Real Good Denver

Real Good Denver? Glad you asked. It's the loudest love letter to the Mile High City you've ever heard, wrapped in a podcast, shaken with mezcal, and served with a side of green chile. Every week, Real Good Denver hooks you up with the weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful things happening around town. From late-night taco joints and underground comedy shows to rooftop raves and secret speakeasies, we've got our ears to the ground and our hearts in the city. We'll hit you with: • Hot takes on new restaurants (yes, even the ones with $22 cocktails and reclaimed wood everything) • Live music recs that'll make you actually leave your house • Local legends and experts who know what's up (and where the good stuff is hiding) • Tips, hacks, and must-do's for food, fun, and full-blown Denver delight • A healthy dose of sass, stories, and city pride Whether you're a seasoned Denverite, a transplant trying to earn your stripes, or just here for the altitude and edibles, Real Good Denver is your new favorite way to explore the Queen City of the Plains. So don't just sit there, subscribe, tune in, and get hyped for the best damn city on this side of the Rockies.

Joined by Special Guest Ren from Audacious Immersive! Cults, Star Wars, & When Does Fall Really Begin? 09/17/2025

Joined by Special Guest Ren from Audacious Immersive! Cults, Star Wars, & When Does Fall Really Begin? This week we’re joined by Ren from Audacious Immersive for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from cults to Star Wars to the all-important question—when does fall really begin? Ren takes us inside the world of Audacious Theatre, where immersive, sensory-driven productions push the boundaries of live performance through collaboration, innovation, and cross-cultural creativity. From staging experiences that surround the audience to exploring the strange ways stories connect us, this episode blends the quirky, the thoughtful, and the theatrical. As always, we’ve got the top Denver news and things to do on our radar this week as well. News: Denver has the state’s first two-star Michelin restaurant The Wolf’s Tailor earned two Michelin stars in the new guide, becoming the first Colorado restaurant to reach that level while several others gained or maintained status. The big rhino is here, but what’s next for Denargo Market? A giant 30-foot climbable rhino sculpture dubbed “Rhingo” is now part of the freshly opened public space in Denargo Market, launching phase one of a massive redevelopment that promises over 1,000 rental units. 16th Street is fully (finally) reopening next month After three years and around $175 million in renovations, Denver’s pedestrian mall (formerly 16th Street Mall) will fully reopen, featuring new patios, a renamed walkway, modernized infrastructure, and “common consumption” zones. What’s Working: Colorado Startup Week debuts in Front Range to reignite founder fever Denver Startup Week has evolved into “Colorado Startup Week,” expanding beyond Denver to include events in Fort Collins, Boulder, Littleton, and outdoor creative networking, including a hike-and-paint in Jefferson County. Do you have a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation that you want to share with us? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at . Follow RGD: YouTube: Instagram: TikTok: /episode/index/show/6283fd41-015b-4c99-b6c8-81e35925830d/id/38247315

Quesadillas for Good, Bronco’s Preferred Stadium Location, & Thoa Nguyun from Bánh & Butter Bakery Cafe! 09/09/2025

Denver Food & Wine Festival, F1 Arcade, New Restaurants & Construction Everywhere!! 09/03/2025

Inside Denver Food and Wine Festival at the Tivoli Quad 09/02/2025

Inside Denver Food and Wine Festival at the Tivoli Quad Real Good Denver Podcast with Denise from Denver Food and Wine Festival Location: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus Dates: September 3–6 Format: Week of tastings and competitions culminating in the Grand Tasting What you will learn How Denver Food and Wine Festival funds the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and why that matters for local workers The full schedule for festival week including the Riedel glass seminar, Shake and Break Showdown, and the Grand Tasting VIP benefits including lounge access, dedicated restrooms, exclusive restaurants, and tasting seminars How ProStart gives 2,300 Colorado high school students real event experience Who should attend and important policy notes including 21 plus entry Who this episode is for Denver locals who love restaurants, chefs, wine, and craft cocktails Food and drink fans planning a downtown weekend Supporters of the hospitality community who want to invest in scholarships, mental health resources, and emergency grants for workers VIP seekers who want elevated access and seminars Festival week schedule Wednesday Sept 3, 6 pm Riedel wine glass seminar with guided tasting and a take-home glassware set. Learn how glass shape changes aroma and flavor. Thursday Sept 4, 7 pm Shake and Break Showdown. Eight food trucks and twelve bartenders. Taste and vote for your favorites. Music and games on the Tivoli Quad. Saturday Sept 6, noon–4 pm Grand Tasting. Approximately 2,500 attendees. About 50 restaurants. Hundreds of pours. Photo activations, music, games, and swag. Note: 21 plus only. No exceptions including infants in carriers. VIP perks VIP lounge presented with 5280 Magazine Dedicated restrooms Four VIP-only tasting seminars Access to an additional set of restaurants exclusive to VIP Key takeaways Denver Food and Wine is the signature annual fundraiser for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation supporting scholarships, training, apprenticeships, emergency assistance, and mental health resources ProStart students work alongside chefs and teams during the festival which builds the future talent pipeline Expect top Denver restaurants plus statewide representation from Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen Full service dining remains challenged which makes community support and attendance more important Resources and links Tickets and details: Colorado Restaurant Foundation: search for Colorado Restaurant Foundation Colorado Restaurant Association and Hospi Awards information: search for Colorado Restaurant Association 5280 Magazine: Real Good Denver newsletter and podcast: /episode/index/show/6283fd41-015b-4c99-b6c8-81e35925830d/id/38059555

Episode 100!!! Real Good Denver Recap and The Birding Man Ryan Dibala 08/27/2025

Why Denver is Becoming a Global Hub for Startups and Innovation 08/25/2025

Why Denver is Becoming a Global Hub for Startups and Innovation In this episode of Real Good Denver, Ryan Estes sits down with Melissa Jenner, founder and CEO of Actvo.ai, a New Zealand company now thriving in Denver’s startup scene. Melissa shares how Denver’s global outreach brought her across the world, why she believes work should be a place people love, and how her AI-driven platform helps companies retain top talent by mapping out employee career pathways before burnout takes hold. The conversation dives into the unique culture of Denver’s business ecosystem, the power of serendipity in founder connections, the craft beer influence on collaboration, and why collective intelligence makes this city special. Key Takeaways Denver’s Global Magnetism: Economic development teams are actively recruiting international startups, making Denver a true global landing pad. Culture of Serendipity: Denver’s tight-knit founder ecosystem creates constant collisions of opportunity through dinners, meetups, and a give-first mindset. Beer as a Business Model: Collaboration in Denver mirrors its craft beer scene—newcomers and legacy players help each other scale. The Future of Work: Actvo.ai helps employees see 12 possible work pathways, close skill gaps, and create proactive career conversations before they leave a company. Equity over Equality: Melissa argues for tailored support to unlock overlooked talent, ensuring people find meaningful work. Collective Intelligence: Denver’s culture of shared ideas and generosity accelerates innovation beyond the traditional Silicon Valley model. Frameworks Mentioned The 12 Pathways of Work – Actvo.ai’s model to help employees explore new roles. Exit Lounge Effect – why companies lose 40% of employees after 2–5 years and how to prevent it. Equity vs Equality – supporting employees differently to reach the same starting point. Flywheel Effect of Collective Intelligence – how networks of generous founders compound innovation. Resources & Links Actvo.ai: Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO): Denver Startup Week: Ratio Beerworks: Reverence Brewing: Golden, CO breweries: Kitcaster: /episode/index/show/6283fd41-015b-4c99-b6c8-81e35925830d/id/37954445

Denver’s Wildest Headlines, NFL Injury Updates, A New NBA Era 08/20/2025

Denver’s Wildest Headlines, NFL Injury Updates, A New NBA Era We’ve got NFL updates, a look at the new NBA era, and a NSFW restaurant title. Kept it tight this week as we gear up for Episode 100 next week. Follow RGD: YouTube: Instagram: TikTok: Got a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation? We want to hear from you! Tell us what’s good at [email protected]. Troy’s Takes Ryan’s Takes – A new bike trail opened through the former bomb factory site, sparking safety concerns. – 175 yards of landscaping rock shut down lanes near Alameda. – A parrot sanctuary scrambles to raise $7K to feed 250 birds. – Cottontails with viral growths spark jackalope rumors. – A hungry bear shredded an SUV’s interior in Jefferson County. – Denver’s climate campaign draws fire from ranchers. – Layoffs spark political accusations at City Hall. – Four newborn cubs are healthy and bonding off-exhibit. – The Savannah Bananas turned baseball into a circus at Coors. – A 305-acre mining village sold for nearly $1M. – Dozens stranded 17 stories high on the Star Flyer ride. Events – Tue 8/19, Sculpture Park – Wed 8/20, Buntport Theater – Thu 8/21, Downtown Campus – Thu 8/21, Adrift Tiki Bar – Aug 21–24, deKoevend Park – Fri 8/22, RiNo – Fri 8/22, Saint John’s Cathedral – Sat 8/23, McGregor Square – Sat 8/23, RiNo ArtPark – Aug 22–24, The Creepatorium – Weekends, Wheat Ridge – Aug 19–21, Coors Field – Aug 22–24, Infinity Park – Sat 8/23, Rollerdome – Fri 8/29, Boulder – Fri 8/29, Coors Field Volunteer Opportunity – Help seniors and people with disabilities borrow free equipment. New Restaurants – Cherry Creek bodega/market with deli, Little Man Ice Cream. – Playful Vietnamese bowls at Edgewater Public Market. – New cocktail bar pouring Negronis and Old Fashioneds. Music produced by Troy Higgins /episode/index/show/6283fd41-015b-4c99-b6c8-81e35925830d/id/37891810

Skyline Park Upgrades, Denver Product Leaders, RiNo’s Grocery Store Issue, and The Best Sports Movies of ALL TIME! 08/12/2025

Downtown Upgrades, Masquerades and More! 08/05/2025

FABRIC, Brunch Fest VIP Giveaway, & Jokic's Biggest Win Yet! 07/30/2025

Lacey Spruce from Drink Denver, Cirque du Solei, and the Mike V Bat Signal 07/23/2025

Bears at Red Rocks, Geese on Parole, and AI in Court – Only in Denver 07/18/2025

Bears at Red Rocks, Geese on Parole, and AI in Court – Only in Denver This week on Real Good Denver, the headlines are wilder than a Renaissance joust after four meads. Ryan kicks things off with a huge shoutout to listener Belen for a five-star review (we see you and we love yoga too), then dives straight into the chaos swirling through our beloved Mile High City. Here's what's cooking in Colorado: Lawmakers Behaving Badly – Colorado Rep. Ron Weinberg faces accusations of pre-office misconduct. It's giving "prequel to the scandal." AI Legal Blunders – Two of Mike Lindell’s lawyers used ChatGPT to draft a court motion and ended up $3K lighter for citing 30 imaginary court cases. Goose Surveillance State – 200 geese tagged like reality TV contestants at Sloan’s Lake. Yes, they’re watching. Honk accordingly. Red Rocks Invaded by Bears – Two black bears strolled into a concert. Nothing to see here, just wildlife vibing with your playlist. Child Falls from Tamarac Shelter Balcony – An 11-year-old girl survives a five-story fall after ignored safety warnings. Now the city scrambles to fix it. Turkey Leg Crisis at the Ren Fest – Record crowds cause a medieval meat shortage. Jousting tickets now harder to get than Taylor Swift seats. Boulder’s “Tube to Work Day” – Hundreds float to their jobs in full costume down Boulder Creek. Briefcases optional. Snorkels not. Skatepark Metal Showdowns – Nighttime bowl concerts spark turf war between metalheads and skaters. Think “West Side Story” with more studs and sweat. QuickTrip Loses to Denver – A new law bans gas pump saturation. Big win for clean air, big loss for late-night convenience store egg rolls. Ryan wraps with a love letter to the city that never ceases to surprise us. Want more weird, wild, and wonderful? 👉 Visit 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter 👉 Rate us on Apple or Spotify if you love geese, yoga, or just unhinged local journalism. See you next week. Don’t forget your floatie—or your Turkey leg. /episode/index/show/6283fd41-015b-4c99-b6c8-81e35925830d/id/37424140