City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

Is Childcare About to Get Cheaper? Plus, Local Venue Workers Unionize and What If Nightclubs Were Open Until 4 A.M.? Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Parents and daycare providers have been sounding the alarm that childcare in Denver is expensive, hard to find, or hard to provide. This week, City Council took a small step to hopefully alleviate some of the struggle. Denver Post city government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies to discuss this regulatory shift in childcare, plus City Council’s other recent debate that could overhaul Denver’s nightlife scene. They also dig into the recent unionization efforts by local sound engineers at a string of independently owned venues and what it all means for concert-goers.

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

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.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What do you think about the proposed 4 a.m. closing time for nightclubs? 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 July 16th episode:

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Would You Take the Bus to DIA? Plus, Long Lines at Water World and Colorado’s Road Rage Problem Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Widening Peña Boulevard is still very much on the table, but DIA officials have recently agreed to explore options beyond just making more room for cars. Could a dedicated bus lane be in the highway’s future? Editor-in-chief of The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk about all the ways to get to DIA. Also, they dig into the latest numbers on aggressive driving and Colorado’s very bad road rage problem. Then, Water World’s brand new Summit Canyon opens this week and David has thoughts about it!

Bree mentioned the Peña Boulevard expansion project’s open house happening July 23 at the Green Valley Ranch Rec Center and Greater Denver Transit’s analysis of the project.

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.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

How do you get to DIA? 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 this interview with Kelsey Simpkins, the Communications and Programs Manager at the Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode:

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Did the Media Give Sen. Hickenlooper a Pass? Plus, Turnover at Denver Central Market and GOP Voters Choose Victor Marx Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Victor Marx is officially the Colorado Republican nominee for governor. The former marine who claims he’s performed exorcisms is now tasked with picking a running mate, and Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun has some ideas. She joins host Bree Davies to talk about the GOP’s future in Colorado and the pitfalls of covering incumbent races as a reporter. Then, the fate of the food hall concept looms large in RiNo as the Zeppelins return to Zeppelin Station and Denver Central Market boots longtime vendors.

Bree brought up reporter Chase Woodruff’s thread about local media’s political coverage, which later appeared in Corey Hutchins’ newsletter. She also talked about documenting Brighton Boulevard’s DIY music backstory for Westword.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What are your thoughts on Zeppelin Station’s next steps? 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 July 14th episode:

Denver Film
Denver Health
Colfax Ave BID
Colorado Lottery
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

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

Denver’s Best Burgers, a Jazzy New Wine Bar, and MAKFam’s Anticipated Expansion Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Is a burger really a burger without cheese? Can a traditional patty compare to a smash patty? Does a burger taste better when it comes out of a dive bar’s cramped kitchen? These are all factors Antony Bruno considered when he set out to compile the ultimate Denver burger guide. Westword’s new food and drink editor sits down with host Bree Davies to breakdown this big juicy list. Plus, Antony shares insight into MAKFam’s hungrily awaited second location coming soon and more of the most-anticipated restaurants and bars opening in the Mile High City.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What burger do you think Antony’s list is missing? What burger pick did he get right? 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 July 14th episode:

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

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Denver Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Denver Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

There’s lots to love about Denver, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) about everything he’s seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up?

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

RIP FirstBank, DPS’s Superintendent Wants Out, and What’s Up With the DMV? Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Goodbye, FirstBank! While PNC promised a smooth transition after it acquired the legacy “Colorado bank for you” for $4.1 billion, many customers are reporting real problems – like the woman who suddenly had access to her mother’s bank accounts. Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval is back on the pod with host Bree Davies to talk about local banking brand loyalty, long wait times at the DMV, and the city’s plan to staff up and write more parking tickets. Plus, a bonus segment only for City Cast Denver Neighbors about why DPS superintendent Alex Marrero can’t seem to keep his desire to get out of Denver a secret.

Join the Neighborhood to get all the goss and support this show by signing up to become a member today!

Bree discussed our episode on population trends, Joy’s Kitchen’s new location, and the child who died in a Veo e-bike accident last month. Justine mentioned Colorado’s struggle to find geriatric care doctors and Kelsey Pfendler’s record-breaking solo boat row from California to Hawaii. Check out City Cast’s national show, Your City Could Be Better!

