City Cast Madison

Madison’s Office of the Independent Monitor is meant to be a check on the Madison Police Department, receiving complaints and feedback, making data-based recommendations, and upholding transparency and accountability. But what happens when the office’s own transparency practices are brought into question? Back in May, reporters requested records for communications between the monitor’s office and the Madison Police Department. There was no response.. After Isthmus reporter Liam Beran wrote a story about the records on Aug. 28, the office finally released the records. Today, Beran talks to host Bianca Martin about the months-long saga and what comes next for the office. Mentioned on the show: An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief [ 🎧City Cast Madison] Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly? [ 🎧City Cast Madison] Why Madison’s Police Oversight Agencies Are the Most Empowered in the Country [ 🎧City Cast Madison] 2025 Office of the Independent Monitor Annual Report 👋 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 September 9th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code MADISON Wisco Home Goods Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

Multiple stories involving Madison’s unhoused population have made headlines in recent weeks — from money questions about the upcoming permanent men’s shelter, to disturbances at the Social Justice Center, to whether or not funding will continue for the first city-sanctioned encampment at Dairy Drive. There’s a lot to take in. To dig into these stories and the complex causes and solutions surrounding them, we spoke with Brenda Konkel, longtime advocate and executive director of Madison Street Medicine. 👋 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 September 8th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code MADISON Wisco Home Goods Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

We’re coming to you this week with a theme for the Friday news roundup: infrastructure! The mayor put forth her 2026 Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Madison has an abundance of empty office buildings. And Willy Street is testing a change to rush hour lanes. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas round up this week’s news. Mentioned on the show: What it takes to run an IRONMAN [City Cast Madison]Road closure for IRONMAN [City of Madison ] UW-Madison opens Morgbridge Hall for computer science studies [Wisconsin State Journal] 👋 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 September 5th episode: Dane County Humane Society RayGun Water Lantern Festival

Sure, the coffee at JavaAbilities is great (it’s Madison-based Rusty Dog) but it’s the people behind the counter who truly make the space special. Part of the mission of the new coffee shop on Monona Drive, which opened in July, is to employ and celebrate adults with disabilities. The business is co-owned by Mary Kay Clark and Tim McDonald, who admit they don’t have much cafe experience but are both fully committed to uplifting people with disabilities. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Tim about his journey to opening the cafe and the personal connections that inspired him along the way. 🥕 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 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 September 4th episode: Dane County Humane Society RayGun Water Lantern Festival

How do you build the mental fortitude to complete a triathlon? Hundreds will see if they have what it takes this weekend when the annual IRONMAN Wisconsin comes to Madison. Participants will swim, bike, and run just over 140 miles in and around Madison. To learn what it takes mentally finish the race, host Bianca Martin talks with Larry Shapiro, recently retired UW-Madison philosophy professor, IRONMAN Wisconsin finisher, and author of Zen and the Art of Running. 👋 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 September 3rd episode: Dane County Humane Society RayGun Water Lantern Festival

Crisp air, Badgers games, and fall vibes have reached Madison, which can only mean one thing: September is here! As we transition from summer into fall, host Bianca Martin, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas are bringing you our top picks for the month. We’re hopping on our bikes, catching some classic cinema, and celebrating Oktoberfest this September. Plus, now’s the perfect time to dive into fiber arts. Check out Bianca’s conversation with Gael Boyd to learn more. For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Madison, check out Madison Minutes’ take on what to do this month. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Madison community. 🌡️ City Cast Madison’s guide to September is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric. 👋 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 September 2nd episode: Dane County Humane Society RayGun Water Lantern Festival Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

This week, the City Cast Madison team is talking about Madison’s ties to the Minneapolis school shooting, updates to the Dane County Humane Society’s stray animal contract, and the removal of a downtown homeless encampment. Host Bianca Martin talks with producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about these heavy news topics, plus the hiring of Madison's new police chief. Wrapping things up on a brighter note, Rob tries to stump the team with a quiz about UW-Madison slang. Mentioned on the show: The Clock Is Ticking For the Dane County Humane Society [City Cast Madison]What we know about the shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school [Associated Press] 👋 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 August 29th episode: Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps

Summer days are slipping away, but that doesn’t mean Madisonians can’t make the most out of the remaining warm weekends. Taste of Madison is this weekend, so is Orton Park Festival. And the Willy Street Fair and Monroe Street Festival won’t be far behind. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to get her tips for what to eat — and what to skip — at these upcoming events. 🥕 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 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 August 28th episode: Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps RayGun

The low-power radio station broadcasting out of Monona’s City Hall turns 10 years old this month! WVMO 98.7 FM has been dubbed one of the “coolest radio stations in the nation” and for good reason. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin chats with Stacy Harbaugh aka DJ Shotski, host of Polka Time, to dig into the station’s decade on air and how it’s built a tight-knit community of volunteers and listeners in Madison’s backyard. We also hear a little from Bianca’s first conversation about WVMO with station founder and Wisconsin Broadcast Hall of Famer Lindsay Wood Davis. The WVMO Anniversary show featuring the Tim O’Brien Band is happening Aug. 28 at The Atwood Music Hall 👋 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 August 27th episode: Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps RayGun

Madison’s Department of Civil Rights is facing a litany of problems. The department’s director is currently under investigation for allegedly violating city and federal employment laws. Meanwhile, another longtime leader in the department was recently allowed to retire following an internal probe into whether he also violated numerous city administrative policies. Employees in the department are concerned for their rights and what this all says about the culture within a key city office. With us to break the saga down is Cap Times local government reporter Enjoyiana Nururdin, who has been on the story from the start. 👋 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 August 26th episode: Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps RayGun

On Aug. 24, 1970, four men bombed UW-Madison’s Sterling Hall in protest of the ongoing Vietnam war. The blast resulted in millions of dollars in damage, multiple injuries, and the death of a physics researcher. For some, the legacy of the Sterling Hall bombing still looms large. For others, this critical part of our city’s history is almost entirely unknown. In honor of the anniversary of the bombing, we spoke to UW oral historian Troy Reeves about the event and its lasting impact on the Madison community. Learn more about the bombing through UW Archives’ 40th anniversary project. 👋 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 August 25th episode: Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps RayGun

Happy Fri-yay! The City Cast team is rounding up this week’s top stories. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about UW women’s basketball players suing their former coach, the airport putting F-35 sound mitigation on hold, and a favorite Willy Street restaurant closing. Plus, Bianca took a turn in the guest seat this week on the radio talk show A Public Affair on WORT 89.9 FM. Mentioned on the show: 2025 Madison Magazine Chef of the Year Evan Dannells on City Cast Madison [City Cast Madison]U.S. Department of Defense denied funding to mitigate F-35 noise [WPR] Tips For Boosting Your Mental Health with Myra Renne [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 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 August 22nd episode: Gilda's Club Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps

Restaurants and bars come and go in Madison all the time, it’s the nature of the industry. But some spots leave a lasting impression on our community long after they’ve closed. Today, the City Cast Madison team takes a trip down memory lane with the help of our listeners and readers to reminisce on some of Madison’s favorite bygone bars, restaurants, and community haunts. Ready to taste a little nostalgia? 🥕 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 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 August 21st episode: Gilda's Club Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps

Whether you’ve lived here for two years or 20, there’s always something new to learn about living in Madison. From getting the right winter gear to joining a CSA to finding a clean bathroom downtown, we’ve got some serious insider tips for making the most of Madison. Host Bianca Martin sits down with City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas to share their secrets. 👋 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 August 20th episode: Gilda's Club Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps

It’s no secret that Madison is a sporty town. From the Badgers at Camp Randall and the Kohl Center to the Night Mares and Mallards at Warner Park, there are plenty of hometown heroes to root for. But the sport that Madisonians can’t get enough of is ultimate frisbee. The Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association boasts thousands of members who play all year round. And the semi-pro Madison Radicals draws big crowds to Breese Stevens Field every season. This weekend the 2025 Ultimate Frisbee Association Championship will be held in Madison, so what is it about the sport that has our city spellbound? We caught up with MUFA Executive Director Pete Schramm to find out. Mentioned on the show: 2025 UFA Championship Weekend Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association 👋 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 August 19th episode: Gilda's Club Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps

On Aug. 11, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency in response to heavy rainfall and flooding across southern Wisconsin. In Madison, wet weather led to flooded streets and forced the cancellation of local events. But in the Milwaukee area, the damage was much more severe. To explain the cause and impact of this weather, we spoke with director of the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, Steve Vavrus. 👋 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 August 18th episode: Gilda's Club Bike the Barns Dane County Humane Society Overlook Maps

TGIF! The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas discuss the flooding from last weekend, median rent stats and a major step forward for the Triangle redevelopment, and news in the restaurant scene. Plus, it’s Hippie Christmas! Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Mentioned on the show:Madison Black Restaurant Week Jamboree [Madison Black Chamber of Commerce] Is Hippie Christmas…Bad?! [City Cast Madison] ‼️We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Madison swag! 👋 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 August 15th episode: Gilda's Club Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Wisco Home Goods OutReach LGBT Community Center

Some of Madison's tastiest restaurants are hidden in strip malls throughout the city. The best spots depend on who you ask. We spoke with our friend Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians, to talk about listener suggestions and dive deeper into which stops are a must-visit. Can’t get enough food news? Sign up for the Cap Times’ Corner Table newsletter ‼️We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Madison swag! 🥕 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 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 August 14th episode: Gilda's Club Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Wisco Home Goods OutReach LGBT Community Center

Some say there are only two seasons in Madison: winter and moving season. Starting in late July and stretching into August, downtown streets are flooded with piles of trash from folks participating in the annual housing shuffle. And keeping the city clean during this time is no easy feat, especially when would-be treasure hunters dig through the heaps looking to strike gold. To get the scoop on how the city keeps up with the mess, and get tips for what to do with your unwanted items, we caught up with Bryan Johnson, recycling coordinator and public information officer with the city’s Streets Division. Find the map, large item disposal information, and collection details mentioned in today’s show here. ‼️We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Madison swag! 👋 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 August 13th episode: Gilda's Club Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Wisco Home Goods OutReach LGBT Community Center

When state lawmakers passed their biennial budget in July, they approved a $256 million increase to the University of Wisconsin system budget — but that money came with a lot of strings attached. Professors across the UW system are expected to carry heavier teaching loads, which has raised concerns about the potential impact on research and overall academic quality. To unpack these concerns and other potential consequences, host Bianca Martin speaks with Jon Shelton, a professor at UW-Green Bay and president of the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin, and Barret Elward, president of the United Faculty & Academic Staff union at UW-Madison. ‼️We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Madison swag! 👋 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 August 12th episode: Gilda's Club Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Wisco Home Goods OutReach LGBT Community Center

It’s been years in the making and after multiple funding concerns and construction delays, it almost felt like the Madison Public Market would remain a dream forever. But the money has come through and construction is nearly finished, and the Madison Public Market is officially on its way to an early 2026 opening. So what can you expect from this long-awaited public good? Madison Public Market Foundation CEO Keisha Harrison gives us the scoop. ‼️We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Madison swag! 👋 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 August 11th episode: Gilda's Club Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Wisco Home Goods OutReach LGBT Community Center

Happy Friday, Madison! Executive producer Hayley Sperling is joined by producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas to round up the news of the week. Today we’re digging into the rift between the Dane County Sheriff and ICE, how funding troubles might impact Madison’s new permanent men’s shelter, and the details on this weekend’s packed schedule around town. Plus, want to put host Bianca Martin in a dunk tank? Here’s your chance! Mentioned on the show: Developer plans more than 200 apartments on old Oscar Mayer parking lot [Wisconsin State Journal] Madison businesses hosting Strip Mall Carnival to benefit Clean Lakes Alliance [WMTV] Ride The Drive Madison Comic and Pop Culture Expo Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival 👋 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 August 8th episode: Gilda's Club Doyenne Group Overlook Maps

Madison Black Restaurant Week is celebrating 10 years! The event highlights local Black-owned businesses through a series of events, including a farm-to-table soul food brunch, dessert competition, and a food taste jamboree at Warner Park. To learn more about the event, its impact, and history, we spoke with Camille Carter, president and CEO of theMadison Black Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the week. 🥕 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 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 August 7th episode: Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group Gilda's Club Doyenne Group Overlook Maps

Late last month, the Dane County Humane Society published a letter addressed to the city and county expressing a dire need for funding. Why? DCHS contracts with Public Health Madison and Dane County to provide state-mandated services like caring for stray and impounded animals. The county budgeted $390,000 for these services for all of 2025, but DCHS says that money will be gone by the end of this month. So what’s with the disconnect? And what will happen to the animals if DCHS can’t take them? To get some answers, host Bianca Martin spoke with Amy Good, the organization’s director of development and marketing. 😻 Also mentioned on the show: DCHS’s Clear the Shelter event 👋 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 August 6th episode: Gilda's Club Doyenne Group Overlook Maps

Cease and desist letters, minor theft, and a whole bunch of fun went into planning the fifth annual Strip Mall Carnival. This year, Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge is taking the reins over from Muskellounge and Sporting Club to host the event, which is a fundraiser for the Clean Lakes Alliance. To get the scoop on the event and a behind-the-scenes look at the online shenanigans brewing between the two establishments, we caught up with the co-owner of Lola's, Matt Gerding, and the co-owner of the Musky, Chad Vogel. Plus, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin is getting in a dunk tank? You won’t want to miss this one. 👋 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 August 5th episode: Gilda's Club Doyenne Group Overlook Maps

For nearly three decades, Betty Lou Cruises has ventured across Lake Mendota serving food and drinks and creating countless memories along the way. But back in 2024, the owners of Betty Lou Cruises, who also run the popular Mariners Inn restaurant, announced their impending retirement in August 2025. The time is nearing for Betty Lou’s final voyage, and to honor their impact on the community, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with co-owner and co-founder Jack von Rutenberg. 👋 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 August 4th episode: Gilda's Club Doyenne Group Overlook Maps

Happy August, Madison! We’re kicking off the new month with a Friday news roundup to catch you up on what’s happening. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin is joined by Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to talk about the race for Wisconsin governor, the closure and then re-opening of Madison bar Churchkey, and championship dreams for the Mallards, Night Mares, and Brewers. Plus, do you love the ‘90s and want to be in an upcoming film? Here’s your chance. Mentioned on the show: How the Mallards Threw Madison a Curveball [ 🎧 City Cast Madison] Brewers 9, Cubs 3: Andrew Vaughn smacks a grand slam as Milwaukee sends a Central message [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] 👋 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.

It’s the dog days of summer, and we’re bringing you our top picks for things to do, see, and eat in our beautiful city. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about everything from Orton Park Fest and free rooftop movies at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, to Dane Dances and the Taste of Madison. Plus, are y'all ready for Badger game days? Tune in and make the most of August in 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 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 July 31st episode: Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group

When Paul's Book Store announced it would close its State Street shop after 70 years in business, many Madisonians mourned the loss. But amid this loss, Augie McGinnity-Wake saw a unique opportunity. He bought roughly 2,000 books from Paul’s collection and used them as the foundation for his new business, Augie’s Books. We caught up with Augie to learn more about how he’s carrying the Paul’s legacy forward and the role bookstores play in the Madison community. 👋 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.

Spending time in and around our lakes is a quintessential part of being a Madisonian –we are on an isthmus after all. But pollutants like agricultural runoff, road salt, and chemicals are threatening the well-being of our waters. Beach closures have become increasingly common throughout the summer. And it's more than just swimmers and boaters who lose out when the beaches shut down. Our city misses out on millions of dollars in potential economic benefits. To understand these costs and what’s being done to help protect and study our lakes, we spoke with Cap Times investigative reporter Danielle DuClos. 👋 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.

Madison’s brand new bathhouse is something the city has never seen before. With multiple saunas, specialized soaking tubs, and a cold plunge, Saunaday promises patrons at least a few hours of self-care bliss. Bathhouses are a popular tradition in many cultures, but their history in Madison comes with some taboo connotations. So what exactly can folks expect from this new spot and what are the rules? Host Bianca Martin caught up with co-owner Roshelle Ritzenthaler to get the scoop. 👋 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.

It’s Friday, so the City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week! Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about the Dane County Humane Society hurting for resources, an AI blunder that made it to the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal, and activities around town including Disability Pride Festival and AtwoodFest. Plus, Gov. Tony Evers announced he won’t seek a third term in office. Ready to dive in? Mentioned on the show: Madison’s Best Accessible Parks, Restaurants, and Public Spaces [City Cast Madison]Madison’s new sprayground opens at Rennebohm Park [City of Madison] The Gentlemen 60th Anniversary [The Bur Oak] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! ✉️ Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre

The Victory cafe has been a staple of the east side SASY neighborhood for years. But 10 months ago, a fire broke out and put the shop’s future in jeopardy. After months of reconstruction, building updates, and community support, The Victory is back and busier than ever. In celebration of the shop’s re-opening, we caught up with owner Patrick Downey to learn more about cult-followed cafe. 🧀 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! ✉️ Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group

Recently, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued an overdose spike alert after five confirmed overdose response calls were made within a single 24-hour period. Currently the cause of the spike is unknown. So what’s going on? To learn more, we talk to public health supervisor Julia Olsen. You can find resources mentioned on the show here. Plus, Where to get free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and syringes. 👋 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 July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre

The American Players Theatre in Spring Green has kicked off its season and we’ve got the full theater lineup for you! For Must See Madison, host Bianca Martin talks with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to dig into this season’s plays: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Fallen Angels,” “Picnic,” “Death of Chuck Brown,” “Anna in the Tropics,” “Tribes,” and “The Winter’s Tale.” They also talk about accessibility at the theater, tips for attending, what to do if it rains, local food and hotel options, and everything in between. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre

Earlier this month, Gov. Tony Evers signed a new biannual budget that in part brings relief to tax filers, conditional raises to UW employees, and increased funding to special education. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Cap Times state government and disinformation reporter Erin McGroarty to understand how the new budget will impact Madison residents. 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. If you enjoyed today's interview with Northwestern Mutual's Managing Partner, Sandy Botcher, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre

It’s Friday, and the City Cast team Madison is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and executive producer Hayley Sperling about changes at Goodman Pool, construction delays for the Madison Public Market, and tasty deals for Restaurant Week. Plus, Coldplay is coming to town this weekend, bringing street closures and $600 resale tickets. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 18th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center Wisco Home Goods

We talk a lot about farm to table on the podcast, but today we’re flipping the script and talking about table to farm. From household scraps to restaurant kitchen waste, Elliott Gilfillan knows a thing or two about turning discarded food into garden gold. Gilfillan, founder of Brainplate Grows, chats with host Bianca Martin about the positive impact composting can have on our planet and community. More local composting programs: Dane County Waste and Renewables Green Box Curbside Composter Earth Stew Local Farmers Markets 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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 17th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group Wisco Home Goods

Did you know the UW Geology Museum is home to fossils from the oldest known dinosaur in the northern hemisphere? The two bone fragments belong to a creature called Ahvaytum bahndooiveche that lived 230 million years ago and were discovered in Wyoming in 2013 by a UW-Madison team led by Dr. Dave Lovelace. Host Bianca Martin chats with Lovelace about Ahvaytum, other Northern Hemisphere dinosaurs, and the collaboration with the Northern Arapaho Tipo and Eastern Shoshone Tipo Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. The UW Geology Museum at 1215 W. Dayton St. is free and open to the public. 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! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center Wisco Home Goods Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Every ⁠⁠conversation⁠⁠ Madisonians have this summer seems to eventually turn to mosquitos. Are they really that bad this year? TL:DR – they are! To find out why, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talked to ⁠⁠Lyric Bartholomay⁠⁠, co-director of the ⁠⁠Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease⁠⁠. They dig into this season’s swarms, long-term trends with mosquitos, the threat of disease, and safety precautions you can take. ⁠⁠Find the Repellent that is Right for you⁠⁠ [EPA] 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!⁠⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: ⁠⁠Madison Opera⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Goodman Community Center⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wisco Home Goods⁠⁠ Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for ⁠⁠podcast and newsletter ads⁠⁠.

If you rent or own a house in the Madison area, your home may have a discriminatory racial covenant in its deed. Dane County officials have identified around 4,000 properties with deeds that have outdated language prohibiting people from certain races and ethnic backgrounds from buying or freely occupying the property. To better understand this issue, host Bianca Martin talks to producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about her recent experience amending her own home’s deed and denouncing its racial covenant. Then Bianca speaks to the executive director of the Dane County Historical Society, Rick Bernstein, about the history of this racist housing practice and to Dane County Executive Melissa Agard about how residents can take action. 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 July 14th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center Wisco Home Goods

Hey, ho, let’s go! It’s Friday, which means the City Cast Madison team is rounding up the news of the week. First of all, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos digs into a scathing report from the Wisconsin Elections Commission about the Madison City Clerk’s office. Then, newsletter editor Rob Thomas crunches the numbers on the UW-Madison’s budget and new tuition increase. Finally, host Bianca Martin celebrates an artist and an architect who in their own ways make Madison a beautiful place. Mentioned on the show: Missing Madison ballots “unconscionable” and a “profound failure,” Wisconsin Elections Commission finds [Wisconsin Public Radio]Wisconsin has a new budget. Here’s what UW-Madison will receive. [Daily Cardinal] “Mother and Child” statue unveiled on Madison’s east side [WKOW] Darbo Sculpture Unveiling [City of Madison] Sculptor Austen Brantley’s “Mother and Child” statue in-process photos Look back on architect Kenton Peters’ most famous projects [WSJ] Muse at Art Fair on the Square Your Guide to July [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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 11th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group

What do you think of when you think of a supper club? Brandy Old Fashioned? Friday fish fry? French onion soup? A dining room full of Wisconsinites? Yeah, us too. Our friends over at Madison Magazine have the definitive list on what distinguishes a true supper club from an ordinary restaurant. Earlier this year, host Bianca Martin spoke with Madison Magazine Editor-in-Chief Andrea Behling about the local spots who fit the bill. This episode originally aired on March 13th, 2025. 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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 July 10th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group

There are 285,000 people who live in Madison. Some of us have lived here our whole lives or have spent decades here, but lots of us are new to town. We want to know at what point does someone become a Madisonian. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and lifelong Madison resident Ali Muldrow about what they think are critical Madisonian criteria. Did we miss any Madisonian traits? 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 July 9th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center

How much do you know about Madison’s alt-rock history? Did you know bands like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins recorded some of their early, influential tracks at a small indie studio on the Isthmus? This Wednesday, Atwood Music Hall will screen the award-winning documentary “The Smart Studios Story: The Midwest Link to the History of American Rock And Roll” that tells the tale. Host Bianca Martin spoke to the film’s director, local musician Wendy Schneider about how Smart Studios impacted the music industry and 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 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 July 8th episode: Madison Opera Goodman Community Center

The Wisconsin Supreme Court dropped a historic decision right before Independence Day. The court in a 4-3 split struck down the 1849 abortion ban. They also dismissed Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s lawsuit challenging the ban’s constitutionality. Host Bianca Martin chats with a local legal expert and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin strategic consultant Nicole Safar to better understand the court's ruling and potential impacts. Listen to this interview with Planned Parenthood Wisconsin CEO Tanya Atkinson and Madison South Health Center manager Tenisha Garner for more on the future of the organization. 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 July 7th episode: Madison Opera

Bianca Martin and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe!

Surprise! The City Cast Madison team is here to give you a MIDWEEK round up of the news. Host Bianca Martin chats with producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas about a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision regarding UW nurses, potential changes coming to State Street, and Independence Day Celebrations. Plus, we try our hand at naming flamingos. Mentioned on the show: Wisconsin Supreme Court Expect to Rule Wednesday on 1849 Abortion Ban [WPR]Where to See Fireworks in Madison [Cap Times] 2015 Removal of Philosophers Stones [Isthmus]Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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.

Believe it or not, it’s already July! Madison is bringing the heat this month with plenty of local festivities to enjoy. From Fourth of July fireworks to a magical pop-up bar, we’ve got lots of recommendations to make the most out of your month. 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.

Pride Month may be coming to an end, but we’re sending it out with a bang and a twirl, and plenty of glitter. That’s right, girls, we’re talking about drag! Madison has become a hotbed for popular drag performers, and their acts are about so much more than feather boas and bingo. It’s a community, and in some cases, a chosen family. To learn more about drag culture and the family dynasties that rule in Madison, we caught up with local drag icons Bianca Lynn Breeze and her drag daughter Victoria Lynn. ‼️ Plus, it’s the LAST DAY to vote for us in Best of Madison! Cast your votes for City Cast Madison in the best podcast and local news website categories. 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.