City Cast Madison

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. 

Now we're not gatekeeping the title of “Madisonian,” but we want to know — what makes a Madison resident a Madisonian? If you've lived here your whole life like our special guest, you've got the street cred, but for the transplants, we're asking when do you know that it's real? Host Bianca Martin chats about iconic Madison experiences with executive producer Hayley Sperling and WORT host and MMSD school board member Ali Muldrow.

Today, the May Day 2026: Day Without Immigrants demonstration is expected to draw thousands to the Capitol, including many Madison area teachers and students. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the planned protest. Plus, a big update on the Ridglan Farms beagles and possible layoffs at UW Extension. And exclusive for City Cast Madison Neighbors, the team is breaking down the new paid parking rules for Madison's near east side. Mentioned on the show: Our interview with Centro Hispano executive director Karen Menéndez Coller [

May in Madison means tulips, UW commencement, rooftop bars, and getting outside to enjoy it all! The City Cast Madison team is here with how to take advantage of the UW-Madison campus when many students leave for the summer, plus our top picks for things to do and eat! 

Last year, federal lawmakers closed the so-called loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill that has allowed Wisconsin's hemp-derived THC market to boom. Wisconsin state lawmakers failed to pass a bill to regulate these products, leaving them susceptible to the federal ban that will take place in November. To understand what's at stake, City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling speaks with Phillip Scott, president and founder of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association, and owner of Crone Apothecary. This show originally aired on January 6, 2026. 

There's a new tattoo parlor opening in the former Short Stack Eatery location. And if that sentence wasn't weird enough, get this: it's a global franchise. It will be Cleopatra Ink's first shop in Madison, but some people are wary of the business after allegations of shady business practices and human trafficking surfaced online. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into this story with local comedian and contributor Emily Winter and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. The trio also talk about the best lakes for dogs (and humans) and Emily's upcoming adult show and tell event.  Mentioned on the show:

Did you know Wisconsin is home to the world's largest collection of circus artifacts? Well it is! Circus World in Baraboo is a 64-acre Wisconsin Historical Society site and it just reopened for its 2026 season! On today's show, host Bianca Martin talks with Circus World attractions director Scott O'Donnell about the history and magic of the circus.  Plus, O'Donnell details what folks can expect at the circus this year. Hurry hurry hurry! 

Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Madison? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it's gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville's Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism.  Mentioned on the show: "Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville) "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible) 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.

Tuesday, Madison's City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor to the Police Civilian Oversight Board for further review. Also on Tuesday, interim independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass released a 31-page memo in which she said city leadership and local media have spread false statements about her office. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about this story. Plus, we recap the escalating conflict over animal testing at Ridglan Farms, delays for the Madison Public Market, and, for Neighbors only, the proposed overhaul of San Damiano Park in Monona.

Here in Madison, we're blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you're looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang out and work, there's a coffee shop waiting for you. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about their favorite spots for a caffeine fix.  ☕ Have you ever wanted to buy us a coffee? Well for the price of a coffee (or two) a month, you can support the work we do here at City Cast Madison. Join this week to get all the sweet perks AND a special wool pennant!

Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU to chime in, and let's just say the reactions were mixed! Y'all love the parks and lakes, but are less excited about the property taxes. Host Bianca Martin reacts to your messages with Mike Tarby, founding member of the local advocacy group Strong Towns Madison. 

What does it take to lead young people through anxious, high-stakes times? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell and Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County CEO Michael Johnson about what youth support looks like on the ground.  They dig into rising anxiety and financial stress facing families, why leadership opportunities matter, and how representation has resonated with kids as Newell serves as the first Black Miss Wisconsin. Plus, they discuss the reality of the harassment experienced by Black leaders in Madison.  Mentioned on the show:  All White Party Michael Johnson's Audacity to Lead

Oh hey der. Did you know that comedian and Wisconsin legend Charlie Berens will be performing on May 7 and 8 at the Overture? He is known for his viral comedy videos poking fun at Wisconsin and Midwestern culture. On today's show, host Bianca Martin talks with Berens about Midwest humor and the less funny topic of data centers.  Mentioned on the show Your City Could Be Better debate on data centers

Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Madison was just hammered by extreme weather — flooding, high winds, hail the size of baseballs, and possibly (maybe) even a tornado?! Host Bianca Martin, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about where the city was impacted and how they weathered the storm. Plus, a big shakeup in the UW Athletics department has some concerned about what comes next for the university's struggling football program, and neighbors push back on proposed changes at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. And an exciting new bonus segment just for Neighbors: A conversation about a UW workplace rivalry that turned poisonous … literally. Mentioned on the show Stay safe in extreme weather conditions [

Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there's something extra special about those neighborhood bars that foster a deep sense of community and connection with the people they serve. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to bartender and the (unofficial) Queen of Willy Street Colleen Hayes about the bars that keep us coming back time and time again.

Longevity in the media industry is hard to come by. Longevity for a local alternative weekly is an even tougher task. But Isthmus has managed to survive and thrive for 50 years. Of course, it wasn't without a few bumps along the way. To mark this momentous accomplishment, host Bianca Martin chats with editor Judy Davidoff and publisher Jason Joyce about Isthmus' past, present, and future.

How safe are Madison's streets? After several high profile crashes this year, including one that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old high school student, there's been a renewed effort to make our city's streets safe for all who use them. The UW-Madison Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory is using data to learn more about and make Wisconsin's streets safer. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Traffic Safety Engineer Research program manager Andrea Bill about the lab's work and what the data tells us about Madison's roads.

Did you know we wouldn't have Earth Day if it wasn't for the efforts of a Wisconsin senator? And that's not all. The UW-Madison has been home to some of the most prolific environmentalists of the last two centuries, and the work of Wisconsin's Tribal Nations has kept the state an environmental leader. To celebrate Earth Month and learn more about Wisconsin's conservationist history, we're bringing back host Bianca Martin's interview with Curt Meine, a senior fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation. This episode originally aired on April 22, 2025.

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 (