City Cast Denver

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Local Reactions to Assassination Attempt, LoDo Violence, and Bathroom Thoughts Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday and we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week. First, after the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump over the weekend, Colorado politicians on both sides of the aisle are jockeying for command of the narrative. Then, Denver Police implemented over the weekend a new program to tackle LoDo’s late-night violence issues. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the local political implications of the assassination attempt, LoDo’s let-out problem, and respond to a listener’s brilliant idea for public bathrooms.

We’re compiling the ultimate Colfax Playlist! Send us your favorite songs and a little story as to why these tracks summon thoughts of our famous street and we might add it to our mixtape! Call or text the always-open Colfax Playlist Hotline at 720-500-5418 or connect via email: denver@citycast.fm.

Paul mentioned our special, limited-run podcast series ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose.’

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:

Colfax Ave BID
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)
Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount.
Regional Air Quality Council
The University of Denver - Apply for The University of Denver's new affordable housing certificate program by July 31!
PineMelon

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

The Best and Worst Bathrooms on Colfax Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Colfax Week!

We’ve teamed up with the Colfax Ave BID for a weeklong celebration of Denver’s most iconic street. The 26-mile long strip is notorious, charming, and unexpected — and no where better embodies Colfax’s complex personality quite like the bathrooms of some of our fave establishments. AAA Spokesperson and Oak Creek Tavern owner Skyler McKinley and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join host Bree Davies to break down some of the best — and worst — places to visit on Colfax when nature calls.

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

Come party with us! Join us at the Colfax Indie Bash this Thursday, July 18, for a live taping of City Cast Denver, as well as local eats, a caricature artist, belly dancer, and more! The party is free, but space is limited — RSVP for your spot now and we will see you there!

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:

Apply for The University of Denver's new affordable housing certificate program by July 31!
Friends of Chamber Music - Use code FCMST20 on the promotions tab on the ticketing page for a 20% discount.
Regional Air Quality Council
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)

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

Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: Our Evening With Lauren Boebert Jul 13, 2024

Show notes

This is the final episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver. Don’t miss the whole series, available now in this podcast feed or on our website.

June 25 was a big election day for Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. She had five opponents for the Republican nomination in her new district in Colorado and, as we’ve learned in this limited-run podcast series, a whole lot of baggage. But we’re done dissecting her controversies and analyzing her strategies. On this final episode, arriving two weeks after her decisive victory in the CD4 Republican primary, it’s time to sit down at her kitchen table and hear her side of the story.

Check out our coverage of Boebert's decisive victory in the CD4 Republican primary for a full breakdown of the results.

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

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

Biden Divides Local Dems, Busting Denver Stereotypes, and a Ren Faire Intruder Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, how are Denverites feeling about Mayor Johnston after his first year in office? What about his work on homelessness or revitalizing downtown? A new poll shows all. Then, Democrats across the country are divided on President Biden’s chances at re-election in November, and local politicians are speaking out. Big thinker and local business owner Deacon Rodda joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into those stories and swap Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

Join our bike scavenger hunt! We’re partnering with Bike Streets to bring you an an eight-week challenge to get to know the Mile High from two wheels. Check out the Hey Denver newsletter every Friday for a chance to win some EPIC prizes at the end. The first clue drops today — play along and sign up for Hey Denver if you haven’t already!

Bree mentioned Sen. Michael Bennet’s Wednesday interview on CNN and Rep. Diana DeGette’s reflection on a recent meeting with the president.

You’re invited to join us next week at the Colfax Indie Bash! We’re gonna record a live podcast on stage with Mayor Mike Johnston, and we’d love to see you there. RSVP for FREE right here.

Paul discussed the latest dog park news out of Westminster and the bear at the Ren Faire. Bree talked about Herma n’s Hideaway and the Cherry Cricket. Deacon shouted out Paul Davis Restoration.

What grade would you give Mayor Johnston on his first year in office? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your take 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 July 12th episode:

Blanco Cocina + Cantina
PineMelon
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)

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

Burning Questions About This Weekend’s Heat Wave Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Denver is projected to see a three-day streak of temperatures over 100 degrees this weekend. So, what is causing these high temps? And what does this mean for our day-to-day lives? 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi joins host Bree Davies to break down the heat wave, the broader context, and share some advice to consider before you venture outside this weekend.

For more weather news and analysis, we think Chris is really good on TikTok.

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

How are you planning to beat the heat this weekend? 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:

Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)

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

A Millionaire’s Case for Major Elections Reform Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

In a presidential election year when democracy itself is under threat, local political megadonor Kent Thiry is proposing a massive reform to Colorado’s elections. But Initiative 310 will only make it onto our November ballots if the campaign can collect 125,000 signatures by the first week of August. So producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Thiry and one of his top allies — former Denver Elections director Amber McReynolds — to talk about how this reform would work, why both Democrats and Republicans are so mad at them, and whether or not Thiry is just clearing the path for his own long-anticipated run for governor. Oh, and you better believe Paul asked what’s up with Thiry’s reported obsession with The Three Musketeers.

Initiative 310 would implement “open primaries” and ranked choice voting in elections for federal and state offices in Colorado. We recently published an explainer for ranked choice voting, which you can read here, and you can learn more about open primaries from our friends at Colorado Public Radio.

Paul mentioned the 2017 episode of Last Week Tonight where John Oliver explored the dialysis industry and poked fun at Thiry for dressing up like The Three Musketeers.

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 about Kent Thiry and Initiative 310? 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:

Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)

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

Hey Victoria, thanks for listening and leaving us a message. I agree Patty is the best! This is Paul btw. I thought you might be curious, I just checked Union Station's code of conduct and it confirms my personal experience: "Restrooms and seating within the common areas of the Great Hall are reserved for patrons of Denver Union Station, Amtrak, and the Crawford Hotel only." You can find the rest of their rules here: https://www.denverunionstation.com/content/uploads/2023/02/DUS-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

Expired Plates Crackdown, Union Station’s $11M Facelift, and Justice for Drones Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, Union Station is set to unveil the results of a six-month, $11-million renovation this weekend, but is this a revolution for the transit hub? Or yet another evolution in its 110-year history? Then we discuss the Denver Police Department's crack down on what is apparently a huge public safety issue: expired car registrations and temporary plates. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to share license plate hacks, Union Station secrets, and respond to a listener comment on our skepticism ahead of Denver’s Fourth of July drone show last week.

Paul quoted Axios Denver’s coverage of a recent public safety survey. Patty mentioned Councilman Flynn’s “investigation” into expired license plates, and we discussed Karl Christian Krumpholz’s terrific comic history of Union Station.

What do you think about DPD cracking down on expired license plates? 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

If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with the Regional Air Quality Council’s Communications and Programs Coordinator, Kelsey Simpkins, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode:

Regional Air Quality Council
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
PineMelon
Babbel
“Lavender Festival” at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (July 20-21)

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

Who Belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Denver Food? Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Who is responsible for making the Mile High’s food scene stand out? What restaurants have created the culinary landscape we know today as unmistakably Denver? In other words, if there was a Mt. Rushmore of this city’s dining innovators, who would be immortalized? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Westword’s food editor Molly Martin to dig into our culinary history and create the ultimate list of the people behind the biggest influences on the tastes, innovations, and culture of Denver.

Paul mentioned the Jason Sheehan piece on Biker Jim that sparked this conversation. Molly talked about Bill St. John’s remembrance of Mel and Janie Master, which first mentioned the idea of a culinary Mt. Rushmore. Bree talked about Adam Cayton Holland’s reporting on the Chubby’s family saga, Alan Prendergast’s story on the formation of Greektown, Patty Calhoun’s look back at the fern bars of Denver, and History Colorado’s entry on “Daddy” Bruce Randolph Sr. and the Epworth Foundation’s Feed-A-Family 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

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:

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

Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Bree Davies's story stacks up against the rest.

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

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

Is Lakeside Unsafe? Plus, Murky Homelessness Spending and ‘Chipotle Boys’ Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

It’s only Wednesday, so we’re rounding up a short week of news before the holiday weekend! First, a new investigation from the Denver Post attempts to answer the question of the summer: Why is the Cyclone rollercoaster at Lakeside Amusement Park still closed? Then, concerns linger about just how much money Mayor Johnston is spending on homelessness, especially after SCOTUS’s recent ruling on camping bans. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by a returning fave — comedian and Casa Bonita gorilla Joshua Emerson — to discuss all these stories, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

Paul promised details on the City of Denver’s first-ever drone show for the Fourth of July (July 3, Civic Center Park) and gave a shout out to the Chipotle Boys. Bree mentioned Dozens reopening and Sol Tribe’s closure and how to get in touch with tattooists and piercers as they move to new shops. Joshua talked about Denver’s dual MVPs, the last days of the Esquire Theatre, and his collaboration “Knowing You, Denver,” opening at the Denver Art Museum this week.

Come party with us on Colfax! RSVP today for the Colfax Indie Bash where we’ll be chatting with Mayor Mike Johnston and celebrating all things Colfax on July 18. Get the deets and save the date here!

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: