City Cast Denver

The bad news just keeps rolling in for downtown Denver — more restaurants have closed, office buildings are hitting their highest vacancy rates since the ’90s, and yet another clean and safe initiative aims to combat the “toilet bowl” reputation. But what else could be done? Politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to brainstorm a list of innovative, interesting, out-there, and completely free ideas that could be the magic solution to downtown’s ongoing woes.

Bree mentioned the Cinderella City Project, pencil smokestack art, and Lawrence Halprin’s original Skyline Park design. She also talked about our episode on the likelihood of changing downtown’s empty office buildings into housing. 

Do you have a good idea to help fix downtown? We want to hear it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬

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Bright yellow billboards have popped up around Denver proclaiming that something called the Epoch Times is the “#1 Trusted News.” But a recent investigation of the media company reveals its connections to a Chinese group that may or may not be a cult. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the bizarre billboard backstory, plus the latest landlord-tenant drama in a new segment we’re calling Landlord Watch. Then, listeners respond to our Purina plant episode with their own stinky stories of weird and gross smells around the Denver metro area. 

We also discussed our episode from last year about local fast food drive-thrus implementing AI. The Epoch Times is also connected with Shen Yun, the anti-Communist Chinese dance show that advertises around Denver from time to time. 

Have you got a bad landlord story to share? Landlord Watch needs your help! Hit us with stories, tips, or questions about how to deal with your landlord. We want to help! 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.

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Two weeks after announcing budget cuts for Parks & Rec and the DMV, Mayor Mike Johnston on Monday laid out some ambitious — and probably pricey — new goals for the city in 2024. So how will his renewed focus on the unhoused crisis, public safety, and affordable housing affect Denver’s support for the newcomers still arriving by the busload? Producer Paul Karolyi and Westword editor Patty Calhoun are dissecting Johnston’s new goals. Plus, Denverites are looking at their most confusing presidential primary ballots ever. What would a vote for “noncommitted delegate” mean?

Patty mentioned this op-ed from former U.S. Congressman David Skaggs arguing in favor of voting for “noncommitted delegate.” Paul talked about this explainer from 9News explaining what such a vote would mean. 

What do you think about Mayor Johnston’s new goals? We want to know how you feel about his leadership! 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.

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There are only five strip clubs left in Denver today, and one of them was just forced to shut down for two weeks after undercover cops found dancers engaging in prostitution. While PT’s Showclub is open for business again as of last month, the business of exotic dancing is tougher than ever. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton reports on the local strip club scene for The Denver Post, and she sat down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last fall to reveal what really goes on inside PT’s, Shotgun Willie’s, and the rest of Denver’s storied clubs. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

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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

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It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, if social media is making kids depressed, will pop-up warnings on their phones stop the doomscroll? Some state lawmakers think so. Then, as the summer concert calendar fills up, more live music venues are coming online, too — from RiNo to La Alma-Lincoln Park, music fans will soon have more choices. But what does it mean for the musicians themselves? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies chat with Becky Otárola, guitarist and bandleader of local act Bellhoss, about these stories, plus dig into the new upgrades at Red Rocks, some bad news for downtown restaurants, and more wins and fails of the week. 

Bellhoss’ new EP “A Rose, A Thorn” is out now!

Summer 2024 concert lineups have been announced recently at Levitt Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Red Rocks. 

Paul mentioned his beef with Beau Jo’s, Ian’s Pizza closing, and Dough Counter. Becky talked about the debate over an Israel-Gaza ceasefire proclamation and the Highlands mommies facebook group. Bree mentioned Lookin’ Good Restaurant and her 2010 review of the questionable Drake concert.

What do you think about the proposals to regulate social media? Too little too late or too much too fast? 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.

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Ask any Denverite about the stinkiest spot in the city, and for more than 90 years the answer has been clear: The Purina pet food plant in Elyria-Swansea. But in the last six months or so, odor complaints have spiked. So what can be done? Science reporter Trish Zornio looked into the science of bad smells for the GES Gazette, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the health implications of the Purina plant’s smell, the challenge of effective odor monitoring, and how the smell fits into north Denver’s gentrification story. 

If you want to submit an odor complaint about the Purina plant (or any other stinky spot in the city), you can fill out this form or send an email to [email protected]. 