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

Do you have a nightmarish – or pleasant – DMV story? 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 this interview with Danny Feely, the Director of FP&A at TaskRabbit, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode:

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

Can Mayor Mike Claim a Win on Homelessness? Plus, Same-y Farmers Markets and McDonald's Fried Apple Pie Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Did Denver really figure out how to solve homelessness? British news magazine The Economist recently touted Mayor Mike Johnston’s long-term initiative to get people into shelter, and the 64% drop in unsheltered homelessness since 2023 – but what did they miss? City Cast Denver regular Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies to discuss the mayor’s “all in” shelter plan. They also compare the latest homelessness work in Denver to Aurora’s new tiered shelter and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman’s decision to sleep at a shelter one night a week since February. Plus, they debate the merits of McDonald’s throwback fried apple pie and talk about the state of vendor variety – or lack thereof – at local farmers markets.

Bree mentioned her conversation about the behind-the-scenes work at farmers markets with City Park Farmers Market co-owner Peter Wanberg.

Sign up for Keep it Local! It’s our weekly shopping guide to Denver’s best local businesses. We pick a timely theme and give you specific recommendations for what to buy and where to eat. This week has got all our favorite places to get a fun, flirty, and most importantly cold drink ahead of this weekend’s heat wave! Sign up for the weekly newsletter now.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

Where’s your favorite local bakery to get a handheld apple pie? 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 July 9th episode:

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

City-Backed Theater Evicted, Casa Bonita Performers Allege Sexual Harassment, and LeBron to the Nuggets? Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Since voting to unionize back in November of 2024, Casa Bonita performers have gone to the table 14 times to negotiate wages, security issues, and workplace safety protocols, but have yet to reach a compromise with CB’s billionaire owners Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Pink Palace actor, union member, and City Cast Denver regular Joshua Emerson sits down with host Bree Davies to take us inside the ongoing labor fight. Then, they discuss the lawsuit and pending eviction of the Denver Immersive Repertory Theater, and Joshua shares a special top five list involving LeBron James, Taco Tuesday, and the Denver Nuggets!

For more on the labor situation at Casa Bonita, you can see for yourself the 10 recorded unfair labor practice complaints with the National Labor Relations Board and the one recorded OSHA complaint. Casa Bonita also responded to our interview request for Parker and Stone with the following statement:

“At Casa Bonita, we value all of our team members and their well-being. As a policy we do not comment on ongoing labor negotiations.”

- Casa Bonita management

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What do you think Denver could do to lure LeBron James to the Nuggets? 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 July 8th episode:

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

What Cheap Parking Downtown Really Costs. Plus, Can BRT Be ‘Better’ on Colorado Boulevard? Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Is the city’s new $5 downtown parking program worth it to Denverites? After Mayor Mike Johnston came on the show last week to talk up his grand new plan to get people downtown, our dear listeners had a lot of thoughts and feelings about it. Jill Locantore, executive director of the Denver Streets Partnership, took particular issue with Johnston’s approach to the topic of drinking and driving – she joins host Bree Davies to share her perspective on the mayor’s new parking plan and some big ideas to fix Denver’s problems with car storage. Jill and Bree also discuss the Glendale City Council’s “no build” vote on bus rapid transit on Colorado Boulevard, the state of the Denver Deserves Sidewalks initiative, and more.

Bree mentioned Jill’s last appearance on the pod, when they discussed the idea of establishing parking benefits districts. Jill mentioned Families for Safe Streets’ recent recommendation for regulations on autonomous vehicles. Bree also talked about the ballot measure Denverites passed to create funding to fix, build, and replace sidewalks on a recent episode of Your City Could Be Better, City Cast’s national podcast!

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What do you think about BRT along Colorado Boulevard? 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 today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here.

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

Denver Art Museum
Blue Sky
Regional Air Quality Council
Denver Botanic Gardens
Energy Outreach Colorado
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

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

A Phone Call With Former Sen. Gary Hart on How Politics Changed Forever Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Two years ago, City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi interviewed a bona fide Colorado legend – two-term former Senator Gary Hart. He was the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1987, but became notorious for how his campaign ended, with a shocking sex scandal. At the time of the call, Hart was 87, and City Cast Denver was working on our big Lauren Boebert project. Paul had questions only Hart could answer about how politics has become personal and the changing of the guard – themes that resonate from last week’s primaries. So, for the first time, we are sharing this interview about the warping effect of the media, Colorado’s political establishment, and the threat of nuclear war.

Paul mentions Matt Bai and his brilliant book about Gary Hart, which was adapted into a pretty good movie starring Hugh Jackman – “All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid”

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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 Gary Hart’s point of view? We’d love 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 July 6th episode:

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

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