City Cast Denver

The fight over safety on a stretch of Alameda Avenue in Wash Park continues — will the city’s new plan to test an ⁠altered safety plan⁠ make anyone happy? Then, rents are dropping, apartment vacancies are up, and the ⁠mayor is concerned⁠. Why? Politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to talk about the latest twist in the Alameda sage, the inflection point in our rental market, and of course our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about our ⁠guest diversity report⁠ for 2025, Colfax Ave BID executive director Frank Locantore’s ⁠push for housing⁠, and a ⁠medicaid fraud scandal⁠. Bree mentioned a Telluride town councilmember’s ⁠hot mic moment⁠. Deep discussed ⁠Bo Nix’s broken ankle⁠ and⁠ YouGov’s poll⁠ on Colorado’s Trump disapproval rating. What do you think about Alameda Ave.? 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 Come out to our next member event! We’re hosting it at Convivio Café, and if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor you’re invited. Sign up now and get the details at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at ⁠denver.citycast.fm⁠. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@citycastdenver⁠ or Instagram ⁠@citycastdenver⁠ Chat with other listeners on reddit: ⁠r/CityCastDenver⁠ Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: ⁠membership.citycast.fm/Denver⁠ Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

New campaign finance reports just released show a combined $9 million coming in for both Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser’s gubernatorial campaigns. But where all that money is flowing from is a little murky. David Sirota, editor in chief of The Lever, joins host Bree Davies to dig into the dark money dirt, as well as President Trump’s recent meddling in Colorado’s attempt to cap credit card interest rates and the financial fallout from the recent Telluride ski patrol strike.  Bree mentioned a post from the ski blog Peak Rankings and The Lever’s excellent podcast and newly released book, Master Plan. Sirota talked about the Clean Campaign Act of 2019.  What do you think about Sirota’s dark money loophole proposal? Should legislators close it? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the Capitol last Saturday, but the turnout paled in comparison to the bigger demonstrations we saw last year. Producer Paul Karolyi joins host Bree Davies to talk about the past year of anti-Trump resistance in Denver as we watch violence play out on the streets of Minneapolis. Plus, a Denver city council member has a big new idea to help out pet owners and we hear a couple of listener hacks to navigate the rising cost of takeout. Paul talked about this betting market for the CD8 Democratic primary and the Colorado Sun’s coverage of Gov. Polis’ State of the State speech last week.  What’s the best happy hour in town? We want to hear about your fave! 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A moving company recently published data showing that fewer people are moving to Colorado than moving away — but should our state really be concerned about becoming “the New Jersey of the West”? Factors like aging, housing affordability, international migration, and falling birthrates paint a more complex picture. Host Bree Davies sits down with State Demographer Kate Watkins to discuss everything from the impacts of a slowing economy to declining school enrollment, and what really contributes to growth or decline of our population. Kate also shares some future forecasting on what the population of the Mile High City could look like in 2060. Kate talked about the State Demography Office’s 2025 report on Colorado’s housing shortfall. We’re hiring for an Audience Development Manager! If you want to help us take our social media and marketing to the next level, check out the full job description to see if you’d be a good fit. What do you think about Colorado’s changing population? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this January 20th episode: 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

Will Aldi conquer Denver’s grocery market? After the national chain announced plans to open dozens of new locations in Colorado, Denverites have been champing at the bit for a new supermarket option. Then, landlords of now-closed Secret Garden Bar & Café in Cheesman Park are on the hunt for a new restaurant operator, but where does that leave union negotiations with the former staff? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into these big stories, plus discuss a homeless shelter provider’s decision to take away room keys from residents, one food writer’s concerns about takeout meals becoming too expensive to be worth it, and wins and fails of the week.  Bree talked about the the Colorado Symphony’s new bus ads and the GoFundMe for Angelo Simpson, who lost his life in an unsolved hit and run.  Olivia talked about a new stamp and how lawmakers talk about Gov. Polis. Justine discussed the Nuggets new tactile broadcast technology for blind and low vision fans and the truck that hit the RTD’s A Line. Just a note — we will be off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so no new podcast episode on Monday. Oh and check out our photo gallery from the 2025 Denver-est Denver Awards show! What do you think about getting takeout? Worth the convenience or getting too expensive? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this January 16th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After President Trump ordered a freeze on tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for child care and low income family support programs in Colorado, Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against the administration to block it. Then, a judge issued a temporary restraining order, meaning the funding freeze has been halted temporarily. As this issue winds its way through the court system, thousands of families are at risk of losing support and some child care providers say they are worried about shutting down altogether. Host Bree Davies sits down with Mathangi Subramanian, Director of Early Childhood Policy at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, to understand what the loss of federal dollars could mean for families and child care providers, and how the cuts could impact the state’s economy for years to come. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Are you a parent or child care provider navigating this system in Colorado?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 January 15th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Earlier this week, a Denver City Council committee discussed a potential proposal to ban law enforcement, including ICE agents, from wearing face coverings during arrest or deportation operations. If such legislation did pass, how would it be enforced? Then, hundreds of people showed up to a town hall meeting in December to protest the city’s use of Flock cameras — the contract with the tech surveillance company ends in March, so where does Denver stand? Host Bree Davies sits down with council member at-large Sarah Parady to dig into these topics, plus discuss her thoughts on TABOR, childcare funding challenges, jail sentences, and why she voted against using $50 million of Denver’s money to buy the land for the future National Women’s Soccer League stadium. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? 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 January 14 episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s official: Mayor Mike Johnston confirmed that Denver is throwing its hat in the ring for the 2028 Democratic National Convention. But twenty years ago when the Mile High City previously played host to the DNC, the city and the economy looked a lot different — and the protests were big. Then, German grocery store chain Aldi is coming to Colorado — could more competition mean better prices for consumers? Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor in-chief Patty Calhoun to dig into these big stories, plus discuss homicide and car theft rates going down, more thoughts on President Trump and the Tina Peters situation, and hear a comment from a listener on Denver’s department stores of yore. Bree talked about the “new” Dozens Restaurant location at 14th Street and Court Place and our 2023 interview with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. Patty mentioned Westword’s reporting on issues in the Golden Triangle and their paper’s member event tonight at the Westword offices, looking back at 2025 and eyeing this year’s celebration of the state’s 150th birthday. Check out Mark Barnhouse’s books on the heyday of shopping in the Mile High: Lost Department Stores of Denver and The Denver Dry Goods: Where Colorado Shopped with Confidence. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? 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: American Red Cross Denver Health 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

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed his 50th lawsuit against the President Trump last week, this time pushing back on the administration’s freezing of millions in childcare funding and support for low-income families. It’s just the latest in the AG’s maneuvers to resist what he calls a “revenge campaign” by Trump against our Democrat-dominated state. Today we’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had nearly a year ago with Weiser after he announced his run for governor, discussing everything from rental market price fixing and deportation laws to cell phone bans and youth mental health issues. For more on the governor’s race, we also recently spoke with Weiser’s main opponent in the Democratic Party’s primary, Michael Bennet. That primary election is coming up this June.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Phil Weiser’s run for governor? Would you vote for him? 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 January 12th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

An ICE officer shot and killed a Colorado woman on the streets of Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking protests and renewed debate here in Denver over President Trump’s crackdowns on immigration and fraud. Comedian Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about ICE in Denver, Trump’s retaliatory cuts to childcare and other social services, and his other recent comments about Colorado. Plus, does the quarterback of the Denver Broncos hate dogs? And finally, our wins and fails of the week. We’re hiring! Do you want to be City Cast Denver’s new audience development manager? Or do you know someone who’d be a perfect fit? Check out the full job listing and apply here.  What do you think about Bo Nix’s relationship with dogs? Is he being weird? Does it not matter to you? 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 Joshua talked about Team Nonexistent, Gov. Polis’ latest controversial tweet, and the monthly clavé jam at Manos Sagrados. Bree mentioned the Corporation for Public Broadcasting dissolving and Kokoro’s 40th anniversary. Paul talked about a recent Colorado youth hockey scandal, Denver’s new micro-mobility operator, our episode about Lime scooters from last March, and Bo Nix’s new line of “Overdogs” merch in support of Denver Rescue Mission. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this January 9th episode: Multipass University of Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Could Denver host the Democratic National Convention in 2028? Colorado’s Congressional Democrats already signed a letter of support for Denver’s bid, but is the Mile High City — and the local Democratic Party — a good candidate for the big event? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Denver Post City Government Reporter Elliott Wenzler to discuss the bid. Plus, City Council approved a new common consumption area in RiNo this week, but why aren’t there free-drinking zones all over the city by now? Finally, as a special bonus in the members-only version of this episode, Elliott joins us for the debut of a new game we’re trying out that’s all about our mental maps of the city.  Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today! Get that special version of this episode and plenty more perks and insider benefits by becoming a member for only $10 per month. Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm. What do you think would be the best spot for a common consumption area? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this January 8th episode: Multipass University of Denver  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After the wild ups and downs of 2025, we’re looking ahead to another crazy year. But what specific flavors of wild should Denverites expect this year? Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love join host Bree Davies to swap their biggest and boldest predictions for the Mile High City in 2026. Plus, some bonus forecasts from a bunch of friends of the pod.  What do you think of our predictions? What’s the most likely or unlikely to happen for real? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this January 7th episode: Multipass University of Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

President Donald Trump ordered an attack on Venezuela last Friday and U.S. armed forces have captured the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro. So, what does Denver have to do with it? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are dissecting all the local connections, from Trump citing Aurora in his justification of the attack and Governor Jared Polis’ controversial response to the possibility that local oil and gas companies might be involved in the next phase of the president’s plan. Plus, tons of great listener comments and questions.  Paul quoted CPR’s fact-checking of Trump’s Saturday press conference and 9News’ coverage of Lauren Boebert’s recent tension with Trump.  What do you think? We always want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your question or hot take, as well as 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this January 6th episode: Multipass University of Denver 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

