City Cast Madison

Now we’re not gatekeeping the title of “Madisonian,” but we want to know — what makes a Madison resident a Madisonian? If you’ve lived here your whole life like our special guest, you’ve got the street cred, but for the transplants, we’re asking when do you know that it’s real? Host Bianca Martin chats about iconic Madison experiences with executive producer Hayley Sperling and WORT host and MMSD school board member Ali Muldrow. 👋 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.

Today, the May Day 2026: Day Without Immigrants demonstration is expected to draw thousands to the Capitol, including many Madison area teachers and students. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the planned protest. Plus, a big update on the Ridglan Farms beagles and possible layoffs at UW Extension. And exclusive for City Cast Madison Neighbors, the team is breaking down the new paid parking rules for Madison’s near east side. Mentioned on the show: Our interview with Centro Hispano executive director Karen Menéndez Coller [🎧City Cast Madison] Help DCHS rehome Ridglan Farm beagles [Dane County Humane Society] 👋 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 May 1st episode: Journey Mental Health Center Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

May in Madison means tulips, UW commencement, rooftop bars, and getting outside to enjoy it all! The City Cast Madison team is here with how to take advantage of the UW-Madison campus when many students leave for the summer, plus our top picks for things to do and eat! 👋 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 April 30th episode: Journey Mental Health Center

Last year, federal lawmakers closed the so-called loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill that has allowed Wisconsin’s hemp-derived THC market to boom. Wisconsin state lawmakers failed to pass a bill to regulate these products, leaving them susceptible to the federal ban that will take place in November. To understand what’s at stake, City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling speaks with Phillip Scott, president and founder of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association, and owner of Crone Apothecary. This show originally aired on January 6, 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 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 April 29th episode: Journey Mental Health Center

There’s a new tattoo parlor opening in the former Short Stack Eatery location. And if that sentence wasn’t weird enough, get this: it’s a global franchise. It will be Cleopatra Ink’s first shop in Madison, but some people are wary of the business after allegations of shady business practices and human trafficking surfaced online. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into this story with local comedian and contributor Emily Winter and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. The trio also talk about the best lakes for dogs (and humans) and Emily’s upcoming adult show and tell event. Mentioned on the show: 🏆 Our roundup of some of Madison’s best tattoo shops 🌊 Podcast: Toxic Lakes Hurt More Than Just Madison Swimmers 👋 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 April 28th episode: Journey Mental Health Center Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

Did you know Wisconsin is home to the world's largest collection of circus artifacts? Well it is! Circus World in Baraboo is a 64-acre Wisconsin Historical Society site and it just reopened for its 2026 season! On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with Circus World attractions director Scott O’Donnell about the history and magic of the circus. Plus, O’Donnell details what folks can expect at the circus this year. Hurry hurry hurry! 🎪Want to support OUR circus? (By circus, I mean this podcast and newsletter.) Sign up to become a City Cast Madison Neighbor! Our membership campaign ended last week, BUT there is still time to help us reach our goal and get the limited edition Oxford Pennant. Become a 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 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 April 27th episode: Journey Mental Health Center

Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Madison? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism. Mentioned on the show: "Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville) "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible) 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.

Tuesday, Madison’s City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor to the Police Civilian Oversight Board for further review. Also on Tuesday, interim independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass released a 31-page memo in which she said city leadership and local media have spread false statements about her office. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about this story. Plus, we recap the escalating conflict over animal testing at Ridglan Farms, delays for the Madison Public Market, and, for Neighbors only, the proposed overhaul of San Damiano Park in Monona. 👂Want to hear what we had to say in the Neighbors-only segment? Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! If you join tuh-day, we’ll also send you a special gift! 👋 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 April 24th episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

Here in Madison, we’re blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang out and work, there’s a coffee shop waiting for you. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about their favorite spots for a caffeine fix. ☕ Have you ever wanted to buy us a coffee? Well for the price of a coffee (or two) a month, you can support the work we do here at City Cast Madison. Join this week to get all the sweet perks AND a special wool pennant! 🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. 👋 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 April 23rd episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio

Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU to chime in, and let’s just say the reactions were mixed! Y’all love the parks and lakes, but are less excited about the property taxes. Host Bianca Martin reacts to your messages with Mike Tarby, founding member of the local advocacy group Strong Towns Madison. 🩵 And hey, we are in the final days of our spring membership campaign and need your help to reach our goal! Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today. Neighbors who join this week get a special wool pendant to hang with pride! 👋 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 April 22nd episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio

What does it take to lead young people through anxious, high-stakes times? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell and Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County CEO Michael Johnson about what youth support looks like on the ground. They dig into rising anxiety and financial stress facing families, why leadership opportunities matter, and how representation has resonated with kids as Newell serves as the first Black Miss Wisconsin. Plus, they discuss the reality of the harassment experienced by Black leaders in Madison. Mentioned on the show: All White Party Michael Johnson’s Audacity to Lead 🏠Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor during our spring campaign to receive a special gift! You’ll 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? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

Oh hey der. Did you know that comedian and Wisconsin legend Charlie Berens will be performing on May 7 and 8 at the Overture? He is known for his viral comedy videos poking fun at Wisconsin and Midwestern culture. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with Berens about Midwest humor and the less funny topic of data centers. Mentioned on the show Your City Could Be Better debate on data centers 🚩 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. Plus, Join this week to snag our oxford wool pennant! 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 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 April 20th episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio

Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing? 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.

Madison was just hammered by extreme weather — flooding, high winds, hail the size of baseballs, and possibly (maybe) even a tornado?! Host Bianca Martin, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about where the city was impacted and how they weathered the storm. Plus, a big shakeup in the UW Athletics department has some concerned about what comes next for the university's struggling football program, and neighbors push back on proposed changes at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. And an exciting new bonus segment just for Neighbors: A conversation about a UW workplace rivalry that turned poisonous … literally. Mentioned on the show Stay safe in extreme weather conditions [🎧City Cast Madison] 🏠 Get access to the ad-free members-only free (and so, so much more) by becoming a City Cast Madison Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm/madison. We're in our first membership drive of the year, so if you sign up today, we'll send you a super cute wool Oxford pennant to show off your love for this city. Get yours today at membership.citycast.fm/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 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 April 17th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Madison Opera Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there’s something extra special about those neighborhood bars that foster a deep sense of community and connection with the people they serve. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to bartender and the (unofficial) Queen of Willy Street Colleen Hayes about the bars that keep us coming back time and time again. 🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. ✨ PLUS, will you be our Neighbor? In case you missed it, we JUST kicked off our spring membership campaign! Join by April 24 to get an exclusive wool felt pennant and access to 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? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Madison Opera

Longevity in the media industry is hard to come by. Longevity for a local alternative weekly is an even tougher task. But Isthmus has managed to survive and thrive for 50 years. Of course, it wasn’t without a few bumps along the way. To mark this momentous accomplishment, host Bianca Martin chats with editor Judy Davidoff and publisher Jason Joyce about Isthmus’ past, present, and future. 🎉 You can celebrate with Isthmus this weekend at the Atwood Music Hall! ✨ PLUS, today marks the start of our spring membership drive and we’ve got an exclusive felt pennant as a thank you to all who sign up by April 24. Members 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? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Madison Opera

How safe are Madison’s streets? After several high profile crashes this year, including one that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old high school student, there’s been a renewed effort to make our city’s streets safe for all who use them. The UW-Madison Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory is using data to learn more about and make Wisconsin’s streets safer. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Traffic Safety Engineer Research program manager Andrea Bill about the lab’s work and what the data tells us about Madison’s roads. 🔎 Do some digging! You can check out the TOPS Lab interactive map here. 👋 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 April 14th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Madison Opera Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

Did you know we wouldn’t have Earth Day if it wasn’t for the efforts of a Wisconsin senator? And that’s not all. The UW-Madison has been home to some of the most prolific environmentalists of the last two centuries, and the work of Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations has kept the state an environmental leader. To celebrate Earth Month and learn more about Wisconsin’s conservationist history, we’re bringing back host Bianca Martin’s interview with Curt Meine, a senior fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation. This episode originally aired on April 22, 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 our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 13th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Madison Opera

Madisonians, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are often closed when those businesses need help. That’s why Portland is considering hiring a Night Mayor. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza about what this new position would do, and if it is the answer to the pandemic’s enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and nightlife in cities everywhere. Plus, should your city be weirder? Mentioned on the show: "Can a Night Mayor Revive Downtown Portland?" (City Cast Portland) 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 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted to fire its president, Jay Rothman. The regents say this has been a long time coming, Rothman says he was shocked by the move. So what’s going on? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin digs into this story. Plus, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos has the latest on when we can expect the city’s new homeless shelter to open and newsletter editor Rob Thomas has some good news for those who love German food and drinking beer out of a glass boot. (Which is all of us.) And — for City Cast Madison Neighbors only — the team talks about why DoorDash spent millions of dollars lobbying our state legislature and what they would do if they had that much influence in the Capitol. 🍺 And we want to hear from you! We’re working on a show about the neighborhood bars that hold Madison together. What’s your favorite? Do you have a particularly fond (or foul) memory to share? 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 April 10th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.