PODCAST · news
City Cast Madison
by City Cast
Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at madison.citycast.fm.
Episodes
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Madison
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...
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City Mulls Police Monitor Contract, County Budget Concerns, and New YMCA Breaks Ground
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…
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How a Former Badger Changed Cinema
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...
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Madison Halloween Lore, a Decade of Wurk, and Another Brewers Win
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...
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An Insider’s Guide to Madison’s Writing and Literary Scene. Plus, Books Every Madisonian Needs
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...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Madison
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...
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Police Monitor Drama, More Parents Say No to Laptops, and Little Free DVD Library
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...
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Madison Restaurant News, Wage Gap for Latina Workers, and Nobel Prize Winner at UW
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...
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How the State Is Failing Disabled Wisconsinites
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…
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Alders’ Group Chat Raises Eyebrows, Young Blood Taps Out at Northstreet, and Go Brewers!
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…
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Madison’s Newest Alt Publication. Plus, Will Body Cams Prevent Police Violence?
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…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By 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...
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Proposed Data Center Plan, Alleged Frat Hazing, and Mayoral Race Update
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…
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New Cafe Coming to Monroe Street and a Week Without Driving in Madison
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…
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Your Guide to October 2026 in Madison
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....
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UW Homecoming 101, Plus Tailgate Like a Badger
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,...
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How Much Do You Need To Make To Live in Madison?
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...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Madison
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...
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Madison Police Updates, Power Line Pushback, and New Library Opens
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,...
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A Pakistani-Midwest Cookbook and a Phone Booth Memorial on Madison’s East Side
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...
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An Insider’s Guide to the First Cap Times Photojournalism Summit
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...
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Where Are the Badger Fans? Who Is Daisy Davenport? And What Referendums Are on the Ballot?
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...
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Why Turkeys Love Living in Madison
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…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Madison
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…
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Social Justice Center v. City, Juror Pay and Madison Restaurant News
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...
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Where’s the Meat? Sausage History and Local Barbecues
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,...
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How AI Is Changing Madison, Plus Updates from Breese Stevens Field
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...
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Inside YWCA Madison’s 2026 Racial Justice Summit
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…
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WI Attorney General on Meta Payout, PFAS Settlement, and Ruiz Investigation
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…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By 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...
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AI Art Letter Explained, City Council Rejects Relief Fund, and Badger Applications Double
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…
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Train Your Mind To Be IRONMAN Strong
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,...
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State Climatologist on Wisconsin's Wild Weather & Climate Change
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…
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MMoCA Director on AI Art, and New Exhibits at Remodeled Chazen
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…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Madison
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…
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AI Art Sparks Backlash, Finance Committee Rejects More Police Monitor Funding, and New MSN Direct Flights
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...
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Halal Week, How To Spend $3 Billion, and Retiring in Madison
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…
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Local Alzheimer's Research, Fate of Wisconsin THC, Badger Freshman Must-Knows
Genes are just one factor in your odds for developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study from the Center for Health Disparities Research at UW–Madison explores the environmental and societal factors behind the disease. It’s a mission that is supported by a $30.9 million grant from the National…
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Your Guide to September 2026 in Madison
September is here! This month will be full of bountiful harvests, neighborhood festivals, and “Is it fall yet?” vibes. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas share their picks for things to do and eat this month. Plus, they talk about how to get...
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City Council President Talks Ruiz, Men’s Shelter, Budget, and Beyond
The news has been nonstop for Madison recently. Today, Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison talks to host Bianca Martin about the biggest stories in the city right now — from new updates on the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz to the opening of the new men’s shelter and the upcoming...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Madison
The Madison airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself…
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Mayoral Race Heats Up, Dolly Parton's Legacy, and City Leaders' Encampment Response
The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she’s gone, kids in Dane and Sauk Counties will still get their free book each month from “Aunt Dolly” thanks to a partnership between Madison Reading Project and the Dolly…
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Hot Dog Wars, Papavero Turns 20, and begonia. Arrives on Monroe
The new restaurant begonia. opens its doors to the public on Friday. But Monroe Street diners might already be familiar with the team behind begonia. Sara Anderson and her son-in-law, Chef Christopher Lund were also the team behind the now-closed Kettle Black Kitchen. Chris joins the show to...
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Cinematheque Fall Season, Madison Movie Roundup, and Our Recent Faves
Did you know City Cast Madison’s Rob Thomas writes about movies on his Substack newsletter? Over on Not That Rob Thomas, Rob writes about new theatrical releases, movies currently streaming, and niche local screenings. The UW Cinematheque’s fall lineup, which begins Thursday, Aug. 27, falls into...
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The Sterling Hall Bombing Rocked Madison
On Aug. 24, 1970, UW-Madison’s Sterling Hall was bombed in protest of the Vietnam War. The explosion killed a physics researcher, injured others, and caused millions of dollars of damages. Three of the four alleged bombers served prison sentences, while the fourth, Leo Burt, has never been seen...
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Go With the Flow: Downtown Traffic and Period Products
Do you want to help shape the future of streets downtown? District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz is hosting a public meeting Tuesday to gather input on traffic safety as part of the Downtown Area Plan. Ahead of the meeting, Will joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to discuss…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Madison
How often are you out in nature in Madison? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It’s true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned…
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Goodman Foundation Runs Dry, Fitchburg Looks for Flock Alternatives, and Will UW Freeze Tuition?
After donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month. The charitable organization provided funding for community resources like the Goodman Community Center and Goodman Pool. Meanwhile, Fitchburg Police Department...
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Ukraine Fest, Queer Dance Floors, and a Trip to the Public Market
Madison’s fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. are awaiting a decision by the Trump administration on whether or not to extend their Temporary Protected Status. Host Bianca Martin and...
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Track F-35 Noise in Real Time
Have you been hearing F-35 jets flying overhead late into the night? For the last two weeks, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been conducting night training. Many of us in the flight path have been experiencing the booming jet noise as late as 10:30 p.m. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at madison.citycast.fm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does City Cast Madison have?
City Cast Madison currently has 975 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is City Cast Madison about?
Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a...
How often does City Cast Madison release new episodes?
City Cast Madison releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 975 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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You can listen to City Cast Madison on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts City Cast Madison?
City Cast Madison is created and hosted by City Cast.
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