City Cast Madison

Madisonians, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are often closed when those businesses need help. That's why Portland is considering hiring a Night Mayor. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza about what this new position would do, and if it is the answer to the pandemic's enduring negative impact on walkability, small businesses, and nightlife in cities everywhere. Plus, should your city be weirder? Mentioned on the show: "Can a Night Mayor Revive Downtown Portland?" (City Cast Portland) 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 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted to fire its president, Jay Rothman. The regents say this has been a long time coming, Rothman says he was shocked by the move. So what's going on? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin digs into this story. Plus, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos has the latest on when we can expect the city's new homeless shelter to open and newsletter editor Rob Thomas has some good news for those who love German food and drinking beer out of a glass boot. (Which is all of us.) And — for City Cast Madison Neighbors only — the team talks about why DoorDash spent millions of dollars lobbying our state legislature and what they would do if they had that much influence in the Capitol. 

From Ba Lao to Friends Applaud, there are so many new restaurants in the Madison area to check out this spring. In her recent Cap Times cover story, food and culture editor Lindsay Christians laid out what food and drink spots have newly opened and which are yet to come. Executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with Lindsay about what new restaurants you should check out, including which ones have patio seating. Subscribe to the Cap Times Food & Culture newsletter to get more local food news.

Last night's election results are in! More than 50% of registered voters in Dane County turned out to the polls, and it was a good night for most area incumbents. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling are here to break down the winners and losers of Tuesday's 2026 spring election. 

Happy Election Day, Madison! We're wrapping up our election primers today with a breakdown of the contested Madison City Council races. Plus, we have the need-to-know information for Madison rec sports this spring and summer. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and local comedian and writer Emily Winter about all of this, plus the legacy that the indie news website Tone Madison leaves behind. P.S. Which neighborhood bars do you think make Madison, well, Madison? We're working on an upcoming episode and we want to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. Mentioned on the show: Election guide [City Cast Madison] Madison School & Community Recreation sports signups Madison Area Ultimate Frisbee (MUFA) Madison Sports and Social Club

Back in the 1990s, it was normal, if not expected, that big-name bands would stop in Madison. From Metallica to Bon Jovi to Reba McEntire and beyond, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center hosted them all. These days, big acts often pass over Madison in favor of Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. But the county is betting that updating the Coliseum could change that. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Alliant Energy Center executive director Kevin Scheibler about this grand plan and what it means to bring a massive $100 million private investment to a public entity.  Listen to our past show on this topic with Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission.

If you are a fan of the Madison's professional women's volleyball team LOVB, you already know how incredible women's sports are! While more and more people are embracing women's sports, Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women's soccer. Will betting on women's sports drive Denver's economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office? Mentioned on the show: The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado's pro sports stadiums [⁠The Denver Pos⁠t] 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.

After nearly 30 years, the City of Madison is revising its pedestrian plan to make Madison safer and more walkable. Plus, UW's largest student organization, Wisconsin Hoofers, is getting a $2.7 million expansion. And the race for Branch 1 of the Dane County Circuit Court is in its final days. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about all this news. Plus, did you get got on April Fool's Day? Mentioned on the show: In person absentee voting hours (City of Madison) April election guide (City Cast Madison) Interview with Judge Lazar (

Happy April, Madison! It's a new month, which means the City Cast Madison team is here to share our tips on how to make the most of it. The days are finally feeling longer, it's getting greener out there, and it's finally time for the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Capitol Square! Grab your headphones and tote bags, because this month is packed with goodness.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Amy Barrilleaux, Communications Director at Clean Wisconsin, learn more here.

Wisconsin's spring election is less than a week away — and that's no April Fools joke! On April 7, voters across the state will cast their votes for candidates in local city councils, county boards, school boards, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Today, we're once again zooming in on the supreme court race. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Judge Chris Taylor, the Madison local and liberal-leaning candidate, about why she wants a seat on our state's highest court and the role of partisanship in this nonpartisan election.

We're exactly one week away from Wisconsin's spring election. On April 7, voters across the state will vote on an array of candidates, running for offices ranging from local city councils and county boards to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Today, we're zooming in on the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Judge Maria Lazar, the conservative-backed candidate, about why she wants a seat on our state's highest court and the role of partisanship in this nonpartisan election.

Here at City Cast Madison, we've lost count of how many times we've had to pause our podcast recordings to let a F-35 fighter jet fly by. The jets are loud, there's no question about that. But just how loud? One retired Madisonian has made it his mission to document and collect data on just how much noise these warplanes make. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Scott about his findings and how much louder Madison has gotten since the jets arrived in 2023.  ✈️ Check out Scott's website here. 

More affordable housing is needed in places like Madison. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city's affordable housing successes, and where Austin's still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor's house? 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.

Airports across the country are struggling as TSA agents go without pay. While things remain stable at the Dane County Regional Airport, officials are bracing for a potential airport shutdown. Meanwhile, gas prices in Madison creep toward $4 per gallon. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down this news with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, what's on your spring election ballot, and why is UW-Madison's Space Place shutting down? Mentioned on the show: How to beat high gas prices in Madison [City Cast Madison]Kwik Trip unveils a new mascot [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] But what happened to Urge? [Facebook]

A Friday fish fry is a quintessential part of Wisconsin culture and everyone has their own takes on who does it best. But one Madison man takes his love for the iconic dish to new levels. Mike Seidel has tried and rated nearly 2,000 fish fries across the state over the years. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Mike to find out what separates a “good” fish fry from a “great” one. From the batter to the fish to the sides, Mike's rating formula takes everything into account. Photos and reviews from Mike's adventures can be found on Facebook and Instagram. 

Spring is officially here and with it comes wild and unpredictable weather. From blizzards in March to tornado warnings, us midwesterners need to be prepared for extreme weather. Host Bianca Martin chats with Andrew Beckett, Dane County Emergency Management's emergency communications and outreach manager about what to do when things get wet and windy in Madison.

While the UW-Madison men's basketball team got knocked out in the first round of March Madness, the women's hockey team brought home their 9th NCAA championship. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about Badger sports news. Plus, the names of two Madison Metro School District schools are up for reconsideration, so Bianca and Hayley offer some suggestions. And did you hear about the snowplow driver who cleared the path for the baby born during last week's blizzard?  Mentioned on the show: Meet Madison's First Female Snow Plow Driver [City Cast Madison] Madison district monitors effect of César Chávez allegations on namesake school [Cap Times] “It Was Time”: Dolores Huerta's First Interview After “Devastating” Cesar Chavez Expose [Latino USA]

It's almost that time of year again! The Wisconsin Film Festival is right around the corner, bringing eight days of movie magic to screens across the city. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with the festival's Director of Operations, Ben Reiser, about everything you need to know to have a successful fest. From standout films to ticket-buying logistics, we've got you covered. Now dim the lights and settle in, we're going to the movies.

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Madison. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (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.

This week, Madison's Office of the Independent Police Monitor released a new annual report detailing staffing issues in its office and calling for officers to wear body cameras. However, after some scrutiny about AI use, the report was taken down for further review. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the story. They also talk about the 27 animal activists who were arrested after breaking into Ridglan Farms and the removal of a marker on an Indigenous burial mound. Mentioned on the show: Effigy Mounds in Madison [City Cast Madison] Actress Alexandra Paul among animal rights activists arrested [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Our interview with police chief John Patterson [

The Baked Lab is the newest addition to a growing cohort of dessert connoisseurs in the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood. Owner Shawn Buldoc started the business in 2020 during the pandemic, but didn't have a space to call his own until this year. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Shawn about what to expect from this new shop and how he took his passion for baking and turned it into a beloved business.

How many Culver's are in Madison? What former Madison mayor is now a blogger? How well do YOU know Madison? Trivia host extraordinaire Paul Guse is back to test our knowledge of the city we call home. Play along at home as host Bianca Martin and newsletter editor Rob Thomas battle it out in a game of trivia. But no cheating!

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is in the midst of celebrating its 100th season with an exciting lineup of concerts to bid farewell to longtime maestro and music director John DeMain, whose brand new memoir “Working with My Heroes” is out now. Host Bianca Martin chatted with John about the history of the orchestra and the evolution of the ensemble during his tenure.

You asked and the mayor answered. Today, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway for a wide-ranging discussion, inspired by questions sent in by City Cast Madison listeners and readers. The two cover housing, the absentee voting lawsuit the city is facing, immigration enforcement, and more.

Madisonians are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It's a big shift in local policy, partially motivated by the fact that local cops have damaged their reputation by patrolling with feds. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host and executive editor Mike Schaffer about the political stakes involved, the effectiveness of body cameras, and how Washingtonians are dealing with the heavy federal law enforcement presence. Plus, Mike and Jacoby weigh in on public transit etiquette in their cities when it comes to people playing music out loud. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email us now! We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

As Wisconsin voters get ready to head to the polls next month to elect the next Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, current Justice Annette Ziegler announced this week that she will not run for a third term in 2027. Ziegler is the second conservative-leaning justice to retire from the court since liberal-aligned justices took the majority in 2023. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down the story with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, Amtrak's anticipated arrival in Madison gets bumped up by a few years, and some weird buildings are creating buzz in town.  And don't forget to check out our new City Cast podcast "Your City Could Be Better" on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It's usually hosted by our CEO David Plotz, but this week, Chicago's Jacoby Cochran is stepping in as guest host, to talk with D.C.'s Mike Schaffer about a new D.C. law that aims to hold federal agents accountable.  Mentioned on the show: Why Madison picked Wilson Street for Amtrak [City Cast Madison]How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Madison [City Cast Madison]

How sweet it is to have a free maple syrup festival right in our backyard! This weekend, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Fest complete with hands-on activities, hikes, and of course, tastings. To give us the rundown on what makes this festival so special and get into the legacy of Aldo Leopold himself, host Bianca Martin chats with the center's education director, Virginia Wiggen.

Decades before “fake news” became a political dog whistle, the folks behind The Onion were publishing tongue-in-cheek, satirical news. The founders launched it in 1988 right here in Madison. Christine Wenc was a copy editor, writer, and illustrator on the original staff, and is the author of “Funny Because It's True: How The Onion Created Modern American News Satire.” Host Bianca Martin chats with Christine about the Onion's early days, and why Madison was the perfect birthplace for the iconic paper.  This show originally aired March 18. 2025.

Forward Madison FC's season officially kicks off this weekend! And the team is looking much different than it did last year. Plus the new women's team, Rally Madison FC, will hit the pitch this summer. To catch us up on all things soccer — or football, if you will — host Bianca Martin chats with Rob Chappell, executive editor at Madison365 and host of the 608 Soccer Show podcast. 

UW-Madison's student-run radio station WSUM was recently named Intercollegiate Broadcasting System's Best College Radio Station in the country! The 24-year-old station has gone through some major transformations over the years, from fighting for a radio tower to broadcasting from state-of-the-art equipment and launching a successful app. Today host Bianca Martin catches up with WSUM program director Paige Elizabeth Kearney and production director Johnny Raider to get the details on what's in WSUM's recipe for success.

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Madison are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it's one that's very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers. Mentioned on the show: Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (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.

With international news dominated by war, how does the U.S. involvement in Iran impact us here in Wisconsin? The City Cast Madison team digs into this question as well as some lighter news about what's going on here at home. Several new restaurants have opened in the Madison area recently, and it's time to get excited for summer because the Concerts on the Square lineup is out! Mentioned on the show Has the war in Iran directly affected you or loved ones? [Cap Times] Does This Go Together? And Other Questions Asked by Madison's Fusion Trend Setters [City Cast Madison] New barbecue restaurant to open on State Street [Madison Magazine]

One of Madison's most iconic restaurants is celebrating a huge milestone this year. L'Etoile is turning 50! The boundary-pushing farm-to-table restaurant has served as a launching pad for some of Madison's most accomplished chefs. So what's the secret sauce that makes this place so special? Today, host Bianca Martin chats with L'Etoile founder Odessa Piper and current chef and owner Tory Miller to find out. Want more? Listen to our 2023 interview with Odessa.

In many ways when it comes to housing, Madison is stuck between a rock and a hard place. While there's been an influx of new residents, there's limited space on the isthmus for housing growth and some communities are wary of new developments. Nonetheless, the city has made strides toward easing the pressures of our housing market, as it recently outlined in its 2025 Housing Snapshot Report. Today, host Bianca Martin speaks with executive director of Common Wealth Development, Justice Castañeda, about what's going well and what isn't when it comes to the state of housing in Madison. Read Justice's 2025 opinion piece on housing for Isthmus here. 

When you think about sustainability, where does clothing come into the conversation? In a world where roughly 30% of the microplastics in our oceans come from synthetic clothing material, it's more important than ever to build a connection to the fibers we wear every day. As we welcome the spring growing season, host Bianca Martin speaks with Leslie Schroeder, founder of the Midwest Linen Revival, who is leading a movement in Madison to make the fashion industry more sustainable.  This show originally aired June 17, 2025.

Beware OR embrace the Ides of March! Dealers choice. On today's episode, host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas give their top recommendations for ways to live your best life in Madison this March. From going to the next I'mProv, You're Prov comedy show and Wisconsin Film Fest previews to Femmestival 2026 and more, there's plenty to be excited about this month. 

A lot of cities, including Madison, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works. 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.

Happy Friday, Madison! It's time to round up the news of the week. The City Cast Madison team is digging into happenings at the statehouse, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos's announcement that he won't seek reelection and the partisan battle over school funding. Plus, after winning the gold in Milan, Badger women's hockey players have found themselves entangled in a controversy with the president.  Also, nominate us for Best of Madison! (Please

Summer in Madison is always sweet, but this year we have even more to look forward to as “Top Chef” star and Ho-Chunk chef Elena Terry's new restaurant, Tall Grass, will *hopefully* open at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art just in time for the Art Fair in the Square. Host Bianca Martin spoke with Terry on the podcast to talk about what to expect from the menu, why she chose to open a restaurant in MMOCA, and how she plans on serving both her customers and her community. 

Measles has returned to the United States. Two cases of exposure to the highly infectious virus were reported in Madison earlier this month. Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to remind us how the virus spreads, who's most vulnerable, and how to combat misinformation around vaccines. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR's “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in September 2025. His new podcast is “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster.”  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit

The Wisconsin Historical Society is safeguarding the stories of being Black in Madison by including the SoulFolk Collective's oral history collection in its archive. The collective is a research lab in UW-Madison's Department of African American Studies that does research projects centering the Black experience , including mapping Black-affirming spaces in the city. .  To learn more, host Bianca Martin speaks with Dr. Jessica Stovall and Angela Fitzgerald about the Black Madison Archive and what is next for the collective.   Shout out that the collection is at WI historical society! This episode originally aired September 16, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Madison's Common Council is composed of 20 part-time alders. But should it be? Recently, the conversation over the size and makeup of our city council has been revived and residents have varying thoughts on the matter. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into the arguments for and against a smaller council with City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, we hear what you have to say about the idea!