Episodes

  • Your Guide to February 2026 in Denver

    Your Guide to February 2026 in Denver
    Feb 2 2026
    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 at a food court that’s worth a drive. Bree mentioned a mini-documentary on the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs. 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 December 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 their upcoming events below! City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Arvada Center, South by Southwest, and Multipass. If you enjoyed today's interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out upcoming events below: Lob Denver - Feb 28th Elevation After by Colorado Bassheads Shroomski Night - Valentines Scorned Lover's Valentine's Day Show Love & Dabs: A HiGhTaTs Valentine’s Exclusive And 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    32 mins
  • The ‘F—ICE Latte’ Moment, Mayor Johnston’s Reelection Prospects, and an Open Carry Protest

    The ‘F—ICE Latte’ Moment, Mayor Johnston’s Reelection Prospects, and an Open Carry Protest
    Jan 30 2026
    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*ck ICE Latte” moment. Plus, an open carry protest in Castle Rock was planned and abruptly cancelled — why? And we talk about Mayor Mike Johnston’s new goals for 2026, his biggest political liabilities going into a likely re-election campaign, and our wins and fails of the week. Come see us tonight at Jacob and Miriam’s comedy show! There are still tickets available for “Good Night Denver” at Dude IDK Studios at 8pm. Get yours here! Bree talked about Dr. Daddio and West Side Books’ new era. Jacob talked about Nikola Jokić’s injury, Duke’s Good Sandwiches and Burgers, and Adam Cayton-Holland’s movie at Sundance. Paul mentioned DougCo’s new public comment policy, Johnston’s latest move to resist Trump, the role of surveillance cameras in the Leetsdale fire investigation, and Sueños Cantina. Miriam discussed Legal Night at Centro San Juan Diego. What do you think is the most effective form of protest? 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 episode: Denver Art Museum South by Southwest Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Does a Pride Flag Belong in ‘Shrek the Musical’? A New Censorship Debate Rages in DougCo

    Does a Pride Flag Belong in ‘Shrek the Musical’? A New Censorship Debate Rages in DougCo
    Jan 29 2026
    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 McLachlan joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dissect the controversy and debate: Is Shrek actually a gay icon? Do you think Shrek is a gay icon? 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 29th episode: Denver Art Museum South by Southwest Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    31 mins
  • The Dems’ New Ideas on Affordability, More ICE Fallout, and Running for Congress With Wanda James

    The Dems’ New Ideas on Affordability, More ICE Fallout, and Running for Congress With Wanda James
    Jan 28 2026
    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 the Insurrection Act, and dig into the buzzword of the moment — affordability. Plus, Wanda’s campaign for Congress. What do you think about these new ideas on affordability? 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 Bree and Wanda discussed these three new affordability bills Democrats are pushing at the state legislature this session. To hear one of the other candidates challenging Diana DeGette, here’s our episode with Melat Kiros from last month, and here’s our most recent episode with DeGette herself, recorded in 2024 when Democrats were debating whether or not then president Joe Biden should step aside. 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 28th episode: Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    34 mins
  • What is ICE Up To In Colorado Right Now? Plus, Huge Pizza News and Reframing the Rental Conversation

    What is ICE Up To In Colorado Right Now? Plus, Huge Pizza News and Reframing the Rental Conversation
    Jan 27 2026
    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 conservative-backed ballot measure to limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration agents and some good news! Longmont pizzerias are putting on a Colorado Pizza Festival in September. Come see us live this Friday! We are the guests for Dude IDK’s monthly late-night talk show Good Night Denver. It’s super funny, and we’d love to see you there. Get your tickets here! Paul mentioned photographer Drew Kartos (who has photos from last weekend’s protests up on his Instagram), the recent NYT/Siena poll on President Trump’s immigration crackdown, this helpful history of playing cards in Vietnam, and the distinction between ICE and the Border Patrol. Bree quoted this Al Jazeera interview with a former border patrol officer. How do you think Coloradans will vote on that ballot measure? We’d love to hear your predictions! 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 27th episode: Denver Art Museum 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
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    34 mins
  • Data Centers, Democratic Infighting, and Trans Kids: Previewing the 2026 CO Legislative Session

    Data Centers, Democratic Infighting, and Trans Kids: Previewing the 2026 CO Legislative Session
    Jan 26 2026
    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 on? Politics contributor Deep Singh Badhesha joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Polis’ last big projects, the internal Democratic divisions, yet another budget deficit, and why everyone can’t stop talking about “affordability.” Paul mentioned Sam Brasch’s reporting on the dueling data center bills for CPR and the heavily amended Kelly Loving Act that passed last year. Bree talked about the episode we made with Sam about the data centers already operating in Denver. 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 26th episode: Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    36 mins
  • Mayor Johnston’s ‘Biggest Fears,’ Rents Keep Dropping, and a Massive Medicaid Fraud

    Mayor Johnston’s ‘Biggest Fears,’ Rents Keep Dropping, and a Massive Medicaid Fraud
    Jan 23 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Dark Money in the Gov’s Race, Ski Strike Fallout, and a Surprising New Trump Lawsuit Against CO

    Dark Money in the Gov’s Race, Ski Strike Fallout, and a Surprising New Trump Lawsuit Against CO
    Jan 22 2026
    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
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    39 mins