City Cast Denver logo
March 7, 2025

‘A Neglected Metropolis,’ the Allure of the Suburbs, and a BBQ Spot Gets Smoked

City Cast Denver

‘A Neglected Metropolis,’ the Allure of the Suburbs, and a BBQ Spot Gets Smoked

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Has Denver become a “neglected metropolis”? The entire GOP caucus at the state legislature signed onto a letter to Mayor Mike Johnston this week saying they feel unsafe going to work. But the mayor told a very different story about our not-so-Mile-High crime rates to Congress in his big hearing on immigration on Wednesday. So what’s really happening on the ground? One of our favorite regular guests, stand-up comic Joshua Emerson, joins Producer Paul Karolyi and Host Bree Davies to talk about the crime narrative and some big new plans to turn it around. Plus, the allure of the suburbs and our wins and fails of the week. 

Paul talked about the recent drama at AJ’s Pit BBQ, Rep. Emily Sirota’s “junk fees” bill, and the conflicting crime data. Bree mentioned Tyler Campo’s memorial. Joshua talked about the Avs’ hot streak and the Crosby factor

We discussed our recent episode with Senadora Julie Gonzales about the mayor’s congressional hearing and the last time he talked about his faith and immigration. He also shared this statement with us about how he felt the hearing went: 

“I’m incredibly proud of this city and the way we all came together to respond to a crisis with humanity and compassion. Denver showed the world that we can solve hard problems together, and I’m glad we got to tell that story to the members of Congress who actually have the power to fix our broken immigration system.” 

Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.

What do you think about downtown? Do you have a favorite spot that gets you down there? 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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 7th episode:

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 18

Breaking Down the Public Health Fight Over Aurora's ICE Facility. Plus, Crocs' New Tax Haven and Chipotle in Mexico

The state’s public health department is ordering the GEO Group to provide information about tuberculosis at an Aurora immigration detenti...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 17

Are These The Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century?

Denver might not boast the same star-studded celebrity lists like LA or NYC, but the Mile High has its own group of movers and shakers th...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 14

Who's to Blame for Scooters on the Sidewalk? Plus, Pay What You Can Art and Another Dry Reservoir

Veo scooters,bikes, and trikes are ready to ride on nearly every corner in Denver, but whose job is it to enforce their rules of the road...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 13

Egg Salad But Make it Chic, Summer Coffee Picks, and a New Social App for the Wealthy?

Denver is officially entering the “sando” chat. Multiple restaurants around the Mile High are now serving these Japanese milk-bread sandw...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 12

Is 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 mid...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 11

Debating 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 th...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 10

What 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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 7

‘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 compla...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 6

Does 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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 5

Why 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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art