City Cast Madison

There’s a lot going on in Madison this summer. But not Mad Lit. The popular concert series that has brought thousands to State Street each summer is dark in 2026 due to funding issues. Hip-hop artist Rob Dz and Urban Community Arts Network Co-President Karen Reece come on the podcast to talk about the future of Mad Lit. Plus, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling talk about the...

The 25th anniversary of Opera in the Park is happening Saturday, July 18 in Garner Park. The free concert will include an extensive repertoire, the fan favorite glowstick number, and a picnic contest on Instagram! Ahead of the big day host Bianca Martin chats with Kathryn Smith, general director of the Madison Opera. Then Bianca and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down all the events happening thi...

The state program that continued pandemic-era state subsidies to child care providers ended last week. Where does that leave Wisconsin families and their daycares? Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling break down the difficult decisions facing parents and providers. Plus, UWPD recently announced they are not renewing their contract with the controversial surveillance company Fl...

The primary election for the next Wisconsin governor is just five weeks away! Host Bianca Martin continues our election coverage with our first gubernatorial candidate interview. Wisconsin State Sen. Kelda Roys joins Bianca to explain what sets her apart from her opponents and her priorities for Wisconsin. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@...

Things are heating up at the Duck Pond this summer! The Madison Mallards have clinched the Great Lakes West first-half title, and the Madison Night Mares have a 17-1 record! Executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos dish about what’s happening at the Duck Pond, including the wildest upcoming game promotions. (Come get your “Wiener Wallet”?) Then, we revisit host Bianca Marti...

See if your Madison knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of qu...

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on birthright citizenship, the legality of bans on transgender athletes, and limits to campaign finance. City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos breaks down what these decisions mean for Wisconsinites. Then, executive producer Hayley Sperling lays out what we know about the recent ICE activity in Wisconsin. And on a lighter note, newsletter editor Rob Th...

It’s hot and humid, and we’re looking for ways to beat the heat this July! The City Cast Madison team is kicking off the month with our top picks from summer festivals to berry picking and the AC/DC concert at Camp Randall. Plus, one of our Neighbors shares their favorite ice cream spots! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re...

Madison is under an extreme heat warning this week, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. City Cast Madison executive producer Haley Sperling and Newsletter Editor Rob Thomas share safety reminders and cooling tips, from staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity to reversing ceiling fans, covering windows, and using air-conditioned public spaces like librar...

Last week, the Ho-Chunk Nation gifted Dane County Parks a hand-carved dugout canoe. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bill Quackenbush crafted the vessel himself from a cottonwood tree that was removed from McDaniel Park for construction of the Lower Yahara River Trail. On today’s show, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos talks about the significance of this gift with host Bianca Martin, who also details...

Just how good are the sidewalks in Madison? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast h...

This week, the Madison School Board approved a district-wide cell phone policy. Under the new rules, phones are banned all day for grades K–8 and only allowed at lunch for high schoolers. Host Bianca Martin breaks down that news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, allergy season is bad, blue-green algae is blooming, and women athletes are making Madison pro...

Earlier this year, Pabst Brewing Company announced an indefinite hiatus of Schlitz beer. However, Verona-based Wisconsin Brewing Company brewed a limited quantity of the beer that made Milwaukee famous and is throwing a party on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with Wisconsin Brewing Company brewmaster Kirby Nelson to talk about the special brew and wh...

In the latest on the race for Wisconsin governor, democratic candidate Missy Hughes dropped out of the primary Monday and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat amid a broader team shakeup. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and local writer-comedian Emily Winter chat about these big news stories. Plus, Em...

The Madison school board is looking to increase property taxes by 8.5% for the upcoming school year. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin chats with Scott Resnick, a local entrepreneur and former Madison City Council member, about the roughly $700 million MMSD budget, what it will pay for, and how it will impact tax payers. Then, we preview the line up for Concerts on the Square which starts this...

There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less than two months away, the race is heating up. To get a better understanding of the state of the race, host Bianca Martin chats with Dan Shafer, a longtime Wisconsin journalist and founder of The Recombobulation Area. Then, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos joins the show...

There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich with ice cream and custard. But who does it best? We decided to grab some spoons and have a showdown between several local pints to determine our top pick. This episode originally aired on June 5, 2025. 🍦 Speaking of ranking, don’t forget to vote for us in Madison...

Richard Lee Johnson died on Dec. 31, 2024, after being arrested the previous night. A new ⁠report ⁠by the Office of the Independent Police Monitor found the arresting officers caused Johnson’s death through prone restraint, excessive force, and failure to render aid. But Madison Police Chief John Patterson ⁠disputes the report⁠. Madison365 executive editor Rob Chappell has been ⁠reporting on the s...

After months of public input, Regent Street is getting a major redesign which will include wider sidewalks, fewer driving lanes, added parking and loading lanes, and more trees. To some folks’ dismay, though, it will not include dedicated bike lanes. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks about the plan with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Liz Boyd. In addition to being Madison Public L...

The new Center for Black Excellence and Culture has officially opened! City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with founder Rev. Dr. Alex Gee at the center to talk about everything it took to open the doors and what comes next. The 37,000-square-foot space features auditoriums, lounges, a children’s library, senior area, women’s center, art gallery, innovation and business workspaces, and m...

Do you know how many parks Madison has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The r...

This week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fuel costs. She also called for state-level reform to lessen the financial burden on Madison taxpayers. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks about this news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Angela Russell, creator of the Black Oxygen podcast and foun...

Chef Patrick O’Halloran has been cooking for Madison for decades, and his latest business, The Deliciouser, blends spices, classes, and global cuisine. O’Halloran was just named Madison Magazine's Chef of the Year, and executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with him  about how the spice lab and the restaurant go hand in hand. Plus, Emily Tucker, host of WORT-FM’s Stuff Yer Face, explains what is...

It’s Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again for his final time earlier this month. Madison and Dane County officials also raised a pride flag at the City-County Building. While these are symbols of support, we are curious about the actual day-to-day experience of LGBTQIA+ Madisonians. Host Bianca Martin talk...

We start today’s show remembering and mourning community leader Michael Johnson. Host Bianca Martin reflects with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians. Plus, Lindsay tells us about her recent investigative piece about artists’ challenges with Madison Public Art Project. And the Madison Public Market will be open on Wednesdays! Mentioned on the...