City Cast Madison
by City Cast
Latest episode
Police Oversight Power Struggle, Axon vs Flock, and Act 10 in…
Police Oversight Power Struggle, Axon vs Flock, and Act 10 in…
About this podcast
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. 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
The newest 50 of 998 episodes
- Police Oversight Power Struggle, Axon vs Flock, and Act 10 in Crosshairs · 32 min👻 It’s Friday the 13th and the City Cast Madison team is here to round up the potentially freaky news of the week. Creative Producers Rob Thomas and Jade Iseri-Ramos are joined…
- Survive the Cold with Rest, Reflection, and a Cup of Heavy Metal · 34 minIt’s Thursday and that means we’re checking out Madison’s food and drink scene. Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos is joined by the food doula herself, Madison Public Library’s…
- Armistice vs. Veterans Day, Crane Crazy, and Don’t Pet the Bobcat · 36 minWisconsin is the only state that doesn’t observe Veterans Day, what’s up with that? On today’s episode, creative producer Rob Thomas is joined by executive producer Hayley…
- Winter is Coming. Can Saunas, Theater, and Holiday Parties Save Us? · 45 minIt’s sauna season and there’s a new spot on the shores of Lake Wingra just in time. Executive Producer Hayley Sperling has all the details on Madison Saunas including the biggie…
- How New Maps Turned Wisconsin Blue, and Our Unofficial Madison Rules · 38 minWisconsin Democrats are set to take control of the governor’s office, state Assembly and the Senate for the first time in 16 years. So just how much did the state’s newly redrawn…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Madison · 23 minIt’s fall in Madison, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government is realizing that rising temperatures…
- UW Investigates Frat Drugging, Coyote Watch, and Restaurant Shakeups · 31 minUW-Madison is investigating reports of non-consensual drugging at an off-campus fraternity. Officials are asking for any additional victims to come forward. City Cast Madison…
- The Secret To Brunch in Madison · 34 minFood is everyday, but brunch is an event. Lucky for us, Madison is full of delicious breakfast menus and brunch cocktails to enjoy. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling…
- Wisconsin Voters Flip Legislature and Elect First Black Governor · 29 minWisconsin voters have sounded off and officially elected a Democratic majority to the Legislature, including the state’s first Black governor ever in David Crowley. Meanwhile…
- It’s Election Day! Plus, UW Hazing Update and Pumpkin Disposal Tips · 29 minIt's Election Day! Contributors Emily Winter and Scott Resnick are joining executive producer Hayley Sperling to recap the candidates and amendments on the ballot, what you need…
- The Mayor Talks Threats, Police Accountability, and Dropping Out of the Race · 36 minA 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? — Presented By City Cast Madison · 25 minWhen 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…
- Your Guide to November 2026 in Madison · 37 minFor 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…
- Madison’s Newest Grocery Store, Hmong New Year, and Forward Madison Makes the Playoffs · 40 minIt'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…
- Wisconsin Youth Take Climate Battle To State Supreme Court · 36 minLast 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…
- What To Know About Nov. 3 Election, Plus 90s Nostalgia Is Strong in Madison · 38 minIt’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…
- Mayor Drops Out of Race, Madison’s Real Life Shop of Horrors, and What To Do This Halloween · 38 minWith 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Madison · 23 minHow 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…
- Council Fires Police Monitor, a Train Is Coming, and Get Ready To Vote · 34 minThis 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…
- Madison’s Best New Restaurants of Fall 2026 · 25 minAn 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…
- National Geographic Says Visit Madison. Plus What Is in Store for Midwest Vintage Flea · 37 minOur 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…
- A Peek Inside Madison’s Jaw-Dropping Concert Organ, Plus What's on Deck For MSO · 30 minMadison’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…
- Wisconsin Needs Solutions To Support Black Pregnancies · 39 minBlack 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Madison · 26 minHow 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…
- City Mulls Police Monitor Contract, County Budget Concerns, and New YMCA Breaks Ground · 29 minThe 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…
- How a Former Badger Changed Cinema · 31 minDid 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…
- Madison Halloween Lore, a Decade of Wurk, and Another Brewers Win · 36 minFor 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…
- An Insider’s Guide to Madison’s Writing and Literary Scene. Plus, Books Every Madisonian Needs · 36 minThe 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Madison · 24 minAnother 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…
- Police Monitor Drama, More Parents Say No to Laptops, and Little Free DVD Library · 40 minThis 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…
- Madison Restaurant News, Wage Gap for Latina Workers, and Nobel Prize Winner at UW · 39 minToday 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…
- How the State Is Failing Disabled Wisconsinites · 38 minMore 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…
- Alders’ Group Chat Raises Eyebrows, Young Blood Taps Out at Northstreet, and Go Brewers! · 43 minWhy 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…
- Madison’s Newest Alt Publication. Plus, Will Body Cams Prevent Police Violence? · 37 minThe 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Madison · 24 minWhen 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…
- Proposed Data Center Plan, Alleged Frat Hazing, and Mayoral Race Update · 36 minWhat 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…
- New Cafe Coming to Monroe Street and a Week Without Driving in Madison · 40 minA 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…
- Your Guide to October 2026 in Madison · 36 minBoo! 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…
- UW Homecoming 101, Plus Tailgate Like a Badger · 40 minThe 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…
- How Much Do You Need To Make To Live in Madison? · 40 minHow 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Madison · 20 minWhat’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…
- Madison Police Updates, Power Line Pushback, and New Library Opens · 32 minThis 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…
- A Pakistani-Midwest Cookbook and a Phone Booth Memorial on Madison’s East Side · 39 minThe 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…
- An Insider’s Guide to the First Cap Times Photojournalism Summit · 37 minThis 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…
- Where Are the Badger Fans? Who Is Daisy Davenport? And What Referendums Are on the Ballot? · 34 minWith 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…
- Why Turkeys Love Living in Madison · 21 minWe 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…
- ‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Madison · 29 minWould 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…
- Social Justice Center v. City, Juror Pay and Madison Restaurant News · 32 minAttorneys 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…
- Where’s the Meat? Sausage History and Local Barbecues · 35 minHave 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…
- How AI Is Changing Madison, Plus Updates from Breese Stevens Field · 42 minThe 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…
