City Cast Denver

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Hot Garbage Summer, Putting Teens To Work, and Fentanyl Hysteria May 24, 2024

Show notes

This week Mayor Johnston rolled out a new program that would pay teens extra money for working a summer job. Will the infusion of cash be an effective way to curb youth violence? Meanwhile, the Colorado GOP sent a letter to families encouraging them to pull children out of public schools before they “turn more kids trans” — but the political benefit of this maneuver remains to be seen. Then, the Mile High’s new compost program was supposed to do wonders for our waste, but it seems more like hot garbage. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by comedian and Casa Bonita immersive actor Joshua Emerson to dig into these stories, plus the mayor’s low approval ratings, Denver sports fans’ low morale, and the low blows of a new hysteria-laced documentary on fentanyl.

Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose: The Escort Rumors May 23, 2024

Show notes

This is the first episode of a special, limited-run podcast series, Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose, from City Cast Denver.

Between heckling President Biden’s State of the Union address in 2022 and her big night out at a production of “Beetlejuice” last year, Lauren Boebert is perhaps the most infamous member of Congress. But alongside the headlines, there are a million salacious stories swirling around about her personal life. On the first episode of this limited podcast series, we track one of the most sensational allegations into the dark underbelly of American politics.

Bree Davies is our host. Paul Karolyi reported and produced this episode with tons of support from the rest of the team at City Cast, including but not exclusively Wil Fulton, Olivia Jewell Love, Andi McDaniel, Xandra McMahon, David Plotz, Andrea Silenzi, and Noah Sniderman, Our music is by Don Chicharrón and Los Mocochetes. Thanks also to Joshua Emerson for production support.

Paul mentioned this New York Times article on recent defamation lawsuits.

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

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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

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Meow Wolf’s Danceportation

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The Secrets Beneath Denver's Oldest Operating Cemetery May 22, 2024

Show notes

At first glance, Riverside Cemetery’s parched plots might appear to be abandoned — but a closer look reveals the graveyard is actually ahead of the curve when it comes to water conservation. The dusty burial ground is also the city’s oldest-operating cemetery, home to headstones for some of the Mile High’s earliest and most important figures — including Clara Brown and Silas Soule, and the most Civil War veterans of any graveyard in the state. As Memorial Day approaches, Skyler McKinley went digging around to find out more about the long lost history of important Denverites and what the future could look like if more cemeteries embraced an environmentally-conscious approach.

Read Skyler’s cover story on Riverside Cemetery for Westword this week. Bree and Skyler also talked about the Tabor Grand Opera House, which once stood at 16th and Curtis Streets.

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag. Thanks!

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:

Meow Wolf’s Danceportation

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Crime Stat Hysteria and Illegal Hot Dogs in LoDo May 21, 2024

Show notes

It’s Tuesday and we’re rounding up the big stories of the week. First, the anti-war protest camp that ran for more than three weeks on Auraria campus was dismantled over the weekend, but questions remain over what led to the decision. Then, is violent crime a growing issue for Colorado? According to a new report from US News and World Report, we’re the 3rd most dangerous state in America — but a closer look at the data reveals a more complex picture. Finally, the City of Denver says sales of illegal hot dogs are on the rise, leaving us wondering: what’s so bad about an non-permitted dog? Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to dig into these stories, plus a listener comment shines a light on the Stanley Hotel’s recent film industry past.

Bree mentioned a statement posted to Instagram by the Students for a Democratic Society after the dismantling of the Auraria encampment. We also discussed our previous episode on the fate of the Stanley Hotel and the original Stanley Film Festival that ran from 2013-2015. We also talked about our past episode on auto theft numbers going down.

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

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Why These Denver Parking Lots Are the Worst May 20, 2024

Show notes

From Whole Foods in Cherry Creek to Costco in Arvada, the Denver metro area is home to many terrible parking lots. But which ones are the absolute worst to navigate, and what makes them so bad? Host Bree Davies is joined by Denver Post neighborhoods reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, who went on a mission to find out what makes the parking lot predicament so messy in the Mile High. Plus, readers and listeners share their thoughts and feelings about their least favorite parking situations in the city.

Bree talked about the dream many environmental activists have for public transit to Red Rocks. She also mentioned our episode with Ken Schroeppel of Denver Infill where we talked about the parking conundrum with new developments in Denver. 9News shared information on the Auraria campus anti-war encampment dismantling on Friday.

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:

Meow Wolf’s Danceportation!

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Avs and Addiction, a Dem Against Gay Marriage, and Bye-Bye Endless Shrimp May 17, 2024

Show notes

Without leading scorer Val Nichushkin, will the Avs be able to take the Stanley Cup again? This week the team’s forward was suspended for six months, continuing his path in an NHL player support program to address undisclosed issues. Then Regina English, a democratic representative from Colorado Springs, voted against gay marriage in a state where it has been legal for a decade. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into these stories, plus Red Lobster’s abrupt exit from the metro area, the town of Vail canceling an artist’s residency over politics, and more wins and fails of the week.

Paul recommended David Foster Wallace’s classic article, “Consider the Lobster.” You heard “This Time is Forever” from Dave Devine’s band Delby L’s Steve Albini-engineered record, Nine Skies.

Pauls thread on r/ColoradoSprings.

Paul referenced this CBS story about Val Nichushkin’s playoff absence last year.

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:

Check out the summer concert series at the Arvada Center!

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The Uncertain Future of Colorado's Most Iconic Hotel May 16, 2024

Show notes

The Stanley Hotel has been a tourist stop in Estes Park for decades since the iconic place appeared in Stephen King’s The Shining. But back in December of 2023, it looked like the hotel was getting a new owner and a new lease on life — except that big real estate deal never came together, leaving lots of questions about the fate of the historic property. After months of speculation, renewed interest in the building and its grounds becoming a hub for filmmakers, and potential plans to amp up its ties to horror movie history, things might be actually changing. Host Bree Davies sits down with 5280 Magazine’s Jay Bouchard, who has been investigating the complex prospect of a rebirth for the Stanley Hotel.

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 the summer concert series at the Arvada Center!

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

Denver’s Forgotten Queer History May 15, 2024

Show notes

Denver has emerged as the only U.S. city left out of 10 places worldwide being considered for the 2030 Gay Games. The games — which began in 1982 and happen every four years — invite over 10,000 LGBTQ+ people to compete in more than 30 different sports. With Denver being a serious contender for this celebrated event, no better time than now to look back at this city’s storied LGBTQ+ history and culture. Back in 2022, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi went on a tour of Capitol Hill with comics artist and historian B. Erin Cole to learn all about the gayborhood’s deep roots in the Mile High.

Don't miss the very first episode of our spinoff podcast 'Lauren Boebert Can't Lose' coming out later today. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcasts, and tell a friend!

B. Erin Cole’s illustrated map of queer Capitol Hill can be found as part of History Colorado’s Rainbows and Revolutions exhibit, on view now. Find more of B. Erin’s work 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

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 the summer concert series at the Arvada Center!

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

The ‘Spicy Food’ Problem and Newcomers, A Hot Springs Expansion, and Nuggets Bounce Back May 14, 2024

Show notes

Is our food really too spicy? Venezuelan newcomers are saying so — but the guy who dropped off a “boxes and boxes” of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos at an encampment is not the only reason why some are now demanding more from the city. Then, the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs’ long-awaited renovations are finally complete, but will they be enough to set the historic mineral water resort from tough competition in the canyon? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus the Nuggets’ big playoffs comeback and a listener comment on road rage.

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 the summer concert series at the Arvada Center!

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

What Denverites Need To Know About CO's New Laws May 13, 2024

Show notes

The dust is still settling after state lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session last week, and it was a big one! After opening with a ferocious debate over Gaza and calls for decorum, the session featured more than 700 bills and somehow wrapped with a handful of bipartisan agreements. Today Host Bree Davies is joined by longtime statehouse political reporter Marianne Goodland to recap some of the biggest stories of the session and how lawmakers made it all happen.

Marianne discussed the lingering debate over RTD reform. We covered that issue a few times recently:

Is the State About To Boost Funding For RTD? (April 24, 2024)
Is Governor Polis Trying To Take Over RTD? (April 3, 2024)

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:

The Arvada Center’s Summer Concert Series

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

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