What’s Wrong With CO’s Economy? Plus, ‘Brain Rot’ and a Flavored Tobacco Clapback
New data from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business shows that Colorado’s economy — once a national leader — took a big turn this year, with our GDP growth ranking 41st in the country. Maybe that’s why Governor Jared Polis was so eager to take a literal table saw to a pile of regulations last week? Stand-up comic Joshua Emerson joins producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the data. Plus, we want your help picking Denver’s Word of the Year! And we respond to a listener’s fiery hot take on Denver’s proposed flavored tobacco ban.
Paul also mentioned this report saying Colorado is the 6th most regulated state in the country and Vivek Ramaswamy’s response to Gov. Polis’s latest stunt.
What do you think should be Denver’s Word of the Year? Paul put out the call on the Denver subreddit, but we think you can do better! Text us or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
City Cast Denver is hiring! We’re looking for a temporary newsletter editor to join our team starting in March. So if you’re a great writer who loves Denver (or know someone who might fit the bill), here’s the link to apply: https://apply.workable.com/city-cast/j/FF0BF9E3A1/
Go see Joshua’s fantastic new documentary! For the latest info on planned screenings at Mutiny Information Cafe and the Buntport Theater, follow him on Instagram. He’s also crowdfunding for support finishing the movie and getting more people to see it. You can pitch in 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
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode:
- Meow Wolf - Use code 4PACK at checkout when you purchase your tickets online.
- PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery
- Denver Health
- University of Denver
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

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Is Childcare About to Get Cheaper? Plus, Local Venue Workers Unionize and What If Nightclubs Were Open Until 4 A.M.?
Parents and daycare providers have been sounding the alarm that childcare in Denver is expensive, hard to find, or hard to provide. This...

Would You Take the Bus to DIA? Plus, Long Lines at Water World and Colorado’s Road Rage Problem
Widening Peña Boulevard is still very much on the table, but DIA officials have recently agreed to explore options beyond just making mor...

Did the Media Give Sen. Hickenlooper a Pass? Plus, Turnover at Denver Central Market and GOP Voters Choose Victor Marx
Victor Marx is officially the Colorado Republican nominee for governor. The former marine who claims he’s performed exorcisms is now task...

Denver’s Best Burgers, a Jazzy New Wine Bar, and MAKFam’s Anticipated Expansion
Is a burger really a burger without cheese? Can a traditional patty compare to a smash patty? Does a burger taste better when it comes ou...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Denver Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Denver
There’s lots to love about Denver, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livabilit...

RIP FirstBank, DPS’s Superintendent Wants Out, and What’s Up With the DMV?
Goodbye, FirstBank! While PNC promised a smooth transition after it acquired the legacy “Colorado bank for you” for $4.1 billion, many cu...

Can Mayor Mike Claim a Win on Homelessness? Plus, Same-y Farmers Markets and McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
Did Denver really figure out how to solve homelessness? British news magazine The Economist recently touted Mayor Mike Johnston’s long-te...

City-Backed Theater Evicted, Casa Bonita Performers Allege Sexual Harassment, and LeBron to the Nuggets?
Since voting to unionize back in November of 2024, Casa Bonita performers have gone to the table 14 times to negotiate wages, security is...

What Cheap Parking Downtown Really Costs. Plus, Can BRT Be ‘Better’ on Colorado Boulevard?
Is the city’s new $5 downtown parking program worth it to Denverites? After Mayor Mike Johnston came on the show last week to talk up his...

A Phone Call With Former Sen. Gary Hart on How Politics Changed Forever
Two years ago, City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi interviewed a bona fide Colorado legend – two-term former Senator Gary Hart. He was...

