City Cast Madison

This week, Madison Opera will present its first world-premiere show in more than 30 years. “Everlasting Faint” is a true-crime ghost story opera with music by Madison composer Scott Gendel and libretto by Sandra Flores-Strand. To get up to speed for this momentous event, host Bianca Martin spoke with Scott and Madison Opera's General Director Kathryn Smith about the new show and the do's and don'ts for opera newbies.

Remember last summer when our sky filled with wildfire smoke and air quality warnings forced Wisconsinites inside for days? Our changing climate impacts us all, but perhaps none more so than children. A group of 15 young people from across Wisconsin are suing the state, alleging legislative and Public Service Commission leaders failed to adequately protect them from climate change. Today, host Bianca Martin speaks with Madeleine Bohn, a West High School student and one of the plaintiffs in the case, along with lawyer Skylar Harris of Midwest Environmental Advocates. 

A confirmed case of measles has been reported on the UW-Madison campus, the DeForest Village Board voted against annexing land for a proposed QTS data center, and WisconsinEye returns. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down the biggest stories of the week. Plus, want to watch the Super Bowl in Madison? We have you covered.

Public Parking, a cocktail bar on Madison's east side, is getting national recognition once again! They were recently named on the James Beard Awards long list for Best New Bar. But the team at Public Parking is familiar with the spotlight – last year they were featured as one of 9 Best News Bars of 2025 in Bon Appétit and received other regional recognition. Host Bianca Martin has been a fan since they opened and she chats with co-owner JR Mocanu about the secret behind their early success. 

Madison doesn't have a deal with surveillance technology company Flock Safety. But that doesn't mean surveillance isn't a concern in our city. There are dozens of Flock cameras installed around Dane County and yes, even some in Madison. So what's the deal here? Today, host Bianca Martin speaks with ACLU Wisconsin policy analyst Jon McCray Jones about Flock usage (and misuse) by law enforcement, and what folks can do to protect their privacy.  Mentioned on the show Police Surveillance is Ripe for Abuse [ACLU WI] Analysis of Flock use by Wisconsin cops reveals trends, raises questions [Wisconsin Examiner] Find Flock cameras in your area [Deflock]

Happy election season, Madison! That's right, the spring primary is just two weeks away, which means in-person absentee voting starts today. But who are you voting for and what's going on in these races? Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Isthmus staff writer Liam Beran to break it all down and help you become the most informed voter at the polls.  The primary is Feb. 17 and the spring election is April 7. For information on voter registration and more, head to MyVote.WI.gov. Plus, check out the full Isthmus voting guide here.

Happy February, Madison! The City Cast Madison team is here with a roundup of our favorite things to do and eat this month. Plus, we're talking about ways to spread some love in February. From events like the Frozen Assets Festival and an exciting author talk at the Orpheum, to getting into the Mardi Gras spirit with zydeco music and home cooked étouffée, we've got suggestions for just about everyone this month. 

This week, UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announced that she will be leaving Wisconsin to become the president of Columbia University in New York City. Governor Tony Evers chided the city of Madison for arguing in a lawsuit that absentee voting is a privilege, not a right. And locals are activating in protests against recent ICE activity in Minneapolis. City Cast host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down all this news. Plus, there's big news in the Madison food scene once again.  Mentioned on the show: Kavanaugh's Esquire Club closes, for real this this time [Cap Times]Himali Chulo carries on Himal Chuli's legacy [Wisconsin State Journal] Madison participates in nationwide solidarity shutdown [Instagram] Chef Elena Terry to open Tall Grass restaurant in MMoCA [MMoCA]

The semifinalists for the “Oscars of the food world” have officially been announced, and Madison is well represented. This year, three Madison spots are up for James Beard Awards, which is a pretty big deal, as Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians put it. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Lindsay about the local names making a national splash, what the competition looks like, and what you should order from these spots. 

It might be cold outside, but things are always hot in Madison's kink scene. From the city's historic red light district to current day Leather + Lace events at Crucible, Madison has a thriving community of people who like to explore their freaky side in community.  Today, host Bianca Martin steps into this world with Lili Luxe, a local consent advocate and longtime host of many of Madison's kinkiest events. This episode originally aired Feb. 12, 2025.

At the beginning of the year, we predicted the story to watch in 2026 would be the future of data centers in Madison. Well, the city has declared that this year will NOT be the year of data centers. Earlier this month, the Madison Common Council unanimously passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. Host Bianca Martin talks with District 3 Alder Derek Field, a sponsor of the ordinance, about what the council is hoping to achieve with the pause. 

In September, Dane County sought proposals to renovate the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at  Alliant Energy Center. They received a single response. It's from local concert giant FPC Live, which started as a small business running the box office at the Coliseum and now is largely owned by Live Nation, the world's biggest live entertainment company.  In a piece for Tone Madison, Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission, wrote “Dane County should apply strict scrutiny of its partnership proposal with FPC Live.” Host Bianca Martin chats with Nick about why he thinks the county should be careful when planning out the future of the publicly owned Coliseum. 

What happens if federal immigration and Customs enforcement agents come to Madison? Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Representative Mark Pocan told the media this week that based on activity across the country, it is likely ICE will come to Wisconsin. A recent Cap Times piece lays out how local law enforcement officers will cooperate (or not) with ICE should they carry out raids in Madison. Host Bianca Martin breaks it down with executive producer Hayley Sperling  and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. We also discuss rising utility bills, PFAS clean up funding, and some good food news.  Mentioned on the show:New Mariners Inn development will include a waterfront restaurant [Isthmus]

If it comes between two slices of bread, it's a sandwich, according to Madison Magazine food editor Emma Waldinger. And for a city of its size, Madison's sandwich scene is nothing to scoff at. From subs piled high with meats to new classics where tofu is the star, there's something for just about anyone. On today's show, host Bianca Martin chats with Emma about Madison's iconic sandwiches and even comes up with some original creations of their own. Warning: don't listen on an empty stomach!

Last year, the Wisconsin Historical Society announced the discovery of a canoe parking lot with 16 ancient canoes in Lake Mendota. Wisconsin Maritime Archeologist Tamara Thomsen made the initial discovery and has been on the forefront of the work to preserve the canoes. She chats with host Bianca Martin and about the significance of the findings, the process of uncovering and preserving these artifacts, the historical context with local tribes, and other maritime archeological work in Wisconsin's waterways.

After more than a year of failed negotiations, Tellurian Behavioral Health's detox center closed at the end of 2025, leaving the county without a partner to provide critical public health services. So what happened? The story is complicated to say the least. To help break it down, host Bianca Martin talks to Heidi Wegleitner, Dane County District 2 supervisor and chair of the Health and Human Needs Committee. 

TGIF, the City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about the pushback to proposed Beltline construction and who the vendors are at the soon-to-open Madison Public Market. Plus, hip hop artist Rob Dz is returning to the stage following a medical emergency last year. He chats with Bianca about what to expect at the WI Hip Hop Fest on Saturday.  Mentioned on the show: MLK Day celebrations and events [City Cast Madison] Give feedback on Beltline plans [Wisconsin Department of Transportation]

The owners behind the Indian-Italian fusion restaurant Zafferano Ristorante are bringing a new concept to the Capitol Square. While their original restaurant sells 200 butter chicken pizzas a day, the new restaurant will feature a Mediterranean menu with East Asian flavors. Eloura is set to open in the former SASS location in February. Host Bianca Martin chats with co-owner Kalyani Venkatraman about the creativity and confidence it takes to create a fusion menu.

Earlier this month, one unlucky angler dropped his wallet through the ice of Monona Bay, and spent his weekend on a recovery mission. Our friend Pat Hasburgh, owner of D&S Bait and Tackle, would probably recommend putting your wallet in a secure spot before hitting the ice. Pat has all kinds of tips for ice fishers and the curious. He chats with City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin about how to safely fish on the Madison's lakes. Pat is the voice behind the weekly fishing report at 608-BIG-FISH.  This year's Kids Ice Fishing Day is Saturday, January 24th at Brittingham Park. Kids get a free rod and lunch! This episode originally aired on February 5th, 2024. 

Maybe you've seen reality TV stars and influencers recover from a night out with an IV vitamin drip at their bedside and chalked it up to a luxury exclusively for the rich and famous. But accessing IVs outside of a hospital room has become more accessible in recent years. To understand the IV vitamin therapy trend, host Bianca Martin chats with Shahayra Majumder, franchise owner of Hydrate IV Bar, which is slated to open on Madison's west side in March.  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! 

One of Madison's coolest buildings celebrates  a major milestone this year. The Unitarian Meeting House in Shorewood Hills is a noted architectural landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Its unique and distinctive design has earned it national  acclaim. This year, the building is celebrating its 75th birthday with an array of events. To get the scoop on this space, host Bianca Martin talks to March Schweitzer, president of the Friends of the Meeting House.

Earlier this week, the village board in DeForest denied a petition from residents'  to require a referendum before annexing the land of a future data center. Virginia-based company QTS has proposed a $12 billion data center on farmland just outside of town, and are negotiating with DeForest officials to bring utilities to the property. Host Bianca Martin breaks down the news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. Plus, who's going to be on the 2026 spring election ballot, and why are there so many Badgers on the USA Olympic women's hockey team?  Mentioned on the show: Himal Chuli closed on New Years [Cap Times]Madison's first woman's sports bar [City Cast Madison]

In the aftermath of folks getting together and traveling over the holidays, people are getting sick and feeling miserable. It's time to break out the feel-better foods. Host Bianca Martin chats with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians about what to cook and what to order when you're under the weather.   This episode originally aired on February 20, 2025.

Winter is in full force – even if the snow is slowly melting. From ice skating at one of Madison's many outdoor rinks to snowshoeing in the park, our city is a winter wonderland. Host Bianca Martin chats with Destination Madison content manager Ashley Pettay about all the fun winter activities you should try this winter.  P.S. Check the status of the City of Madison's 20 ice rinks here. 

When lawmakers signed a federal spending bill to reopen the government after its longest closure in history, it also closed the loophole that had opened the door to the booming hemp-derived THC market seen across Wisconsin today. Now, the clock is ticking for state lawmakers to find a solution to regulate and potentially legalize cannabis products or see the end of this billion-dollar industry in Wisconsin. To get into the, ahem, weeds of it all, executive producer Hayley Sperling speaks with Phillip Scott, president and founder of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association, and owner of Crone Apothecary.

Nobody understands a city's pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026's biggest local stories. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers.

Happy New Year! We've officially made it to 2026 and are celebrating with a fresh monthly guide for your listening pleasure. In today's show, host Bianca Martin catches up with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas to talk about what they're looking forward to this month. From Hamilton at the Overture Center and the return of the Freezing Man Concerts at the Sylvee to Winter Restaurant Week and more, there's plenty to be excited about this January. 

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 [