In this episode of the Real Good Denver Podcast, Ryan Estes sits down with Maria and Eva from Flamenco Denver, the nonprofit bringing the passion, rhythm, and roots of Spain to the Mile High City. With 25 years in Denver, Flamenco Denver has taught thousands of students, performed across schools, and created community through music, dance, and song. Their annual showcase, RAICES, returns September 30 at the Newman Center with world-class dancers, singers, and musicians.

Who this episode is for

• Arts lovers and culture seekers in Denver

• Musicians and dancers looking for inspiration

• Families exploring cultural experiences

• Anyone curious about the power of community through art

Key Takeaways

• Event Details: Rises is one night only, Tuesday, September 30, at the Newman Center. Tickets: flamencodenver.com

• The Academy: Flamenco Denver offers weekly classes for kids, adults, and even seniors, building a tight-knit cultural community.

• Education Impact: They provide free programs in Title 1 schools across Denver during Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Global Roots: Flamenco is a living art form born from centuries of cultural mixing across Spain, Cuba, and Latin America.

• Guest Artists: The show features Grammy-winning percussionists, singers from Granada, and international dancers.

• Personal Story: Maria came from Seville, Spain, and founded Flamenco Denver in 2005, transitioning to a nonprofit in 2014.

• Legacy: Former students have gone on to perform professionally in Spain and return to Denver to teach.

Frameworks in the Conversation

1. Flamenco’s Three Pillars: Dance, Guitar, and Singing.

2. Community Model: Start from scratch → grow through classes → contribute to performances → bring knowledge back from Spain.

3. Roots Before Fusion: Understand tradition deeply before blending into modern interpretations.

Resources and Links

• Tickets & Academy: flamencodenver.com

This week we’re joined by Ren from Audacious Immersive for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from cults to Star Wars to the all-important question—when does fall really begin? Ren takes us inside the world of Audacious Theatre, where immersive, sensory-driven productions push the boundaries of live performance through collaboration, innovation, and cross-cultural creativity. From staging experiences that surround the audience to exploring the strange ways stories connect us, this episode blends the quirky, the thoughtful, and the theatrical.

As always, we’ve got the top Denver news and things to do on our radar this week as well.

Rebel Bread bakery

Rougarou (Five Points)

News:

• Denver has the state’s first two-star Michelin restaurant LINK The Wolf’s Tailor earned two Michelin stars in the new guide, becoming the first Colorado restaurant to reach that level while several others gained or maintained status. Denverite

• The big rhino is here, but what’s next for Denargo Market? LINK A giant 30-foot climbable rhino sculpture dubbed “Rhingo” is now part of the freshly opened public space in Denargo Market, launching phase one of a massive redevelopment that promises over 1,000 rental units. Denverite

• 16th Street is fully (finally) reopening next month LINK After three years and around $175 million in renovations, Denver’s pedestrian mall (formerly 16th Street Mall) will fully reopen, featuring new patios, a renamed walkway, modernized infrastructure, and “common consumption” zones. Denverite

• What’s Working: Colorado Startup Week debuts in Front Range to reignite founder fever LINK Denver Startup Week has evolved into “Colorado Startup Week,” expanding beyond Denver to include events in Fort Collins, Boulder, Littleton, and outdoor creative networking, including a hike-and-paint in Jefferson County. The Colorado Sun

Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

Follow RGD:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/

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Special guest Thoa Nguyun from Bánh & Butter Bakery Cafe is joining us to talk about her unique bánh mìs, her family's collection of amazing Denver restaurants, the struggle of owning a small business on Colfax during major construction, and of course about her part in the Denver Inner City Parish’s Quesadillas for Good fundraiser!

As always, we’ve got the top Denver news and things to do on our radar this week as well.

Banh & Butter Bakery Cafe

Quesadillas for Good @ Denver Inner City Parish

Follow RGD:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver

Ryan’s Takes

Colorado Start Up Week + Schedule

Tom’s Takes

Developing Denver

F1 Arcade is open tomorrow

Broncos confirm Burnham Yards as preferred site for new stadium

New Developing Denver Website

Events:

Sammy Virgi @ Civic Center Park

Pacific Nations Cup @ Dicks Sporting Goods Park

DAS Public Nights @ Observatory Park

Red Rocks Schedule

Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

​​

Music produced by Troy Higgins

Goodboytroy.com

We're following up on some unique Developing Denver stories that we see unfolding before our very eyes! Also listen in t

As always, we’ve got the top Denver news and things to do on our radar this week as well.

Follow RGD:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver

Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

Troys Takes:

Patrick Mahomes look alike 

Shedeur Sanders pulled out of preseason game

Travis Hunter listed as Starting WR

Toms Takes

F1 Arcade is open next Wednesday

Padel House under way

Events:

Rooster Art Fest @ Reelworks

Denver Gem Show @ National Western Complex

Red Rocks Schedule

Denver Food & Wine Festival

• 10% off on all tickets except Riedel Wine Seminar with code REALGOOD10

• Giveaway on our socials now!!

