City Cast Denver

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Is There Such Thing as a ‘Denver Accent’? Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

It’s easy to forget, but Denver is still a young city, constantly searching for an identity. So it’s confounding why there’s so little research on a characteristic as important as the way we speak. Do Denverites even have an accent? Or maybe there’s more than one? Fortunately, we found some researchers at CU Boulder who are working to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on the particulars of Mile High speech patterns. Host Bree Davies sat down with Jeremy Calder, an assistant professor in the linguistics department, and graduate student Andrew Ting last spring to discuss their “Voices of Colorado” project to hear what they’ve learned about how Denverites speak.

What do you think about the Denver accent? Text or leave us a voicemail at (720) 500-5418‬. Just remember to include your name and neighborhood, and we might play it on the show!

Paul mentioned the recent sale of the Milk Market food hall, the new effort to block the expansion of Gross Reservoir, and his interview last year with KUNC water reporter Luke Runyon: “Is Denver Hoarding Water?” For more of our water coverage, check out these episodes:

Is Colorado On Its Way to A True Water Crisis? (May 8, 2023)
Can Science Fix Our Water Woes? (Jan. 26, 2023)
Could Denver Run Out of Water? (June 13, 2022)

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:

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

South Broadway on the Brink, Hypocrite Activist Outed, and UFOs Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

Mayor Mike Johnston is tackling Denver’s homelessness crisis head on, but the city might not be able to wait for long. When Denverite reporter Kyle Harris spent 21 hours at a calzone shop on Broadway, he met a business owner who’s been pushed past his limit and heard rumors of a possible violent revolt spreading through encampments. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Kyle to talk about what else he saw that night and what that charged situation on Broadway says about the interconnected nature of our unhoused crisis. Plus, another round of wins and fails of the week — aka, our Rocky Mountain highs and lows.

Paul talked about UFOs in Southern Colorado, the Colorado Doula Project, Deion Sander’s post-game interview last Saturday, and Bomani Jones’ insights in this terrific documentary. Bree discussed sexual assault in the music scene and a local abortion clinic’s major milestone. Kyle talked about Barry’s on Broadway and the new “bike bus” near Sloan’s Lake.

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:

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

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

The Buzzy New Vietnamese Spot, CBD Coffee Is Back, and Our Bakery Recs Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

When a brand new Denver restaurant landed on Bon Appétit’s most anticipated openings list, we were sooooo curious — what’s the big whoop about Sap Sua? Fast-forward to now and the contemporary take Vietnamese cuisine has got people talking. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into all the latest food and dining news with newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia, who also gives us an update on what common consumption is — and is not — and ponders whether a new CBD coffee shop popping up in Platt Park is past its prime or right on the mark. Plus, our recommendations for your weekend.

Paul mentioned some Harvard University research on CBD.

We wanna hear from you, dear listeners: What’s the best bakery in the Denver metro? Call our hot pastry hotline and leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show! 720-500-5418. Phone shy? Email us: denver@citycast.fm.

And finally, your official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend.

Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show - our official “City Cast Denver Maybe” pick!
Cuisine and Culture — Tracing Andean Culture
Wheat Ridge’s International Heritage Festival/Oktoberfest
9/11 Heroes Run

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 Center for the Performing Arts

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

A Defunct Westside Power Plant: Eyesore or Opportunity? Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

For more than 100 years, the brick power plant at Zuni Street and West 14th Avenue generated electricity for Denver using steam. But now that the plant has been retired, it presents a conundrum: Should the crusty old building and its two smokestacks be demolished? Or somehow redeveloped into an asset for the Sun Valley neighborhood? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi visit the defunct Zuni Generating Station with Denver’s first-ever chief urban designer Eugenia di Girolamo to talk about how the building known to some as “The Devil’s Castle” could become Denver’s next iconic landmark.

The Denver Post has more on the old Xcel Generating Station, and the Colorado Encyclopedia has more on the Denver Tramway Powerhouse (Aka, the REI building). Bree talked about the latest development in DPS’s “seclusion room” controversy and flu season.

What non-residential building would you most want to live in? Residential conversions are all the rage, but is everyone thinking way too small!Of all the non-residential buildings in Denver, which would you most want to move into? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your pick 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:

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

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

Our Best Bets for September Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

Denver’s a cool place, full of cool things to do each and every month — and September is no exception. But how do you choose what to fill your calendar with when the Mile High has so much to offer? Host Bree Davies and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia each picked four awesome September events to share, and producer Olivia Jewell Love has the harrowing task of picking the official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for your month — as in “maybe” you’ll see us there!

Here are links to all the events Bree and Peyton recommended:

Peyton’s Picks

Art Drop Day, TODAY! (Citywide)
CHOW in the Park, September 11 (City Park)
Bugs and Brews, September 21 (Westminster)
Denver Oktoberfest, September 22-24 (Ballpark)

Bree Picks

Westwood Chile Fest, September 9 (Westwood)
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure Screening, September 10 (Congress Park)
High Plains Comedy Fest, September 21-23 (South Broadway)
Far East Center Mid-Autumn Festival, September 30 (Westwood)

Peyton mentioned Mimi Luong — whose family started the Far East Center — and we interviewed her about Denver’s Lunar New Year celebration; she also talked about our interview with John Hinman, founder of CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness).

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 sponsor of this show:

-Denver Center for the Performing Arts

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

When a Senator Gets Towed, Baby Orangutans, and Jack Harlow Hearts Denver Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

When State Senator Julie Gonzales wrote the Towing Bill of Rights last year, she had no idea that she’d have to get towed herself to find out just how badly tow companies have been skirting her law. The legislator took to social media last week to share a parking saga gone wrong that ended up exposing some shady towing practices. The senator joins host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission Joshua Emerson, to talk about what happened, and how she’s already working on strengthening the law next legislative session. Plus the crew digs into their wins and fails of the week — Joshua gushes over a new baby orangutan at the Denver Zoo, Bree is weirdly obsessed with Jack Harlow’s new video, “Denver,” and so much more.

Sen. Gonzales mentioned Stop Fraud Colorado, where consumers can report towing issues and fraudulent situations with tow companies. Check out Joshua Emerson at the High Plains Comedy Fest this September. Bree talked about Overdose Awareness Day, and checking out Harm Reduction Action Center for more ways to help.

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:

Colorado Restaurant Association
“Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” 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 Michelin Guide Value Menu, Drinks on the Go, and Pumpkin Spicy Takes Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

The Michelin Guide is giving some mystery, top tier restaurants highly coveted stars at their invite-only event on Sept. 12, but why wait? Turns out the world’s most prestigious dining guide went ahead and crowned some Denver Metro restaurants with a coveted spot on its Bib Gourmand list, which is kind of like an upscale version of the “value menu” for fine dining. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia explains why this all matters to host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love. Then, the crew digs into Arvada’s latest move toward public consumption and wonders why Denver is dragging its feet about beers on the street. Finally, the official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for your weekend — as in maybe you’ll see us there! — is chosen.

Olivia mentioned Rylee Dunn’s reporting for the Arvada Press if you’re looking for that hyper-local Old Towne news.

‘Tis the season for pumpkin….everything. So we wanna know: what’s your take on pumpkin beer, and what’s the best one? Call our Pumpkin Spice or Nah hotline at (720) 500-5418 or send us an email at denver@citycast.fm.

And finally, your official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend.

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:

Colorado Restaurant Association
“Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center

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 Are New Buildings in Denver So Ugly? Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

They don’t make stuff like they used to…turns out that’s true for Denver’s buildings as well. Art Writer and Architecture critic Michael Paglia has written about the Mile High’s growth spurts over many decades for Westword, and he’s seen some multi-story highs and lows, architecturally speaking. Michael joins host Bree Davies to discuss the city’s built environment of the 21st century — the good, the bad, and the really, really ugly — while pointing out some of the bright spots in our architectural story.

Read some of Michael’s in-depth pieces for Westword on Denver’s Architecture, both good and bad:

Bree and Michael talk about the One River North building with the canyon in the middle, as well as these buildings (and here’s a lil’ map of them, if you wanna do a tour):

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:

Colorado Restaurant Association
“Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center

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

An Activist Turns Legislator, Micro-Communities are Coming, and More for Our Visitors Guide Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Host Bree Davies and state politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval are breaking down all the local stories that matter this week — starting with a Democratic committee appointing Tim Hernández to the vacated 4th house district seat and Justine digs into what the appointment of a Chicano community activist says the current Colorado democratic party. Then, Bree talks about the list of 11 possible locations for short term housing that the Johnston Administration released a few days ago. Plus, we share your takes on the best way to get to the airport and what we left out on our visitor’s guide.

Justine mentioned DPS’s current day segregation issues, which Chalkbeat covered this summer; Bree talked about the neighbors’ lawsuit against the Park Hill United Methodist Church in 2021 for hosting a Safe Outdoor Space.

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:

Colorado Restaurant Association
“Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center

Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬

The Park-Lovers Guide to Denver’s Green Spaces Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Denver’s park system is something to behold — we have more than 250 dedicated green spaces in the city proper and over 14,000 acres of Denver-owned parkland in the mountains, all open to the public for free. There are so many beautiful spots to soak up our Mile High magic outdoors, so where do you start? From the most underrated public landscapes to the most prime people-watching spots, host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and fave guest Joshua Emerson break down the must-visit green spaces around Denver.

Paul mentioned some recent re-thinking around dog parks, and Bree talked about the new park renaming process that’s just started.

Check out this interactive map from the City and County of Denver to find your new favorite park!

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:

Colorado Restaurant Association
“Beautiful: A Carole King Musical” at the Arvada Center

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

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