City Cast Madison

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Join us every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. On City Cast Madison, she peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart.

City Cast


    • Aug 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 648 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The City Cast Madison podcast is a delightful and informative podcast that offers an engaging look into the city of Madison. Hosted by Bianca, Dylan, and Molly, this podcast provides insightful stories, goofy commentary, and fun event reminders in each episode. With a runtime of less than 20 minutes, it's perfect for listeners who want to start their day with a dose of positivity and information about their local community.

    One of the best aspects of The City Cast Madison is the diversity of its episodes. The podcast features a good mix of discussions and fascinating interviews that cover a wide range of topics related to the city. Listeners can expect to learn something new in each episode, whether it's about local events, community initiatives, or interesting people in Madison. Additionally, the library card episode stands out as particularly revelatory, providing valuable information about an overlooked resource.

    Bianca's positivity shines through in every episode and is one of the highlights of this podcast. Her enthusiasm for all things Madison is infectious and helps set the tone for a great listening experience. Furthermore, her ability to draw people in and make them want to keep listening is commendable. Alongside Molly and Dylan's contributions both on and off mic, they form a dynamic power team that ensures a high-quality production.

    However, one area where The City Cast Madison falls short is in its lack of recognition for important events outside of Madison. While it excels at keeping listeners up-to-date with local happenings, there seems to be missed opportunities to acknowledge significant events such as International Women's Day. This could be addressed by incorporating episodes that celebrate amazing women from Madison or discussing broader topics that resonate with a wider audience.

    In conclusion, The City Cast Madison is a fantastic podcast that offers local insight into the vibrant city of Madison. With its enjoyable format, engaging host, and diverse range of topics covered, this podcast provides great value for listeners who want to stay connected with their community. Despite some missed opportunities, the overall quality and heart of this podcast make it a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about Madison.



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    Latest episodes from City Cast Madison

    The Clock Is Ticking For the Dane County Humane Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 24:08


    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.

    Do Strip Mall Bars Have More Fun?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 30:02


    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. 

    Bon Voyage, Betty Lou Cruises

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 31:06


    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. 

    Who's Running for Governor, Mallards and Night Mares are HOT, and Is Churchkey Open?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 25:47


    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 [

    Your Guide to August in Madison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 40:53


    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.

    New Bookseller Continues the Story of Paul's Book Store

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 29:01


    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. 

    Toxic Lakes Hurt More Than Just Madison Swimmers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 24:33


    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.

    No, You Can't Get Naked At Madison's New Modern Bathhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 25:37


    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.

    Evers Is Out, Humane Society Needs Help, and AI Makes the Front Page

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 34:41


    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]

    Ten Months After Fire, The Victory Cafe Is Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 28:50


    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.

    What Happens When Overdoses Spike in Dane County

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 32:02


    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.

    Is American Players Theatre Worth the Drive (and the Hike)?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 37:13


    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. 

    How Wisconsin's New Budget Will Impact You

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 40:53


    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. 

    Restaurant Week is Coming! So is Coldplay! Plus, Public Market is Delayed (Again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 37:22


    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. 

    It's Easy To Compost in Madison, We Promise

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 27:57


    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. 

    How a UW Team Found America's Oldest Dinosaur

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 27:09


    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. 

    Why Are There So Many Mosquitos in Madison This Summer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 30:46


    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. 

    Do You Live in A House With A Racial Covenant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 34:23


    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. 

    UW Hikes Tuition (Again), State Board Rips City Clerk, and the Buildings that Made Madison.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 28:31


    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. 

    Your Definitive Guide To Wisconsin Supper Clubs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 24:07


    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. 

    How Madison Are You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 37:38


    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. 

    madisonian ali muldrow
    Madison's Lead Role in Rock History

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 33:42


    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. 

    Abortion Access Continues For Wisconsinites

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 22:06


    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. 

    Is Madison the Best Summer City in the US?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 47:45


    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

    Reimagining State Street, July 4th Festivities, and Name That Flamingo!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 33:09


    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. 

    Your Guide to July 2025 in Madison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 38:53


    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. 

    Meet the Drag Dynasties Who Rule Madison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 29:57


    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 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. 

    Summer Floodin', Education Budgets, and Supreme Court Roundup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 44:41


    It's that time of the week again — time for the Friday news roundup! This week the City Cast Madison crew is here to give you the (soggy) details on this week's flooding, explain some highs and lows happening around education funding, and give you the scoop on the latest decisions from the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Plus, don't get stuck in Morgan Wallen traffic this weekend.  Mentioned on the show: Get Your Home in Tip Top Shape This Spring [

    Meet the Team Behind Madison's Smash Hit Food Truck

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 23:46


    Now that it's food truck season in Madison, keep an eye out for that big, purple truck that took the city by storm last year! This purveyor of smash burgers and churros, Cinn City Smash, is just starting its third year making the rounds at local bars and festivals. So, we're bringing back a conversation host Bianca Martin had with the truck's owners — and long-time friends — Rutger Schiesser and Maximus “Noodle” Perdomo, about how they got started, their secret to success, and why you should give their food a try. This show originally aired October 17, 2024. 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. 

    Go Beyond Picnic Point With These Madison Hiking Trails

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 29:03


    Water bottle? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Hiking shoes and thick socks?? Check and check. Summer is the best time to get outside and explore Madison's hiking trails. From the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to the UW-Madison Arboretum, there's no shortage of places to explore around the isthmus. To get the scoop on the best trails for every ability and occasion, we turned to local author and the new Madison Public Library naturalist-in-residence, Andrea Debbink.  Check out Andrea's guide to Madison's trails here and learn more about her residency events here.

    Your Guide to 2025 Concerts on the Square

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 32:18


    What do Motown, Mozart, and “Dark Side of the Moon” all have in common? The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra will be paying tribute to all of them in their annual six-week free outdoor concert series. Concerts on the Square is a Madison summer favorite that will attract thousands to the capitol each Wednesday through the end of July. Will you be one of them? To learn more, executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with WCO Music Director Andrew Sewell about what is in store this year, and what you should know before you go.

    Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' Is Threatening Abortion Access in Madison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 27:49


    As it stands, abortion access in Wisconsin is extremely limited. Of the 72 counties in the state, only three have abortion providers. That limited access hinges on the next few weeks. Any day now, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to rule on the validity of an 1849 law which some interpret as an abortion ban. Meanwhile, national lawmakers are working on a budget reconciliation bill – One Big Beautiful Bill Act – which in part includes defunding Planned Parenthood.  To understand what is at stake, host Bianca Martin spoke with Planned Parenthood Wisconsin's CEO Tanya Atkinson and manager of Planned Parenthood - Madison South Health Center Tenisha Garner.  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. 

    Here's What 13 US Cities Are Talking About This Summer | A City Cast Madison Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 62:09


    City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what's happening in our communities. So Bianca Martin and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. Wisco Home Goods Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What to Know About Protesting in Madison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 29:28


    An estimated 15,000 people flooded the streets of Madison in the “No Kings” protest last  weekend, pushing back against the Trump administration. But as tensions between law enforcement and demonstrators continue to escalate across the country, it's more important than ever to know your rights — and how to stay safe while making your voice heard. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talked with Ryan Cox, Legal Director for the ACLU of Wisconsin, about the DOs and DON'Ts of protesting. From knowing what to bring to understanding your legal protections, we've got you covered. 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. 

    Can Madison Ditch Fast Fashion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 30:12


    Have you ever looked at the tag on your shirt and stopped to wonder who grew your clothes? In a world where roughly 30% of the microplastics in our oceans come from synthetic clothing material, it's more critical than ever to build a connection to the fibers we wear every day. As the founder of the Midwest Linen Revival, Leslie Schroeder is leading a movement in Madison to make the fashion industry more sustainable. The Midwest Linen Revival is hosting a three-day event series called “Field To Frock” to build awareness for a local, sustainable fashion ecosystem. 

    One Madison Lawmaker's Fight To Protect Black Women

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 36:44


    Wisconsin is failing to protect Black women and girls from violence and murder, according to state Rep. Shelia Stubbs. And she has the numbers to back that claim up. In 2020, Black women in Wisconsin were 20 times more likely to be murdered than white women, according to a study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. So what's going wrong and how do we fix it? We spoke with Stubbs, who is pushing for legislation on the issue, to get to the root of the matter.  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. 

    Special Election, Anti-Trump Protest, and Weekend Summer Fun

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 31:30


    It's Friday the 13th and you're in luck! The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Did you know there's a special election on Tuesday? Host Bianca Martin has the details for Dane County Supervisor District 1 residents. Speaking of politics, expect floods of people to hit the streets this Saturday as part of the worldwide “No Kings” protest. But wait, there's more! This weekend is bringing a host of festivities  and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas has you covered. 

    The Best Madison Patios For Drinking and Chilling This Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 31:13


    It's patio season y'all! Are you ready for rooftops, lake fronts, and hidden gems? Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians joins the show to dish on what's new around town and give her recommendations for every patio occasion. Plus, she's got the latest on what new cocktails and spirits you can expect to see at bars around town. 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. 

    Dive into Madison's Best Swimming Spots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 17:18


    Warm weather is here and thankfully, the Madison area is full of beaches and pools that are perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days. To round up the best spots around town, we caught up with Alisa Sleep, co-founder of the Madison Family parenting site, formerly known as Madison Mom. Alisa shared her favorite spots and what she keeps in mind before getting in the water. Ready to dive in?

    How to Make The Most of Madison's Jazziest Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 39:23


    The Madison Jazz Festival is live! The decades-long running fest brings music from one end of town to the other all this week– most of it free. Host Bianca Martin talked to the two organizers of the event, Wisconsin Union Theater artist services manager Kate Schwartz and Arts + Literature Laboratory co-director Jolynne Roorda, about their vision for the festival. Then, as a special treat, Bianca talks to multi-Grammy winning pianist Arturo O'Farrill, who closes the festival on the UW Memorial Union Terrace on Sunday, about why jazz is good for the soul.  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. 

    What Pushed Meriter Nurses To Strike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 30:21


    It's been just over a week since UnityPoint Health-Meriter nurses ended their strike and got back to work with a new contract in hand. Roughly 1,000 unionized nurses walked off the job May 27 to demand better safety measures, pay increases, and adequate staffing levels. To get a better picture of what conditions are like inside the hospitals and what the nurses were fighting for, executive producer Hayley Sperling spoke with Pat Raes, president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Wisconsin and a nurse at the hospital. 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. 

    Nurses' Historic Win, Pride Flag Controversy, and Ahan Plans Overflow Bar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 24:52


    Happy Friday! The end of the work week means it's time for the Friday news roundup.  Striking Meriter nurses return to work after ratifying a new two-year contract. And controversy grows over the Wisconsin Historical Society's decision to break tradition and not fly the pride flag. Host Bianca Martin is joined by Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas to discuss it all. Plus, if you've ever waited for a table at Ahan, you'll be excited about a new bar coming to Willy Street! We're also super stoked to be in the running for Madison Magazine's 2025 Best of Madison competition and would love your support! Vote for City Cast Madison in the Best Local Podcast and Local News Website categories. Mentioned on the show: Meriter nurses ratify historic contract after 5-day strike [WKOW]Wisconsin Historical Society won't raise pride flag, after years of flying it [WPR] Wisconsin Historical Society employees respond to decision not to raise Pride flag [Ch. 3000] Ahan co-owners to open new bar on Williamson Street [Madison Magazine]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. 

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