Hidden America with Jonah Ray Season 1 Episode 7 DENVER: YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN

DENVER: YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN is the seventh episode of the popular travel show Hidden America with Jonah Ray. In this episode, Jonah Ray visits the city of Denver, Colorado, which is known for its picturesque mountains, thriving craft brew scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities. But Jonah is not interested in exploring the tourist attractions. Instead, he is on a mission to uncover the hidden underbelly of the city and the people who call it home.

At the start of the episode, Jonah meets with his old friend, Max, who has lived in Denver for most of his life. Max takes Jonah on a tour of the neighborhoods where he grew up, which have undergone significant changes in recent years due to gentrification. Jonah talks to long-time residents who share their feelings of frustration and displacement as new high-end developments pop up around them. They worry that their culture and sense of community is being eroded in the process.

Next, Jonah investigates the city's growing homeless population. In one of the tent encampments, Jonah meets a man named Jake who has been living on the streets for several years. Jake tells Jonah that he came to Denver looking for work and a new start, but things did not go according to plan. Jonah also speaks to a social worker who is helping to connect homeless people with shelter and services.

Later, Jonah visits the Occupy Denver camp, where he talks to activists who are advocating for social and economic justice. They explain to Jonah how the city's policies and priorities are favoring corporations and the wealthy, while ignoring the needs of the working-class and the poor. Jonah also attends a political rally where he witnesses a heated exchange between supporters and opponents of a proposed city-wide minimum wage hike.

In the final segment of the episode, Jonah talks to young artists who are struggling to make a living in Denver's competitive art scene. They show Jonah their studios and galleries, where they create and display their works. But they also talk about the difficulties of finding affordable space and getting exposure in a market dominated by large galleries and established artists.

Throughout DENVER: YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN, Jonah Ray does an excellent job of uncovering the hidden stories and perspectives of the people behind Denver's glittering facade. He shines a light on the struggles, fears, and hopes of a city in transition, and the individuals who are working hard to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Anyone who is interested in social justice, urban planning, and alternative cultures will find this episode of Hidden America with Jonah Ray to be enlightening and thought-provoking.