City Cast Madison

We love Madison so, so, so much! But part of loving somewhere is recognizing where it falls short. And to be honest, Madison and Madisonians can be pretty toxic. We are spilling the tea on all of Madison's toxic traits from flannel as formal wear to the dangers of our drinking culture. The City Cast Madison team breaks down all the gripes big and small we have with our little hamlet, plus we hear your take on Madison's toxic traits.  Did we miss a trait or is one of the traits we mentioned not that toxic? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and you might hear it on the show: 608-318-3367

The Holidays are a stressful time. With finding gifts, traveling, seeing (or not seeing) family, calling it the happiest season can feel like a cruel joke. That's why we are revisiting our episode with Myra Renne, founder and executive director of ⁠Anesis Therapy⁠, about mental health resources in Madison and steps you can take right now to take care of yourself.

The new year is right around the corner and in keeping with tradition, the City Cast Madison team put out a call to YOU to find out what Madisonians want to see in 2026. From creating more mindful moments to engaging with our city's bustling arts scene, we've collected resolutions and hopes for the new year that everyone can get behind. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling round them up and share their own hopes for the new year. 

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? We're wrapping up 2025 and feeling nostalgic! From kicking off the race for Wisconsin's next governor to John Nolen construction traffic to the revival of concerts at Camp Randall, 2025 was a big year for Madison. Today, host Bianca Martin digs into these stories and more with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas.

Madison's only Ethiopian restaurant announced this week that it may soon close. Buraka, a Madison staple for more than 30 years, is struggling to attract customers and the owner in talks about ending the Willy Street lease. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about the hazy future on the Friday news roundup. Plus, we discuss the federal trial of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, and the fate of the Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center. Plus, guess which lakes are frozen?  Mentioned on the show: Southside residents want input on southside projects [Cap Times] Madison outdoor ice rinks are opening [City of Madison]

As we close out 2025, we're taking a moment to take stock of some of the biggest developments Madison's food scene has seen throughout the year.  From exciting new restaurant openings and trends to sad and unexpected closures, host Bianca Martin covers it all with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians.  Plus, need a place to eat on Christmas? The Cap Times has you covered.

Should hunting sandhill cranes be legalized in Wisconsin? That's what state lawmakers  are trying to decide with a proposed bill that would also provide financial assistance to farmers trying to combat damage caused by the birds. Host Bianca Martin chats with UW wildlife specialist David Drake about the arguments on both sides of this hotly debated issue and how cranes have become so beloved in Wisconsin. 

If you're on the lookout for some indoor activities, or you're just wanting to try something new in 2026, you should know that Madison has become a hotbed for popular drag performers. But 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, host Bianca Martin caught up with local drag icons Bianca Lynn Breeze and her drag daughter Victoria Lynn.  This show originally aired on June 30, 2025.

It's been almost one year to the day since tragedy struck in Madison when a shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School. The incident left multiple people dead and injured and a community devastated. Slowly but surely, the ALCS and greater Madison community has rebuilt itself, leaning on faith and the compassion of others to heal. Today, host Bianca Martin reflects on the tragedy and how Madison has moved forward in the year since with Cap Times reporters Erin McGroarty and Erin Gretzinger. 

Earlier this week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and a group of alders proposed a year-long moratorium on data center construction. If the measure is approved, it would be a first in Wisconsin. Host Bianca Martin digs into the story with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. Plus, the team discusses striking Starbucks baristas and how Madison is handling the recent snowfall.  ❄️P.S. It's the last day to get the special City Cast Madison beanie by joining the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! New this campaign, gift a membership to your favorite Madisonian. They'll get all the perks and you'll get the joy of giving!  Mentioned on the show: New snowplow trading cards are available at Madison libraries [City of Madison]Locations for free sand [City of Madison]

There's a new Italian restaurant in town getting a lot of buzz. Giovanni Novella, the former executive chef of Bar Corallini, is bringing the Amalfi Coast to University Avenue. Complete with coastal vibes, authentic Italian food, and even a full vegetarian menu, Osteria Novella has hit Madison's food scene with a big splash. Today, he sits down with host Bianca Martin to talk about what's good at Osteria Novella and what this move means for the future of Bar Corallini. 

It's one of the most iconic streets in Madison, the artery that connects the UW-Madison campus with the greater downtown area — State Street. It's been a staple of Madison's nightlife, retail, and culture for decades. And just about every Madisonian has their own cherished memories of State Street. And as our city continues to rapidly grow and change, how does State Street keep up? Host Bianca Martin digs into the past and future of State Street with Cap Times features reporter Ashley Rodriguez and City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling. 

We're making a list and checking it twice, because it's time for us to lay down the verdict of who was naughty and who was nice in 2025. Host Bianca Martin chats with WORT host, school board member, and friend of the show Ali Muldrow about how Madison was behaving this year. And who knows, maybe being naughty isn't always a bad thing. 

Madison has been waiting for passenger rail to connect us to neighboring cities for decades. We saw a glimmer of possibility in 2021 when Amtrak shortlisted Madison as a location for service by 2035. Ultimately, whether or not passenger rail comes to Madison is up to Amtrak and the state of Wisconsin, but the City of Madison is doing their part to attract the train. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin chats with city transportation director Christof Spieler about the latest developments in the future of rail transportation in Madison.  ‼️ P.S. It's day one of our week-long membership drive! 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. Plus if you sign up this week, we'll send you our special City Cast Madison beanie. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program today!

Happy Friday, y'all. The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news from this week. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about Mandela Barnes announcing his run for governor, WisconsinEye possibly shutting down, and speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks. Plus, Monday may be the official kick-off for our week-long membership campaign, but you're not too early to snag our limited edition beanie. Mentioned on the show: Hot Takes and High Stakes in the Race for Wisconsin Governor [

Did you know Garver Feed Mill used to be a sugar beet factory? And it used to be five stories tall? Now it's the home to some of Madison's hidden culinary gems. Host Bianca Martin dives into the vibrant history and food scene at Garver Feed Mill with Bryant Moroder from the Garver development team. We get into how Garver is nourishing the Madison community in more ways than one. Plus, head to our Instagram to see Bianca's taste test of Garver's eats and drinks!

In an era rife with health misinformation, how can we stay informed and make health-forward choices? Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to discuss the importance of health literacy, the dos and don'ts of reliable health information, and the impact of misinformation on public health. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR's “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in September 2025. His new podcast is “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster.” 

Wisconsin lawmakers are currently reviewing how the Department of Public Instruction handles educator sexual misconduct and grooming of students. This was sparked by an extensive investigation by Cap Times reporter Danielle DuClos. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Danielle about her year-long research into the prevalence of sexual misconduct by educators in Wisconsin, DPI's investigatory capacity, and the potential legislative changes.

We've made it to the last month of the year! The City Cast Madison team is here with the final monthly guide of 2025. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about holiday markets around town, the hot new sushi and ramen spot in the Town of Oregon, and so much more.    

Join City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling (filling in for host Bianca Martin) alongside fellow alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that'll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that'll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now.  Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping!

Gobble gobble! Wild turkeys are thriving in and around the isthmus and for good reason: the food is abundant and no one is shooting turkeys in Madison. Host Bianca Martin chats with UW-Madison Wildlife Ecology Professor David Drake about why turkeys love Madison and why Madison seems to love them back. Plus, he gives us possible reasons why turkeys sometimes attack mail delivery people.  This show originally aired on Nov. 21, 2023

When new Dane County Executive Melissa Agard campaigned for office last year, she had big plans for how she'd lead the county. But after winning the election in 2024, Agard was faced with a new reality — Dane County is facing down the cliff of a $30 million budgetary deficit, and her big plans would have to take a backseat. It's no secret that this was a tough budget season for the county, and at the end of the day, Agard is proud of the work that the county has accomplished. But this isn't the budget she wanted. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Agard about what she's learned from this process and digs into why no one talked about this massive deficit until now.  For more on the county budget process, listen to our conversation with Dane County Supervisor Yogesh Chawla. 

Oops, all transportation stories this week! The city's Department of Transportation has selected a location for an Amtrak station should the train ever come to Madison. The updated plans for the north-south expansion of the bus rapid transit line includes more parking. And state archaeologists have found 16 more ancient canoes in Lake Mendota. Executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about these stories. Plus, we do our best to keep the show from derailing. Mentioned on the show: Derailed Podcast  [WPR]Bianca Martin chats with Nitro co-owner Courtney McCarty  [

With Thanksgiving one week away, we're bringing you some hot tips to keep everyone happy and fed ahead of the holidays. Executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians about Madison's new downtown food hall, One Social, and how it compares to other local halls like the Global Market and Food Hall. We've also got advice on which local spots to go to to pick up  Thanksgiving sides, desserts, and beverages, plus dining out options. P.S. Check out newsletter editor Rob Thomas's list of 13 spots to get Thanksgiving dinner.

Winter weather is looming, but is your house or apartment ready for the freezing temperatures and snowfall? If not, don't fear! Today, host Bianca Martin chats with home maintenance expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust about how to make sure you're prepared for whatever the season brings. From how to safely clean your gutters to why you should clean your filters, Mercury has all the tips to help you avoid disaster this winter.  This episode originally aired on Nov. 25th, 2024.

What do you do to get through the winter blues? How about burlesque! That's what the performers at Dance Fabulous are doing with the “HO Ho HO! A Holiday Variety Burlesque Cabaret Spectacular.” City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin explores the history of burlesque in Madison, empowerment through movement, and the specific merrymaking happening in this holiday show with Dance Fabulous studio owner Lyn Pilch and show host Dana Pellebon, AKA “Ms. Behavin'.”

Last week, Dane County finalized and approved its 2026 budget, which includes $825.6 million in operating funds and $90.5 million in capital investments. The county was looking to cut back on spending as it's projected to face a $30 million deficit in 2027. But how did we get here? And what does the county fund anyway? City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Dane County supervisor Yogesh Chawla about the recently passed budget and the contentious items within it. 

Unfortunately for Dwight Schrute, we're talking about budgets, buildings, and the Beltline not bears, beets, and Battlestar Galactica on this week's Friday news roundup. The City Council passed the 2026 budget and voted down an amendment that would defund the Office of the Independent police Monitor. A proposed building development on West Wilson has us, and the surrounding neighborhood, asking how necessary is parking downtown. Plus, the state has finished its study on the Beltline and has solutions for the traffic, and no they don't suggest adding a north or south Beltline. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into these stories and more with newsletter editor Rob Thomas, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Mentioned on the show: Madison passes $453 million budget, rejects move to pull police monitor funding [Isthmus]City of Madison 2026 Mayor's Budget [Wisconsin Policy Forum] City undecided on 16-story Wilson Street development with no parking [Wisconsin State Journal] Recommendations for Beltline aim to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion [Wisconsin State Journal]

Food insecurity continues to dominate headlines both in local and national news spheres. And with good reason. In Wisconsin, over 700,000 people rely on FoodShare benefits to feed themselves and their families. In Dane County, that number is more than 65,000 and growing. Today, local food pantries are navigating uncertain territory between conflicting directions from the federal government and increased need from local residents. Host Bianca Martin dives into the issue with Ellen Carlson, Wayforward Resources executive director. Want to give help to people in need or get help for yourself? There are resources available.

‘Tis the season for cuffing – AKA the time of year when people try to lock down romantic relationships to avoid spending winter at home alone. (Though there's nothing wrong with that.) To get a better understanding of what it's like to look for love in our fair city, we took our microphones to the streets to get your takes on Madison's dating scene in 2025. And boy, did y'all deliver. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling share their stories and insights too. This show originally aired Feb. 10, 2025.

What did Jane Austen say? It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a student in pursuit of a UW-Madison education, must be in want of affordable housing. Or something like that. As most Madisonians know, the rent is getting too damn high in our little hamlet and finding affordable housing can feel near impossible. When did it get so bad, and what are students doing to get by? Kacie Lucchini Butcher, director of the Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History and co-host of the Reorientation podcast, joins host Bianca Martin to talk about the new season of Reorientation, which tackles the complicated history of UW campus housing. 

What does the lead singer of an Irish rock band know about World War I? Well, as it would turn out, quite a lot. Ken Fitzsimmons from The Kissers joins host Bianca Martin to discuss an innovative Veterans Day event on the Barrymore Theatre stage by the multi-discipline troupe Mobilize The Poets. “The Foe And The Fallen: Stories from The Greatest War” blends rock and roll with multimedia to tell the stories of Wisconsinites from World War I, aiming to build connections across time. Ken shares insights into the show's format, the power of music in storytelling, and the Great War's impact in Wisconsin.

This week, the Dane County Board passed the 2026 budget with some contention about how to address its $31 million deficit. Meanwhile, a Channel 3000 story about nonprofit spending of county funds was published and then removed for alleged errors. Plus, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency in response to the stall in SNAP benefits. And some cool new restaurants opened around town. Host Bianca Martin breaks these stories down with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas.  P.S. Are you prepared for snow this weekend?  Mentioned on the show: Urban Triage alleges harassment [Madison 365]  Our interview with Governor Evers [

It's not hard to find a bar in Madison. Odds are, you're probably not far from one now. But one of Madison's most hotly anticipated new bars won't have any flashing neon alcohol signs. In fact, it won't have any signs at all. Veil and Vault is a new speakeasy set to open early next year from the owners of Nitro Beverage Lounge. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with co-owner Courtney McCarty about what folks can expect from the new concept and what she's keeping secret (for now). 

Wisconsin ranks next-to-last in the nation when it comes to arts funding, spending about 18 cents per person, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. So what gives? And what are our state's children missing out on when they don't have access to creative outlets in school? Erica Halverson, professor of curriculum and instruction at UW-Madison's School of Education, is trying to make arts more accessible in Madison schools. As the co-founder of a program called Whoopensocker, she's bringing innovative storytelling techniques to classrooms across the state. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Erica to find out what's in store for the future of arts education in Wisconsin.

In November 2026, Wisconsin voters will elect a new governor, as Governor Tony Evers has decided to not seek a third term. Host Bianca Martin sits down with the Governor in his office at the capitol to discuss the legacy he hopes to leave behind and the biggest issues facing Wisconsin today. Evers also shares his thoughts on the candidates running for governor, a bipartisan agreement to fund building renovations for Wisconsin corrections facilities, and what he plans to do in retirement. This episode was recorded on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.

This November we are getting cozy with our top picks for what to do this month. From a new ramen pop-up to the iconic Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park, our team knows how to thrive in the late fall season. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about what Madison has to offer this month.  For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Madison, check out Madison Minute's take on what to do this month. 

This week, Madison is grappling with an array of serious stories in the news. Two staff members at Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School are on leave as a result of sexual assault allegations. UW-Madison employees are facing layoffs. And FoodShare benefits are set to run out Saturday. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about how these heavy topics are affecting Madisonians. But it's not all bad, we've got some Halloween costume ideas for you too! Mentioned on the show: West High battery [City of Madison]Report Child Abuse [Wisconsin Department of Children and Families] UW Union Leaders speak on state-mandated teaching requirements [

Want to lean into your witchy side this spooky season? You're in luck. In today's show, host Bianca Martin chats with Ryan Huber, co-owner of the downtown craft cocktail bar Oz by Oz, which offers a "wicked" good time for Madison cocktail lovers. Celebrating its fourth birthday on Halloween, Oz by Oz has been celebrating all month with festivities, leading up to a birthday party on Oct. 31. Plus, we finally answer the question on everyone's mind: how do you actually say this bar's name?

Have you ever been walking through an old Madison building and felt a chill up your spine? Lisa Van Buskirk and Mike Huberty from Madison Ghost Walks would tell you that you probably experienced a haunting. To get the scoop on Madison's ghostly history, host Bianca Martin chats with Lisa and Mike about the most haunted spots in Madison.  This episode originally aired on October 23rd, 2023

Cannabis is illegal in Wisconsin, but you can buy hemp-derived THC drinks, edibles, vapes, and even prerolls at several stores all over Madison. That's because these products fall through a legal loophole and are largely unregulated. Amidst rising health concerns, Madison City Council President and District 5 Alder Regina Vidaver has proposed a new ordinance that would set a minimum age of 21 for those allowed to buy these products. Host Bianca Martin talks to Alder Vidaver about the proposal's public health motivations, community feedback, and the steps ahead. 

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 100th season with an exciting lineup of concerts to bid farewell to longtime maestro and music director John DeMain. Host Bianca Martin chats with John about the history of MSO and the evolution of the ensemble during his tenure. John also shares his process of selecting pieces and guest conductors for this special season, and highlights the importance of conducting from a place of love and respect.