A new bill at the state legislature has got Denverites talking — is it time for Colorado to decriminalize prostitution? Poet Suzi Q. Smith joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to look at precedents in Maine and Nevada, and some of the arguments against. Plus, we saw some rumors that the fancy grocery chain Erewhon might be opening in RiNo, the mayor seems to be reconsidering Flock, and we all watched the newly Oscar-nominated documentary about former Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson, “Come See Me In the Good Light.”

Bree mentioned this Meow Wolf/Casa Bonita prank from 2021. 

What do you think we should ask Mayor Johnston when he’s on the pod soon? 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: 720-500-5418

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Today we’re opening up the mailbag! Host Bree Davies and producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi hear from listeners about everything from security concerns on RTD buses and trains to mayoral candidate Lisa Calderón’s criticisms of Mayor Mike Johnston’s homelessness plan. Plus, Paul responds to some criticism about his recent comments on Rocky Flats, Bree gets a mall food court recommendation, and Olivia stans rise up! 

Paul mentioned this survey from YIMBY Denver. 

We’re always listening: Text or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418 or shoot us an email at [email protected] and share your thoughts, concerns, and questions about any episode from the last five years or pitch us your own ideas about Denver, and you might hear it on the show!

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

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Learn more about the sponsors of this February 17 episode:

• Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

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

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Denverites’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms.

We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities.

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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For the first time in 26 years, the Underground Music Showcase will not be taking over South Broadway this summer — but when it moves to RiNo, would the fest lose its cool factor? And will it still be a showcase of local acts or become something more corporate? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love talk through the what-ifs with Shawn King, drummer of DeVotchka, who headlined the first UMS in 2001 and closed out last year’s 25th anniversary. Plus, we talk about another out-of-the-box pitch for 16th Street and our wins and fails of the week. 

Bree talked about The Raven apartments and the proposal to ban face masks worn by law enforcement. Olivia discussed all the bird poop downtown and a change to bike and boat rentals at City Park and Wash Park. Shawn talked about dog parks and La Plaza.

Check out City Cast’s new podcast "Your City Could Be Better"! It’s on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's inaugural episode features the host of City Cast Twin Cities talking about how Minneapolis and St. Paul mobilized so quickly and broadly against the months-long ICE operation there.

What do you think about the future of the UMS in RiNo? 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: 720-500-5418

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Learn more about the sponsors of this February 13th episode:

• Clyfford Still Museum
• Denver Health
  

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Thanks to multiple bond packages, the Sloan’s Lake Boathouse is getting a $7 million makeover and the lake itself is set to receive $5 million in ecological restoration.  But will that be enough to save it? For years, Sloan’s Lake has struggled with low water levels, leading to a toxic algae bloom that threatens the ecological future and public use of this popular body of water. We’re revisiting this conversation from last year with host Bree Davies and Kurt Weaver, executive director of the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation, to learn more about why it could take a whole lot more money to save this neighborhood treasure.

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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 February 12th episode:

• Clyfford Still Museum
• Denver Health
  

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From gaining Michelin star status to collecting a bounty of James Beard Awards, Denver’s culinary profile keeps rising. But beyond decorated chefs, all star meals, and international media attention lies a low-key secret to the Mile High’s dining out success — a well-designed restaurant. Award winning architect Kevin Nguyen grew up in Aurora and has been the mind behind the look and feel of spots like Brutø, The Wolf's Tailor, Hey Kiddo, Hop Alley, Xiquita, and many more. He joins host Bree Davies to dig into why the placement of a restaurant’s entrance and the sound of a dining room are just as important as what’s on the menu.

A few years ago, we took a tour of Casa Bonita with “Professor of Fun” David Thomas to learn about how the design of this iconic eatertainment space is as much about its built environment as it is the cliff divers.

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What’s your favorite Denver Restaurant? What place makes dining out in Denver worthwhile? 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 February 11th episode:

• Clyfford Still Museum
• Denver Health
  

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2025 was potentially the final year of the Underground Music Showcase — ticket sales were down, money was tight, and the future of the fest was uncertain. But the RiNo Business Improvement District stepped in, Youth On Record sold its share, and now the fest will live in RiNo. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love discuss this new era and potential vibe shift for the 25 year-old event, plus dig into new legislation being proposed that could impact big booze manufacturers, and hear from listeners about their not-so-great RTD experiences. 

Bree mentioned this amazing list coffee shops from City Cast Denver listeners Nate and Marie Evans!

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 February 10th episode:

• Clyfford Still Museum
• Denver Health
• Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off

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

Lisa Calderón thinks Denver is in trouble, and she wants to save it. Last week, the activist and professor of criminal justice announced a bid for mayor in 2027 — her third time running for the position. Lisa sits down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how she would balance the city’s budget issues, what she believes Mayor Johnston has gotten wrong about housing and homelessness, and why she thinks there’s more to the renaming of the 16th Street Mall than just a pricy rebrand.

Learn more about ⁠Lisa’s campaign⁠ here. 

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

Who do you think should run for mayor of Denver in 2027? 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 February 9th episode:

• ⁠Clyfford Still Museum⁠
• ⁠Denver Health⁠
• ⁠South by Southwest⁠ - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge

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

Denverites want more affordable housing, but can they agree on how to make it happen? A couple members of YIMBY Denver have a proposal to “upzone” broad swaths of the city to allow more duplexes and triplexes, and their proposal could hit our ballots in November. So, what will Denver decide? RTD Board Director Chris Nicholson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of housing density, the big fight over possible RTD reform at the state legislature (Chris already picked his side), and all our wins and fails of the week.

Paul talked about new signage at Rocky Flats, Davon Williams, and Denver Community Planning and Development’s “Unlocking Housing Choices” project. Bree discussed the transportation policies of gubernatorial candidates Phil Weiser and Michael Bennet, as well as Leo Tanguma’s new exhibit, the latest twist with Your Mom’s House, and our episode earlier this week with two of the people proposing a radical RTD reform.

If you’re as curious as we are to hear more from Bennet and Weiser on transportation, YIMBY Denver is hosting a forum with both candidates on Feb. 21.  

What do you think about housing density? Should Denver upzone single-family home lots? 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: 720-500-5418

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

Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver

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Learn more about the sponsors of this February 6th episode:

• Arvada Center
• South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
• Multipass
  

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

It’s a fact: Denver is a coffee town. Whether it’s beloved local chains or third wave cafes, the Mile High City abounds with cozy coffee shops offering all sorts of different experiences. Entrepreneur, content creator, and coffee shop aficionado Michelle Jackson joined host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love last September to talk about the local spots that bring the ambiance, offer creative drink choices, and capture what it means to be the best at the coffee game in the Mile High City. We’re revisiting that classic episode today.

For a true coffee nerd’s take, check out listeners Nate and Marie Evans’ breakdown of their favorite spots. Bree mentioned the lawsuit local baristas had filed against Starbucks corporate’s dress code. Michelle mentioned Weathervane’s “grandma-core” cabins that you can rent in Clear Creek County. She also mentioned the podcast she hosts for Colorado CarShare, “How You Got There.”

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

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What’s your favorite coffee shop in Denver? 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: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode:

• Arvada Center
• South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
• Multipass
  

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

RTD is struggling right now. Denver’s public transit provider is facing low ridership numbers (even relative to peer cities) and a massive projected budget deficit — and that’s without even mentioning the paltry 83% bus on-time percentage. So what should be done? Governor Jared Polis and the legislature brought together a committee of experts last year to do months of research, debate, and come to a proposal that might just help get you home on time. Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the chair of the committee, founding partner of CRL Associates Maria Garcia Berry, and the vice chair, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition’s transportation advocate Jaime Lewis, to get into the details. 

For more background, Paul spoke with RTD’s CEO and GM, Debra Johnson, back in December. 

What do you think about this proposal to reform RTD? 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: 720-500-5418

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode:

• Arvada Center
• South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
• Multipass
  

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