City Cast Madison

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.

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.