City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

How the City Will Spend $1.74 Billion of Your Money Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

The City of Denver’s official budget for 2024 determines how the powers that be will spend a whopping $1.74 billion over the next year. But it’s also a test of how a new mayor and a majority new city council stand by their campaign promises, what city issues take priority this year, and how well these governing bodies work together (or don’t.) Axios Denver’s Alayna Alvarez joins host Bree Davies to breakdown what the budget is for, what we might see big money for next year, and why it matters to the everyday Denverite.

Check out Alayna’s coverage of the budget for Axios Denver, plus see a full breakdown of the budget process and how you, a noble citizen, can get involved.

Got a question for Mayor Mike Johnston? We’re talking to the mayor soon for the first time since his inauguration, and we want your help! What should we ask him about? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question 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

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

Tattered Cover’s Bankruptcy, Meow Wolf’s New Bar, and Denver’s Worst Bridges Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Tattered Cover filed for bankruptcy this week after a rough few years for the beloved Denver institution. Three of the bookseller’s seven locations will close and 27 employees will lose their jobs as the company fights for survival. So, what does it all mean for the devoted customers, local authors, and remaining workers? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by author Erika T. Wurth to discuss Tattered Cover’s murky future. Plus, Colorado Parks and Wildlife fends off a zebra mussel invasion and a toast to Meow Wolf’s new watering hole.

Paul mentioned the train that derailed and collapsed a bridge over I25 last Sunday. The authorities have since identified a cause of the accident. The bridge report he discussed is here. Bree talked about Batchcamp, a chrome extension to download and save your entire Bandcamp library in case the company goes sideways. She also mentioned Tattered Cover’s previous owners and their statement on BLM. Erika talked about the latest twist in the campaign to ban books in Douglas County.

Erika’s novel, White Horse, is now out in paperback. You can also hear more of her excellent writerly opinions on TikTok.

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

“Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum

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

The Juicy DIA Burger Scandal and a Weekend of Tricks & Treats Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

The weekend is so close you can almost taste it. So we’re digging into the biggest food story of the week: A blockbuster trial involving DIA, two homegrown burger empires, allegations of bribery, and a car chase on I70. Newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to break down the DIA concessions scandal that went to court this week. Plus, Peyton shares her top picks for the super spooky weekend to come.

Would you prefer Cherry Cricket over Smashburger at DIA? We want to hear where you like to eat at the airport, and what you think might be missing from the menu. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Bree mentioned our episode about the Cherry Cricket. The podcast about spiritualism she mentioned was in fact American Hysteria host Chelsey Weber-Smith discussing the topic in a members-only episode of You’re Wrong About.

Here are links to all the events Peyton highlighted:

Carving & Cocktails (Union Station)
South Broadway Halloween Parade (Baker)
Spirits & Spirits (Four Mile Historic Park)
Trick-or-Treat Trail (Denver Zoo)

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:

“Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum

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

Did Colorado Get Its Indian Boarding School Report All Wrong? Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Earlier this month, History Colorado released a major report documenting the history of Indigenous “boarding schools” across our state, including one in Denver, between 1880 and 1920. The media covered the report as a landmark step forward from a tragic chapter in our state’s history, and some have called on Governor Jared Polis to make a formal apology on behalf of the state. But while our elected officials are celebrating the report as a positive step toward healing and reconciliation, many Indigenous people are not. So today, host Bree Davies speaks with the co-chairs of the Denver American Indian Commission — stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson and past guest Raven Payment — about what this report means to Denver’s Indigenous community.

Bree mentioned History Colorado’s recent history of rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities. We recommend Westword’s reporting around the new Sand Creek Massacre exhibit to learn more.

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 sponsor of this episode:

“Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the 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 Next in the Elijah McClain Trials? Plus, Stan Kroenke vs. Commerce City Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about all the local stories that matter this week. Four years after Elijah McClain was stopped by Aurora police, an Adams County jury last week delivered a verdict in the first of three trials over the 23-year-old’s death. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi lay out the facts and talk about the questions still left unanswered. Plus, why is Commerce City so mad at Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke? Hint: It’s not because the Nuggs and Avs are still not on TV. Also, we respond to listener comments and questions about Denver’s hardcore scene, that 1-star review for the Brown Palace, and one of Denver’s best carrot cakes.

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:

“Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks” at the Denver Art Museum

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

BONUS: TABOR TALK Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

This morning on the podcast, we did our best to understand the most confusing and most impactful question on Colorado ballots this year — Prop HH. Andrew Kenney, politics reporter for CPR, explained why some conservatives are calling it a back-door TABOR killer. So after the convo, producer Paul Karolyi turned the mics back on to ask Andy about all the other times Democrats have gone after TABOR and what happened.

If you have more TABOR or Prop HH questions, send them our way at denver@citycast.fm and we’ll do our best to answer!

Everything You Need to Know About Prop HH Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

The Wall Street Journal called it a “back-door tax hike.” Colorado conservatives are calling it a TABOR killer. Even Democrats are divided on it. But Governor Jared Polis insists it’s the best thing to do about rising property tax rates. Prop HH is the biggest, most confusing, and potentially most impactful question on Colorado ballots this fall. So producer Paul Karolyi sat down with our favorite Polis whisperer, CPR politics reporter Andrew Kenney, to explain Prop HH and what our libertarian-leaning governor is thinking.

Read Andy’s coverage of TABOR and Prop HH for CPR — like how the proposition could impact school funding, what education advocates see as the good in the measure, and why TABOR refunds have been bigger than years’ past.

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

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:

Denver Art Museum’s Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks

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

The Real Triangle Bar Story, Lauren Boebert's Divorce, and the Big Bigfoot Sighting Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

The Triangle Bar closed “indefinitely” last Sunday, owner Scott Coors blamed homeless encampments, and the press ran with an easy narrative. Earlier this week, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi barely scratched the surface of the escalating controversy around the gay bar’s demise, but there’s clearly way more to the story. So today on the show, Bree and Paul get into the real stuff with our resident gay bar expert Keith Garcia to go beyond the easy scapegoat and discuss your comments and voicemails about bar management, the importance of queer spaces, and how the Coors boycotts Harvey Milk co-led in the 1970s played into the closure of Triangle Bar in 2023. Plus, our trip to Casa Bonita and this week’s Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows.

Paul talked about the Broncos’ owners, Cowboy Crocs, and Lauren Boebert’s divorce. Bree mentioned FAIM’s last show, happening at D3 Arts this Saturday. Keith talked about the new Bigfoot video and the upcoming 46th Annual Denver Film Festival.

You can also watch Keith tell a salacious story from his teenage dreams at this Saturday’s Coming Out Edition of Mortified Colorado!

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

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

Is Casa Bonita Still a Thing? Plus, a 'Food Truck Park' and Where to Get Your Dessert On Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

It’s Thursday, and we’re here to get you ready for a great Denver weekend! Newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins to talk through the latest food news and exciting new places to eat — so long as your heart’s not set on Casa Bonita. It’s been months, and we’re tired of disappointing out-of-towners who want to eat at the still-not-really-open Pink Palace. No, we don’t have a hook-up! A new interview with CB’s chef Dana Rodriguez has got us thinking about how much track is left in front of this hype train. Plus, Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are asking: Who’s building Denver’s first “food truck park”? Where’s the best place to indulge your sweet tooth for this Saturday’s National Dessert Day? And what cool things are happening around town this weekend?

Here are links to all the events Peyton mentioned:

Ghosts in the Gardens (Denver Botanic Gardens)
Solar Eclipse (Various)
World Migratory Bird Day (Arvada)
Colorado Food Showcase (National Western Center)

For even more news and cool events 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

Why Triangle Bar Closed, Kaiser Strike Not So Permanente, and Albuquerque Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Three thousand Kaiser Permanente employees went on strike across Colorado last week and, although their bosses didn’t cave, all those nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers are back at work. So, how do labor negotiations work in an industry where patients’ lives are part of the equation? Plus, the Triangle Bar’s recent decision to close “indefinitely” last Sunday received a lot of press attention after a co-owner put the blame on homelessness. Big parts of this story felt like they were missing, so producer Paul Karolyi did some digging — and found interesting connections to the Coors brewing family. He and host Bree Davies dig into these stories and all the other news that matters this week, along with thoughts (and corrections!) from you, our dear listeners.

Paul mentioned this story about Scott Coors from The Advocate.

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

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