City Cast Madison

Supper clubs and Wisconsin go together like fried walleye and beer. It’s a classic pairing, and for good reason. Whether you’re new to Madison, or just want to be reminded of the best spots to get French onion soup and a brandy old fashioned, we’ve got you covered. Host Bianca Martin chats with former Madison Magazine editor-in-chief Andrea Behling about the magazine’s definitive list on what make...

Have you ever wondered about all those sporty folks who gather to throw frisbees on fields across Madison? They are probably ultimate players, and they likely play for MUFA. The Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association boasts thousands of members who play all year round. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with MUFA executive director Pete Schramm about what is arguably Madison’...

Did you know that nearly a million birds flew over Madison last night? Warblers, orioles, thrushes, and so many more bird species are migrating through our region right now, and many stop in Madison to refuel and rest. Plus, our cranes and waterfowl are coming back home for the season. This means now is a great time to get out and look and listen for the birds! To celebrate peak migratory bird sea...

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...

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 Ma...

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!...

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...

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 c...

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...

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 th...

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 fals...

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...

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....

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 resonat...

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 center...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 c...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

From Ba Lao to Friends Applaud, there are so many new restaurants in the Madison area to check out this spring. In her recent Cap Times cover story, food and culture editor Lindsay Christians laid out what food and drink spots have newly opened and which are yet to come. Executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with Lindsay about what new restaurants you should check out, including which ones have...

Last night’s election results are in! More than 50% of registered voters in Dane County turned out to the polls, and it was a good night for most area incumbents. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling are here to break down the winners and losers of Tuesday’s 2026 spring election.  👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@cityc...