherry Hills Village’s effort to stop an affordable housing project. Finally, we respond to one of the many voicemails we received after Friday’s episode about dying restaurants and the minimum wage and pick a winner for our Q BBQ Fest VIP ticket giveaway.

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 Biker Jim opening in Milk Market? 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 episode:

Meow Wolf
Q BBQ Fest (8/23-24)
Wana Brands
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

The Best Denver Burger for Every Occasion Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

Smashed with crispy edges or thick and juicy? Plain or piled high with a crazy array of toppings? American cheese, blue cheese, or no cheese? These are just some of the factors we considered when taking a closer look at Denver’s burger scene. From the most affordable to the most indulgent, host Bree Davies is joined by Hey Denver newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin to examine and rate the Mile High’s best patties between two buns.

Want more Denver burger content? Check out our burger battle episode from way back in 2021, or get a little history on the Cherry Cricket from when we stopped by to learn more about the famous burger dive’s origins.

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 episode:

Check out Meow Wolf’s Adulti-Verse, returning Wednesday, September 4th!
Fall asleep, get pain relief, or just chill out with Wana Brands’ Optimals line

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

Who's Killing Local Restaurants? Plus, Property Tax Intrigue and Widening Federal Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

We’re rounding up all the news you need to know this week. First, the number one issue dominating Colorado politics for the past year and a half has been, shockingly, property taxes. With surprising alliances forming and accusations flying across the aisle, Governor Jared Polis yesterday called for (another) special legislative to negotiate a deal to avert rapid tax hikes. One of Denver’s most entertaining political analysts, Deep Singh Badhesha (aka @deepnotshallow), joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the political intrigue and explain why even non-property owners should care. Then, is the rising minimum wage killing Denver’s favorite restaurants? And our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

Bree talked about the latest CDOT plans for BRT on Federal and Northside community icon Gil Carpinelli (here’s a link to the GoFundMe). Paul discussed Denver’s unspent sales tax revenues and Bo Nix. Deep mentioned the Tina Peters conviction and the Denver metro’s 2024 point-in-time homelessness count.

Want to help us celebrate 900 episodes? Become a member today! For as little as $8 a month, you can support local journalism — and right now, if you sign up to be a member (or already are one) you can win VIP tickets to the Q BBQ Fest on August 23-24! All you have to do to win is let us know how City Cast Denver/Hey Denver have made you feel connected to Denver. Did we introduce you your favorite lunch spot or recommend an event where you met your best friend?Whoever sends us the best story by Monday morning wins a pair of VIP tix! Email us at denver@citycast.fm or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418! Let us know you’re a member, share your story and you could win!

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.

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 episode:

Choir League
Q BBQ Fest (Aug. 23-24)
See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center
Denverse Magazine
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

900th Episode Extravaganza: Listener Comments, Questions, and Hot Takes Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

We’re celebrating 900 episodes, and we want to celebrate you! Since we began the City Cast Denver podcast and companion Hey Denver newsletter back in 2021, we have relied on you, our brilliant and hilarious listeners and readers, to share story ideas, hot takes, and questions that make us think. So to mark the big milestone, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are digging deep in the inbox to share your questions and comments on everything from dating in Denver and scooter struggles to the hottest (and coldest) takes on firefighting and local ice cream purveyors. Here’s to 900 more!

Paul recommends this article for further reading on the firefighter question: “As Wildfires Burn, Are U.S. Cities Spending Too Much on Their Fire Departments?”

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 August 15 episode:

Choir League
Q BBQ Fest (Aug. 23-24)
See “Waitress: The Musical” at the Arvada Center
Denverse Magazine
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

Will Nuclear Power Return to Colorado? Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

In the super-charged partisan atmosphere of an election year, one contentious issue has emerged as a beacon of bipartisanship: Nuclear power. Both Republicans and Democrats backed Denver congresswoman Diana DeGette’s bill facilitating the construction of new reactors with cutting-edge designs, and last month President Biden signed it into law. But today’s nuclear cheerleaders could learn something from the past — so we are sharing a short audio documentary that our producer Paul Karolyi created about Colorado’s first and still only nuclear power plant, Fort St. Vrain, back in 2019.

This audio documentary originally aired on the podcast Range & Slope and an abbreviated version aired on Colorado Public Radio on August 29, 2019. The song featured at the end of this story is an original composition by Jesse Wooten of Creekbed.

Paul also recommends this recent article about the current debate over bringing nuclear power back to Colorado from Allen Best at the local energy blog Big Pivots. Even if Colorado does build a new reactor or convert an old coal plant to nuclear, we wouldn’t be the first state to test out a next-gen nuclear reactor. Billionaire Bill Gates was in Wyoming in June to break ground on a new reactor being built by TerraPower.

Do you know any crazy fun facts about Colorado produce? We’re working on an episode about Olathe sweet corn, Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, and Pueblo chiles, and we need your help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and something people should know about Colorado’s favorite produce, 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: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: