City Cast Denver

Spurred by new guidelines issued last month by the Biden Administration, curators at the vaunted American Museum of Natural History in New York are shutting down two major exhibits of Native American objects and culture. The closures send “a powerful message” to museums across the country to speed up their repatriation work, according to The New York Times. But here in Denver, our museum community is already on the cutting edge! Last summer, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi toured the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s North American Indian Cultures Hall on the last day of its 45-year run, asking a couple of experts what message it was sending to thousands of schoolchildren each year and why it needed to close. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Late last week, Mayor Mike Johnston responded to City Council’s ban on sweeps of homeless encampments during freezing temperatures with his first official veto. Though the Denver mayoral position allows for vetoes of City Council decisions, it is not a power often used by those in office — so why did the Johnston administration take this particular stand? Plus, this isn’t the only friction to arise within local government lately. After the mayor partnered with the Downtown Denver Partnership a few weeks ago to roll out a new “ambassadors” program aimed at making the city center more appealing to visitors, some council members are questioning if the program is lacking oversight. Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun to break down these stories, plus dig into some listener responses to our ongoing callout for the worst intersections in the Mile High.Patty mentioned the Next Gallery Casa Bonita-inspired art show, opening February 16; she also talked House1000 dashboard updated by the City, which as of February 5 said that 1,245 people had been moved indoors and 1,191 were still indoors.Bree mentioned the deadly shooting in Green Valley Ranch over the weekend, as well as Axios Denver’s coverage of the veto and the Mayor’s letter to City Council; she also talked about the need for volunteer translators for migrant work authorization clinics happening this week.For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Did you know Denver used to have a streetcar? That simple, nostalgia-fueled question has lured many transit nerds and urban planning enthusiasts down a rabbit hole paved with asphalt and good intentions (mostly asphalt though). None have gone further into the archives than Jake Berman. He’s the author of the new book “The Lost Subways of North America,” and he’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk through the shockingly bloody history of the old Denver Tramway company and why Denverites are still so nostalgic for the sepia-toned days of our transit past. Plus, an update on Governor Jared Polis’s effort to turn back the clocks.Jake ultimately cut all his Denver research out of his book, but you can read the whole chapter in this reddit post he made a few months ago. Bree mentioned the recent water main break on East ColfaxWhat do you think about Denver’s streetcar nostalgia? Is it a useful research topic or a flight of fancy? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Do you have that one spot in the city where your phone calls always get dropped? Or that place in your house where cell service is nonexistent? According to a new story from Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, the trees on your block might be to blame. Megan joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into the cell service dilemma, along with her forthcoming story, just in time for Valentine’s Day — does Denver still live up to its nickname “Menver,” a place overflowing with single men? Plus, the welcome closure of that exploitative animal entertainment joint in Southwest Plaza Mall, an expansion of tenants’ rights, and more Stanley cup drama make our list of Rocky Mountain highs and lows of the week. We talked about some of Westword's past "Menver" coverage, which you can read here. Megan mentioned the Girls Gotta Eat podcast episode about dating in Denver. If you have thoughts on Denver’s “Menver” nickname or want to share your Mile High dating experience, you can reach Megan via email: mboyanton@denverpost.com.What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsor of this episode:See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31)Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s the month of love! It’s also “false spring,” aka temps in the 20s and 60s. So, what is a Denverite to do? From skiing in a tuxedo to enjoying a solo movie date during Oscars season, we’ve got a list of fun ways to the make the most of February in and around the Mile High City. Host Bree Davies, producer Olivia Jewell Love, and newsletter editor Adrian González share their fave activities, food recs, and hot tips for enjoying this wonky weather season.Here are links to our picks:  33rd Annual Mountaintop Matrimony at Loveland Ski Area (Dillon) Vintage Shopping / Antiquing / Estate Sales (The Shop Outpost, The Oddemporium, Ten Penny, Goldmine Vintage, Brass Armadillo, estatesales.org) Ash Wednesday Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel / Dinner at Uncle (Northside) Pozole (La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal; Kahlo's, Mi Gusto Es, Las Hijas de La Chilanga) Deviation Distilling at the Dairy Block Lala’s Bakery at La Victoria Healing Kitchen (Aurora) Jewelry Making Course at Fleur (Speer) Oscar Season Solo Movie Date (Citywide) Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin: The Trilogy Tour at Ball Arena (Auraria) Bree mentioned this Saturday’s grand opening party at La Victoria Healing Kitchen, the new source for the Denver classic Spring Fling cake.Adrian’s source for finding out about estate sales: https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/co/denverFor even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31)Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What makes a particular intersection worse than another? Or more dangerous? Or just plain rage-inducing? From the urban streets we treat like speedways to ‘spaghetti monster’ highway interchanges to that one building drivers can’t stop crashing into, our listeners shared tons of suggestions for the worst roadways in the city. So we invited Denver7’s “Traffic Guy” Jayson Luber to help answer some of your voicemails and texts about Denver’s worst intersections, and break down why we love to hate them.Bree mentioned new data showing Colorado pedestrian and cyclist deaths reached an all-time high in 2023. For more from Jayson, check out his podcast Driving You Crazy on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you think is the worst intersection in Denver? Or is there one you actually really like? We want to hear from you. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode:See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31)Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about all the stories that matter in Denver this week. First, Secretary of State Jena Griswold is concerned about deepfakes and other AI-generated material impacting Colorado elections and she’s asking the legislature to take the issue seriously. But how? Then, just as bicycle activists declare victory over NIMBYs on 7th Avenue, a new transit fight is brewing over the soon-to-be-constructed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Colfax Ave. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi break down these stories, plus they dare to take on the Denver Post’s divisive question facing all Coloradans: How do you pronounce “Buena Vista”?The request for proposals for bus stop art along the upcoming Colfax Avenue BRT line is open through February 11. The group opposing BRT, Keep Calm, has a meeting this Thursday at Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church.Paul talked about this episode of the New York Times’ Hard Fork podcast digging onto AI election concerns. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31)Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

One of Denver’s richest men just won another major ruling in a years-long legal battle with his own nieces over the mozzarella empire he built on 38th Avenue. James “Jim” Leprino will maintain sole control of 85% of the global market for pizza cheese through his company Leprino Foods. But how did this reclusive billionaire first corner the market? And why did his own family take him to court? Producer Paul Karolyi spoke with reporter Helen Xu (also known as Helen X) back in December 2022 when all this juicy succession drama was first revealed in the courtroom.For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverWhat do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31)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 talking about all the stories that mattered this week. District 7 city councilmember Flor Alvidrez is in hot water after an ethics investigation revealed she allegedly misused city funds. Then, Republican state representative Mike Lynch stepped down as House minority leader after a video surfaced of his 2022 DUI arrest. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Joshua Emerson, comedian and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, to wade through the controversies. Finally, this week’s Mile Highs and Lows dig into a local preacher’s crypto scam, a former mayoral candidate’s big conservative reveal, a local coffee shop’s good news, and more. Learn more about City Cast’s guest diversity initiative and the data about City Cast Denver’s guest diversity in 2023, as well as a piece from Neiman Lab on the state of local news podcasts with our CEO David Plotz. Bree talked about the Youtuber wanted by state patrol for going 150 miles per hour on I25; she also mentioned the new Molecule Effect opening on south South Broadway. Joshua discussed the crypto pastor. Paul talked about Conor McCormick-Cavanagh’s report on the Common Sense Institute, this Denverite story about Yupi the Clown, and the Denver Gazette’s coverage of the real top story of the week: Us!If you happen to be in the Bay Area in February, catch Joshua’s Bad Indian: A Native American Comedy Showcase at SF Sketchfest. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverSupport City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/DenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Denver Art Museum - “Untitled: Artist Takeover,” Jan. 26 6-10 p.m.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Dry January is coming to a close, but what if you want to keep the booze-free party going? Beyond Denver’s countless breweries and hyped cocktail bars, where do adults go to let loose and have fun? Host Bree Davies is joined by returning guest Ashley (AKA Colfax Things on Instagram) to lay out a versatile list of fun things to do with a group of friends or on a date in the Mile High City, no alcohol needed.We want to hear from you, too! We’re compiling a list of all our favorite sober activities for our newsletter Hey Denver next week, and we need your help. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and we’ll include all our faves: 720-500-5418‬For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenverChat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenverLearn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Denver Art Museum - “Untitled: Artist Takeover,” Jan. 26 6-10 p.m.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise