City Cast Madison

City Cast
  • 4.4 (92)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at madison.citycast.fm.

  1. 13H AGO

    How To Know if You’re a True Madisonian

    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. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!  📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.  🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

    38 min
  2. You Might Also Like: The Climate Dispatch

    13H AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Climate Dispatch

    Introducing How To Free A River from The Climate Dispatch. Follow the show: The Climate Dispatch In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Bowers Cordalis of the Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group to talk about the largest dam removal project in U.S. history along the Klamath River. We explore the long fight to remove four hydroelectric dams, the environmental and cultural impacts they’ve had on the river, and what it has taken legally, spiritually, and collectively, to get to this moment. Join us as we unpack how dam removal is about more than restoring fish populations, it’s about restoring relationships: between people and place, between upstream and downstream communities, and between past harms and future possibilities. What does it look like to center sovereignty and stewardship in large-scale environmental change? What can this project teach us about climate resilience and ecological restoration? And how might it reshape the way we think about infrastructure, power, and responsibility? Guest:Amy Bowers Cordalis, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Fund  Featuring music from Emily Afton My Indigenous Family's Fight to Save a River and a Way of Life.  DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 3D AGO

    May Day Protest, Ridglan Update, and UW Extension Layoffs

    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 [🎧City Cast Madison]  Help DCHS rehome Ridglan Farm beagles [Dane County Humane Society] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!  📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.  🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 1st episode: Journey Mental Health Center Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

    33 min

  4. 4D AGO

    Your Guide to May 2026 in Madison

    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!  👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!  📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.  🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode: Journey Mental Health Center

    38 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Legal Weed in Wisconsin Could Disappear

    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.  👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!  📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.  🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 29th episode: Journey Mental Health Center

    19 min

  6. 6D AGO

    Controversial Tattoo Chain Takes Short Stack Spot, Summer Lakes, and Shoutouts to You!

    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: 🏆 Our roundup of some of Madison’s best tattoo shops 🌊 Podcast: Toxic Lakes Hurt More Than Just Madison Swimmers 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!  📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.  🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 28th episode: Journey Mental Health Center Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

    39 min

  7. APR 27

    Step Right up to Wisconsin’s Historic Circus

    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!  🎪Want to support OUR circus? (By circus, I mean this podcast and newsletter.) Sign up to become a City Cast Madison Neighbor! Our membership campaign ended last week, BUT there is still time to help us reach our goal and get the limited edition Oxford Pennant. Become a Neighbor today! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!  📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 27th episode: Journey Mental Health Center

    46 min

  8. APR 26

    'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Madison

    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.

    25 min
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4.4
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92 Ratings

About

Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at madison.citycast.fm.

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