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Denver host Bree Davies joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenverOr Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverText 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 January 5th episode:MultipassUniversity of Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Happy new year! We’re kicking off 2026 with our monthly guide to the best of Denver, with plenty of expert and hard-won tips and tricks for making the most of this Mile High life. City Cast producer Adrian González joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the coolest stuff going on this month. Plus, Paul’s got some personal tips for enjoying everything new at the Stock Show this year.  If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community.  Paul would like to clarify that Red Robin’s corporate headquarters is not technically in Denver, but in fact in Greenwood Village. Adrian recommends these kintsugi workshops: Hoamsy Workshop hosted by pottery artist Alexis (two workshops in January) Ceramics in the City (no workshops in January but they offer them often) Kintsugi: Golden Mending at Breckenridge Ceramic Studio For even more tips on how to make the most of January in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month.  If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out upcoming events below: Exposed Storytelling Sentences. Comedy Show The Sickest Comedy Show Learn more about the other sponsors of this January 2nd episode: Simply Eloped Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off We’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise.  Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at denver@citycast.fm

Tens of thousands of Coloradans have protested at anti-Trump rallies this year, and while most of these gatherings have been peaceful, political violence has been on the rise. KNUS conservative radio host Jeff Hunt attended many of these demonstrations throughout 2025, where he recorded self-described “gotcha”-style videos. At an anti-ICE protest in June, he was kicked in the back while recording, on a day that also saw the arrests of 18 protesters. Host Bree Davies spoke with Jeff about his experience, how he approaches political debates, and the question of violence and safety in Denver. On the other side of a tumultuous year, we’re bringing back this conversation for a closer look at how national political tensions have played out in the Mile High. You can find a rough transcript of this conversation here. Check out Jeff Hunt’s protest videos for yourself: Here’s the one from the conservative “March for Life” This one is from the Bernie/AOC rally in March This is the one he referenced featuring protesters warning others not to talk to him And here’s the one where he gets kicked  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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this December 30th episode: ⁠Simply Eloped⁠ ⁠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

Did Illegal Pete’s bite off more than it could chew by opening three new locations last year? Were the restaurants just hit especially hard by COVID? Or is something else to blame for the way some Denverites have turned on the local restaurant chain? It all started earlier this year, when Reddit was ablaze with stories of food poisonings, cuts to worker benefits, and less-than-awesome queso. So, executive producer Paul Karolyi sat down with founder and CEO Pete Turner to see what he had to say about these claims. We’re revisiting this conversation today, plus some additional developments in the Illegal Pete’s saga — especially since the complaints haven’t stopped.   Paul mentioned the letter that Turner and some other downtown restaurant owners sent to Mayor Mike Johnston complaining about how slow downtown’s economic recovery has been. He also recommends this fun queso taste test that Westword’s food editor and friend of the show Molly Martin did last year.  What do you think about Illegal Pete’s? Have you noticed anything different this year? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsor of this December 29th episode: Simply Eloped Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Anti-Palantir protesters gathered outside the AI surveillance giant’s new headquarters in Cherry Creek on Sunday, while the company’s billionaire CEO, Alex Karp, reportedly just bought a massive monastery outside Aspen. So, is Gov. Jared Polis having second thoughts about inviting Palantir to Colorado? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the latest on Palantir, as well as the news that Your Mom’s House wasn’t paying its taxes. Plus, we hear from a listener about the allegations of a toxic workplace at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and pick our biggest fails of the year.  Patty talked about this 2024 profile of Bowen Yang in The New Yorker.  What do you think is the biggest fail of the year? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this December 23rd episode: Simply Eloped 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

City Cast Denver listeners nominated Denver’s new NWSL franchise, Denver Summit FC, as one of the biggest wins of the year at our Denver-est Denver Awards last week, and the city is undeniably abuzz with excitement over the prospect of a professional womens soccer team. But how much public money should the City of Denver put up to support the team? City Council is voting tonight on the proposal to spend $50 million to buy land and build support infrastructure for a new stadium, so we’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had earlier this year with one of the country’s foremost experts on the politics of stadiums, CU Denver’s own Dr. Geoff Propheter.  Denverite reported on the details of the community benefits agreement that Denver Summit FC reached with neighbors of the proposed stadium site.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about public funding to support a new soccer stadium? 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 December 22nd episode: Simply Eloped Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

More than 100,000 Coloradans were left without electricity this week as Xcel Energy preemptively shut down power lines to mitigate the risk of wildfire — just like they did last April. But the controversy is way different this time. Comedian and longtime friend of the show JD Lopez returns with producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to parse the politics of power. Plus, we discuss Denverite’s investigation into allegations of toxic work culture at the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, pick Denver’s Word of the Year 2025, and share our wins and fails of the week. Paul mentioned the podcast he and JD host, “Hold on to Your Butts: A Podcast About Great Franchises that Uhhhhh Lost their Way.” He also talked about the “gonzo lawyer,” the decline of the “slop bowl,” the Broncos’ new anime connection, and this reddit thread he posted about Denver’s word of the year. Olivia talked about zebra mussels. JD sang “Colorado Christmas” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  What do you think should be Denver’s word of the year? 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 Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this December 19th episode: Denver Botanic Gardens Foothills Animal Shelter Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise