City Cast Madison

Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today's show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down the winners and losers in this election and what comes next. 

For the second time in the organization's history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropped 25% in June. Red Cross Southwest Wisconsin Chapter executive director Kyle Kriegl joins the show to explain the reasons behind the steep donation drop  and shares how and where to donate.  Plus, Madison 365 executive editor Rob Chappell talks with City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling about the newest information in the investigation into the police shooting death of Corey Ruiz, including the officer's name. And on a lighter note, we highlight the 11th annual Madison Black Restaurant Week, which runs through Aug. 16.

Are you ready to vote in tomorrow's primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, competitive races, and a reminder of who is vying for the governorship. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, and you can find your polling place and a sample ballot at myvote.wi.gov. Happy voting!

As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y'all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today's very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it's acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn't disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month's cover story for Madison Magazine, writer Jeff Oloizia explores how  ecology, economics, invasive species, and changing fisheries are impacting what's on our fish fry menu. Jeff joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to discuss the current challenges facing freshwater fish and potential solutions. Jeff will be speaking at a fish fry dinner hosted by Madison Magazine and Sustain Dane at Pasture and Plenty on Sept. 18.

The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city workers. On today's show, host Bianca Martin speaks with Alder Davy Mayer, who represents the area, about the last two weeks at the intersection, the attempt to reach a resolution with protesters, and the impact on local businesses. We also hear from organizers and city leaders including the police monitor at the scene following the city's teardown. 

Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison's Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evidence needed to conduct an independent investigation. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin speaks with interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass about why her office subpoenaed the Madison Police Department for evidence she says her office is entitled to. They also discuss tensions with city officials, an evolving relationship with MPD Chief John Patterson, and why she has been present at protests to help de-escalate and support community safety. Mentioned on the show Police Monitor Answers Her Critics [

How is it already August? We're not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your guide to the month. From Black Restaurant Week to Magic Pride Festival, there are so many incredible things to do this month. We also highlight ways to find community during what has been an incredibly heavy time for many Madisonians.  You can find even more August picks on the City Cast Madison website. 

Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison's housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Madison continues to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting. Today, Ion Meyn, an associate professor of law at UW-Madison who specializes in civil rights and criminal procedure, joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to talk about the legal ramifications of the case. Plus, we look at what comes next for the controversial Act 10 law following a recent court ruling. And if you're a Neighbor, you'll hear our takes and gripes about the flood of trolls invading our comments section in our exclusive members-only segment. 

While we grapple with heavy news in Madison, we have been thinking about how we engage with each other and gather in community. Luckily for us, Madison has many coffee shops to meet and find connections. Plus the coffee just tastes good! Host Bianca Martin, newsletter editor Rob Thomas, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos chat about their favorite spots for every vibe.  This episode was originally published on April 23, 2026.

The Aug. 11 primary is less than two weeks away! Today, we continue our election coverage as host Bianca Martin sits down with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The two dig into his vision for Wisconsin, his stance on data centers, and get real about his chances of securing the Democratic nomination for governor after dropping out then rejoining the race.

In the days following the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the city  mobilized in protest in various ways. From shutting down events like Concerts on the Square to blocking traffic on Willy Street and East Washington Avenue, the message has been loud and clear: people are angry and want change. But how do these rallying cries turn into real action? Today, host Bianca Martin talks about the latest developments in the story with executive producer Hayley Sperling. And later, the two are joined by local artist and political strategist Matthew Braunginn, who helped  organize protests in 2015 following the death of Tony Robinson, to talk about the human toll of protesting and what has — and hasn't — changed in the past 10 years. 

With just over two weeks until the Aug. 11 primary, we're continuing our election coverage. Today, host Bianca Martin sits down with Andy Manske, a medical services technician and candidate in the Republican primary. They discuss Manske's stance on AI data centers in Wisconsin, his electability, and how running as “just a guy” is his secret weapon.

It's not a given that every individual will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer Taylor Lahey about how functional incentives could be the missing link in traditional systems of donations and volunteering. Inspired by a waste exchange program in Curitiba, Brazil, Lahey is working to create circular systems that effectively incentivize donations and just as effectively get them into the hands of those who need them. When investment and morale are low, sometimes an unconventional approach is the right way to go. Want to hear your question on an upcoming episode of Your City Could Be Better? Submit your city dilemmas for our upcoming call-in show by using our Google Form: https://forms.gle/45X33jhGHf8BYDM5A  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

On Wednesday, a man was fatally shot by a Madison police officer on Willy Street. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas talk through what we know about the shooting, the community protests that led to Concerts on the Square being canceled in solidarity, and local officials' calls for transparency, accountability, and community resources. We also discuss a new Marquette University Law School poll on the Democratic governor's primary, the postponed Madison Public Market grand opening, and just-announced opening dates for the Imagination Center library and Bartillon Drive men's shelter. Mentioned on the show:Community Rallies after Fatal Police Shooting [

On Wednesday July 22, Madison Police fatally shot a man in the Marquette neighborhood. Following the shooting, dozens of community members rallied at the site of the incident. They made their way to the steps of the State Capitol Building, shutting down East Washington Avenue and Concerts on the Square. Today, host Bianca Martin talks about the incident and the resulting protests with executive producer Hayley Sperling who was at the scene of the protests.   Content warning: This show includes descriptions of police violence. Please listen with care. 

Wisconsin's primary election is less than three weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will face off against each other in the race for Wisconsin governor. As we continue our coverage of the race, host Bianca Martin talks with former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Joel Brennan about Wisconsin's affordability crisis, transparency in politics, and his pitch for a strong executive.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has gotten back in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin Governor. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about what might have inspired his reentry to the race, what other candidates are saying, and what Gov. Tony Ever's endorsement means for this already crowded primary. Then City Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke comes on the show to share what is going on with the budget, the decision to ask departments to cut their budget by 2%, and what the city is prioritizing. Plus, movie theaters are bouncing back from the pandemic, and a brewhouse theater has gotten some national recognition!

The race for Wisconsin governor continues to heat up. On Friday, after questions regarding her campaign financial reporting surfaced, current Lt. Gov Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the governor's race. Host Bianca Martin brings on Executive Editor of Madison 365 Rob Chappell to talk about what happened, what we know about Rodriguez's financial woes, and where the race goes from here. Plus, Chappell outlines the fight for unionization at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and gives his pro-tips on how to keep your love for soccer strong, even after the end of the World Cup. 

Sometimes it can feel like the Madison government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don't have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You've heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers. Mentioned on the show: Atlas Obscura feature on the community-built benches in Chattanooga Efforts by Strong Chattanooga to make a path through the woods in a sidewalk-less neighborhood Review of Hoboken's streak of zero traffic fatalities  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

On top of the heat and the smoke, Madison had been pretty buggy this summer. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat with Wisconsin's Bug Guy extraordinaire PJ Liesch, director of the Insect Diagnostic Lab at UW-Madison, to learn about what's up in Madison's insect world, plus how worried we should be about that case of West Nile Virus. Then Bianca and Hayley dig into Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway reelection announcement and the parasite on our produce wreaking havoc on stomachs across the nation. Mentioned on the show: Wisconsin Insect Fest [Olbrich Center] West Nile virus found in Wisconsin: What to know [Cap Times] Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to announce reelection bid Thursday [Wisconsin State Journal] Pete Buttigieg Happy Hour [Act Blue] Authorities Investigate Taco Bell and lettuce as  cyclosporiasis  outbreak surges [Washington Post] Preventing Cyclosporiasis [FDA] 

Downtown Madison will have a new third space by the end of this week! Lake City Books is moving across Capitol Square to Carroll Street and leveling up the store in the process. Bookstore owner Molly Fish comes on the podcast to talk with host Bianca Martin and City Cast Madison contributor and Cap Times Food and Culture Editor Lindsay Christians about why she's adding a bar in the new location and her goals for the space. Later, Lindsay gives her pro tips on the sweet treats you can't miss when you need to beat the heat. 

Democratic socialism is coming for Wisconsin! Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling sit down to talk about why and how this is playing into the race for Wisconsin governor and beyond. Plus, Dane County is employing an AI agent called “AVA” to help handle nonemergency calls, and a popular local birder convinced the city to adjust mowing schedules on the east side to protect our avian friends. Mentioned on the show A Big Gamble for the Left: Can Socialism Appeal in a Swing State? [New York Times] Democratic Candidates Sound Off in Assembly District 76 Forum [City Cast Madison]

Wisconsin's primary election is just four weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will face off against each other in the race for Wisconsin governor. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to state Rep. Francesca Hong, who's running on the Democratic ticket as a Democratic Socialist, about her platform and what sets her apart from the rest of the field. 

The sun is shining and it's time to lace up those hiking boots and get outside! From the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to the UW-Madison Arboretum, there's no shortage of places to explore around the isthmus. On today's show, host Bianca Martin shares her favorite trails with executive producer Hayley Sperling. Plus, we hear from local author and naturalist Andrea Debbink about her guide to Madison-area trails and get her best hiking tips. 

There's lots to love about Madison, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) about everything he's seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

There's a lot going on in Madison this summer. But not Mad Lit. The popular concert series that has brought thousands to State Street each summer is dark in 2026 due to funding issues. Hip-hop artist Rob Dz and Urban Community Arts Network Co-President Karen Reece come on the podcast to talk about the future of Mad Lit. Plus, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling talk about the latest casualty in the governor's race and some frustrating news about the county jail. Mentioned on the show: Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley Withdraws From Governor's Race [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]Dane County Won't Close ‘Borderline Unconstitutional' Jail As Planned [Cap Times] Lights Out For Mad Lit [Isthmus]

The 25th anniversary of Opera in the Park is happening Saturday, July 18 in Garner Park. The free concert will include an extensive repertoire, the fan favorite glowstick number, and a picnic contest on Instagram! Ahead of the big day host Bianca Martin chats with Kathryn Smith, general director of the Madison Opera. Then Bianca and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down all the events happening this weekend. Hint: It's a busy one!

The state program that continued pandemic-era state subsidies to child care providers ended last week. Where does that leave Wisconsin families and their daycares? Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling break down the difficult decisions facing parents and providers. Plus, UWPD recently announced they are not renewing their contract with the controversial surveillance company Flock Safety. Then, we round out the show with Clean Lakes Alliance watershed programs specialist Mike Smale, who answers your questions about the water quality of our lakes.    Mentioned on the show Gubernatorial Candidates' Stances on Childcare [Cap Times]   Wisconsin Child Care Gubernatorial Forum Deflock Dane Map

The primary election for the next Wisconsin governor is just five weeks away! Host Bianca Martin continues our election coverage with our first gubernatorial candidate interview. Wisconsin State Sen. Kelda Roys joins Bianca to explain what sets her apart from her opponents and her priorities for Wisconsin.

Things are heating up at the Duck Pond this summer! The Madison Mallards have clinched the Great Lakes West first-half title, and the Madison Night Mares have a 17-1 record! Executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos dish about what's happening at the Duck Pond, including the wildest upcoming game promotions. (Come get your “Wiener Wallet”?) Then, we revisit host Bianca Martin's conversation with local writer Tom Alesia, who wrote the definitive Madison history of the Mallards, “Baseball Like It Oughta Be.” Batter up!  (This show originally aired on May 21, 2025.)

See if your Madison knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country's semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.   

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on birthright citizenship, the legality of bans on transgender athletes, and limits to campaign finance. City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos breaks down what these decisions mean for Wisconsinites. Then, executive producer Hayley Sperling lays out what we know about the recent ICE activity in Wisconsin. And on a lighter note, newsletter editor Rob Thomas brings us a round up of fireworks shows in the Madison area. Plus, in our Neighbors-only segment, why is Wisconsin about to receive two million eggs? Mentioned on the show: How local law enforcement agencies plan to interact with ICE [Cap Times]Voce de la Frontera

It's hot and humid, and we're looking for ways to beat the heat this July! The City Cast Madison team is kicking off the month with our top picks from summer festivals to berry picking and the AC/DC concert at Camp Randall. Plus, one of our Neighbors shares their favorite ice cream spots!

Madison is under an extreme heat warning this week, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. City Cast Madison executive producer Haley Sperling and Newsletter Editor Rob Thomas share safety reminders and cooling tips, from staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity to reversing ceiling fans, covering windows, and using air-conditioned public spaces like libraries, malls, community centers, and movie theaters.Then we break down the end of Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Conservation Program, which the state legislature failed to fund after 37 years of land stewardship. Plus, is visiting the Dane County Farmers' Market after noon actually a hack?  Don't forget to vote for City Cast Madison in the Best of Madison competition!

Last week, the Ho-Chunk Nation gifted Dane County Parks a hand-carved dugout canoe. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bill Quackenbush crafted the vessel himself from a cottonwood tree that was removed from McDaniel Park for construction of the Lower Yahara River Trail. On today's show, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos talks about the significance of this gift with host Bianca Martin, who also details her adventures at this year's Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival. And later in the show, we revisit Bianca's interview with Wisconsin maritime archeologist Tamara Thomsen, who was part of the team that discovered more than a dozen ancient dugout canoes in the depths of Lake Mendota. 

Just how good are the sidewalks in Madison? The state of a city's sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about what drove this initiative, how it's going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, the Madison School Board approved a district-wide cell phone policy. Under the new rules, phones are banned all day for grades K–8 and only allowed at lunch for high schoolers. Host Bianca Martin breaks down that news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, allergy season is bad, blue-green algae is blooming, and women athletes are making Madison proud. For our neighbors-only segment, newsletter editor Rob Thomas jumps on the mic to react to the end of  food delivery robots on UW-Madison's campus.Mentioned on the show:Rob Thomas's story on Starship food-delivery robots [Cap Times]

Earlier this year, Pabst Brewing Company announced an indefinite hiatus of Schlitz beer. However, Verona-based Wisconsin Brewing Company brewed a limited quantity of the beer that made Milwaukee famous and is throwing a party on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with Wisconsin Brewing Company brewmaster Kirby Nelson to talk about the special brew and what Schlitz means to Wisconsin. Then executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos jump on the mic to give you a rundown of events happening this weekend. Mentioned on the show: Rob Thomas's article on Bleak Week [Not that Rob Thomas]Linen revival movement [

In the latest on the race for Wisconsin governor, democratic candidate Missy Hughes dropped out of the primary Monday and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat amid a broader team shakeup. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and local writer-comedian Emily Winter chat about these big news stories. Plus, Emily takes a deep dive into secondhand fashion with a guide to thrifting in Madison, including the “Secondhand Summer” vintage passport and local clothing swaps. Finally, we celebrate Leopold's Book Bar Caffè landing third place in USA Today's national roundup of best independent bookstores.

The Madison school board is looking to increase property taxes by 8.5% for the upcoming school year. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin chats with Scott Resnick, a local entrepreneur and former Madison City Council member, about the roughly $700 million MMSD budget, what it will pay for, and how it will impact tax payers. Then, we preview the line up for Concerts on the Square which starts this Wednesday. Finally, a “Good On You” for Midvale Heights t-ball commissioner Michael Pressman who was recently honored after 30 years of organizing the local league.