Birding Man Wildlife Tours

• Free RMNP Wildlife Tour for Four giveaway on our socials now!!

​​Music produced by Troy Higgins

Goodboytroy.com

Real Good Denver Podcast with Denise from Denver Food and Wine Festival Location: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus Dates: September 3–6 Format: Week of tastings and competitions culminating in the Grand Tasting

• How Denver Food and Wine Festival funds the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and why that matters for local workers

• The full schedule for festival week including the Riedel glass seminar, Shake and Break Showdown, and the Grand Tasting

• VIP benefits including lounge access, dedicated restrooms, exclusive restaurants, and tasting seminars

• How ProStart gives 2,300 Colorado high school students real event experience

• Who should attend and important policy notes including 21 plus entry

• Denver locals who love restaurants, chefs, wine, and craft cocktails

• Food and drink fans planning a downtown weekend

• Supporters of the hospitality community who want to invest in scholarships, mental health resources, and emergency grants for workers

• VIP seekers who want elevated access and seminars

• Wednesday Sept 3, 6 pm Riedel wine glass seminar with guided tasting and a take-home glassware set. Learn how glass shape changes aroma and flavor.

• Thursday Sept 4, 7 pm Shake and Break Showdown. Eight food trucks and twelve bartenders. Taste and vote for your favorites. Music and games on the Tivoli Quad.

• Saturday Sept 6, noon–4 pm Grand Tasting. Approximately 2,500 attendees. About 50 restaurants. Hundreds of pours. Photo activations, music, games, and swag.

Note: 21 plus only. No exceptions including infants in carriers.

• VIP lounge presented with 5280 Magazine

• Dedicated restrooms

• Four VIP-only tasting seminars

• Access to an additional set of restaurants exclusive to VIP

• Denver Food and Wine is the signature annual fundraiser for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation supporting scholarships, training, apprenticeships, emergency assistance, and mental health resources

• ProStart students work alongside chefs and teams during the festival which builds the future talent pipeline

• Expect top Denver restaurants plus statewide representation from Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen

• Full service dining remains challenged which makes community support and attendance more important

• Tickets and details: https://denverfoodandwine.com

• Colorado Restaurant Foundation: search for Colorado Restaurant Foundation

• Colorado Restaurant Association and Hospi Awards information: search for Colorado Restaurant Association

• 5280 Magazine: https://www.5280.com

• Real Good Denver newsletter and podcast: https://realgooddenver.com

We're looking back on 100 episodes of Real Good Denver with some RGD trivia! We're also talking with Dr. Tyan Dibala, the man behind one of CO's top birding and nature touring companies, Birding Man Wildlife Tours!

Follow RGD:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver

Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

Troys Takes:

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are Engaged

Patrick Mahomes look alike 

Shedeur Sanders pulled out of preseason game

Our Top 3 from Denver Brunch Fest:

• • Sol Mexican Cocina - Cjili Verde & jalapeno cornbread

  • My Neighbor Felix - Garnachas

  • Sushi Kuro - Kickin Chicken Congee

Denver Food & Wine Festival

• 10% off on all tickets except Riedel Wine Seminar with code REALGOOD10

​​Music produced by Troy Higgins

Goodboytroy.com

In this episode of Real Good Denver, Ryan Estes sits down with Melissa Jenner, founder and CEO of Actvo.ai, a New Zealand company now thriving in Denver’s startup scene. Melissa shares how Denver’s global outreach brought her across the world, why she believes work should be a place people love, and how her AI-driven platform helps companies retain top talent by mapping out employee career pathways before burnout takes hold.

The conversation dives into the unique culture of Denver’s business ecosystem, the power of serendipity in founder connections, the craft beer influence on collaboration, and why collective intelligence makes this city special.

• Denver’s Global Magnetism: Economic development teams are actively recruiting international startups, making Denver a true global landing pad.

• Culture of Serendipity: Denver’s tight-knit founder ecosystem creates constant collisions of opportunity through dinners, meetups, and a give-first mindset.

• Beer as a Business Model: Collaboration in Denver mirrors its craft beer scene—newcomers and legacy players help each other scale.

• The Future of Work: Actvo.ai helps employees see 12 possible work pathways, close skill gaps, and create proactive career conversations before they leave a company.

• Equity over Equality: Melissa argues for tailored support to unlock overlooked talent, ensuring people find meaningful work.

• Collective Intelligence: Denver’s culture of shared ideas and generosity accelerates innovation beyond the traditional Silicon Valley model.

