City Cast Madison

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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]

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? 

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 [

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 ⁠⁠madison@citycast.fm⁠⁠. We're also on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the ⁠⁠Madison Minutes⁠⁠ morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram! You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram! You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

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 madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.