City Cast Madison

September is here! This month will be full of bountiful harvests, neighborhood festivals, and “Is it fall yet?” vibes. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas share their picks for things to do and eat this month. Plus, they talk about how to get ready for fall.  ⚓ This month's guide is sponsored by Forward Theater. Their pick this month is to go see “Steady She Goes.” Check out our Instagram for a chance to win two tickets to this world premiere play. 

The news has been nonstop for Madison recently. Today, Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison talks to host Bianca Martin about the biggest stories in the city right now — from new updates on the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz to the opening of the new men's shelter and the upcoming budget process. Plus, Madison's first new library in more than two decades is opening Sept. 25!

The Madison airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn't have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh's does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports (unsettlingly often) across the world. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris brings David into the little-known world of airport energy independence, showing how a one-time investment can bring the kind of peace of mind that both travelers and operators hope for every day. 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.

The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she's gone, kids in Dane and Sauk Counties will still get their free book each month from “Aunt Dolly” thanks to a partnership between Madison Reading Project and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Early literacy coordinator Sarah Burke joins the podcast to talk about Dolly's impact on our youngest readers.  Then, host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and contributor Scott Resnick talk about new candidates jumping into the Madison mayoral race. They also recap a three-hour Q&A on the city's response to the fatal police shooting of Cory Ruiz and the protests and encampment that resulted from it. And for Neighbors' ears only: a group of Madison parents are pushing for stricter screen-time limits in schools. Mentioned on the show: Brian Bedford announces mayoral run [Madison 365]Syed Abbas announces mayoral run [Madison 365] Kaleem Caire will run for mayor [Wisconsin State Journal]

The new restaurant begonia. opens its doors to the public on Friday. But Monroe Street diners might already be familiar with the team behind begonia. Sara Anderson and her son-in-law, Chef Christopher Lund were also the team behind the now-closed Kettle Black Kitchen. Chris joins the show to explain what to expect at their latest concept. Then, host Bianca Martin and Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians chat about Osteria Papavero celebrating 20 years in business. Lindsay also gives us all her hot tips for eating well when camping in Door County. Plus, who do you think will win the Camp Randall hot dog showdown?

Did you know City Cast Madison's Rob Thomas writes about movies on his Substack newsletter? Over on Not That Rob Thomas, Rob writes about new theatrical releases, movies currently streaming, and niche local screenings. The UW Cinematheque's fall lineup, which begins Thursday, Aug. 27, falls into the latter category. On today's episode, Rob and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos preview the Cinematheque's upcoming season. Plus, they discuss the films that feature Madison in a starring role and their favorite movies that they recently saw in theaters. 

On Aug. 24, 1970, UW-Madison's Sterling Hall was bombed in protest of the Vietnam War. The explosion killed a physics researcher, injured others, and caused millions of dollars of damages. Three of the four alleged bombers served prison sentences, while the fourth, Leo Burt, has never been seen since.  A UW Libraries oral history project from 2010 archives the memories and accounts of Madisonians who lived through the blast. Some of their voices are featured on this episode. Plus, host Bianca Martin chats to UW oral historian Troy Reeves about the event and its lasting impact on the Madison community 56 years later. This episode was originally published on Aug. 25, 2025. 

Do you want to help shape the future of streets downtown? District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz is hosting a public meeting Tuesday to gather input on traffic safety as part of the Downtown Area Plan. Ahead of the meeting, Will joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to discuss how downtown can become safer for pedestrians, bikers, and motorists. Then, we hear from Carol Aspinwall, Executive Director of Period Products Pantry, a new nonprofit which aims to make menstrual products available to all in Madison.

How often are you out in nature in Madison? It's not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It's true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned up their act, through the tireless work of local advocates and politicians. Portland, OR, is one of those cities, and City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza joins this episode of Your City Could Be Better to debunk the assumptions and fears about her city's river, the Willamette. Learn all about how a journalist-turned-governor led the charge to clean up Portland's waterfront, and how a quirky organizer — and lots of enthusiastic swimmers — have carried the torch. Mentioned on the show: Portland's riverfront park, named after former Governor Tom McCall Swiss residents using river to swim home from work RFK Jr. swimming (in jeans) in Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. 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 donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month. The charitable organization provided funding for community resources like the Goodman Community Center and Goodman Pool. Meanwhile, Fitchburg Police Department ditched the controversial Flock surveillance company only to now be searching for alternatives. And Universities of Wisconsin leaders are looking for the state's help in implementing a tuition freeze. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas discuss these news stories and exclusively for Neighbors, we talk about the fake election poll that was framed as a “social experiment.”

Madison's fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. are awaiting a decision by the Trump administration on whether or not to extend their Temporary Protected Status. Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos talk with Allison Suchon from Friends of Ukraine Madison about the festival and the heightened anxiety among the Ukrainian community.  Then, MAMA 2026 DJ of the Year DJ Femme Noir (aka Tempestt Ballenger) joins the show to talk about the state of Madison's queer dance scene. Finally, we discuss the newly opened Madison Public Market. Spoiler alert: it features several vendors, excellent bathrooms, and paid parking. 

Have you been hearing F-35 jets flying overhead late into the night? For the last two weeks, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been conducting night training. Many of us in the flight path have been experiencing the booming jet noise as late as 10:30 p.m. On today's show, host Bianca Martin talks with retired Madisonian Scott Pigg about his online project to track how loud the F-35s are and share real-time data with Madison residents.

Are you struggling to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant this week? You're probably experiencing the influx of people who are in Madison for Epic Systems' annual conference, known as UGM. On today's show, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling talk about UGM and a new antitrust investigation by the Federal Trade Commission into Epic. Meanwhile, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison says it lost $100,000 in business while the Williamson St. store was closed following the shooting of Corey Ruiz, the cCity aAttorney says the Office of the Independent Police Monitor can't access policeMPD records yet in the Ruiz investigation, and Madison redditors solve the mystery of the dug-up stones. Mentioned the show: Impacted businesses on Willy St  Gofundme for employees who work on Willy St

The new Teejop Community Art Project is a citywide series of temporary art installations by seven Indigenous artists honoring Madison's Indigenous community and cultural history. Artist, educator, and founding executive director of Little Eagle Arts Foundation Melanie Tallmadge Sainz joins today's show to discuss her piece in the project, made in collaboration with Lightning the Earth New Rider at the UW Arboretum.  Then, City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos unpack a new proposal to redevelop the vacant Wonder Bar and Coliseum Bar site. Plus, we hear from you in our mailbag segment! ❤️

Ever want to know how many mattresses Madison throws away? It's a lot, but Dane County officials hope that, someday, the bulk of it can be recycled — and that all starts with the construction of the “sustainability campus” that's currently underway. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin tells David all about the scope and the hopes of this future site, and how it differs from those of a conventional landfill, as well as how Dane County's prior business savvy set it up for success (with no need for additional taxpayer dollars). As cities fret to find more landfill space for their constituents, Dane County has a plan. Mentioned on the show: Conversion of Dane County landfills into pollinator fields 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.

Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and contributor Scott Resnick about the service, how the Aug. 11 primary election results played out in Dane County, and the September opening of the men's shelter on Bartillon Drive. Plus, in our Neighbors-only segment, we're talking about salary transparency and the cost of living in Madison.  

Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it's a burrito filled with tater tots from Burrito Drive or a sandwich from Radical Rye. The City Cast Madison team pays tribute to our beloved and departed former haunts. Plus, we hear from you about the spots that used to rule Madison's food and drink scene.   This episode originally aired on Aug. 21, 2025.

Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today's show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down the winners and losers in this election and what comes next. 

For the second time in the organization's history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropped 25% in June. Red Cross Southwest Wisconsin Chapter executive director Kyle Kriegl joins the show to explain the reasons behind the steep donation drop  and shares how and where to donate.  Plus, Madison 365 executive editor Rob Chappell talks with City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling about the newest information in the investigation into the police shooting death of Corey Ruiz, including the officer's name. And on a lighter note, we highlight the 11th annual Madison Black Restaurant Week, which runs through Aug. 16.

Are you ready to vote in tomorrow's primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, competitive races, and a reminder of who is vying for the governorship. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, and you can find your polling place and a sample ballot at myvote.wi.gov. Happy voting!

As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y'all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today's very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it's acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. 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.

Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn't disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month's cover story for Madison Magazine, writer Jeff Oloizia explores how  ecology, economics, invasive species, and changing fisheries are impacting what's on our fish fry menu. Jeff joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to discuss the current challenges facing freshwater fish and potential solutions. Jeff will be speaking at a fish fry dinner hosted by Madison Magazine and Sustain Dane at Pasture and Plenty on Sept. 18.

The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city workers. On today's show, host Bianca Martin speaks with Alder Davy Mayer, who represents the area, about the last two weeks at the intersection, the attempt to reach a resolution with protesters, and the impact on local businesses. We also hear from organizers and city leaders including the police monitor at the scene following the city's teardown. 

Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison's Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evidence needed to conduct an independent investigation. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin speaks with interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass about why her office subpoenaed the Madison Police Department for evidence she says her office is entitled to. They also discuss tensions with city officials, an evolving relationship with MPD Chief John Patterson, and why she has been present at protests to help de-escalate and support community safety. Mentioned on the show Police Monitor Answers Her Critics [

How is it already August? We're not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your guide to the month. From Black Restaurant Week to Magic Pride Festival, there are so many incredible things to do this month. We also highlight ways to find community during what has been an incredibly heavy time for many Madisonians.  You can find even more August picks on the City Cast Madison website. 

Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison's housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals. 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 continues to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting. Today, Ion Meyn, an associate professor of law at UW-Madison who specializes in civil rights and criminal procedure, joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to talk about the legal ramifications of the case. Plus, we look at what comes next for the controversial Act 10 law following a recent court ruling. And if you're a Neighbor, you'll hear our takes and gripes about the flood of trolls invading our comments section in our exclusive members-only segment. 

While we grapple with heavy news in Madison, we have been thinking about how we engage with each other and gather in community. Luckily for us, Madison has many coffee shops to meet and find connections. Plus the coffee just tastes good! Host Bianca Martin, newsletter editor Rob Thomas, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos chat about their favorite spots for every vibe.  This episode was originally published on April 23, 2026.

The Aug. 11 primary is less than two weeks away! Today, we continue our election coverage as host Bianca Martin sits down with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The two dig into his vision for Wisconsin, his stance on data centers, and get real about his chances of securing the Democratic nomination for governor after dropping out then rejoining the race.

In the days following the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the city  mobilized in protest in various ways. From shutting down events like Concerts on the Square to blocking traffic on Willy Street and East Washington Avenue, the message has been loud and clear: people are angry and want change. But how do these rallying cries turn into real action? Today, host Bianca Martin talks about the latest developments in the story with executive producer Hayley Sperling. And later, the two are joined by local artist and political strategist Matthew Braunginn, who helped  organize protests in 2015 following the death of Tony Robinson, to talk about the human toll of protesting and what has — and hasn't — changed in the past 10 years. 

With just over two weeks until the Aug. 11 primary, we're continuing our election coverage. Today, host Bianca Martin sits down with Andy Manske, a medical services technician and candidate in the Republican primary. They discuss Manske's stance on AI data centers in Wisconsin, his electability, and how running as “just a guy” is his secret weapon.

It's not a given that every individual will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer Taylor Lahey about how functional incentives could be the missing link in traditional systems of donations and volunteering. Inspired by a waste exchange program in Curitiba, Brazil, Lahey is working to create circular systems that effectively incentivize donations and just as effectively get them into the hands of those who need them. When investment and morale are low, sometimes an unconventional approach is the right way to go. Want to hear your question on an upcoming episode of Your City Could Be Better? Submit your city dilemmas for our upcoming call-in show by using our Google Form: https://forms.gle/45X33jhGHf8BYDM5A  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, a man was fatally shot by a Madison police officer on Willy Street. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas talk through what we know about the shooting, the community protests that led to Concerts on the Square being canceled in solidarity, and local officials' calls for transparency, accountability, and community resources. We also discuss a new Marquette University Law School poll on the Democratic governor's primary, the postponed Madison Public Market grand opening, and just-announced opening dates for the Imagination Center library and Bartillon Drive men's shelter. Mentioned on the show:Community Rallies after Fatal Police Shooting [

On Wednesday July 22, Madison Police fatally shot a man in the Marquette neighborhood. Following the shooting, dozens of community members rallied at the site of the incident. They made their way to the steps of the State Capitol Building, shutting down East Washington Avenue and Concerts on the Square. Today, host Bianca Martin talks about the incident and the resulting protests with executive producer Hayley Sperling who was at the scene of the protests.   Content warning: This show includes descriptions of police violence. Please listen with care. 

Wisconsin's primary election is less than three 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. As we continue our coverage of the race, host Bianca Martin talks with former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Joel Brennan about Wisconsin's affordability crisis, transparency in politics, and his pitch for a strong executive.

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.