Real Good Denver

realgooddenver.com
  • 5.0 (52)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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.

  1. MAR 5

    From Date Night to Trademark: How Dana Turned Kiss Cam Into a Global Brand

    Ryan sits down with Dana, the founder of Kiss Cam LLC and a Castle Rock-based entrepreneur who stumbled into one of the most recognizable brands in sports entertainment. What started as a missed moment at a Denver Nuggets game turned into a worldwide IP portfolio spanning 27 countries, three US patents, a web-based contest platform, a lipstick collab, and even a Hollywood licensing deal. Dana breaks down how he and his son bootstrapped the business from their oil and gas backgrounds, ran a successful beta test with the Oklahoma City Dodgers (the LA Dodgers' minor league affiliate), and got Kiss Cam featured in an upcoming Sony Pictures film. He also shares what's next, including a potential weekly TV show, a photo booth concept, and plans to bring the Kiss Cam contest to more arenas, colleges, and corporate events. The guys also chat Denver sports (Nuggets playoff hopes, Broncos building something special), and Dana gives some great local picks for dining in Castle Rock. Links Mentioned: Real Good Denver website and newsletter: realgooddenver.com Kiss Cam: kisscam.com Kiss Cam x Virtue Beauty lip gloss collab: virtuebeautyco.com Denver Jazz Fest ticket giveaway: available via the Real Good Denver newsletter The Breadwinner (Sony Pictures film featuring Kiss Cam): releasing April 15th

    20 min

  2. FEB 25

    Don Lucoff on Denver Jazz Fest

    Ryan Estes sits down with Don Lucoff, founder of DL Media and Artistic Director of the Denver Jazz Fest. Don has spent nearly four decades in jazz as a publicist, producer, and festival programmer, working with legendary artists and labels like Impulse and Blue Note. Now he is helping build a national caliber jazz festival right here in Denver. The State of Jazz Don reflects on how dramatically jazz media coverage has changed. There was a time when major outlets regularly reviewed jazz records and featured artists on national television. Today, most of that coverage has vanished. Yet jazz itself has not disappeared. It continues to shape modern music. Artists like Kendrick Lamar have collaborated with jazz musicians such as Kamasi Washington and Robert Glasper. The influence is everywhere. As Don puts it, jazz can sell everything but itself. It is deeply embedded in popular culture, even if it is no longer center stage in mainstream media. Why Denver Is a Jazz City Denver has a stronger jazz pedigree than many people realize. The Front Range is home to major jazz education programs at the University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Colorado State University. These institutions consistently produce world class players. Historically, Five Points was known as the Harlem of the West, a vital stop for touring jazz musicians crossing the country. Add the Beat Generation passing through town and you have a city that has long been part of America's cultural and musical story. Inside Denver Jazz Fest The Denver Jazz Fest spans 15 venues across Denver and includes performances in Boulder County. It blends national headliners with respected local artists, creating a citywide celebration. This year's lineup includes Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, Bob James, and John Beasley. The festival also honors the centenary of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with special tribute performances, including a presentation of A Love Supreme by Denver saxophonist Keith Oxman. The goal is inclusivity and accessibility. Whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or just jazz curious, there is a show for you. Where to Start Listening For new listeners, Don recommends classics from the Blue Note catalog such as Lee Morgan's Search for the New Land, Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil, and Grant Green's Idle Moments. From Impulse, he points to John Coltrane's Crescent and A Love Supreme, Alice Coltrane's Journey in Satchidananda, and Pharoah Sanders' Thembi. These records are not homework. They are entry points into a vast and vibrant tradition. Final Takeaway Don's career proves one thing. You may not get rich in jazz, but you can build a life around passion, community, and great music. Denver Jazz Fest is more than a series of concerts. It is a statement that this city values artistry, education, and cultural history. Learn more and get tickets at denverjazz.org. See you there.

    26 min

  3. FEB 18

    Denver Crypto Week & Broncos Stadium Plans! Plus Denver Jazz Fest Performer Carmen Lundy

    We've got special guest Carmen Lundy on to talk about her amazing jazz career, as well as what she's got planned for her upcoming performance as a part of the Denver Jazz Fest! We're also looking at takeaways from the Bronco's community meeting surrounding their new stadium plans last week.   As always, we're also going over the best news and events on our radar this week.   Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   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 tom@kitcaster.com. We're opening up early access to a custom Denver job alert program through our newsletter thanks to https://www.jobstreamai.com/. Sign up at realgooddenver.com to be the first to know when it's ready!! Check out our guest, Carmen Lundy !!!   News Probabilistic Snow Forecast Broncos community meeting, initial plans shared Office to residential conversion   Events ETH Denver   Shoutouts Coba Bathhouse Denver Jazz Fest   ​​Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com

    46 min

  4. FEB 11

    Winter Olympics, Sloan's Lake Boathouse Renovation & Gabe Anderson from Nine Lives Jiu Jitsu

