City Cast Madison

A lot of cities, including Madison, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works. 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.

Happy Friday, Madison! It’s time to round up the news of the week. The City Cast Madison team is digging into happenings at the statehouse, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’s announcement that he won’t seek reelection and the partisan battle over school funding. Plus, after winning the gold in Milan, Badger women’s hockey players have found themselves entangled in a controversy with the president. Also, nominate us for Best of Madison! (Please <3) ICYMI: Host Bianca Martin talked data centers with City Cast CEO David Plotz on a recent episode of Your City Could Be Better. Check it out. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 27th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society

Summer in Madison is always sweet, but this year we have even more to look forward to as “Top Chef” star and Ho-Chunk chef Elena Terry’s new restaurant, Tall Grass, will *hopefully* open at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art just in time for the Art Fair in the Square. Host Bianca Martin spoke with Terry on the podcast to talk about what to expect from the menu, why she chose to open a restaurant in MMOCA, and how she plans on serving both her customers and her community. 🥕 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 26th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit

Measles has returned to the United States. Two cases of exposure to the highly infectious virus were reported in Madison earlier this month. Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to remind us how the virus spreads, who’s most vulnerable, and how to combat misinformation around vaccines. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR’s “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in September 2025. His new podcast is “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster.” Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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.

The Wisconsin Historical Society is safeguarding the stories of being Black in Madison by including the SoulFolk Collective’s oral history collection in its archive. The collective is a research lab in UW-Madison’s Department of African American Studies that does research projects centering the Black experience , including mapping Black-affirming spaces in the city. . To learn more, host Bianca Martin speaks with Dr. Jessica Stovall and Angela Fitzgerald about the Black Madison Archive and what is next for the collective. Shout out that the collection is at WI historical society! This episode originally aired September 16, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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.

Madison’s Common Council is composed of 20 part-time alders. But should it be? Recently, the conversation over the size and makeup of our city council has been revived and residents have varying thoughts on the matter. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into the arguments for and against a smaller council with City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, we hear what you have to say about the idea! 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 23rd episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit

More data centers are popping up across the country — but not in Madison. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin about the pros and cons of data centers, why the city instituted a one-year moratorium on new data center construction, and the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, city survival tips in Madison and DC. We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode. 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, 13% of registered voters in Dane County cast their ballots in the spring primary election, and the City Cast Madison team is here with the results. Plus, local officials to work together to address safety issues on South Park Street following a fatal crash. Host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas to talk about the news of the week, including the closing of Porta Bella and the opening of Baked Lab. Mentioned on the show: Closed restaurants that we loved [City Cast Madison]I'mProv ==> You'reProv Show [Big Honey] Your City Could Be Better podcast [City Cast] 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 20th episode: FairShare CSA Coalition

It’s allegedly the most important meal of the day: breakfast. (Or on weekends, brunch.) And Madison has an abundance of great places to grab a quick bite or settle in for the long haul. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians about the best spots around town to get breakfast and brunch. Dig in! 🥕 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 19th episode: FairShare CSA Coalition

Community care has always been a pillar of a functioning society. But what does community care actually look like? According to Angela Russell, host of the local award-winning podcast Black Oxygen, community care can take on countless forms. Whether it's leaning on a neighbor in a time of need, volunteering with a local organization , or even just hosting a group chat among friends. The latest season of Black Oxygen centers on the topic of community care. And today, host Bianca Martin caught up with Russell to talk about the new season of the podcast and the role that community care has historically played in civil rights 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 18th episode: FairShare CSA Coalition

On Jan. 30, thousands of people rallied downtown in a show of protest against federal immigration enforcement. Dozens of businesses in town shut down in solidarity, and others stayed open to act as community hubs, donating partial profits to nonprofit organizations that work with immigrant communities. The City Cast Madison team went to the protest to talk to folks on the street about what brought them out in the frigid cold. Today on the podcast, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling reflect on these conversations and the role that protesting plays in 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 17th episode: FairShare CSA Coalition

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Madisonians’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms. We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities. 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.

Unmarked Madison Police Department vehicles now have a placard in the windshield identifying them as MPD cars. This is in response to residents inquiring about how they can tell the difference between MPD cars and those belonging to ICE. Meanwhile, a company that owns a hundred Wisconsin Burger King restaurants has been accused of more than 1,600 child labor law violations by the state’s Department of Workforce Development. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down this week’s news with producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. Plus, do you need Valentine’s Day plans? We’ve got you covered. Mentioned on the show: Fundraiser for Noel Quintana, owner of the Señor Machetes [Facebook]Anti-Valentine's Day celebrations [City Cast Madison] Bad Bunny teams up with UW-Madison professor [Tone Madison] Check out our new City Cast podcast "Your City Could Be Better" on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's inaugural episode features the host of City Cast Twin Cities talking about how Minneapolis and St. Paul mobilized so quickly and broadly against the months-long ICE operation there. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 13th episode: Madison Opera FairShare CSA Coalition

In Dane County, we have a thriving farmers market scene. We have local co-ops and community gardens. We boast about our farm-to-table restaurants. And we also have food insecurity rates as high as 15%. Parts of our food system appear to be running well, but when you dig below the surface, there are issues preventing it from being equitable and resilient. REAP Food Group, in collaboration with a number of local stakeholders, is trying to get to the root of the problems with the Dane County Food Action Plan. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with REAP Food Group interim executive director Noah Bloedorn about what is currently threatening the food system, and how it can be fixed. 🥕 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 12th episode: Madison Opera FairShare CSA Coalition

Whether you’re single, taken, or it’s complicated, Madison is touted as a great place to date in nation-wide surveys. But what does WalletHub really know about our dating scene? We hit up our favorite first date spots to get Madison’s honest takes on the dating scene. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling play the tape and share their own dating woes. This show originally aired Feb. 10, 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 11th episode: Madison Opera FairShare CSA Coalition

This week, Madison Opera will present its first world-premiere show in more than 30 years. “Everlasting Faint” is a true-crime ghost story opera with music by Madison composer Scott Gendel and libretto by Sandra Flores-Strand. To get up to speed for this momentous event, host Bianca Martin spoke with Scott and Madison Opera's General Director Kathryn Smith about the new show and the do’s and don’ts for opera newbies. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 10th episode: Madison Opera FairShare CSA Coalition

Remember last summer when our sky filled with wildfire smoke and air quality warnings forced Wisconsinites inside for days? Our changing climate impacts us all, but perhaps none more so than children. A group of 15 young people from across Wisconsin are suing the state, alleging legislative and Public Service Commission leaders failed to adequately protect them from climate change. Today, 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. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 9th episode: Madison Opera FairShare CSA Coalition

A confirmed case of measles has been reported on the UW-Madison campus, the DeForest Village Board voted against annexing land for a proposed QTS data center, and WisconsinEye returns. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down the biggest stories of the week. Plus, want to watch the Super Bowl in Madison? We have you covered. 🗳️ And don’t forget to nominate us for Best of Madison! Enter City Cast Madison in the Local Podcast and Local News Website categories. Mentioned on the show: MMSD free MSR vaccination event [WMTV 15] Possible measles exposure locations [DHS]Statewide data center day of action [Party for Socialism and Liberation - 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 6th episode: Wonder Palette Camp Madison Opera Clean Lakes Alliance

Public Parking, a cocktail bar on Madison’s east side, is getting national recognition once again! They were recently named on the James Beard Awards long list for Best New Bar. But the team at Public Parking is familiar with the spotlight – last year they were featured as one of 9 Best News Bars of 2025 in Bon Appétit and received other regional recognition. Host Bianca Martin has been a fan since they opened and she chats with co-owner JR Mocanu about the secret behind their early success. 🥕 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 4th episode: Wonder Palette Camp Madison Opera Clean Lakes Alliance

Madison doesn’t have a deal with surveillance technology company Flock Safety. But that doesn’t mean surveillance isn’t a concern in our city. There are dozens of Flock cameras installed around Dane County and yes, even some in Madison. So what’s the deal here? Today, host Bianca Martin speaks with ACLU Wisconsin policy analyst Jon McCray Jones about Flock usage (and misuse) by law enforcement, and what folks can do to protect their privacy. Mentioned on the show Police Surveillance is Ripe for Abuse [ACLU WI] Analysis of Flock use by Wisconsin cops reveals trends, raises questions [Wisconsin Examiner] Find Flock cameras in your area [Deflock] 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 4th episode: Wonder Palette Camp Madison Opera Clean Lakes Alliance