What do you think are Denver’s signature smells? Apart from the Purina plant, we are putting together a definitive list of Denver smells — good, bad or just plain Denver — and we want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your smell on the show: 720-500-5418‬

The Denver Post reported on the pilot project Gregg Thomas mentioned a couple years ago. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

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Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Join a Volo Sports league today!

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

Back in 2022, voters decided that Denver definitely deserves sidewalks. But not everyone was happy with the new taxes to pay for them. Now, city leaders have a new proposal for how to pay for them, so we’re getting into the details. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the sidewalk debate, talk about Bree’s trip to see Next Gallery’s Casa Bonita-themed art show, and share some hot goss from a listener about how one local restaurant chain is changing its cooking methods and, according to some recent customers, changing its signature taste. 

 We talked to Jill Locantore way back in 2021 about why our sidewalk network was so broken — and in 2022, we spoke with Molly McKinley (also of Denver Streets Partnership) about how the then-proposed “Denver Deserves Sidewalks” ballot initiative hoped to address the problem. 

Got feedback on the proposed changes to #DenverNeedsSidewalks? Fill out this survey before Feb. 27. 

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

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:

• Join a Volo Sports league today!

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

For the past year, Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser has been investigating the proposed merger of two of Denver’s biggest grocery chains — King Soopers and Safeway. While their parent companies insist the $24.6 billion merger would save Denverites money, Weiser has concluded the opposite and filed a lawsuit to block it. “After 19 town halls across the state,” he wrote, “I am convinced that Coloradans think this merger between the two supermarket chains would lead to stores closing, higher prices, fewer jobs, worse customer service, and less resilient supply chains.” Host Bree Davies sits down with Weiser reveal more details from his investigation, and explain why he felt it was necessary to intervene now. 

Plus, Weiser shares a message for your out-of-state grocery faves and his go-to snacks at Trader Joe’s. 

Which out-of-state grocery chain would you love to see open in Denver? We want to hear your hot grocery takes! 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 and become a member today: membership.citycast.fm

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Join a Volo Sports league today!

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

It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, why is the City of Denver paying residents to change their transportation habits? Also, why did the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure cancel plans to plant trees on West Colfax? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about green steps forward and back with artist and educator Moe Gram. Plus, parents are increasingly struggling to find a spot in a good summer camp — so what are kids supposed to do when they’re not in school? And of course, we share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. 

FYI: We are taking Monday off for President’s Day, but we’ll be back in your podcast feed Tuesday morning with more news from around the city. 

Moe is moderating a panel on the legacy of iconic Denver artist Bob Ragland next Tuesday at the Kirkland Museum. RSVP here. We also talked about her mural on the Catbird Hotel. 

Bree mentioned this Westword story on The Stanley Hotel and Steffan Tubbs’ new gig. Paul talked about the RTD app and Colorado College’s leadership transition. Moe talked about hostile architecture and Alchemy Ritual Goods’ new space. 

We are looking for Denver’s biggest bagel fanatic! Is it you? Or someone you know? We want your help finding a guest judge to help us pick Denver’s best bagel. 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

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Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

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Pizza makers, aka pizzaiolos, are notoriously particular about their ovens. Is it coal-fired? Or wood? How hot does it get? How fast? “It’s the pursuit of perfection.” That’s what one local pizzaiolo told reporter Helen Xu about the brick oven he had custom made for White Pie in Uptown. But another local pizza shop is going in a different direction entirely — electric! Producer Paul Karolyi joined Helen Xu for a visit to the newly all-electric Sexy Pizza on Pearl Street to taste some electric pizza and figure out why a small but growing number of local restaurants are dumping natural gas for electric ovens and stovetops. 

Paul mentioned this report on Denver’s new electrification rules. 

For anyone who heard Helen’s most recent appearance on the show and might be wondering if Sexy Pizza sources their cheese from Leprino Foods — like 85% of all pizza makers around the world — we asked, and they do! Sexy Pizza buys from Leprino’s upscale brand Bacio, which offers mozzarella made with “a kiss” of buffalo milk. 

What do you think about electric pizza? Would an electric operation entice you? Or repulse you? We want to hear what you think about the electric future of local dining. 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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

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