    It's a big sports week! We're right back into Olympics mode after Super Bowl Sunday went off with a slightly sleepy game… Gabe Anderson, local black belt and founder of Nine Lives Jiu Jitsu is here to talk about his experience running a business and training martial arts in the highly active Denver scene.   As always, we're also going over the best news and events on our radar this week.   Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   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 tom@kitcaster.com. We're opening up early access to a custom Denver job alert program through our newsletter thanks to https://www.jobstreamai.com/. Sign up at realgooddenver.com to be the first to know when it's ready!! Guest Gabe Anderson from Nine Lives Jiu Jitsu   News Probabilistic Snow Forecast Sloan's Lake Boathouse Renovation   Events Dazzle Valentines Day - Giveaway winner announced   Shoutouts Tatsu Izakaya High Altitude Martial Arts Easton Training Center   ​​Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com

    59 min

  5. FEB 4

    Denver Scooter DRAMA! Goldens in Golden, Nick Offerman, and Our City's Mental Health Resources with Guest Angela Shelley.

    We're covering everything you need to know about the city's scooter drama unfolding this May. We've also got special guest Angela Shelley, a local sex and relationship therapist with an awesome new mental health newsletter where you can find affordable resources around the city!   As always, we're also going over the best news and events on our radar this week.   Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   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 tom@kitcaster.com. We're opening up early access to a custom Denver job alert program through our newsletter thanks to https://www.jobstreamai.com/. Sign up at realgooddenver.com to be the first to know when it's ready!! Guest Angela Shelley from embracedtherapy.com Follow her news letter, or reach out for mental health resources by reaching out to the email below:   info@embracedtherapy.com   News Probabilistic Snow Forecast Denver Scooter Scenario Ruby Hill Rail Yard Open   Events Monster Jam @ Ball Arena Goldens in Golden Nick Offerman @ Paramount Theatre Nikita, The Wicked @ Meow Wolf Dazzle Valentines Day - Giveaway live, Dan Gomby   Shoutouts The Welton Room Sexplatorium Sex Museum ​​Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com

    46 min

  6. JAN 28

    Dazzle Your Valentine with Smooth Jazz… Dan Gomby from Legacy Music Group

    We've got some cool developing Denver stories for you this week, and some solid event opportunities on our radar as well!   Special guest Dan Gomby is telling us all about his Valentines Day Jazz shows coming up at Dazzle. Tune in to hear you could win a set of tickets to take your special someone out this Feb 14th!   Catch Tom at The Welton Room this Saturday!   Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   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 tom@kitcaster.com. We're opening up early access to a custom Denver job alert program through our newsletter thanks to https://www.jobstreamai.com/. Sign up at realgooddenver.com to be the first to know when it's ready!! Dan Gomby from Legacy Music Group Dazzle Valentines Day with Legacy Music Group   Developing Denver Long Delayed RiNo Development Shows New Signs of Life Denver Software Company Fivetran Commits to Steel House Office Space   News Probabilistic Snow Forecast   Events Welton Room Anniversary Party Denver Ramen Fest Bass Bingo Big Nut Chuck @ Larimer Lounge   Shoutouts Porta Power Den Thai   ​​Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com

    56 min

  7. JAN 21

    X Games Aspen, Broncos v Patriots and Todo Creative!

    We are on our new year's GRIND! Tom's got a new creative consulting agency called Todo Creative. Ryan is all over building AI enabled products and running the podcast / newsletter game.   We've got a quick one for you this week! Listen in to hear what's going on!   Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   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 tom@kitcaster.com. We're opening up early access to a custom Denver job alert program through our newsletter thanks to https://www.jobstreamai.com/. Sign up at realgooddenver.com to be the first to know when it's ready!! News Probabilistic Snow Forecast Dry end to january for CO First Official Common Consumption Area   Events X Games Aspen Broncos Game A Tavola Indoor Farmer's Market on South Broadway Legacy Music Group Valentine's Day at Dazzle   Shoutouts https://id345.com/ https://deduction.com/ https://todocreative.co/ Jacks on Pearl Steakhouse   ​​Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com

    36 min

  8. JAN 14

    ALDI IS COMING!!! + Denver Real Estate and Custom Home Building with Brad Liber from Caliber Homes

    Tom and Ryan go off on some new AI stuff in the beginning of this one. Then, Brad Liber joins us to talk about the beautiful Denver residences he builds with Caliber Homes.    Check them out at https://caliber.co/   As always, we've got the top Denver news and things to do on our radar this week as well. Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver   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 tom@kitcaster.com. We're opening up early access to a custom Denver job alert program through our newsletter thanks to https://www.jobstreamai.com/. Sign up at realgooddenver.com to be the first to know when it's ready!! Special Guest Brad Liber https://caliber.co/   News & Events: Probabilistic Snow Forecast Aldi coming to CO with 50+ Locations ETH Denver Registration Stock Show Jan 10 - 25 Wonky Willa @ Ogden Memba @ Temple Shout Outs: William's & Graham https://do303.com/ https://www.calai.app/ Denver Ramen Fest ​​Music produced by Troy Hig

    59 min
See All (134)

5
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    realgooddenver.com
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Please share freely.
  • Show Website
    Real Good Denver

You Might Also Like