City Cast Madison

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’s enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and nightlife in cities everywhere. Plus, should your city be weirder? Mentioned on the show: "Can a Night Mayor Revive Downtown Portland?" (City Cast Portland) 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, 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 Rob Thomas has some good news for those who love German food and drinking beer out of a glass boot. (Which is all of us.) And — for City Cast Madison Neighbors only — the team talks about why DoorDash spent millions of dollars lobbying our state legislature and what they would do if they had that much influence in the Capitol. 🍺 And we want to hear from you! We’re working on a show about the neighborhood bars that hold Madison together. What’s your favorite? Do you have a particularly fond (or foul) memory to share? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 10th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE

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 patio seating. Subscribe to the Cap Times Food & Culture newsletter to get more local food news. 🥕 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 [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 9th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras

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 [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 8th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras

Happy Election Day, Madison! We’re wrapping up our election primers today with a breakdown of the contested Madison City Council races. Plus, we have the need-to-know information for Madison rec sports this spring and summer. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and local comedian and writer Emily Winter about all of this, plus the legacy that the indie news website Tone Madison leaves behind. P.S. Which neighborhood bars do you think make Madison, well, Madison? We’re working on an upcoming episode and we want to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Mentioned on the show: Election guide [City Cast Madison] Madison School & Community Recreation sports signups Madison Area Ultimate Frisbee (MUFA) Madison Sports and Social Club 💸 Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 7th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE

Back in the 1990s, it was normal, if not expected, that big-name bands would stop in Madison. From Metallica to Bon Jovi to Reba McEntire and beyond, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center hosted them all. These days, big acts often pass over Madison in favor of Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. But the county is betting that updating the Coliseum could change that. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Alliant Energy Center executive director Kevin Scheibler about this grand plan and what it means to bring a massive $100 million private investment to a public entity. Listen to our past show on this topic with Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 6th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras

If you are a fan of the Madison's professional women's volleyball team LOVB, you already know how incredible women's sports are! While more and more people are embracing women’s sports, Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office? Mentioned on the show: The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [⁠The Denver Pos⁠t] 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.

After nearly 30 years, the City of Madison is revising its pedestrian plan to make Madison safer and more walkable. Plus, UW’s largest student organization, Wisconsin Hoofers, is getting a $2.7 million expansion. And the race for Branch 1 of the Dane County Circuit Court is in its final days. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about all this news. Plus, did you get got on April Fool’s Day? Mentioned on the show: In person absentee voting hours (City of Madison) April election guide (City Cast Madison) Interview with Judge Lazar (🎧City Cast Madison) Interview with Judge Taylor (🎧City Cast Madison) 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 3rd episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Sauced Night Market Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE

Happy April, Madison! It’s a new month, which means the City Cast Madison team is here to share our tips on how to make the most of it. The days are finally feeling longer, it’s getting greener out there, and it’s finally time for the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square! Grab your headphones and tote bags, because this month is packed with goodness. If you enjoyed today's interview with Amy Barrilleaux, Communications Director at Clean Wisconsin, learn more here. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 2nd episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Sauced Night Market

Wisconsin’s spring election is less than a week away — and that’s no April Fools joke! On April 7, voters across the state will cast their votes for candidates in local city councils, county boards, school boards, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Today, we’re once again zooming in on the supreme court race. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Judge Chris Taylor, the Madison local and liberal-leaning candidate, about why she wants a seat on our state’s highest court and the role of partisanship in this nonpartisan election. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 April 1st episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul UW-Madison Science Expedition Sauced Night Market

We’re exactly one week away from Wisconsin’s spring election. On April 7, voters across the state will vote on an array of candidates, running for offices ranging from local city councils and county boards to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Today, we’re zooming in on the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Judge Maria Lazar, the conservative-backed candidate, about why she wants a seat on our state’s highest court and the role of partisanship in this nonpartisan election. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 31st episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dane County Humane Society UW-Madison Science Expedition Sauced Night Market

Here at City Cast Madison, we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve had to pause our podcast recordings to let a F-35 fighter jet fly by. The jets are loud, there’s no question about that. But just how loud? One retired Madisonian has made it his mission to document and collect data on just how much noise these warplanes make. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Scott about his findings and how much louder Madison has gotten since the jets arrived in 2023. ✈️ Check out Scott’s website here. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. 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 March 30th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dane County Humane Society UW-Madison Science Expedition Sauced Night Market

More affordable housing is needed in places like Madison. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house? 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.

Airports across the country are struggling as TSA agents go without pay. While things remain stable at the Dane County Regional Airport, officials are bracing for a potential airport shutdown. Meanwhile, gas prices in Madison creep toward $4 per gallon. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down this news with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, what’s on your spring election ballot, and why is UW-Madison’s Space Place shutting down? Mentioned on the show: How to beat high gas prices in Madison [City Cast Madison]Kwik Trip unveils a new mascot [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] But what happened to Urge? [Facebook] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 27th episode: Dane County Humane Society

A Friday fish fry is a quintessential part of Wisconsin culture and everyone has their own takes on who does it best. But one Madison man takes his love for the iconic dish to new levels. Mike Seidel has tried and rated nearly 2,000 fish fries across the state over the years. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Mike to find out what separates a “good” fish fry from a “great” one. From the batter to the fish to the sides, Mike’s rating formula takes everything into account. Photos and reviews from Mike’s adventures can be found on Facebook and Instagram. 🥕 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 [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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. If you enjoyed today's interview with Julie Gokhman, the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Taskrabbit, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Dane County Humane Society

Spring is officially here and with it comes wild and unpredictable weather. From blizzards in March to tornado warnings, us midwesterners need to be prepared for extreme weather. Host Bianca Martin chats with Andrew Beckett, Dane County Emergency Management’s emergency communications and outreach manager about what to do when things get wet and windy in Madison. 🌪️ The National Weather Service storm spotter training is on April 22, 2026. This show originally aired on April 14, 2025. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 25th episode: Dane County Humane Society

While the UW-Madison men’s basketball team got knocked out in the first round of March Madness, the women’s hockey team brought home their 9th NCAA championship. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about Badger sports news. Plus, the names of two Madison Metro School District schools are up for reconsideration, so Bianca and Hayley offer some suggestions. And did you hear about the snowplow driver who cleared the path for the baby born during last week’s blizzard? Mentioned on the show: Meet Madison’s First Female Snow Plow Driver [City Cast Madison] Madison district monitors effect of César Chávez allegations on namesake school [Cap Times] “It Was Time”: Dolores Huerta’s First Interview After “Devastating” Cesar Chavez Expose [Latino USA] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 24th episode: Dane County Humane Society

It’s almost that time of year again! The Wisconsin Film Festival is right around the corner, bringing eight days of movie magic to screens across the city. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with the festival’s Director of Operations, Ben Reiser, about everything you need to know to have a successful fest. From standout films to ticket-buying logistics, we’ve got you covered. Now dim the lights and settle in, we’re going to the movies. 👀 Psst — we’re giving away tickets to the fest! Check out our instagram for more information. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 23rd episode: Dane County Humane Society

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Madison. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas) 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, Madison’s Office of the Independent Police Monitor released a new annual report detailing staffing issues in its office and calling for officers to wear body cameras. However, after some scrutiny about AI use, the report was taken down for further review. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the story. They also talk about the 27 animal activists who were arrested after breaking into Ridglan Farms and the removal of a marker on an Indigenous burial mound. Mentioned on the show: Effigy Mounds in Madison [City Cast Madison] Actress Alexandra Paul among animal rights activists arrested [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Our interview with police chief John Patterson [🎧City Cast Madison] An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief [ 🎧City Cast Madison] Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly? [ 🎧City Cast Madison] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 20th episode: Wisconsin Film Festival

The Baked Lab is the newest addition to a growing cohort of dessert connoisseurs in the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood. Owner Shawn Buldoc started the business in 2020 during the pandemic, but didn’t have a space to call his own until this year. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Shawn about what to expect from this new shop and how he took his passion for baking and turned it into a beloved business. 🥕 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 [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 19th episode: Wisconsin Film Festival First Church of Christ, Scientist

How many Culver’s are in Madison? What former Madison mayor is now a blogger? How well do YOU know Madison? Trivia host extraordinaire Paul Guse is back to test our knowledge of the city we call home. Play along at home as host Bianca Martin and newsletter editor Rob Thomas battle it out in a game of trivia. But no cheating! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. 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 March 18th episode: Wisconsin Film Festival First Church of Christ, Scientist

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is in the midst of celebrating its 100th season with an exciting lineup of concerts to bid farewell to longtime maestro and music director John DeMain, whose brand new memoir “Working with My Heroes” is out now. Host Bianca Martin chatted with John about the history of the orchestra and the evolution of the ensemble during his tenure. 📚 Learn more about the March 24 Book Fest event with John here. This episode originally aired Oct. 27, 2025. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison 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 March 17th episode: Wisconsin Film Festival First Church of Christ, Scientist