1. The 12 Pathways of Work – Actvo.ai’s model to help employees explore new roles.

2. Exit Lounge Effect – why companies lose 40% of employees after 2–5 years and how to prevent it.

3. Equity vs Equality – supporting employees differently to reach the same starting point.

4. Flywheel Effect of Collective Intelligence – how networks of generous founders compound innovation.

• Actvo.ai: https://www.actvo.ai

• Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO): https://www.denvergov.org/economicdevelopment

• Denver Startup Week: https://www.denverstartupweek.org

• Ratio Beerworks: https://www.ratiobeerworks.com

• Reverence Brewing: https://www.reverencebrewingco.com

• Golden, CO breweries: https://visitgolden.com

• Kitcaster: https://www.kitcaster.com

We’ve got NFL updates, a look at the new NBA era, and a NSFW restaurant title. Kept it tight this week as we gear up for Episode 100 next week.

Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver

Got a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

• NFL Injury News

• A new era of NBA

• NFL teams are playing their starters more in preseason

• Rocky Flats’ Nuclear Ghosts – A new bike trail opened through the former bomb factory site, sparking safety concerns.

• Mystery Rock Spill Jams I-25 – 175 yards of landscaping rock shut down lanes near Alameda.

• Parrots Need Cash – A parrot sanctuary scrambles to raise $7K to feed 250 birds.

• “Frankenstein” Rabbits Spotted – Cottontails with viral growths spark jackalope rumors.

• Bear Redecorates Car – A hungry bear shredded an SUV’s interior in Jefferson County.

• “Eat Less Meat” Backlash – Denver’s climate campaign draws fire from ranchers.

• Councilmember Cries Foul – Layoffs spark political accusations at City Hall.

• Denver Zoo’s Lion Cubs – Four newborn cubs are healthy and bonding off-exhibit.

• Banana Ball Invades Coors Field – The Savannah Bananas turned baseball into a circus at Coors.

• Colorado Ghost Town Sold – A 305-acre mining village sold for nearly $1M.

• Elitch Gardens Ride Scare – Dozens stranded 17 stories high on the Star Flyer ride.

• Sunset Cinema: Bridesmaids – Tue 8/19, Sculpture Park

• The Narrators – “Grades” – Wed 8/20, Buntport Theater

• CU Denver Block Party – Thu 8/21, Downtown Campus

• Adult Spelling Bee – Thu 8/21, Adrift Tiki Bar

• Shakespeare in the Wild – Aug 21–24, deKoevend Park

• Artists in Conversation – Fri 8/22, RiNo

• Civil Dusk Performance – Fri 8/22, Saint John’s Cathedral

• Movies at McGregor: Shrek 1 & 2 – Sat 8/23, McGregor Square

• RiNo Summer Art Market – Sat 8/23, RiNo ArtPark

• Creeplesque Burlesque Fest – Aug 22–24, The Creepatorium

• Kangaroo Yoga – Weekends, Wheat Ridge

• Rockies vs. Dodgers – Aug 19–21, Coors Field

• RugbyTown 7s Tournament – Aug 22–24, Infinity Park

• Denver Roller Derby Doubleheader – Sat 8/23, Rollerdome

• CU Buffs Season Opener – Fri 8/29, Boulder

• Rockies vs. Cubs – Fireworks – Fri 8/29, Coors Field

• South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet – Help seniors and people with disabilities borrow free equipment.

• Town Pump Provisions – Cherry Creek bodega/market with deli, Little Man Ice Cream.

• Saigon Noodle Club – Playful Vietnamese bowls at Edgewater Public Market.

• Broderick (Wash Park) – New cocktail bar pouring Negronis and Old Fashioneds.

Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com

We’ve got some news from the world of AI. We’re also going over the hottest new developments around town (praying for a RiNo Trader Joe’s). As always, we’re also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!

Follow RGD:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver

Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

Troys Takes:

The Tom Brady Statue

UFC heads to the White House

Best sports movie all time?

Toms Takes:

Developing Denver

20,000 SF grocery store hopefully coming to RiNo

Skyline Park Upgrades breaking ground late 2025

Ryan’s Takes:

actvo.ai

Denver Product Leaders Meetup

Events:

Denver Brunch Fest Giveaway Winners

Masquerade Party @ Welton Room

Red Rocks Schedule

​​Music produced by Troy Higgins

Goodboytroy.com

Today we're riffing on some new developing Denver stories, and seeking out the winner of our Denver Brunch Fest giveaways! As always, we’re also going over our favorite news, sports takes and upcoming events for Denverites this week!

Follow RGD:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver

Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected].

Troys Takes

Jodan Addison Suspended

Sanders to start Friday night’s preseason opener

Episode 101 for NFL Preview?

Toms Takes

Developing Denver:

$30 Million Dollar Upgrade at Civic Center Park

Part of a $100M dollar downtown plan

Events

Denver Brunch Fest

Jamie XX @ Civic Center Park

Masquerade Party @ Welton Room

Gorgon City, Boiler Room + More @ Civic Center Park

Red Rocks Schedule

Denver Brunch Fest Giveaway on our socials!!!

Music produced by Troy Higgins

Goodboytroy.com