City Cast Denver

As Colorado was rocked by yet another school shooting Wednesday afternoon, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was also shot and killed on a college campus in Utah. Coloradans are shocked, saddened, and enraged as the conversation yet again turns to guns, violence, and our polarized media. Then, the Broncos have officially announced that their future stadium will be built in Denver proper. Are we gonna call this one Mile High Stadium, too? Comedian Adam Cayton-Holland joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dig into these stories, plus our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Ben Roy’s Facebook post about social media, Westword’s coverage of the scandal at the Mexican Consulate in Denver, and his friend Jem’s album release concert at The Bug this Saturday. Bree discussed the passing of photojournalist Corky Scholl and his Save the Signs project and SarahFest happening this weekend at Manos Sagrados. Adam mentioned yet another Rockies record-breaking loss, the rare wood stork sighting in Broomfield, and next weekend’s High Plains Comedy Festival (which is still looking for volunteers!)    ICYMI: We are launching the City Cast Denver Creator Community It's a network of local creators elevating the stories that matter most in their communities. Sound up your alley? Apply here or send to a friend who could be a good fit. Should we call the new Broncos stadium Mile High? 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 September 12th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise 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. Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado’s Michelin Era enters year three on Monday, with another fancy party for the local restaurant industry and some prestigious awards at stake. So who will the French tire company recognize this year? And will the big awards help buoy restaurant industry struggling with rising costs and increasingly discerning diners? Westword food editor Molly Martin is back with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dish on the cream of Denver’s restaurant crop, with rumors, gossip, predictions, and speculation about the upcoming Michelin Guide to Colorado, 2025 edition. Paul mentioned this great New York Times article about Michelin’s arrival in Colorado from 2023. 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 the Michelin Guide? Do you think they are recognizing the right spots? Who do you think deserves a star this year? 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 September 11th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

La Loma has been serving its beloved green chile in Denver for more than 5 decades. But behind the scenes, a bitter divorce has put ownership of restaurant’s name and its closely guarded green chile recipe in jeopardy. Denver Post food reporter Miguel Otárola sits down with host Bree Davies to lay out the future of the restaurant’s name, a judge’s ruling on the claims of intellectual property of a recipe, and explain what connection, if any, owners Renee and William Brinkerhoff have to “Grandma” Savina Mendoza and her green chile magic that put La Loma on the map. 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 La Loma’s green chile? Is it worth all this hullabaloo? We want to know what 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 September 10th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The number of Denverites who don’t like Mayor Mike Johnston has grown by a lot, according to a new poll from the Colorado Polling Institute. But at the same time, Denverites are more optimistic about the city’s future and think it’s safer than it was when he was inaugurated. So what’s going on? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the new CPI poll and how some big recent stories might be affecting the numbers. Plus, we’re checking in on some of our predictions for 2025 and a listener calls in to demand an update on the long-awaited animatronic dinos in RiNo.  What do you think about the future of the city? Are you optimistic or pessimistic? 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 September 9th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When a new national women’s soccer stadium was announced earlier this year, a lot of Denverites were excited. But when the mayor proposed around $70 million to support the project, the debate became contentious. And no, post-layoffs, the prospects are looking murky. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sitting down with City Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez, who was a big booster of the project in her District 7, to talk through the latest and all the other big issues facing her district, including Broadway businesses’ recent struggles and why she thinks the mayor’s hyper focus on downtown might mean he’s neglecting other parts of the city. 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 September 8th episode: Huel - Use code DENVER for 15% off Children's Hospital Colorado Rocky Mountain PBS- The Drop Wise Window Nation Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After Waymo’s surprise announcement earlier this week, Denver is abuzz with talk of driverless cars. The ride-share service isn’t live yet, but the Waymos are on our streets, and Denverites’ feelings are big. Local writer and events producer Jake Browne joins producer Olivia Jewell Love and host Bree Davies to talk autonomous cars — plus, a Ballpark resident recently installed something called a “blue chirper” on her building, and this new era of hostile architecture is dividing the neighborhood. And as always, all our wins and fails of the week.   We discussed previous episodes with Jake involving Michelin star hype and the best things we ate in 2024, as well as Olivia’s deep dive into Gov. Jared Polis’ weird online persona. Jake talked about the Rockies and Adam Cayton-Holland’s call for a boycott and r/Denver’s mods. Olivia mentioned Gov. Polis’ latest Taylor Swift post. Visit Colorado’s recent ad, and the Denver Gazette’s recent reporting on Ballpark. Bree discussed Hannah Metzger’s tour of Denver with her six-year-old niece and Riverdale Animal Shelter.  ICYMI: We are launching the City Cast Denver Creator Community. It's a network of local creators elevating the stories that matter most in their communities. Sound up your alley? Apply here or send to a friend who could be a good fit. What do you think about Waymo coming to Denver? 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 September 5th episode: Colfax Ave BID Multipass 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

Both Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Mike Johnston are very excited that Waymo is bringing self-driving cars to the Mile High. But what will these autonomous vehicles mean for our already congested streets? And where will they park??? Probably not along Colfax, as BRT construction is eating up spaces and business owners are stressed about it. Host Bree Davies is joined by Jill Locantore, executive director of Denver Streets Partnership, to talk about Waymo’s relationship to pedestrian safety and share her big idea that could change Denver’s parking scarcity mindset.  Bree and Jill talked about the Denver Streets Partnership’s East Colfax parking management study and what a parking benefits district could look like.  What do you think about Jill’s big idea? 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 September 4th episode: Colfax Ave BID Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Months into an investigation, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has decided that East High School’s all-gender restrooms do, in fact, violate Title IX. The feds gave DPS ten days from last Friday to comply with a resolution to convert the bathrooms back to single gender — and while Superintendent Alex Marrero responded by doubling down on the district’s support of trans students, he has yet to comment specifically on whether DPS will follow through. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love dig into the bathroom battle, plus discuss new data from RTD that shows customer complaints about open drug use along the transit system are down dramatically. Will it be enough to bring ridership back to pre-pandemic levels?  ICYMI: We are launching the City Cast Denver Creator Community 🎉It's a network of local creators elevating the stories that matter most in their communities. Sound up your alley? Apply here or send to a friend who could be a good fit. 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Dr. Jessica Apted, the Medical Director of Sploot, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Colfax BID Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks, and green chile roasters are heating up in our strip mall parking lots. September is a time for spice! So for this month’s guide to Denver, we’ve got tons of great recommendations to heat things up and keep it cool — from a killer local music festival at Manos Sagrados in Aurora to the spicy curries at Himchuli. 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.  For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Denver, we’ll have even more tips and suggestions in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 2 episode: Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Rino 5K + Larimer Mile Colfax BID We’re also powered by our neighbors, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about becoming a City Cast Denver Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm! 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  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Johnston logged on for his third Ask Me Anything on Reddit earlier this week, fielding questions from anonymous Denverites on everything from the recent city layoffs to his favorite cheeseburger. But did constituents think the conversation was worth it? Then, gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet is wading into the controversy over a new Buc-ee’s planned north of Colorado Springs, but why he’s so interested in a mega gas station is a mystery — and producer Paul Karolyi has a theory. He’s joined by host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian Joshua Emerson, to dig into these stories plus the biggest wins and fails of the week.  Bree mentioned the community coming out to support Petals and Pages after vandalism, the mayor’s new “outreach with enforcement” approach to public drug use, and the closing of Arapahoe House in 2018. Joshua talked about… Paul discussed Sardar Biglari and Cracker Barrel’s Colorado connection, the Denver Rock Drill redevelopment getting off the ground, and our most recent interview with Mayor Johnston. He also mentioned Colorado Politics’ reporting on John Malone and Ian Griffis. After we recorded this episode, Phil Weiser’s campaign shared this statement on the Buc-ees: Protecting our public lands and open spaces means we must be committed to the fight against President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum selling them off to the highest bidder. Leaders committed to fighting this administration are what will stop their illegal actions—not political statements about where a Buc-ee's should be located. My focus as attorney general and as the next Governor is on doing everything I can to push back against Trump's and Burgum's illegal actions to sell off our open spaces and undermine our protections of our land, air, and water---not on where a Buc-ee's should or should not be built. Our state is one of local control. Under our state constitution, we follow the principle that purely local matters are best left to local towns, cities, and their voters to decide.  If local voters do not agree with a local decision, our system allows them to voice their disapproval and hold their elected officials accountable at the ballot box. 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 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 August 29th episode: KUVO Jazz Colfax BID Multipass 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. Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Another Colorado funeral home is in hot water. After a surprise inspection, the Davis Mortuary in Pueblo was found to be in possession of several improperly stored, decomposing bodies. Sadly, in the last few years, the state has seen many cases of compromised cadavers, from a funeral home illegally selling body parts to the startling case of business owners abandoning corpses in 70 degree rooms for years. State lawmakers passed new regulations in 2024, but how did Colorado become the Wild West of funeral homes in the first place? Last March, host Bree Davies sat down with mortuary science expert Faith Haug to get a better understanding of how the state got here. This episode first aired on March 6, 2024. 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 all the bodies, bodies, bodies? 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 August 28th episode: KUVO Jazz Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Local vape shop owners say that the flavored tobacco ban Mayor Johnston signed into law last year represents an existential threat to their businesses and a major blow to the City of Denver’s sales tax revenues. But will that be enough to convince Denver voters to repeal the ban this November? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with two local vape shop owners — Kristen Hensel of Rusty’s Vape and Smoke Shop and Philip Guerin of Myxed Up Creations — to talk about how kids get access to vapes, the Zyn plant being built in Aurora, and what the flavored tobacco ban means for their businesses. Paul talked about the Geek Bar website, this CU Anschutz report on Denver’s flavored tobacco ban, the surge in nitrous oxide, aka “whippets,” in Denver, and Gov. Jared Polis’ position on a statewide flavored tobacco ban, which he said he opposed in 2022. He also cited reporting on the repeal campaign’s 17,000 signatures and $328,000 raised. We’ve reached out to the Food & Drug Administration for comment on Phil’s claim of regular attempted busts at his shop and haven’t heard back.  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 repealing the flavored tobacco ban? 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 August 27th episode: KUVO Jazz Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What’s more offensive to Denverites: The fact that a new business opening in Cherry Creek North calls itself a “bodega” or the fact that it’s owned by an apparent Trump supporter? When Town Pump Provisions opened on Third Avenue earlier this month, social media sleuths dug up some info that led to calls of a boycott. So producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi are talking about the politics of local boycotts. Plus, a Republican state representative resigned after he was outed for starting a cyberbullying campaign against a Democrat colleague. And finally, we hear from a city worker who was laid off and more comments from listeners.  Olivia mentioned this post on X about Rep. Katie Stewart. Paul mentioned the Monfort family’s various political contributions over the years.  What do you think about boycotting a local Trump supporter-owned business? 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 August 26th episode: KUVO Jazz Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Wise Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Denverites have been talking a lot about Israel and its retaliation on Gaza. College students are now under federal investigation for a Gaza solidarity protest. Local courts are deciding if the Boulder attacker was guilty of a hate crime. A wave of antisemitism has put our Jewish neighbors at risk. And Colorado voters will soon weigh the merits of Democratic candidates who speak openly about ending U.S. support for Israel. So producer Paul Karolyi is speaking with Brandon Rattiner, the senior director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, about the investigation, the changing local politics around Israel, and what it has all meant for Colorado’s Jewish community. Brandon mentioned a photo of a child in Gaza that appeared on the front page of the New York Times. We recommend reading the whole article on people starving in Gaza, including the editor’s note Brandon was referencing about that specific child’s pre-existing condition. 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 how the changing local politics around Israel’s attack on Gaza? 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 August 25th episode: KUVO Jazz Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

City councilmembers are angry at him. The clerk and recorder is accusing him of “cowardice.” Former supporters are abandoning him. But what will the average Denver voter think about how Mayor Mike Johnston handled laying off 169 workers this week? Denver Post city hall reporter Elliott Wenzler and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval join producer Paul Karolyi to talk about “The Hunger Games,” as some city employees described the layoffs. Plus, we respond to Defector’s take on ‘Why Denver Sucks’ and all our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about Flock cameras, Playa Bowls, and his conversation with at-large City Councilmember Sarah Parady earlier this week. Justine talked about an emu and DPS’ heat day. Elliott discussed the big local TV merger and the Denver Zoo lion cam that she read about in Hey Denver. Some City Council members are hosting a webinar for city workers this Sunday at 4pm. You can RSVP here.  Do you think the Defector roasts of Denver were too harsh? Or on point? 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 August 22nd episode: Arvada Center Denver Health 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