Episodes

  • A Phone Call With Former Sen. Gary Hart on How Politics Changed Forever

    A Phone Call With Former Sen. Gary Hart on How Politics Changed Forever
    Jul 6 2026
    Two years ago, City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi interviewed a bona fide Colorado legend – two-term former Senator Gary Hart. He was the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1987, but became notorious for how his campaign ended, with a shocking sex scandal. At the time of the call, Hart was 87, and City Cast Denver was working on our big Lauren Boebert project. Paul had questions only Hart could answer about how politics has become personal and the changing of the guard – themes that resonate from last week’s primaries. So, for the first time, we are sharing this interview about the warping effect of the media, Colorado’s political establishment, and the threat of nuclear war. Paul mentions Matt Bai and his brilliant book about Gary Hart, which was adapted into a pretty good movie starring Hugh Jackman – “All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Gary Hart’s point of view? We’d love 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 July 6th episode: Vail Wine Classic Denver Art Museum Blue Sky Regional Air Quality Council Denver Botanic Gardens Energy Outreach Colorado Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    35 mins
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Denver

    'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Denver
    Jul 3 2026
    See if your Denver knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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    25 mins
  • Who Really Won and Lost the Primaries? Dark Money, the DSA, Predictions Markets, and More

    Who Really Won and Lost the Primaries? Dark Money, the DSA, Predictions Markets, and More
    Jul 2 2026
    The primaries on Tuesday ushered in historic change to our Mile High City, with a 29-year-old Democratic Socialist primed to take over the 1st Congressional District seat from a 30-year incumbent. But what exactly can we expect from Melat Kiros in Congress? And what change will Attorney General Phil Weiser bring if he can defeat the Republican nominee for governor in November? The Lever editor-in-chief David Sirota joins producer Paul Karolyi to question the narratives coming out of the Colorado primary elections this week, sort out the true winners and losers, and finish up with a special non-election-related Wins and Fails of the Week. Paul talked about redistricting and a new housing development planned at York St. Yards. David talked about ice cream and his friend Bret Saunders. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think Denverites should expect from Melat Kiros if she wins the general in November? 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: Adventure Science Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    46 mins
  • Kiros and Weiser Win As Voters Sour on Colorado's Political Establishment

    Kiros and Weiser Win As Voters Sour on Colorado's Political Establishment
    Jul 1 2026
    The eyes of the nation were on Colorado yesterday as “anti-establishment” candidates took on some of Colorado’s longest tenured elected officials in the crucial Democratic primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, and Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love were at the victory parties, up late for the latest results, and they are breaking down what we know so far. Like, how 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette and how Attorney General Phil Weiser was able to edge out Sen. Michael Bennet in the governor’s race. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the Kiros and Weiser victories? 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 1st episode: Vail Wine Classic Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    32 mins
  • Mayor Johnston on His Big New Idea to Fix Parking Downtown

    Mayor Johnston on His Big New Idea to Fix Parking Downtown
    Jun 30 2026
    There’s one issue Denverites can never seem to agree on – parking. Does the city have too much or too little? Is parking too expensive or too cheap? Mayor Mike Johnston has his own idea of what’s wrong with parking in Denver, especially downtown, and he joins Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and producer Paul Karolyi today to discuss it. Plus, the mayor shares some thoughts on America’s semiquincentennial ahead of the Fourth of July holiday this weekend. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the mayor’s $5 parking idea? 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 Did you enjoy this interview with Andy Caler from Energy Outreach Colorado? Learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 30th episode: Vail Wine Classic 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
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    35 mins
  • Your Guide to July 2026 in Denver

    Your Guide to July 2026 in Denver
    Jun 29 2026
    It’s birthday time in Denver! With America’s 250th birthday on the Fourth of July, and Colorado’s 150th birthday coming up on August 1st, the City Cast Denver team is in a mood to celebrate. The hilarious host of Good Night Denver, Miriam Moreno, joins producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi to share their pro tips on drones vs. fireworks, the best thrift stores to use the restroom, and the happy hour you can get to even if you don’t get off work until late. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Denver, check out Hey Denvers’s take on what to do this month. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What are you looking forward to in July? 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 June 29th episode: Vail Wine Classic Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    34 mins
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks

    'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks
    Jun 28 2026
    Denver voters approved a tax hike in 2022 to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth from City Council, those repairs are finally underway. Not only do sidewalks make pedestrian life safer and urban transit more accessible, but they are also an important indicator of a healthy city. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver host Bree Davies about the state of Denver's sidewalks, how this initiative is going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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    27 mins
  • Can Kiros Beat DeGette? Plus, AI ‘Polls,’ Astroturfing Local Politics, and Colfax Wins and Fails

    Can Kiros Beat DeGette? Plus, AI ‘Polls,’ Astroturfing Local Politics, and Colfax Wins and Fails
    Jun 26 2026
    Denver is on the precipice of what could be a historic moment; the city’s 30-year incumbent congresswoman, Diana DeGette, is facing a late surge in momentum from Democratic Socialists of America-backed challenger Melat Kiros. So what’s real and what’s fake in the final days leading up to primary? And could Kiros really win? Comedians and returning guests Joshua Emerson and Kate McLachlan join producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the spin coming from both campaigns and separate signal from noise. Plus, a wild astroturfing scandal in the CU Regents’ race and all our wins and fails of the week! Plus, a bonus segment! City Cast Denver Neighbors get a special bonus segment about Joshua and Kate’s shared history in Durango. They share their tips for anyone looking for a summer road trip destination. Don’t miss our weekly Friday bonus segments and become a member today for just $10 per month. Sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Paul talked about moderating the SD34 forum, the poll showing Kiros ahead, the NYC primary results, a UMS venue closing, and Wellington and Wilma Webb. Kate mentioned Bastien’s and PS Lounge on Colfax. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about astroturfing in local elections? Can you trust “the vibes”? 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 June 26th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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    39 mins