City Cast Denver

From the Illuminati and the New World Order to the runways and some weird art, there are too many conspiracy theories about DIA to count. We’re diving into some of the most popular ones today, though, and what the true story is behind them. Host Bree Davies talks with Denver Public Library’s Chris Root about Blucifer, the Leo Tanguma murals, and much more, as well as why DIA has been such a hotspot for conspiracy theories over the years. 

Read Chris Root’s extensive research on DIA conspiracy theories in his blog post for DPL. 

And you can dive even further into the weirdness with this 2007 Westword article.

In the newscast, Bree mentioned videos showing the protests inside the Capitol last week, where students were pressing legislators to address gun violence. Thanks to the Denver Post for their reporting.

She also talked about Denverite’s coverage of the recent Chubby’s inter-family lawsuit; this Westword piece from many years back will give even more backstory on that drama. Plus, Bree mentioned the Pasquini’s drama too! So much drama! 

Come watch Bree read excerpts from her angsty teenage diary at Mortified Live on Thursday, April 13. Tickets are available here.

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It’s Friday! Although election night is behind us, we’re still waiting for all the ballots to be counted. We know for sure that Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough will face off in the June mayoral runoff and that Lisa Calderón officially conceded. But the outcomes in several city council seats are still too close to call. Host Bree Davies is joined by our state politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval, and Jason Bane, co-host of the Colorado politics podcast Get More Smarter, to discuss the state of the progressive vote in the Mile High, and how negative narratives about crime and homelessness impacted the election. Then it’s all about that dark money already flowing into next year’s state election from a group that’s aiming to unseat Lauren Boebert. Plus, newsletter editor Adrian González joins the crew to share the best bets for the weekend. 

Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!

Here are some links to the cool events and things to do that we talked about on the show:

For even more weekend event recs and local stories that matter, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

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Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:

• JCC Denver

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Denver’s LoDo neighborhood has long been a magnet for nighttime revelry, with its concentration of restaurants, breweries, shops, and nightclubs. But the area has also become known as a hotspot for trouble and occasional crime — especially late at night when the bars let out, spilling thousands of patrons into the streets with nowhere to go. Is it possible to foster a safer nightlife scene while keeping downtown’s party vibe? Host Bree Davies sits down with Stephen Brackett, co-founder of Flobots and Youth on Record, to talk about his new foundation, what’s next for the old El Chapultepec spot, and how Denver can re-envision its nighttime scene.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

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Join us for Mortified Live — https://getmortified.com/live/

For the first time in 12 years, Denver will have a new mayor. And now we’ve officially narrowed the field from 16 contenders down to two: Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough are set to campaign head-to-head in a runoff leading up to June 6. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi stayed up late to bring you up-to-date reactions and analysis of all the election results — from the mayor’s race to the new faces coming to City Council, those two zoning questions, and, of course, the future of the Park Hill Golf Course. 

Note: As of our taping time — around midnight — there were roughly 65,000 ballots still to be counted. Denver election officials say they’ll have updated results at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. We’ll let you know more as soon as we do.

Thinking about getting into gardening this summer? Whether you’re looking for a new project or some advice on a tricky situation, our gardening expert is ready to help. Text the Gardening Hotline or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question on the show: (720) 500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

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It’s Election Day! We’ll be back to dig into the results on tomorrow’s episode. But for now, we’re digging into a whole mess of overlooked stories: First, a mysterious rumor that Denver is home to one of the first fully automated fast food joints. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi take on the “Case of the Robot-Run McDonald’s” with the help of a listener. Plus, Denver has built parks on top of graveyards, but did you know we’re also home to an amusement park built on top of an old power plant? And, the days of ample, free parking near Colfax may be ending, and why a thousand passionate pickleballers got the boot from Congress Park. 

Here’s some of the late-breaking election news we’re NOT talking about: 

Still need to drop off your ballot or you’d like to vote in person? The Clerk and Recorder’s office has all the info you need to know!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

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After interviewing almost all of the original 17 candidates for Denver mayor, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi have a pretty good sense of the race ahead of Election Day on April 4. So we were delighted when our pals at the Get More Smarter podcast -- Ian Silverii and Jason Bane -- invited us on to dish on the interviews, the ads, and everything else.

Please enjoy this bonus look inside Mayoral Madness, and we'll see you for the run-off!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

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Last month, the City of Denver transferred 35 bison from our historic herd at Genesee Park outside Golden to the Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, Yuchi, and Tall Bull Memorial Council. It was the third annual transfer of bison to indigenous tribes who once lived on the land that became Denver, but it’s far more than a symbolic gesture. Host Bree Davies sits down with Parks and Recreation’s deputy director Scott Gilmore and the executive director of the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, Jason Baldes, to talk about how this unique program started, why it matters, and how these buffalo are creating real opportunities for the recipient tribes.

Have you voted yet? The deadline to mail in your ballot has passed, so here’s where you can find your closest ballot box. 

Are you excited about spring? We want to help take your Denver garden to the next level, and we’ve got a gardening expert ready to dispense the wisdom of the earth. So if you’re new to Denver and wondering what to do with our soil, or maybe you’re a renter looking for indoor-gardening inspo, we can help. Email your gardening questions to us at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail on the Denver Garden Hotline: (720) 500-5418.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver

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Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• New Era Colorado

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It’s the Friday before election day and these races are heating up. Or are they? Low voter turnout for mail-in and drop-off ballots indicate low interest, or maybe voters are just overwhelmed with 16 candidates for mayor? But not to worry. Producer Paul Karolyi, host Bree Davies, and Westword editor Patty Calhoun are going to tell you who they think you should vote for. Plus, rumors are swirling about the Park Hill Golf Course becoming a Topgolf — or an In-N-Out? Patty’s got the scoop, plus newsletter editor Adrian González joins to share a boatload of great events happening around Denver this weekend. 

Paul and Bree are going to be on the excellent Get More Smarter podcast this weekend talking about the mayoral election. Subscribe and listen here: https://getmoresmarter.com/

Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!

Here are links to our weekend recs. Looking for more? Sign up for our Hey Denver newsletter!

For even more weekend event recs and local stories that matter, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver

Or instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:

• New Era Colorado 

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Short-term rentals — like AirBnB or VRBO — may be controversial, but after a pandemic downturn, they’re back and more popular than ever! They generated record revenues in 2022, and the number of active licenses is once again on the rise. So what’s it like renting out space on AirBnB in Denver? And how is the recent surge shaping our city? Host Bree Davies sits down with two veteran AirBnB hosts Pam Vanderpool and Pam Clifton to swap crazy stories and talk through the impact on our housing market. 

As we were putting this episode together, our friend Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton at the Denver Post reported a story about 20 local luxury apartment buildings recently allowing their tenants to rent out their units as AirBnBs. Here’s the link for more: “Denver luxury apartment complexes make rare move of allowing tenants to rent units as Airbnbs.”

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver

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Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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 sponsor of this episode:

• New Era Colorado 

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Can you stand the heat? It takes a lot of gastrointestinal fortitude to taste test dozens of local hot sauces, but that’s what we did — all to narrow it down to five top contenders: Sauce Leopard, Merf’s, Oso Rojo, Danny Cash, and The Heat. Each one deserves a shot at being named the best hot sauce in Denver, but only one will win! Our state politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins newsletter editor Adrian González and producer Paul Karolyi to rate our contenders on heat level, flavor, and versatility before they pick the best of the best. 

For even more food news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver

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Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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 sponsor of this episode:

• New Era Colorado 

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise