City Cast Madison

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.

There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor's race. With the August 11 primary less than two months away, the race is heating up. To get a better understanding of the state of the race, host Bianca Martin chats with Dan Shafer, a longtime Wisconsin journalist and founder of The Recombobulation Area. Then, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos joins the show to report back on a forum for the 76th Wisconsin Assembly District. You can find a full recording from the June 17 forum here.

There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich with ice cream and custard. But who does it best? We decided to grab some spoons and have a showdown between several local pints to determine our top pick. This episode originally aired on June 5, 2025.

Richard Lee Johnson died on Dec. 31, 2024, after being arrested the previous night. A new ⁠report ⁠by the Office of the Independent Police Monitor found the arresting officers caused Johnson's death through prone restraint, excessive force, and failure to render aid. But Madison Police Chief John Patterson ⁠disputes the report⁠. Madison365 executive editor Rob Chappell has been ⁠reporting on the story⁠ and joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to explain what we know. Plus, executive producer Hayley Sperling has what might be ⁠the final update⁠ on the Ridglan Farms beagles.  Mentioned on the show: ⁠Interim independent police monitor on City Cast Madison⁠⁠Interim independent police monitor on 365 Amplified ⁠

After months of public input, Regent Street is getting a major redesign which will include wider sidewalks, fewer driving lanes, added parking and loading lanes, and more trees. To some folks' dismay, though, it will not include dedicated bike lanes. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks about the plan with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Liz Boyd. In addition to being Madison Public Library digital services and marketing manager, Boyd is a local photographer and outdoor enthusiast, and she brings us the latest tourism numbers and her ideal itinerary for a Madison tourist. Plus, how is Madison recognizing Juneteenth this week?

The new Center for Black Excellence and Culture has officially opened! City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with founder Rev. Dr. Alex Gee at the center to talk about everything it took to open the doors and what comes next. The 37,000-square-foot space features auditoriums, lounges, a children's library, senior area, women's center, art gallery, innovation and business workspaces, and more. Beginning July 1, visitors can take walking tours.  To hear more from Rev. Dr. Gee, listen to his podcast Black Like Me. Mentioned on the show Justified anger: Rev. Alex Gee says Madison is failing its African-American community (CapTimes)

Do you know how many parks Madison has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map has already become a valuable tool for locals, who now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: they can also find outdoor spaces that meet their needs. Mentioned on the show: Every Park SLC - The First-Ever Guide to Every Park in Salt Lake County (City Cast Salt Lake) 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, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fuel costs. She also called for state-level reform to lessen the financial burden on Madison taxpayers. On today's show, host Bianca Martin talks about this news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Angela Russell, creator of the Black Oxygen podcast and founder of The Undercurrent.  We also talk about the global and national mistrust in institutions and how that has played out locally. Plus, Madison schools are offering free summer meals to all students and a free summer Metro bus pass for students entering 6th grade and older. And, for City Cast Madison Neighbors only, we react to Forbes magazine naming Wisconsin's Diane Hendricks and Judy Faulkner among the country's top three wealthiest self-made women.

Chef Patrick O'Halloran has been cooking for Madison for decades, and his latest business, The Deliciouser, blends spices, classes, and global cuisine. O'Halloran was just named Madison Magazine's Chef of the Year, and executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with him  about how the spice lab and the restaurant go hand in hand. Plus, Emily Tucker, host of WORT-FM's Stuff Yer Face, explains what is in a cookie salad and why sweet “salads” have a chokehold on Midwest culture. 

It's Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again for his final time earlier this month. Madison and Dane County officials also raised a pride flag at the City-County Building. While these are symbols of support, we are curious about the actual day-to-day experience of LGBTQIA+ Madisonians. Host Bianca Martin talks with Sanders Weinberg,  program coordinator at the Gender and Sexuality Center at UW-Madison, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, about how queer-friendly our city really is.  This episode originally aired on June 2, 2025.

We start today's show remembering and mourning community leader Michael Johnson. Host Bianca Martin reflects with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians. Plus, Lindsay tells us about her recent investigative piece about artists' challenges with Madison Public Art Project. And the Madison Public Market will be open on Wednesdays! Mentioned on the show: Michael Johnson on Leading the Next Gen [

Madison's Police Civilian Oversight Board and Office of the Independent Police Monitor are once again under scrutiny as the city considers changes that the office says could undermine its independence. To better understand the issues at hand, host Bianca Martin talks with interim independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass. They discuss hurdles facing the office, how residents can file complaints, and progress in hiring a permanent monitor. Mentioned on this show: Why Madison's Police Oversight Agencies Are The Most Empowered In the Country [

Madison recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas podcast host Jesse Merrick to learn how the city makes do with what it has and how its practices could save other cities' water supplies. Plus, are any Las Vegans actually going to the casinos? Mentioned on the show: "Reality Check - There are Big Fines If You Don't Change Your Watering Clock" (Southern Nevada Water Authority) "Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?" (City Cast Las Vegas) 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.

Wisconsin's voting maps are in the news again and headed to the state Supreme Court. What's next for political representation in our state? To get the details on this latest update, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign executive director Nick Ramos joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, Bianca and Jade dig into everything you need to know about the gubernatorial race and we get an exciting Amtrak update! Mentioned on the show: Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition: Hosts statewide rallies – Our maps, our say [Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition] Hey Amtrak, Madison Is Ready [

The 2026 season at American Players Theatre starts this weekend! The Tony Award-winning theater company in Spring Green will have shows through November. Our friend Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians is an APT expert, so she joins host Binaca Martin to run down the plays in the first half of the season, and to explain why the core acting company is bigger than ever. Plus, we get into the top tips for a great picnic.  And hey, City Cast Madison has a promo code for 20% off all shows in the Hill Theatre. Use city20 to take advantage of our sponsorship!

Did you know Madison is home to the world-famous, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, First Unitarian meeting house? To mark the building's 75th birthday, Friends of the Meeting House group is hosting a Heritage Weekend featuring free tours and lectures this Friday through Sunday. Guests can explore the iconic building with tours and lectures all weekend. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin chats with March Schweitzer, president of Friends of the Meeting House, about the remarkable stories behind the building's construction and why the American Institute of Architects named it among Wright's most important contributions.  This episode originally aired on January 12, 2026.

UW-Madison is removing its ethnic studies requirement for students enrolling in summer 2026 and beyond. This move aligns the university with the Board of Regents' highly debated changes to its curriculum and transfer process. Host Bianca Martin breaks down this change with executive producer Hayley Sperling. Plus, we have more news about the Ridglan Farms beagles, and AJ and Nicole Juarez from Barrio Dance tell us what they can about their America's Got Talent audition!

Cue up “June Hymn” by the Decemberists because summer is here, and the City Cast Madison is bringing you our picks of the best things happening this month. From eating donuts on National Donut Day to learning how to row, the team is going to make the most of June. Won't you join us?

Where would Madison be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago's libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana? 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.

TGIF! The City Cast Madison team is here with the biggest news stories of the week. More than 75 firefighters responded to a fire at Madison-Kipp Corporation  on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Public Health Madison & Dane County and Clean Lakes Alliance are launching a pilot study to better understand E. coli in our lakes.  Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about these stories. Plus Tom Farley, author of the books “Growing Up Farley” and “The Chris Farley Show” and community outreach director for recovery.com, joins the show to talk about Madison Mallard's Recovery Night on June 2. And for our Neighbors only, an update on the Ridglan beagles!  Mentioned on the show: Is Madison a Beach Town [

This Saturday is the 18th annual Distill America event at Breese Stevens Field. Attendees will sample spirits from more than 90 vendors ranging from major Kentucky brands to tiny Wisconsin producers. Ahead of the event, host Bianca Martin talks with Distill America founder Fred Swanson about the history of the event and what to expect on Saturday.

Thoroughly checking yourself for ticks is a must-do after spending time outdoors in the spring and summer. Tick season has already been bad this year, and the number of Lyme disease cases in Wisconsin has quadrupled over the past 20 years. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling about the problem with ticks. We also get into the latest around the Watertown High School band's banned song, and how Madison is supporting the band with a concert at the Barrymore Theatre this Thursday. Plus, Bianca was named the recipient of Urban Triage's Reclaiming Our Voice Award! Mentioned on the show: Tips to avoid tick and mosquito bites [

We think one of Madison's best qualities is its ability to transform with the weather, and we argue that in the summer, Madison becomes a beach town. To make the case, host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. From Madison's 12 beaches to all the places you can rent a boat, we think Madison has beach town vibes.

This week, the Madison Metro School District school board approved a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all district staff. Meanwhile, the interim independent police monitor found that Madison police officers violated department policy when arresting Madison School Board member Maia Pearson in December. Plus, Dane County will donate 165 acres of land to the Ho-Chunk Nation. Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down these stories, and in the Neighbors-only segment we talk about American Players Theatre's latest national recognition!

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Bianca beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities?

The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters connects Wisconsinites at the intersection of science, art, and culture. And their biggest event of the year is happening TOMORROW, May 21. They're bringing the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo, to speak at the Overture Center and our very own Bianca Martin will be moderating. Ahead of the big event, Bianca speaks with Tiffany Rodriguez-Lee, the Academy's director of arts and fellows, who explains the Academy's statewide mission, its “Finding Home” series, and why centering Indigenous perspectives is essential to understanding Wisconsin. 

Data centers have become a hot-button issue across the state. Newly released public documents show that Alliant Energy has received proposals for at least 12 centers in its service area. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and contributor Emily Winter about the secrecy surrounding data centers and why a majority of Wisconsinites disapprove of them. Plus, Vegan Sausage Fest is returning to Madison, and the Madison Public Market has announced a grand opening date!

Did you know that Nirvana recorded demos for their breakthrough album “Nevermind” here in Madison? It's true. They recorded with Butch Vig (of Garbage fame) in an unassuming red brick building  on East Washington Avenue. In the documentary film “The Smart Studios Story,” local filmmaker and former Smart Studio engineer Wendy Schneider shows just how influential the recording studio was on ‘90s alternative rock. Host Bianca Martin chats with Wendy about the film and the studio's legacy.  This episode originally aired on July 7, 2025.

Would Madison be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital?  Mentioned on the show: "The deadliest road in America" (Vox) 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.

State lawmakers put together a bi-partisan spending package this week that would have sent much needed funding to Wisconsin schools as well as provided tax payers with $300 to $600 stimulus checks. But the “blockbuster” deal died in the senate. So what happened? Host Bianca Martin dives into the story with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, the team talks Madison home prices and the possibility of a nuclear fusion research facility taking over the Oscar Mayer plant.  Plus for Neighbors, we discuss an accident at a local construction site.  Mentioned on the show: Why is Madison So Obsessed with Brandi Grayson [

Memorial Day is right around the corner, which means it's grilling season! Whether you're heading to a cookout or barbecuing at home, we all want to level up our grill skills. Host Bianca Martin chats with Meat People Butcher co-owner Pip Freeman about how to select quality meats and tips for cooking a perfect brat.   

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness takes this month as a chance to stand in community, recognize that no one struggles alone, and destigmatize mental illness and mental healthcare. To learn more about NAMI and the help that is available in Madison, host Bianca Martin spoke with NAMI Dane County executive director Jamie Mulry.

Soon Madisonians won't have to drive for an hour to get some Swedish meatballs. That's right, Ikea is coming to town! The opening date and details are still being worked out, but the excitement is growing. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling share thoughts and well wishes to this year's grads. Plus, the two are joined by Cap Times reporters Erin Gretzinger and Will Briggs to talk about their newsroom's unionization efforts. 

Brandi Grayson isn't one to shy away from conflict. She gained notoriety as a leader of Madison's Black Lives Matter movement and is now the CEO of the ⁠nonprofit Urban Triage⁠, where she helps some of Madison's most vulnerable populations find housing. But Brandi and her work have been subjected to a level of ⁠extreme criticism and scrutiny ⁠that most other nonprofits in town never have to deal with. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Brandi about the backlash she's faced, her 2025 arrest, what's new at Urban Triage, and what it means to be a Black leader in Madison. ♻️ If you enjoyed today's interview with Amy Barrilleaux, communications director at Clean Wisconsin,⁠ learn more here⁠.

Madisonians, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city's nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended hours experiment. Plus, how to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary without feeling like you're serving a Trump narrative. 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, the long-awaited Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened to the public. The 37,000-square-foot building on West Badger Road is designed to be a multipurpose space that will host live events, youth and elder programming, health programming, and more. Host Bianca Martin was there, and she tells executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas all about it. Plus, we react to the news of brewery owner Kirk Bangstad joining the governor's race, and the latest in addressing safety on Park Street. And exclusively for our Neighbors, we give our takes on a proposed downtown curfew for youth. Mentioned on the show: FBI interviews Kirk Bangstad [WPR]Hundreds of drivers cited on Park Street [CapTimes] Sneak Peak in the Center for Black Excellence and Culture [CapTimes]

Supper clubs and Wisconsin go together like fried walleye and beer. It's a classic pairing, and for good reason. Whether you're new to Madison, or just want to be reminded of the best spots to get French onion soup and a brandy old fashioned, we've got you covered. Host Bianca Martin chats with former Madison Magazine editor-in-chief Andrea Behling about the magazine's definitive list on what makes a true Wisconsin supper club. This episode originally aired on March 13th, 2025

Have you ever wondered about all those sporty folks who gather to throw frisbees on fields across Madison? They are probably ultimate players, and they likely play for MUFA. The Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association boasts thousands of members who play all year round. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with MUFA executive director Pete Schramm about what is arguably Madison's cultiest sport.  Want to try your hand at ultimate frisbee? MUFA summer registration is currently open. This episode was originally published on Aug. 19, 2025.

Did you know that nearly a million birds flew over Madison last night? Warblers, orioles, thrushes, and so many more bird species are migrating through our region right now, and many stop in Madison to refuel and rest. Plus, our cranes and waterfowl are coming back home for the season. This means now is a great time to get out and look and listen for the birds! To celebrate peak migratory bird season, host Bianca Martin chats with the Wisco Birder himself, Dexter Paterson. Plus, get tickets to see Bianca talk with former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo about what it means to inhabit our home on Earth.  This episode originally aired on April 23, 2025.