Denver’s a cool place, full of cool things to do each and every month — and September is no exception. But how do you choose what to fill your calendar with when the Mile High has so much to offer? Host Bree Davies and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia each picked four awesome September events to share, and producer Olivia Jewell Love has the harrowing task of picking the official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for your month — as in “maybe” you’ll see us there! Here are links to all the events Bree and...
Sep 05, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast When State Senator Julie Gonzales wrote the Towing Bill of Rights last year, she had no idea that she’d have to get towed herself to find out just how badly tow companies have been skirting her law. The legislator took to social media last week to share a parking saga gone wrong that ended up exposing some shady towing practices. The senator joins host Bree Davies and returning fave, comedian and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission Joshua Emerson, to talk about what happened, and h...
Sep 01, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Michelin Guide is giving some mystery, top tier restaurants highly coveted stars at their invite-only event on Sept. 12, but why wait? Turns out the world’s most prestigious dining guide went ahead and crowned some Denver Metro restaurants with a coveted spot on its Bib Gourmand list, which is kind of like an upscale version of the “value menu” for fine dining. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia explains why this all matters to host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love. Then, the crew di...
Aug 31, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast They don’t make stuff like they used to…turns out that’s true for Denver’s buildings as well. Art Writer and Architecture critic Michael Paglia has written about the Mile High’s growth spurts over many decades for Westword, and he’s seen some multi-story highs and lows, architecturally speaking. Michael joins host Bree Davies to discuss the city’s built environment of the 21st century — the good, the bad, and the really, really ugly — while pointing out some of the bright spots in our architectu...
Aug 30, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Bree Davies and state politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval are breaking down all the local stories that matter this week — starting with a Democratic committee appointing Tim Hernández to the vacated 4th house district seat and Justine digs into what the appointment of a Chicano community activist says the current Colorado democratic party. Then, Bree talks about the list of 11 possible locations for short term housing that the Johnston Administration released a few days ...
Aug 29, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Denver’s park system is something to behold — we have more than 250 dedicated green spaces in the city proper and over 14,000 acres of Denver-owned parkland in the mountains, all open to the public for free. There are so many beautiful spots to soak up our Mile High magic outdoors, so where do you start? From the most underrated public landscapes to the most prime people-watching spots, host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and fave guest Joshua Emerson break down the must-visit green spaces ...
Aug 28, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast When the University of Colorado hired NFL Hall of Fame superstar Deion “Prime Time” Sanders to be their next head football coach, Boulder went bananas. But it’s time to see what the new-look Buffs can do on the field, and the off-field stakes are just as high. Producer Paul Karolyi is talking through the implications for Boulder and the whole CU system with 5280 Magazine’s Editor Lindsey King and Editorial Director Geoff Van Dyke. And as always, we wrap up the Friday show with a round of wins an...
Aug 25, 2023•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Guy Fieri’s people have returned to two Colorado restaurants made famous by “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” — which has us pondering what kind of an impact the show can make on a local business. Then, what was known for a quarter-century as the Park Tavern in Cap Hill is getting another chance at bar life, complete with tacos! And finally, we ask a contentious question: should dogs be allowed in restaurants? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor (and resident foodie!) Peyt...
Aug 24, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Well, it’s happening again. Complaints about traffic have driven the powers that be to make the same old proposal: What if we just added an extra lane to that troublesome highway? This time it’s the main road out to Denver International Airport — Peña Boulevard. The transit experts say it won’t help. But what about our new Mayor Mike Johnston? And what about all the new neighbors set to move into the area soon — AKA, more than 35,000 families, Pepsi’s new bottling plant, and maybe even Elitch Ga...
Aug 23, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about all the local stories that matter this week. First, the Latino Cultural Arts Center recently announced plans for “Las Bodegas,” a sprawling arts and cultural campus in the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood. But that’s just the latest big project transforming the Westside, a section of the city marred by a history of displacement and divided by highway infrastructure. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about where Las Bodegas will fit alon...
Aug 22, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast A few years ago, the New York Times spent a weekend in Denver as part of its “36 Hours” series, offering a guide for how a visitor to the Mile High City could get the most out of our lovely city. This Denver travel guide felt somewhat theoretical, at best, and painfully unaware, at worst. Sooooo, we decided to fix it and make our own! Today on the show, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to lay out our own “36 Hours in...
Aug 21, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Unions are all the rage this summer. It’s looking like the busiest summer of labor action since 2000, with 323,000 workers already having gone on strike, according to the Denver Post. But it’s not just grocery store clerks and Hollywood writers, the solidarity is spreading to nontraditional labor hotspots, like homeless shelters and The Mercury Cafe. With The Merc’s employees set to vote on their union next week, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by returning fave Joshua Emer...
Aug 18, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re hitting that late-summer stride in Colorado as temps rise into the upper 90s, and being without air conditioning feels unbearable. The public pools close this weekend, so where do you go in this city for a chilly respite? Host Bree Davies is joined by newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to share their favorite places to cool off — from cheap and/or free options to some pricey picks if you’re really desperate to beat that heat! Some links to lea...
Aug 17, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Denver looks different through everyone’s eyes. So, how do you capture the Mile High City in a way that showcases what makes it special or unique to you? Today on the show, producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love (@wasteofmylife) go behind the scenes and swap recs with local Instagram celebrity Amanda Bittner (@theamandabittner). From the overlooked alleyways to the restaurants poised to launch the next food trend, they discuss cool spots and unexpected backdrops that bring the city into f...
Aug 16, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are breaking down all the local stories that matter this week — starting with what some Dems have called “careless words” from Governor Jared Polis. First, he raised eyebrows after saying some confusing things about abortion on CNN; later, in an interview with 9News, he made remarks about childcare and the bumpy rollout of the statewide Universal Pre-K program. Then, Paul talks about why some WNBA bigwigs are sniffing around the Mile High and finally, l...
Aug 15, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Downtown Denver has a lot of big, beautiful office buildings that are… empty. Simultaneously, the city is facing an ongoing shortage of housing options, particularly affordable ones. Which all leads to one big question: Could some of those vacant office buildings be converted into apartments or condos or some kind of office-shaped domicile? The answer is yes, kind of. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Brad Segal — urban planner, real estate economist, CU Denver professor (...
Aug 14, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast What a week it was in Denver! First, DPS is in the midst of a crisis, this time involving a fired principal, a questionable student “seclusion room” with a lock on the door, and a whistleblower unloading some serious allegations — all centered on the McAuliffe International School, a middle school in Park Hill. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by returning guest, public school teacher and HD4 candidate Tim Hernández to break down this complicated situation. Then, wins and fa...
Aug 11, 2023•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast That Mile High sun is a-blazing, and that can only mean one thing. It’s patio season here in Denver. So where are the best spots to soak in some rays and toss back a margarita? And what if all you’re really looking for is a great view or good vibes? Host Bree Davies and Hey Denver newsletter editor Peyton Garcia shared their favorite patios in this conversation we recorded last summer — from prime rooftop party spots to those calm, garden-like hideaways. For even more news from around the city, ...
Aug 10, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Colorado Republican Party sued the state last week in an effort to stop unaffiliated voters — who make up 45% of CO’s registered voters — from participating in GOP primaries. One of the men behind that lawsuit? Attorney John Eastman, who also happens to be wrapped up in former President Trump’s Jan. 6th indictment. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by Westword editor Patty Calhoun to talk about all of Eastman’s latest shenanigans and how his lawsuit could reshape our poli...
Aug 09, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Prior to the first sweep of a homeless encampment on his watch, Mayor Mike Johnston made a visit to meet the Denverites living on the street at 22nd and Stout. So, how did it go? And now that the sweep has happened, what’s next? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the details, plus take a look at Johnston’s homelessness plans for the remainder of 2023. Then, another fight over bike lanes ensues — this time, in Cap Hill — and Palisade peach season is in full effect! We mentioned D...
