City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

Is Coach Prime Too Cool for Boulder? Plus, A/C at DPS and John Fielder's Favorite Fleece Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

When the University of Colorado hired NFL Hall of Fame superstar Deion “Prime Time” Sanders to be their next head football coach, Boulder went bananas. But it’s time to see what the new-look Buffs can do on the field, and the off-field stakes are just as high. Producer Paul Karolyi is talking through the implications for Boulder and the whole CU system with 5280 Magazine’s Editor Lindsey King and Editorial Director Geoff Van Dyke. And as always, we wrap up the Friday show with a round of wins and fails of the week.

We talked about Ed Sheeran, John Fielder, Office-to-Residential Building Conversions, Proposed LGBTQ Book Bans, RVs for Hawaii, and (the lack of) air conditioning at Denver Public Schools. Also, here’s the 5280 Magazine interview with John Fielder from 2009 that Lindsey and Geoff talked about and Robert Sanchez’s terrific article on the Deion Sanders moment at CU Boulder.

Paul is pretty sure this is the same fleece John Fielder donated to History Colorado. He’s got some pretty good leads on identifying Fielder’s boots, too.

Do you know who offers the best photography class in town? Paul wants to follow in John Fielder’s footsteps, and he needs your help. Have you taken a class you love? Or know someone who did? Leave us a voicemail or text at 720-500-5418 or email us at denver@citycast.fm, and you might hear your rec on the show (or see it in Hey Denver) soon!

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 episode:

Girl Scouts of Colorado

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

New Tacos in Cap Hill, Why Guy Fieri Loves Denver, and Dogs in Restaurants Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

Guy Fieri’s people have returned to two Colorado restaurants made famous by “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” — which has us pondering what kind of an impact the show can make on a local business. Then, what was known for a quarter-century as the Park Tavern in Cap Hill is getting another chance at bar life, complete with tacos! And finally, we ask a contentious question: should dogs be allowed in restaurants? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor (and resident foodie!) Peyton Garcia break down the latest food news, plus pick the official City Cast Denver “Maybe” event for your weekend — as in maybe you’ll see the CCD crew there!

Here are links to all the events Peyton mentioned:

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

How do you feel about dogs in restaurants? We want to hear from you! Call our Dogs In Restaurants hotline and leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and hot dogs-in-restaurants-or-nah take and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418

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 the Expansion of Peña Boulevard 'Inevitable'? Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

Well, it’s happening again. Complaints about traffic have driven the powers that be to make the same old proposal: What if we just added an extra lane to that troublesome highway? This time it’s the main road out to Denver International Airport — Peña Boulevard. The transit experts say it won’t help. But what about our new Mayor Mike Johnston? And what about all the new neighbors set to move into the area soon — AKA, more than 35,000 families, Pepsi’s new bottling plant, and maybe even Elitch Gardens? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi speak with Denver Post reporter Jon Murray about why he thinks this highway widening seems “inevitable,” even though the A Line is right there.

If you have input on the planning process for Peña Boulevard, you can make your voice heard at the community event in Green Valley Ranch tonight from 5-8 p.m. There’s another one scheduled for next Wednesday at the same time.

Paul mentioned the DIA train’s new voice and Suncor’s latest legal settlement.

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:

Girl Scouts of Colorado

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

New Clues to the Westside's Future, the Startup Bug, and the Hottest 'Za in Town Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about all the local stories that matter this week. First, the Latino Cultural Arts Center recently announced plans for “Las Bodegas,” a sprawling arts and cultural campus in the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood. But that’s just the latest big project transforming the Westside, a section of the city marred by a history of displacement and divided by highway infrastructure. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about where Las Bodegas will fit alongside Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke’s big plans for Ball Arena, CDOT’s hopes for that defunct railyard, and the rapidly changing Sun Valley. Plus, we’ve got updates on the Mercury Cafe, Denver’s ongoing labor conversation, and an oven-hot pizza recommendation from you, our dear listeners.

The city is looking for partners on the Burnham Yard redevelopment project, which started when the Colorado Department of Transportation bought the land in 2021. Paul also mentioned the railyard in Santa Fe and the data on new business filings in Colorado this year.

Have you started a new business? We are interested in what’s driving the flurry of new business filings, especially since the labor market is so tight. So if you’re finally pursuing your dream or if you’re launching new side hustle, we wanna hear about it! Leave us a voicemail or a text, and you might hear it on the show soon: 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

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:

Girl Scouts of Colorado

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

The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to Denver Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

A few years ago, the New York Times spent a weekend in Denver as part of its “36 Hours” series, offering a guide for how a visitor to the Mile High City could get the most out of our lovely city. This Denver travel guide felt somewhat theoretical, at best, and painfully unaware, at worst. Sooooo, we decided to fix it and make our own! Today on the show, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to lay out our own “36 Hours in Denver,” giving visitors an on-the-ground guide to the restaurants, attractions, and city-close outdoor excursions that make this place great.

Paul mentioned our episode on DIA conspiracy theories. Bree talked about the Forney Museum’s old home in REI, and the story behind the historic brick building, which you can read about in our newsletter, Hey Denver!

What did we miss? We want to hear your can’t-miss spots that never fail to impress visitors. Leave us a voicemail or a text at 720-500-5418, and you might hear it on the show soon!

Here’s a list of all the places we recommended:

Colorado Tick Club (Curtis Park)
Blucifer (DIA)
RTD’s A-Line (It’s Free all August!)
Union Station (Union Station)
The Confluence (Highland)
“Confluent People” by Emanuel Martinez (Auraria)
Starbucks at the REI (Auraria)
Little Man Ice Cream (LoHi)
Bruto (Union Station)
Bodega (Sunnyside)
Red Rocks (Morrison)
Dinosaur Ridge Trail (Morrison)
J’s Noodles (Westwood)
Miss Saigon (formerly Pho 79; Westwood)
New Saigon (Athmar Park)
Meow Wolf (Sun Valley)
Raíces (Sun Valley)
Bastien’s (City Park)
PS Lounge (Congress Park)
Bluebird Theater (City Park)
Middleman (City Park)
Satire Lounge (Cheesman Park)
Tom’s Starlight (North Cap Hill)
Charlie Brown’s (Cap Hill)
Pho 96 (Ruby Hill)
Lakeside Amusement Park (Lakeside)

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:

Girl Scouts of Colorado

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

The New Labor Wars, A Forgotten Theme Park, and Indigenous Biology Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Unions are all the rage this summer. It’s looking like the busiest summer of labor action since 2000, with 323,000 workers already having gone on strike, according to the Denver Post. But it’s not just grocery store clerks and Hollywood writers, the solidarity is spreading to nontraditional labor hotspots, like homeless shelters and The Mercury Cafe. With The Merc’s employees set to vote on their union next week, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by returning fave Joshua Emerson to talk about the iconic Five Points restaurant and venue and it’s role at the center of the latest labor fight.

Joshua is hosting his comedy showcase “Colorado Native” at the Holiday Theater on Aug. 24. You can get tickets here.

Paul talked about the amusement park Aurora could have had back in the late ’70s, Roger Zelazny’s classic sci-fi novel “Lord of Light,” and the Colorado Sun report on HOAs. Joshua mentioned secretive judges. Bree talked about Jason Perry, the DJ who was killed outside Dandy Dan’s recently.

ICYMI We’re working on an update to our recent episode, “Are Denver’s Strip Clubs Dying?” Check it out if you missed it!

For another dispatch from Hot Union Summer, our pal Chris Walker reported a surprising story this week about the local impacts of the Hollywood writers and actors strike.

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

Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

“Simple Steps, Better Air” - Regional Air Quality Council

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

How to Keep Cool and Survive a Denver Summer Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

We’re hitting that late-summer stride in Colorado as temps rise into the upper 90s, and being without air conditioning feels unbearable. The public pools close this weekend, so where do you go in this city for a chilly respite? Host Bree Davies is joined by newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to share their favorite places to cool off — from cheap and/or free options to some pricey picks if you’re really desperate to beat that heat!

Some links to learn more about all the things we talked about:

National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility (Lakewood)
Colorado Ice Works (Englewood)
Hessaire MC18M Swamp Cooler
IKEA Scavenger Hunt
Free days at various museums
Tubing in Golden, The Golden Mill (Golden)
Great Wolf Lodge (Colorado Springs)
Go dip your feet in a mountain creek (Maybe Estes Park?)
Ride the Pegasus Shuttle

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

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

The Most Instagrammable Spots to Tell a New Denver Story Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

Denver looks different through everyone’s eyes. So, how do you capture the Mile High City in a way that showcases what makes it special or unique to you? Today on the show, producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love (@wasteofmylife) go behind the scenes and swap recs with local Instagram celebrity Amanda Bittner (@theamandabittner). From the overlooked alleyways to the restaurants poised to launch the next food trend, they discuss cool spots and unexpected backdrops that bring the city into focus.

Paul talked about Alameda Bridge and John Fielder’s passing.

Here are some links to the spots we talked about:

The Irish Rover
Dairy Block
The Mile-High Steps
“Wish You Were Here” at the Ramble Hotel
Plant Garage
Sushi-Rama
The Botanical Bakery of Denver
Red Rocks
Paul’s Secret Bonus Spot

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:

“Simple Steps, Better Air” - Regional Air Quality Council

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

Gov. Polis Said What? Plus, Your Takes on the DPS Scandal Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are breaking down all the local stories that matter this week — starting with what some Dems have called “careless words” from Governor Jared Polis. First, he raised eyebrows after saying some confusing things about abortion on CNN; later, in an interview with 9News, he made remarks about childcare and the bumpy rollout of the statewide Universal Pre-K program. Then, Paul talks about why some WNBA bigwigs are sniffing around the Mile High and finally, listeners respond to our recent chat with former DPS teacher and HD4 candidate Tim Hernández about discipline and safety in public schools.

Paul mentioned Heinie’s Market in Wheat Ridge as a Palisade Peach hot spot. He also talked about big finance dude Robert Cohen, who was on the show a while back to make a case for Denver hosting the Olympics.

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:

“Simple Steps, Better Air” - Regional Air Quality Council

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

Could Empty Office Buildings Offer a Real Housing Solution? Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

Downtown Denver has a lot of big, beautiful office buildings that are… empty. Simultaneously, the city is facing an ongoing shortage of housing options, particularly affordable ones. Which all leads to one big question: Could some of those vacant office buildings be converted into apartments or condos or some kind of office-shaped domicile? The answer is yes, kind of. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Brad Segal — urban planner, real estate economist, CU Denver professor (and Bree’s former boss) — to talk about the potential for a vacant-office-to-housing pipeline and the future of downtown.

Paul forgot to mention this building on the 16th St. Mall that is being eyed for residential conversion. Brad spoke at length about the revitalization of downtown in the late 80s. To learn more about that, check out our interview with former mayor Federico Peña.

The City of Denver is in the midst of studying our office building situation, which Esteban Hernandez at Axios dug into.

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:

“Simple Steps for Better Air” - Regional Air Quality Council

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected