Who Is a ‘Denver Native’? Plus, Dry Water Fountains and Swifties Takeover
With our first new mayor in 12 years set to be inaugurated on Monday, we’re running out of time to resolve the most pressing issues of the Hancock Era. One of the most persistent sources of tension? Those iconic green-and-white “Denver Native” bumper stickers. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk it out with returning favorite Joshua Emerson, stand-up comic and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission. Then, a round of wins and fails from the week and Peyton is out, so Bree is sharing her top picks for your weekend.
Paul mentioned “zombie buildings,” the Great American Beer Fest, and the true story of the transplant behind the “Native” stickers. Bree mentioned water fountains without water, the El Chapultepec Legacy Project, and the celebrated Clara Brown. Josh talked up Jamal Murray and rising rents. We all praised John Wenzel’s work with The Denver Post. Here’s his profile of Josh from earlier this year.
Meet us on Colfax! RSVP here for our live recording on the ‘Fax next Thursday, July 20, and bear witness to the induction of the first class of the Colfax Hall of Fame. And if you think you know who should be on that list, send us a text or leave us a voicemail with your nomination, name, and neighborhood, and we might play it at the show: 720-500-5418
Here are links to the events Bree recommended:
- Wakanda Forever INSIDE the Historic Elitch Theater
- Friday Night Bazaar in the River North Art District
- Taylor Swift Eras Before, During, and After Parties
- New Moon Magick Makers Market
And Josh recommended Chelsea Kaiah and Cody Norton’s opening at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder on Friday and DeadRoom Comedy live at Leon Gallery on Saturday.
For even more weekend event recs and local stories that matter, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866.
Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!
Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver
Or Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Backlash Mounts Against Gov. Polis Over Tina Peters. Plus, Denver Halts Data Centers
Governor Jared Polis’ controversial decision to commute former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ prison sentence last week is still reverber...

What’s Tipping the Scale on Colorado’s Population?
After decades of super-charged economic and population growth, Colorado is at a turning point. So, is this state growing or shrinking? An...

Is Mayor Mike Coming for Mutual Aid Mondays? Plus, the Unhoused Woman Dividing Wash Park
Mayor Johnston promised to solve unsheltered homelessness in his first term – nearly three years into it, there are still questions about...

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Denver
Would Denver be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more tha...

Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...

Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...

After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...