Aug 08, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is there still a place for strip clubs in Denver’s vast world of entertainment, arts, and “immersive” experiences? Can our local economy still support this kind of entertainment, between changing technology and an increasing cost of living? Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton dug into the business of strip clubs, and she sits down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk financials, labor, and regulations of the industry — plus, they dig into the spicy, NBA-related contro...
Aug 07, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s wedding season in Colorado, and that means… your $2-million Aspen wedding could be ruined by a crappy sound system and an inconvenient gondola schedule? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to talk epic weddings in the Centennial State. Then they take a look at local wins and fails of the week — like that brunch place Paul can’t stop gushing about and why Colorado politics Twitter basically disappearing sucks for ev...
Aug 04, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast We love talking about cool events and things to do around Denver. But there are so many to choose from! Which ones are truly worth your time? Which ones are going to leave you with lasting memories? And which ones are gonna give you so much FOMO? Host Bree Davies and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia each picked four awesome August events to share, and producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love join to help narrow the field down to our best bet of all — the one August event where you’re most li...
Aug 03, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s summertime and we’re thinking about what else — hot dogs. Does the Mile High actually have a hot dog scene? Is a hot dog a sandwich? Can you put ketchup on a Chicago-style dog if you’re not in Chicago? To answer these questions and more, the City Cast Denver team met up with our hometown dog dude, Biker Jim, to survey the wiener scene. Host Bree Davies, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia, and producer Olivia Jewell Love took a tour de hot dog from Lakewood to Northfield with Biker Jim himself ...
Aug 02, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are drivers more aggressive in Denver than they used to be? Has it become the norm to speed on neighborhood streets? And most important: Why do people keep crashing their cars into stuff? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the bad driving problem, plus a new study that shows traffic downtown is back to pre-pandemic levels. Is there life downtown again? Then, we share listener voicemails about your favorite neighborhood rec centers and a Lowry resident wonders why we aren’t showi...
Aug 01, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast When it comes to climate change, Governor Jared Polis and the Democrats in control of the statehouse are betting big on electric vehicles, or EVs. Earlier this month, they increased the state incentive for residents purchasing an EV from $2,000 to $5,000, but that’s just the tip of this melting iceberg. CPR climate reporter Sam Brasch says there is “no better state in the country to buy an electric car than Colorado.” Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Sam to break down all...
Jul 31, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re less than a month into Mike Johnston’s first term as mayor, and things are already off to a bumpy start — some media outlets reported this week that the mayor would not enforce homeless encampment sweeps. Turns out that wasn’t quite the case. Plus, Suncor continues to fail, RTD is actually winning, and Denver Parks and Rec gets a well-deserved pat on the back. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer and chief conspiracy theorist Paul Karolyi and regular fave Joshua Emerson, comedian and co-...
Jul 28, 2023•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Content warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence. Earlier this week on our episode about self care, we recommended a solo hike via the Brothers Lookout Loop in the Alderfer Three Sisters Park in Evergreen. Not long after, we learned about a sexual predator at-large who has been targeting women hiking alone in the Evergreen and Conifer areas, including the park we mentioned. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Olivia Jewell Love to discuss what we know so far and how to best ...
Jul 27, 2023•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Who makes the best ice cream in town? Is it the parlor with the best vibes? Or does it all come down to who accidentally spilled a bunch of salt on their Oreo cookies? We got tons of suggestions from readers and listeners, and we narrowed down the field to four ice-cold contenders — Em’s, Liks, Sweet Action, and Little Man. Who will we crown Mile High’s best ice cream? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi, newsletter editor and resident foodie Peyton Garcia, and ice cream aficiona...
Jul 27, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our friends at City Cast Salt Lake picked this fight, and we’re finally hashing it out. Can Salt Lake City really stack up to the Mile High when it’s only situated at a paltry 4,265 feet above sea level? Who has better transit, anyway? And what is with SLC’s cookie obsession? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi plus a couple of special guests — City Cast Salt Lake’s host Ali Vallarta and producer Emily Means — to dig into the myths and facts, and determine once and for all whethe...
Jul 26, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
