- 38 minutes 3 secondsIs Waymo Watching You? Plus, Doing Boring Things in Public and a Bear Attack!
The robotaxi company Waymo has been testing cars around Denver. Last Thursday, one of the autonomous vehicles got itself stuck in the middle of BRT construction on Colfax and took awhile to get out. Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producer Olivia Jewell Love to discuss Waymo in Denver and what these cars full of cameras could mean for Flock-wary Denverites. Then, a local man is excited to invite neighbors to his “celebration of life,” even though he doesn’t have plans on dying anytime soon. The two discuss the latest trend of inviting your community to a hyper-niche event through printed flyers.
Olivia mentioned this article from Wired about the LA protests and Waymo’s camera technology.
Here’s the roundup of Waymos where they shouldn’t be:
- Fireworks Waymo
- Parking lot honking Waymos
- Two standoff Waymos
- Cul de sac Waymos
- DUI Waymo and school bus Waymo
- Flood Waymos
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12 August 2026, 9:00 am - 39 minutes 50 secondsDebating Data Centers and Tipped Wages, Boosting EVs, and More Reflections on a Denver Lawmaker's Time in Office
Rep. Alex Valdez is coming up on the term limit for his stint as the House District 5 representative, and he’s looking back on some of the highs and lows of his time under the gold dome of the Capitol. He joins guest host Adrian Felix to discuss some of his proudest moments, his regrettable votes, and what’s next for him. The two break down the “DSA takeover” of the left, as well as the future of the graduated income tax ballot initiative. Plus, Rep. Valdez shares some words of wisdom for his expected replacement, Justine Sandoval, and also well wishes for outgoing at-large Council member Sarah Parady.
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What will you remember from Rep. Valdez’s time in office? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
If you enjoyed this interview with Lauren Howe, the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Program Supervisor, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode:
- Chalat Hatten
- Blue Sky
- Denver Health
- Regional Air Quality Council
- 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
11 August 2026, 9:00 am - 28 minutes 44 secondsWhat to Do With an Empty Stadium? Plus, First Fridays and Homie the Clown
The Broncos have released updated renderings of what the new development around new stadium could look like at Burnham Yard. Now, that’s got everyone thinking about what to do with the Empower Field they will leave behind. Mayor Mike Johnston has proposed affordable housing, but it seems like everyone has their own idea. Guest host Adrian Felix is joined by Michelle Jackson to brainstorm some of their ideas for the leftover stadium, plus hear some of Michelle’s hot takes on why she’s only going to one First Fridays Art Walk on Santa Fe. Plus, City Cast Denver Neighbors will hear a special bonus segment on some local funny business involving clowns and Adrian and Michelle’s comedy recs.
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Are you afraid of clowns? 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 August 7th episode:
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10 August 2026, 9:00 am - 29 minutes 26 seconds‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Denver
As much as you love Denver, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today’s very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it’s acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out.
Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show.
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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7 August 2026, 9:00 am - 31 minutesDoes Denver Need a ‘Slavery Acknowledgement’? Plus, Wildfire Smoke and Women’s World Cup Hopes
Why did City Council backtrack on letting bars and nightclubs stay open to 4 a.m.? And who exactly was in favor of later let-out times in the first place? Denver Post city government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins guest host Adrian Felix to give us the scoop from inside council chambers. Elliott breaks down what happened to the new nightlife regulations, explains why council is debating a “slavery acknowledgement,” and swaps wins and fails of the week with Adrian.
Adrian talked about wildfire smoke. Elliott mentioned Denver’s Women's World Cup hopes and the flooding on Colfax.
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What are your wins and fails of the week? We want to hear your hot takes! 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 sponsor of this August 6th episode:
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6 August 2026, 9:00 am - 35 minutes 26 secondsWhy Does Gov. Polis Hate Socialism? Plus, Is Our Corn in Danger?
Gov. Jared Polis has been raising some eyebrows lately, and not just for his loud outfit at Colorado’s 150th birthday party. The outgoing governor recently joined CPR News’ Ryan Warner to discuss some of his latest controversial moves. Producer Olivia Jewell Love is joined by politics contributor Adrian Felix to discuss his comments on socialism and granting clemency to Tina Peters. Then, Colorado continues to see effects of the drought, including emergency fish salvages at reservoirs and even a dwindling supply of some of our beloved seasonal crops. Plus, Denver Water’s conservation goals seem like a shot in the dark, and the complaints keep rolling in.
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Have you seen any suspiciously green lawns? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
If you enjoyed this interview with Kelsey Simpkins, the Communications and Programs Manager at the Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 5th episode:
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5 August 2026, 9:00 am - 38 minutes 5 secondsDid BRT Construction Flood The Squire? Plus, Our Favorite New Local Businesses
After a bout of heavy rain in Denver last week, The Squire Lounge on Colfax was left several feet underwater, and people online are looking for someone to blame. Politics contributor Adrian Felix is filling in as host this week and is joined by Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun to break down the BRT-blame game, talk about some of their fave new businesses popping up around town, and chat about the state of media in Colorado.
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What’s your favorite new business in town? 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 August 4th episode:
- NKollectiv
- Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off
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4 August 2026, 9:00 am - 30 minutes 56 secondsCool Down With Denver’s Best Ice Cold Treats
‘Tis the season for sweet and icy treats! From a classic mangonada to innovative ice cream nachos, we’ve rounded up a list of great local spots to cool down with delicious desserts. Former food contributor Helen Xu joined host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love last summer to share their picks for the best places to indulge in cold, sugary goodness and make the most of this sweltering summer.
This episode first ran on June 5, 2025.
See a list of the treats we mentioned: Where to Find Denver's Coolest Cool Treats
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Where’s your fave place to grab an icy cold dessert? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
If you enjoyed this interview with Tom Seaver, the director of Colorado Lottery, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 3rd episode:
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3 August 2026, 9:00 am - 27 minutes 14 seconds‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Denver
Do you know how zoning laws affect Denver’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals.
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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2 August 2026, 9:00 am - 35 minutes 5 secondsYour Guide to August 2026 in Denver
We’re in the thick of the summer season! There’s no end to the high temps in sight, so how do you stay cool and keep your sanity? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and man about town Adrian Felix join host Bree Davies to share their picks for everything to do, see, eat, drink and explore this August – like paddleboarding at the Soda Lakes to catching a chill event at your fave air-conditioned Denver Public Library branch.
Got plans tonight? Be sure to RSVP for Good Trouble Conversations: Changing Lanes Documentary Screening & Panel tonight featuring host Bree Davies, it’s free! And get tickets and more information on MCA’s Mixed Taste: Blucifer & Rocky Flats on August 19 featuring City Cast Denver contributor Patty Calhoun and executive producer Paul Karolyi!
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.
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What are you doing to keep cool this August? 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 July 31st episode:
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31 July 2026, 9:00 am - 29 minutes 44 secondsAre Denver’s Neglected Buildings Being Exploited for Profit?
You know that busted old, abandoned home down the block? City officials revamped the regulations around these neglected properties last year with the hope of cleaning them up and stopping the drain on public resources. But according to a new report from the Denver Post, there are still some issues around enforcement, including a loophole one local investor, John Crays, has been exploiting to acquire derelict properties and sell them for a profit. In light of this ongoing quagmire, we’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had with then-Westword reporter Catie Cheshire last June about why these abandoned properties are so difficult to deal with and why some people might see John Crays as a hero.
On background: The City of Denver added 160 properties to its list of neglected and derelict buildings in 2024 for a total of more than 250 across the city. In 2026, with City Council’s new regulations in effect, the total number of unique addresses listed has gone down to 241, according to an update published earlier this month.
This episode first aired on June 18, 2025.
Check out Keep it Local! It’s our weekly shopping guide to all of Denver’s best local businesses. Every Thursday afternoon, we send a curated batch of recommendations to help you live your best Mile High life and support local at the same time. Subscribe now!
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Do you have a derelict building in your neighborhood? Tell us all about it! 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 July 30th episode:
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30 July 2026, 9:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App