City Cast Denver

City Cast Denver

Join Host Bree Davies and the City Cast Denver crew every weekday morning as we celebrate, explore, and challenge an ever-changing Denver. It’s the daily news podcast for all Denverites — whether you’ve been here for six months or six generations. We’ll break down the news you need (and want) to know with journalists and culture makers; activists and artists; neighbors and ne’er-do-wells — and John Elway, if he ever returns our calls. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.. Named Westword's Best Podcast of 2021, 2023

Episodes

February 20, 2026 54 mins
AI tech giant Palantir moved its HQ from Denver to Miami this week, notifying the world via a single tweet. Was this abrupt relocation in response to ongoing protests outside its Denver office or Colorado’s first-in-the-nation AI bill or something else entirely? Political commentator Adrian Felix joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dig into the controversial company’s departure, plus the uncertain future of Leven Su...
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Love it or hate it, TABOR — the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights — has an ongoing impact on how Colorado handles our taxes. Every few years, an initiative comes along to change this constitutional amendment — like this November, when voters could be deciding whether or not to raise taxes on the rich — but they generally fail. Could this be the one that breaks through? Host Bree Davies sits down with Paul Teske, distinguished professor at ...
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A new bill at the state legislature has got Denverites talking — is it time for Colorado to decriminalize prostitution? Poet Suzi Q. Smith joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to look at precedents in Maine and Nevada, and some of the arguments against. Plus, we saw some rumors that the fancy grocery chain Erewhon might be opening in RiNo, the mayor seems to be reconsidering Flock, and we all watched the newly Oscar-nom...
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Today we’re opening up the mailbag! Host Bree Davies and producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi hear from listeners about everything from security concerns on RTD buses and trains to mayoral candidate Lisa Calderón’s criticisms of Mayor Mike Johnston’s homelessness plan. Plus, Paul responds to some criticism about his recent comments on Rocky Flats, Bree gets a mall food court recommendation, and Olivia stans rise up!  Pa...
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All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Denverites’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your ...
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For the first time in 26 years, the Underground Music Showcase will not be taking over South Broadway this summer — but when it moves to RiNo, would the fest lose its cool factor? And will it still be a showcase of local acts or become something more corporate? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love talk through the what-ifs with Shawn King, drummer of DeVotchka, who headlined the first UMS in 2001 and closed out last yea...
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Thanks to multiple bond packages, the Sloan’s Lake Boathouse is getting a $7 million makeover and the lake itself is set to receive $5 million in ecological restoration.  But will that be enough to save it? For years, Sloan’s Lake has struggled with low water levels, leading to a toxic algae bloom that threatens the ecological future and public use of this popular body of water. We’re revisiting this conversation from last year wit...
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From gaining Michelin star status to collecting a bounty of James Beard Awards, Denver’s culinary profile keeps rising. But beyond decorated chefs, all star meals, and international media attention lies a low-key secret to the Mile High’s dining out success — a well-designed restaurant. Award winning architect Kevin Nguyen grew up in Aurora and has been the mind behind the look and feel of spots like Brutø, The Wolf's Tailor, Hey K...
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2025 was potentially the final year of the Underground Music Showcase — ticket sales were down, money was tight, and the future of the fest was uncertain. But the RiNo Business Improvement District stepped in, Youth On Record sold its share, and now the fest will live in RiNo. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love discuss this new era and potential vibe shift for the 25 year-old event, plus dig into new legislation being...
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Lisa Calderón thinks Denver is in trouble, and she wants to save it. Last week, the activist and professor of criminal justice announced a bid for mayor in 2027 — her third time running for the position. Lisa sits down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how she would balance the city’s budget issues, what she believes Mayor Johnston has gotten wrong about housing and homelessness, and why she thinks there...
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Denverites want more affordable housing, but can they agree on how to make it happen? A couple members of YIMBY Denver have a proposal to “upzone” broad swaths of the city to allow more duplexes and triplexes, and their proposal could hit our ballots in November. So, what will Denver decide? RTD Board Director Chris Nicholson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of housing density, the big fight...
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February 5, 2026 27 mins
It’s a fact: Denver is a coffee town. Whether it’s beloved local chains or third wave cafes, the Mile High City abounds with cozy coffee shops offering all sorts of different experiences. Entrepreneur, content creator, and coffee shop aficionado Michelle Jackson joined host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love last September to talk about the local spots that bring the ambiance, offer creative drink choices, and capture what...
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RTD is struggling right now. Denver’s public transit provider is facing low ridership numbers (even relative to peer cities) and a massive projected budget deficit — and that’s without even mentioning the paltry 83% bus on-time percentage. So what should be done? Governor Jared Polis and the legislature brought together a committee of experts last year to do months of research, debate, and come to a proposal that might just help ge...
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What makes Denver Denver? Better yet, who defines us as a city? Thinking back on the last quarter century, there have been many politicians, personalities, and people with plenty of money to throw around who have shaped the image, built environment, and ethos of the Mile High City. Producer Paul Karolyi presents his list of the “21 Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century” to host Bree Davies and Westword editor Patty Calhou...
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February 2, 2026 32 mins
It’s February! The season of love. But in this month’s guide to Denver, we’re going beyond flowers and chocolate. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producer Olivia Jewell Love join host Bree Davies to share the best things to do, see, drink, eat, and explore in and around the Mile High City this month, with some fun twists on the traditional romantic gestures — from a “herstorical” take on Henry VIII at the theater to date night ...
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Many local small business are closing their doors today joining a national strike against President Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota and the killing of Alex Pretti last Saturday — and others are offering special promotions and discounts. Comedian power couple Jacob Rupp and Miriam Moreno join host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the “F--- ICE Latte” moment. Plus, an open carry protest in Castle Rock wa...
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One of Denver’s more conservative south suburbs is abuzz with debate over an unlikely subject — “Shrek: The Musical.” When performers in Parker incorporated a pride flag into the musical, some members of the audience complained, and officials with the Town of Parker shared their concerns with actors. But is that censorship? And more importantly, how would Lord Farquaad handle this? Comedian and co-mastermind of Dyketopia Kate McLac...
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The president seems to have changed his mind. While the crackdown in Minneapolis is changing course, many Denverites are still debating the best way to fight back. CU Regent and small business owner Wanda James is challenging Denver’s longtime representative in Congress, Diana DeGette, because she’s got a different approach. She joins host Bree Davies to talk about the latest on the immigration crackdown, Trump’s threats to invoke ...
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Along with the rest of the country, Denverites are reeling from the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss the local reactions, including from Pretti’s parents in Arvada. Plus, what’s the deal with the “Ace of Spades” cards ICE agents left on detainees cars after a traffic stop outside Vail? We also talk about the new...
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2026 is shaping up to be a turning point year for the Democrats in Colorado. Internal disagreements on hot topics like data centers and AI threaten to divide the state’s governing party, while important June primaries for the top statewide offices have many lawmakers looking to the future. So, as the legislature convenes for what will be Gov. Jared Polis’ final session in control of the veto pen, what will the Dems be able to agree...
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