City Cast Denver

Ever since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict have been on the rise in Denver, with reports of hate crimes, protests and counter-protests, and several high-profile politicians clashing. It all came to a head this week, with the Jewish National Fund-USA conference in town. So Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking it through with Denver Post reporter Joe Rubino, who was at City Council when Palestinian solidarity protesters disrupted the proceedings Monday evening. Then, we break down Mayor Mike Johnston’s big plan for “revitalizing” downtown and share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. 

We discussed this New York Times article on the “instagrammable design” for office space. Paul talked about President Biden’s visit and Dr. Martin Lockley. Bree mentioned the Hi-Dive’s 20th anniversary. Joe talked about Mayor Johnston’s latest housing hire, the Denver Post’s reporting on the local Palestinian community, and El Tepehuan’s expected closure.

Breaking downtown news! After we recorded, Joe reported that Mayor Johnston has struck a deal to buy the former Denver Post building at Civic Center for $89 million. 

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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• Savio House

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Last year, Colorado voters decided that grocery stores could sell wine along with beer, which had many independent liquor store owners nervous. With the holiday season in full swing, how are those mom and pop shops doing now with more competition? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia discuss the liquor store conundrum, and talk about competitive eater and social media star Raina Huang’s recent trip to Colorado — she downed 14 pounds of food in one day. Oh and of course, our recs for your weekend!

Here are some links to our picks for your weekend:

Peyton mentioned Greeley-raised competitive eater Mary Bowers. Paul wants you to know he found a database purporting to include every food challenge currently on offer in the Denver metro area.

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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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• Savio House

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With construction on the 16th St. Mall now set to last through 2025 and many office workers happier working at home, the Denver Post reported this week that Mayor Mike Johnston has reversed a major Hancock-era plan for downtown. Instead of allowing city employees to work from home while the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building is being renovated, he has leased space in Republic Plaza, one of downtown’s emptiest office buildings. Could that help revitalize downtown? Or are all those empty offices destined for a different fate entirely? Like housing? Or… demolition? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sought answers last summer from Brad Segal — urban planner, real estate economist, CU Denver professor (and Bree’s former boss).

For more, Denverite recently reported on the city of Denver’s study of the potential residential conversion of office buildings downtown, which found 16 that are reportedly “good fits.” 

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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• Savio House

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Mayor Mike Johnston’s effort to house 1,000 people by the end of the year is not looking great, with more than 700 placements still needed in just over a month. Now Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore has resigned as head of the Safety, Housing, Education & Homelessness Committee, stating issues with the Johnston administration’s handling of the project. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about all the latest tension over Johnston’s #House1000 program, as well as the hotel the mayor now says he wants to buy in southeast Denver and President Biden’s visit to Colorado this week. Plus, we respond to your feedback on the classic Colorado chile relleno and what belongs in the Museum of Denver.

Looking for a killer playlist of Bree’s personal christmas faves? Look no further. 

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Savio House

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It seems like everyone has an opinion on where to find the best green chile in town. So why do so many of these lists feature spicy green sauces that are specifically NOT Denver-style green chile? And what makes a green chile stand out? Host Bree Davies is chatting with our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what green chile is and isn’t, how it became Colorado’s signature cuisine, and, of course, her top 5 places to eat it in Denver.

Who do you think serves Denver’s best green chile? We want to hear your spicy chile 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.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:

• Savio House

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Happy Thanksgiving! We’re celebrating the short week with a round-up of all the local stories that matter. First, it’s been almost a year since waves of mostly Venezuelan migrants started arriving in Denver, and with the weather taking a turn for the cold, Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton spoke to migrants, neighbors, and city officials about a tense shelter closure in Athmar Park and what we can all expect come winter. Then, we’re chatting about the hilarious new holiday “rom-com” produced by United Airlines and shot entirely at DIA. And finally, we’re sharing listener voicemails and some of our own things about Denver we’re grateful for. 

Watch United’s holiday rom-com “Love in Plane Sight” for yourself! And get the whole backstory from the Denver Post. Paul also mentioned Aurora’s response to the migrants.

Looking for even more Denver-based holiday dating fun? The latest season of the Lifetime reality dating show ‘Married at First Sight' was filmed right here in Mile High, and we. have. thoughts. Become a member of City Cast Denver today and download an exclusive ep full of our takes on the season so far for your holiday travels!

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.

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Black Friday and the holiday shopping season are right around the corner, but while the big chain stores are rolling out the deals, we know Denver’s got a lot more to offer. So where do you start? There are hundreds of unique shops and shopping destinations that are also gearing up for a Mile High holiday season. So today, host Bree Davies, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia, and producer Paul Karolyi get together to share their fave places around the metro area to get the perfect gift for anyone (including for yourself!).

Here are the shops we shouted out:

What do you think are the best places to shop in Denver? Let us know! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Paul mentioned this campaign to end witch hunts and exonerate women accused of witchcraft in history. 

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

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Many cities have a museum solely dedicated to telling their own story, and many of those museums are a source of civic pride and profit. So why not Denver? Westword editor Patty Calhoun has been reporting on the very real new effort to answer that question. So today, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Patty to debate what would absolutely have to be in that museum, where it could be, and most important of all, what are we serving in that food court?

What do you think should be in a Museum of Denver? We want to hear your ideas! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Paul mentioned the video the Denver Chamber of Commerce produced back in the 70s to support Denver’s bid to host the 1976 Olympics. 

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

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Support our work by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

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Gas prices are trending down nationwide, but they are perhaps nowhere lower than the exit off I-25 into Greenwood Village. 9News reporter Steve Staeger lives nearby and has been doggedly following the price wars between the various gas stations. So today he joins producer Paul Karolyi and one of our favorite regular guests, stand-up comic Joshua Emerson, to report from the front lines. Then, Colorado’s population growth rate has hit an all-time low, according to a recent report from the Denver Post, so we’re debating the age-old Colorado question: Is growth good? Finally, we share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

Paul mentioned our recent conversation with Mayor Mike Johnston, as well as our conversation around the “Denver Native” label. He also discussed CBS4’s coverage of the annual Daddy Bruce Feed a Family event, which you can sign up to volunteer at or donate to here. Steve shared memories of Denver7’s Anne Trujilo and the Broncos’ kicking troubles. Joshua discussed the DIA people mover and Nikola Jokic’s comedy talents.

What about Denver are you grateful for this year? We want to share the love this Thanksgiving, and we need your help! So let us know about the city program or neighborly gesture that made you feel grateful to live here. Just 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

Hungry for lunch but don’t want to go out? One local restaurant owner hopes you don’t reach for that meal-delivery app just yet. Olive & Finch’s Mary Nguyen recently told BusinessDen that these apps are profiting off of the “blood, sweat and tears” of small businesses like hers. So today, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to sort out the delivery app conundrum. Plus, we respond to listener comments on Half-Baked Harvest and discuss a big new idea for anyone hoping to eat less meat, but not make Thanksgiving dinner so dang awkward. And finally, our recommendations for your weekend. 

What do you think? Are you a “reducetarian”? Or have thoughts on delivery apps? We’d love to hear them! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Here are links to all our picks:

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