City Cast Madison

A little over a week ago, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced that she wouldn’t be seeking a third term after all. On today’s episode, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with the mayor about this decision, why she didn’t make an appearance at the Willy Street vigil and encampment, concerns about police accountability, and more. Plus, some of the highlights of her tenure, and what she thinks Madison needs in its next mayor.👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. If you enjoyed…

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Madison. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents local governments from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly attractive to AV companies. City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson joins Your City Could Better to talk about if this loose regulation is good for Texas, particularly its dense capital city, whether local benefit is a priority for manufacturers at all, and how cities can learn from Austin if a similar influx hits their streets. Mentioned on the show: City Cast Austin’s episode on AVs regulation: https://austin.citycast.fm/podcasts/are-texas-schools-using-ai-to-ban-books-plus-driverless-cars-in-austin-and-new-michelin-stars Waymo blocking emergency response to Austin shooting: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting The city of Austin’s public dashboard tracking incidents…

For lots of seasonal recommendations on the best things to do, places to shop, and ways to give back, don’t miss the City Cast Madison team’s November guide. Executive producer Hayley Sperling, creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and local comedian Emily Winter dig into where you can volunteer on Thanksgiving or donate your gently used clothes, Madison’s robust holiday market scene, the best bakeries in town, and so much more.🎭 This month’s guide is sponsored by Forward Theater. Their pick this month is to go see “Gaslight,” which runs until Nov. 22. Check out our Instagram for a chance to win two tickets to this Wisconsin premiere play. For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Madison, check out our newsletter.👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only…

It's been a long journey for Maurer's Urban Market, but the independent grocery store has finally opened on Madison's south side. Executive producer Hayley Sperling and City Cast Madison contributor and Madison365 executive editor Rob Chappell talk with owner Kristie Maurer about affordability, community partnerships, and what sets her store apart from others in the area. Plus, Forward Madison is heading to the playoffs! Rob shares how the team's doing, his predictions, and how you can watch the game this weekend. Also this weekend is Madison's Hmong New Year Celebration. Event organizer Ady Lee joins Hayley to talk about the local Hmong community and why this is a can't-miss event. Hayley also recommends this article from The Verge. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast…

Last year a group of 15 Wisconsin kids filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming the legislature passes and enforces laws worsening the climate crisis and violating their right to a safe and stable climate. The suit was dismissed by a Dane County circuit judge in April, but now the kids are taking their case straight to the state Supreme Court, aiming to avoid a lengthy appeals process. Executive producer Hayley Sperling joins creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to catch us all up on the case and explore why a sense of “impending doom” is pushing the 15 plaintiffs to speed things along. Then former host Bianca Martin speaks with Madeleine Bohn, a West High School student and one of the plaintiffs in the case, along with lawyer Skylar Harris of Midwest Environmental Advocates. The second segment previously aired February 9, 2026 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to…

It’s one week until election day and races are (predictably) tight statewide. Dan Shafer, founder of the Recombobulation Area substack, joins executive producer Hayley Sperling and Capital Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to talk toss-up tickets and the issues motivating voters. Where does marijuana legalization rank against data centers and affordability for Wisconsinites? In-person absentee voting ends 10/31. Find hours and locations here. Plus, the 90’s are having a *moment*. We’re dusting off scratched CDs and low-rise jeans to explore the burning question: did Olivia Rodrigo rip off Korn? 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only…

With still months to go before the February primary, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has announced that she’s ending her bid for a third term. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into this news with contributor and former mayoral candidate Scott Resnick. Plus, owners of Dapper Cadaver BJ and Eileen Winslow join the conversation to talk about their most recent and terrifying creations that you’ve probably seen on the big screen this year! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more…

How prepared is Madison to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world — the only U.S. city to make it into the top 10. What’s Chicago doing right? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is joining David this week to talk about how the city is adapting to face climate risks, its work in renewable energy, and other projects in the works. Mentioned on the show: New York Times article about climate resilience: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/realestate/is-your-city-prepared-for-climate-disaster.html AlphaGeo's report: https://alphageo.ai/how-climate-resilient-are-the-worlds-largest-cities/ City Cast Chicago's episode about their climate resilience ranking: https://chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/loop-restaurants-resurging-chicagos-climate-resilience-and-meet-us-at-lit-fest Previous episode about Jacoby visiting all of Chicago's libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytx9DWibpQc Is there something your city is doing that we…

This week, by a vote of 14-6, the Madison City Council terminated the contract of Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass. During the 12-hour meeting, the council heard from more than 100 community members who overwhelmingly opposed the termination. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with creative producers Rob Thomas and Jade Iseri-Ramos about the vote and what comes next for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. Plus, Madison is now $218 million closer to bringing a passenger train downtown, and the two gubernatorial candidates faced off this week in their first and only debate. Don’t forget to check out the City Cast Madison election guide for what you need to know before heading to the polls. And for our Neighbors-only section this week – where are the best spots in Madison to catch the Brewers in the World Series? 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news…

An Asian bistro on the Square, a hibachi and ramen spot on the east side, and a rooftop restaurant at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art are just some of the new additions to Madison’s always changing restaurant scene. Today, host Bianca Martin gets the scoop with Cap Times Food and Culture Editor Lindsay Christians on what else we can expect to see opening around town this year and who we’re saying goodbye to. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this…

Our dear city of Madison just made National Geographic’s list of “The Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027.” The list highlights the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the lakes, and our "bohemian" spirit. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin chats with Executive Producer Hayley Sperling and vintage clothing seller and owner of Good Style Shop Peter Benck about the spotlight. Plus, Pete tells the team about what to expect at Midwest Vintage Flea Nov. 7-8. 💐 Want to give Bianca her flowers for four years hosting City Cast Madison? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out…

Madison’s Overture Hall is home to a 30-ton pipe organ that’s so massive that it moves on giant tracks. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with Madison Symphony Orchestra Principal Organist Greg Zelek about how he performs complex organ programs from memory while managing thousands of sound changes. Bianca also talks with City Cast Madison Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about what’s in store for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Overture concert organ for the remainder of 2026. That includes Laura Jackson’s first concerts as music director designee conducting Tchaikovsky and Zelek’s organ concert honoring Celia Cruz’s centennial. The interview with organist Greg Zelek originally published on Aug. 1, 2023. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when…

Black infants in Wisconsin are nearly three times more likely than white babies to die before their first birthdays. Cap Times health and policy reporter Erin McGroarty is investigating this disparity and the lived experiences of Black Wisconsin mothers. Erin joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to discuss how systemic racism, chronic stress, and epigenetics are driving preterm birth and low birth weight, which are the leading causes of Black infant death. Erin also shares an intervention by The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness to connect pregnant people with doulas, and a Madison NICU collaboration to save extremely premature babies. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free…

How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Madison? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep city streets free of floods and trash — and to possibly slow the drying and pollution of the Great Salt Lake. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta says it’s worth a shot. This week, she joins David to discuss how quick, periodic cleaning of a neighborhood sewer grate can be part of a much bigger solution. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: SLC’s Adopt A Storm Drain map: https://www.slc.gov/utilities/adoptastormdrain/ Ali’s past Your City Could Be Better episode on making a park census: https://yccbb.citycast.fm/podcasts/why-every-region-needs-a-park-map-tool-like-salt-lakes-plus-dry-heat-vs-humidity Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!…

The Madison Common Council is set to vote on whether to terminate the interim independent police monitor on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Whether or not they have legal standing to do so is up for debate. Madison365 Executive Editor Rob Chappell joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Creative Producer Rob Thomas to break down the story. Then, Rob Thomas lays out two contentious items in Dane County Executive Melissa Agard’s proposed 2027 budget: funding for sheriff body-worn cameras and a mental health contract dispute with Journey Mental Health. Plus, the team talks about the groundbreaking of the new YMCA facility in Fitchburg and, for Neighbors’ ears only, the impending federal hemp rule change and where gubernatorial candidates stand on cannabis. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from…

Did you know the iconic 1976 film “Car Wash” has a Madison connection? The film’s director, Michael Schultz, studied at UW-Madison where he quickly changed his aspirations from being an astronaut to being a filmmaker. He chats with City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin about his long career as a trailblazing director, the lack of Black film representation during his early years, and the lasting relevance of his films. This episode was originally published on Feb. 22, 2023. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and…

For the second year in a row, UW-Madison students who live on campus will be charged $100 to host one guest over Halloween weekend. The university says this will help pay for additional security and cleaning costs. But will it keep things tame during “Halloweekend?” City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with contributor, writer, and comedian Emily Winter about Madison’s Halloween party history from State Street’s block-party in the 70s and 80s to the riot-era peak in the early aughts, all the way up to the now defunct city-run Freak Fest. Then Daniel Haschke, saxophonist and co-leader of Madison funk fusion band Wurk, joins the show to talk about the band’s 10-year anniversary show at the Barrymore Theatre. The WURKestra will feature the 17-piece DB Orchestra and an instrument donation drive with the Madison Area Music Awards and Hyde Music. Finally, there’s more Brewers playoff excitement with the team taking the first two NLCS games from the Dodgers. Go Brewers! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode?…

The Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration kicks off this Thursday. The yearly tradition brings more than 80 authors to Madison for book readings and author talks around town. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with festival Director Jane Rotunda about the event line up. Writer Jeff Oloizia also joins the show to discuss the new season of his podcast “Writing Forward.” Plus the three settle the age-old debate: is listening to an audiobook the same as reading a physical copy? 🧢 And hey! It’s not too late to get the limited-edition Neighbors dad hat. Become a City Cast Neighbor today to snag this great gift before they are gone! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening,…

Another Madison school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, a Madison Alder made a motion for the Common Council to consider terminating the city’s contract with Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass. Executive Producer Hayley Sperling and Creative Producer Rob Thomas break down that news and dive into the turbulent history behind the office. Then Rob explains why more Madison students are rejecting Chromebooks this year. And Keegan Lynch joins the show to talk about his Corry Street Video, which is like a Little Free Library, but for movies! For neighbors only, we ask an entomologist why the wasps are so out of control right now. Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today to hear that special segment. Plus, if you join now, you’ll get our limited edition dad hat! Mentioned on the show: History of Madison's Office of the Independent Police Monitor [WPR] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by…

Today is Latina Equal Pay Day, which marks, on average, when in the year a working Latina woman has earned as much as a white, non-Hispanic man. Araceli Esparza, founder and executive director of Midwest Mujeres joins City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling and creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to discuss the necessity to discuss wages and the Midwest Mujeres’ upcoming storytelling event. Plus Hayley and Jade talk about shake-ups in Madison’s food scene, and the UW-Madison physics professor who was just awarded a Nobel Prize. 🧢 You are running out of time to get the limited-edition City Cast Madison Neighbors dad hat! Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program to secure your very own hat. Plus, you’ll also enjoy other great perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more…

More than 7,000 disabled Wisconsinites are waiting for help navigating the state’s employment development program due to funding cuts. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with Cap Times Opinion Editor Natalie Eilbert about the program meant to help people with disabilities access employment support, but that is now facing a waitlist of more than 7,600 people. They discuss how a $7 million state funding shortfall has impacted Madisonians with disabilities and will have long-term consequences for the state's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Plus, do you know all the perks that come with a City Cast Madison membership? Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos joins today’s episode to break it down. Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program today and get the limited-edition dad hat!👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get…

Why were a dozen Madison city council members in a Signal group chat? Madison 365’s Rob Chappell broke the story last week, and on today’s episode, he joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Executive Producer Hayley Sperling to break down the story. Plus Young Blood Beer Company is closing its Northstreet location at the end of the month, and the Brewers are one win away from the National League Championship Series! ⚾ Join the team and get more from City Cast Madison! When you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor, you’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and a limited-edition baseball cap. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🚗 If you enjoyed today's interview with the VP of Destination Branding & Development…

The Yahara Flyer is a new single-sheet monthly publication in Madison from the co-founder of the now-defunct news website Tone Madison. Scott Gordon joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Executive Producer Hayley Sperling to explain why he started the Flyer, and the challenges of the flyer format. They also discuss police body-worn cameras, which Scott wrote about in the first two issues of the Yahara Flyer. 🧢 Don’t forget that you can get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. Join this week and we will send you a limited-edition dad hat! You’ll also enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison?…

When Madison looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to integrate flood mitigation into public housing. Inspired by places like Rotterdam, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) collaborated with other groups to give Queens a state-of-the-art, climate-resilient amenity — in this case, a basketball court. David talks with Katy Burgio from NYCHA and Runit Chhaya of Grain Collective, one of the involved design firms, about the larger infrastructure the court is a part of and how it’s setting up NYC for climate resilience. Mentioned on the show: Water Square and its creative facilitators: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/25/grain-collective-basketball-courts-flood-prevention/ Rotterdam’s own “water square”: https://landezine.com/water-square-benthemplein-by-de-urbanisten/ Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking…

What will happen when the city’s one-year moratorium on new data centers expires in January? City officials released a draft framework this week that would limit the size and scale of new data centers, banning any new development over 100,000 sq. ft. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin breaks down the story with Executive Producer Hayley Sperling and Creative Producer Rob Thomas. They also discuss the investigation into alleged hazing at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house and the alleged sexual assaults of two UW-Madison students. Plus, eight candidates are now in the running for Madison mayor and the CurderBurger is back. Content warning: this episode includes mentions of bodily harm, sexual assault, and a racist instance on campus. 🏠 Do you find value in our weekly news roundups? Are you curious about the Culver’s news in the Neighbors-only segment? Consider becoming a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast…

A new cafe is set to open this month on Monroe Street. Waltzing Matilda’s is the newest venture from the team behind Bloom Bake Shop and Lallande. On today’s episode, City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with owner Annemarie Maitri about the cafe's name, her personal approach to the menu, and the team behind the existing businesses. Then Bianca is joined by Zia Brucaya from Greater Madison MPO and AJ Liedl from Madison Metro to discuss “Week Without Driving,” a national initiative to raise awareness of experiences of non-drivers. They break down the upcoming events, how to participate, and tips for first-time Metro users. 🧢 Don’t forget to sign up to become a City Cast Madison Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and for a limited time only, a really great hat. (Click the link to see a picture.) Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program today! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm.…

Boo! The City Cast Madison team is here with your October guide. Host Bianca Martin, Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and local comedian Emily Winter break down their top picks for things for the month. From the 46-mile Mammoth Hike Challenge to the Wisconsin Art Destination T-shirt challenge. Plus, the theme pick this month is “cheap thrills.” 👻 Join us for a free haunted tour with Madison Ghost Walks by becoming a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy more perks like ad-free listening and exclusive emails. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode: Enjoy Illinois Overture Center for the Arts

The UW Badgers face off against Michigan State in the 2026 homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 3. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Executive Producer Hayley Sperling break down all the homecoming events happening this year. Plus, local DJ Nick Nice explains how tailgating is for everyone, from Badger superfans to football newbies. Nick turns up the beats for home games at Fabiola’s tailgate party on Regent Street. The interview with DJ Nick Nice originally published on Sept. 10, 2024. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our…

How much money do you make? Is it enough for you to thrive in Madison? Cap Times reporter Ashley Rodriguez asked Madisonians to be transparent about their wages and experiences. She found that while the average salary here is higher than the state average, most respondents feel like they are just scraping by. Ashley joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin to talk about the financial reality of living and working in our city and the power of salary transparency. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and…

What’s a seemingly small project in Madison that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, Madison Police Chief John Patterson gave his quarterly report to the Madison Common Council and announced a new quality assurance department. Madison 365 Executive editor Rob Chappell joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Creative Producer Rob Thomas with the details. Plus, Chappell explains where the city stands on body cameras with the newly announced private funding from the Madison Community Foundation. The team also discusses the growing opposition to a proposed high-voltage transmission line across southern Wisconsin and celebrates Madison’s first new library in 26 years, Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. And in the Neighbors-only segment, what Madison sweet treats are tour-worthy? 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a…

The restaurateur behind Sultan restaurant on Williamson Street has a new cookbook out. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with Sultan Ahmed about “Zameen: Pakistani Roots, Wisconsin Soil,” which adapts his restaurant recipes for home cooks, emphasizes robust South Asian spice cookery, and centers seasonal Wisconsin sourcing while challenging colonial notions of “authenticity.” Then, Bianca talks with Madison brothers Michael and Jonathan Weerts about their interactive phone booth art installation at 209 Corry Street. It is a public tribute to their late brother Nick that plays randomized audio memories and invites community submissions. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free…

This week, the Cap Times is hosting its first Photojournalism Summit as part of its 10th annual Idea Fest. City Cast Host Bianca Martin is talking with the minds behind it, Cap Times photo director Ruthie Hauge and reporter Enjoyiana Nururdin. They dig into the state of photojournalism and the importance of empowering Black journalists. You can still buy tickets. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

With six weeks left until the November 3rd election, it’s time to get in the know about the constitutional amendments you will be asked to vote on. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin tags City Cast Madison Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Starting Block Madison founder Scott Resnick to unpack what the amendments actually mean and who supports them. Plus, how worried should we be about the economic impact of low turnout at Badger football games? And meet Madison’s fantastic (and plastic) new IT girl: American Girl’s Daisy Davenport. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to…

We might be months away from Thanksgiving, but Madison’s turkeys are gobbling all around town. They’re snacking on fallen acorns and unsuspecting bird feeders. Host Bianca Martin chats with UW-Madison Wildlife Ecology Professor David Drake about why turkeys thrive in Madison these days and why that wasn’t always the case. This episode originally published on Nov. 21, 2023 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Would Madison be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343 Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Attorneys for the City of Madison are threatening to have the Social Justice Center declared a public nuisance in court. They say police have been called to the Willy Street location more than 300 times since January 2025. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with creative producers Rob Thomas and Jade Iseri-Ramos about the nuanced situation. The team also talks about a proposal to increase the juror day-rate in Dane County and two new businesses coming to Monroe Street and Willy Street. Plus, in our Neighbor-exclusive segment,we get heated about local ice cream news. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast…

Have you ever wondered about the history of sausage in Wisconsin? Jesse Brookstein has. In his new book, Best of the Wurst: Weird and Wonderful Stories of Wisconsin Sausage, Brookstein explores the expansive love for Wisconsin sausages, from tailgate brats to Oscar Mayer wieners. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with Brookstein about the meat of his book. In the second half of the episode, Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians breaks down the must-knows of the upcoming Sugar River Fire & Smoke BBQ Festival. It’s a meaty episode! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors…

The owners of Forward Football Club and Rally Madison are looking to make some big changes to Breese Stevens Field. Big Top Events also operates the city-owned venue which just celebrated its 100th birthday. Their proposed changes would make the venue more appealing to touring musicians and a future women’s professional soccer team. Host Bianca Martin talks with Rob Chappell, executive editor at Madison365 and host of the 608 Soccer Show, about these changes. Rob also gives us an update on the current Forward FC season. Spoiler alert: the Flamingos are good this year! Plus we continue the conversation about generative AI with Ross Dahlke, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City…

This October marks the 25th year of the YWCA Madison Racial Justice Summit. Ahead of the two-day conference, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Libby Tucci, YWCA’s Learning and Movement Building Director, about making space for hard conversations and centering grief, joy and rest while dismantling systemic racism. Then, Bianca talks with keynote speaker Kazu Haga, trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice. They discuss “fierce vulnerability” and internal healing for sustainable movements. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City…

Wisconsin is set to receive at least $219 million from Meta as part of a multi-state settlement over allegations the social media company harmed kids. On today’s episode, host Bianca Martin interviews Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, who says at least half of the funds will go to support youth mental health and that Meta must also put in place safety features for minors on their apps. Kaul also discusses a $10 million PFAS settlement and explains the Department of Justice’s process for investigating fatal officer-involved shootings, like the Corey Ruiz case. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison…

It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Madison, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has continued to experience record-breaking heat in recent years, essentially forcing it to lead the charge in protecting residents from increasingly rising temperatures. City Cast Las Vegas host Jesse Merrick talks with David about the bold moves of Nevada’s lawmakers, like mandating heat mitigation and giving away trees, and how some time-tested strategies still need to be tweaked as rising global temperatures present new problems every day. Mentioned on the show: Europe’s 10,000 recorded deaths during June 2026 heatwave Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The controversy over an AI-driven sculpture coming to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art continues: in an open letter with hundreds of signatures, artist Noah Peterson urges MMoCA to reconsider its display of “Diffuse Control.” We heard from MMoCA director Paul Baker Prindle earlier this week, and today Peterson joins the show to explain his perspective and motivation for writing the letter. Later, executive producer Hayley Sperling, creative producer Rob Thomas, and contributor Emily Winter break down City Council’s rejection of a $100,000 relief fund for roughly 30 Willy Street-area businesses and a proposed capital budget that includes funding for police body cameras. Plus, why have UW–Madison applications surged? And exclusively for City Cast Madison Neighbors, take a tour of this $5.2 million Capitol Square penthouse. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your…

IRONMAN Wisconsin⁠ is coming to Madison this weekend. Expect closed streets and super fit Madison visitors! For those of us who aren’t triathletes, the feat might seem impossible. But maybe with the right mindset, we could all become IRONMAN finishers? Host Bianca Martin talks with Larry Shapiro, former UW-Madison philosophy professor, IRONMAN Wisconsin finisher, and author of Zen and the Art of Running about what it takes to finish the race. This episode was originally published on Sept. 3, 2025. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out…

A new United Nations report says global warming has hit the point of no return and is set to consistently exceed the 1.5°C benchmark set with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. On today’s episode, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Wisconsin State Climatologist Steve Vavrus about 2026’s wild weather, upcoming El Niño impacts, and the likelihood of future severe storms. On the positive side, Vavrus highlights adaptation work through the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts and the state climatology office. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on…

An upcoming art installation at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has sparked some controversy due to its use of AI. On today’s podcast episode, MMoCA Director Paul Baker Prindle joins host Bianca Martin to discuss the nature of the piece and the role of contemporary art museums in the present moment. Then, Bianca talks with Chazen Art Museum Chief Curator Katherine Alcauskas about newly-open exhibits at the Museum and what museum visitors can expect when the Chazen reopens its collection galleries later this fall. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City…

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Madison? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, the Madison Finance Committee voted unanimously to deny additional funding for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. The office sought $28,500 to pay for additional staffing and operational costs. At the same meeting, the committee approved giving $100,000 to the Williamson Street Business Stabilization Program. Meanwhile, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is facing community pushback over a new exhibit that uses generative AI. Plus, good news for snow birds! The Dane County Regional Airport is bringing back seasonal flights to warm destinations for the fall and winter. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down these big stories and for Neighbors’ ears only, the fates of thousands of parking tickets are unverified. WHAT?! Mentioned on the show: Our interview with City Council President Sabrina Madison [🎧 City Cast Madison] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on…

Madison’s first Halal Restaurant Week starts Friday, and eight local restaurants are adapting their menus to be more inclusive of Muslim diners. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down the offerings with host Bianca Martin and local comedian Emily Winter. Plus, Wisconsin is projected to have a budget surplus of about three billion dollars. The team imagines what they would do with those excess funds. And finally, why did WalletHub rank Madison the 11th best city to retire in? Hint, it’s not the cost of living! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast…