City Cast Denver

Latest Episodes:

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Denver Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

See if your Denver knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up!

Mentioned on the show:

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

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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Who Really Won and Lost the Primaries? Dark Money, the DSA, Predictions Markets, and More Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

The primaries on Tuesday ushered in historic change to our Mile High City, with a 29-year-old Democratic Socialist primed to take over the 1st Congressional District seat from a 30-year incumbent. But what exactly can we expect from Melat Kiros in Congress? And what change will Attorney General Phil Weiser bring if he can defeat the Republican nominee for governor in November? The Lever editor-in-chief David Sirota joins producer Paul Karolyi to question the narratives coming out of the Colorado primary elections this week, sort out the true winners and losers, and finish up with a special non-election-related Wins and Fails of the Week.

Paul talked about redistricting and a new housing development planned at York St. Yards. David talked about ice cream and his friend Bret Saunders.

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

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What do you think Denverites should expect from Melat Kiros if she wins the general in November? We want 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

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 2nd episode:

Adventure Science Center

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Kiros and Weiser Win As Voters Sour on Colorado's Political Establishment Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

The eyes of the nation were on Colorado yesterday as “anti-establishment” candidates took on some of Colorado’s longest tenured elected officials in the crucial Democratic primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, and Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love were at the victory parties, up late for the latest results, and they are breaking down what we know so far. Like, how 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette and how Attorney General Phil Weiser was able to edge out Sen. Michael Bennet in the governor’s race.

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

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What do you think about the Kiros and Weiser victories? 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 1st episode:

Vail Wine Classic

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Mayor Johnston on His Big New Idea to Fix Parking Downtown Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

There’s one issue Denverites can never seem to agree on – parking. Does the city have too much or too little? Is parking too expensive or too cheap? Mayor Mike Johnston has his own idea of what’s wrong with parking in Denver, especially downtown, and he joins Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and producer Paul Karolyi today to discuss it. Plus, the mayor shares some thoughts on America’s semiquincentennial ahead of the Fourth of July holiday this weekend.

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

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What do you think about the mayor’s $5 parking idea? We want 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

Did you enjoy this interview with Andy Caler from Energy Outreach Colorado? Learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 30th episode:

Vail Wine Classic
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

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Your Guide to July 2026 in Denver Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

It’s birthday time in Denver! With America’s 250th birthday on the Fourth of July, and Colorado’s 150th birthday coming up on August 1st, the City Cast Denver team is in a mood to celebrate. The hilarious host of Good Night Denver, Miriam Moreno, joins producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to share their pro tips on drones vs. fireworks, the best thrift stores to use the restroom, and the happy hour you can get to even if you don’t get off work until late.

For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Denver, check out Hey Denvers’s take on what to do this month.

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

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What are you looking forward to in July? 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 June 29th episode:

Vail Wine Classic

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'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks Jun 28, 2026

Show notes

Denver voters approved a tax hike in 2022 to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth from City Council, those repairs are finally underway. Not only do sidewalks make pedestrian life safer and urban transit more accessible, but they are also an important indicator of a healthy city. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver host Bree Davies about the state of Denver's sidewalks, how this initiative is going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks?

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

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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Can Kiros Beat DeGette? Plus, AI ‘Polls,’ Astroturfing Local Politics, and Colfax Wins and Fails Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

Denver is on the precipice of what could be a historic moment; the city’s 30-year incumbent congresswoman, Diana DeGette, is facing a late surge in momentum from Democratic Socialists of America-backed challenger Melat Kiros. So what’s real and what’s fake in the final days leading up to primary? And could Kiros really win? Comedians and returning guests Joshua Emerson and Kate McLachlan join producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the spin coming from both campaigns and separate signal from noise. Plus, a wild astroturfing scandal in the CU Regents’ race and all our wins and fails of the week!

Plus, a bonus segment! City Cast Denver Neighbors get a special bonus segment about Joshua and Kate’s shared history in Durango. They share their tips for anyone looking for a summer road trip destination. Don’t miss our weekly Friday bonus segments and become a member today for just $10 per month. Sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Paul talked about moderating the SD34 forum, the poll showing Kiros ahead, the NYC primary results, a UMS venue closing, and Wellington and Wilma Webb. Kate mentioned Bastien’s and PS Lounge on Colfax.

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 astroturfing in local elections? Can you trust “the vibes”? We want 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 June 26th episode:

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‘Quid Pro Quo Corruption’ in the Governor’s Race? Plus, Kiros’ Late Surge and More Primary Madness! Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

Why did Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet just lend his campaign nearly $1 million? And is “former barista” Melat Kiros’s campaign surging enough to unseat Denver’s longtime congresswoman Diana DeGette? With less than a week until the primary elections, The Lever editor-in-chief David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk through all the biggest headlines and insider gossip from the most important races on Denverites’ ballots.

Sirota discussed Michael Bennet’s campaign donation.

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

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Who are you voting for and why? We want 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

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 June 25th episode:

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Inside Alma Fonda Fina: How Johnny and Kasie Curiel Are Beating the Odds As Many Restaurants Close Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

After racking up two Michelin stars and opening six restaurants in less than three years, Johnny and Kasie Curiel are the Denver restaurant industry’s biggest success story. So how, at a time when so many other restaurateurs are struggling, closing, or calling for minimum wage reform, did they pull this off? And how long can it last? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the married co-owners of Fonda Fina Hospitality to talk about how they met, how their company was inspired by a national restaurant chain, and why they “literally put their lives on the line to follow their dreams,” as their friend and fellow chef Michael Diaz de Leon put it to the Denver Post. Plus, their favorite local spots to try today!

Paul referenced his interview with Chef Michael Diaz de Leon from back in March 2024, when he had just stepped away from the restaurant where he earned a Michelin star. Also mentioned in this episode are Molino Chido, Diaz de Leon’s new taco spot at Stanley Marketplate; El Tule; Heretik; Hillstone; Cherry Creek Grill; and Panadería el Alamo.

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

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What do you think is the secret to Johnny and Kasie Curiel’s success? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Did you enjoy this interview with Elizabeth Martinez from Compass Real Estate? Learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode:

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Zombies Are Attacking Denver! Where Do You Go? Who Do You Team Up With? Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

It’s officially summer in the Mile High City, and for many Denverites that means it’s time to high-tail it to the nearest shady spot on the bank of a mountain creek. But what if instead of escaping our day-to-day lives, we Denverites were escaping a horde of bloodthirsty zombies? Would that shady spot offer good defenses? Provisions? And what about the long-term chances for survival? Denver Business Journal reporter Catie Cheshire joined producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love last year to swap notes and talk through our survival strategies for a zombie apocalypse in Denver.

This episode first aired on Aug. 6, 2025.

We discuss Catie’s report on Coors Field for Westword as the inspiration for this episode, and Paul mentioned Catie’s excellent recent report on the business leaders asking whether now is the time to demolish office buildings downtown. Olivia talked about Ark Tactical in Lakewood. Paul discussed nuclear missile silos.

Who brought the best survival plan — Catie, Olivia or Paul? Also, we want to know who you’d team up with. Or are you going it alone somewhere else entirely? We want 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

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

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 June 23rd episode: