City Cast Madison

City Cast
  • 4.4 (93)
  • 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. 19h ago

    City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids

    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. 👋 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 June 12th episode: American Players Theatre - use code city20 for 20% off any performance in the outdoor Hill Theatre Society of St. Vincent de Paul Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

    34 min
  2. You Might Also Like: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

    19h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

    Introducing Humor and Judaism: A Conversation with Robby Hoffman from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality. Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, more American Jews cite having a sense of humor as important to their Jewish identity than things like keeping kosher and studying Torah.  Humor has long been associated with Jewish identity—from Jerry Seinfeld to Mel Brooks, Adam Sandler to Joan Rivers. On this episode of How God Works, we'll talk with the latest member of the long tradition of highly successful Jewish comedians, Emmy award-winning actor, writer and comedian, Robby Hoffman, about how Jewish people have shaped comedy, how comedy has shaped the Jewish people, and the role humor plays in her life and approach to faith. We’ll also ask if humor itself can be a spiritual practice—a way to cope with life’s difficulties and maybe even touch the transcendent.  Robby Hoffman is a writer, actor and comedian. Her Netflix stand-up special Robby Hoffman: Wake Up debuted in December 2025. She recently appeared on the HBO series Rooster. She was also nominated for an Emmy in 2025 for her guest role on HBO’s Hacks. She is the host of the Too Far podcast on Patreon. Learn more about her work on her website where you can also find tickets to her tour. Also mentioned on this episode: Jennifer Caplan, learn more about her work and find links to her books on her website. 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. 1d ago

    Spicy Takes From Madison’s Chef of the Year. Plus, WTF Is Cookie Salad?!?

    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.  🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. 👋 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 June 11th episode: Madison Reading Project American Players Theatre - use code city20 for 20% off any performance in the outdoor Hill Theatre Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    37 min

  4. 2d ago

    Hot Takes on Madison’s Queer Scene

    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. 👋 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 June 10th episode: Madison Reading Project American Players Theatre - use code city20 for 20% off any performance in the outdoor Hill Theatre Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    34 min

  5. 3d ago

    Honoring Michael Johnson, Public Art Woes, and Pop-Ups at Madison Public Market

    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 [🎧 City Cast Madison] 👋 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! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: Madison Reading Project American Players Theatre - use code city20 for 20% off any performance in the outdoor Hill Theatre Society of St. Vincent de Paul Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

    35 min

  6. 4d ago

    Police Monitor Answers Her Critics

    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 [🎧City Cast Madison] 👋 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 June 8th episode: Madison Reading Project American Players Theatre - use code city20 for 20% off any performance in the outdoor Hill Theatre Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    36 min

  7. 5d ago

    'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Madison

    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.

    31 min

  8. Jun 5

    SCOWIS Takes on Congressional Maps, Gov. Race Updates, and Good News For Passenger RailJun 05, 2026

    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 [ 🎧 City Cast Madison] What To Pack for Your American Players Theatre Picnic [ 🎧 City Cast Madison] For Neighbors only: Overture's impact on Madison economy has nearly doubled since 2021/22 season, study finds [News 3] 👋 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 June 5th episode: Clean Lakes Alliance Dane County Humane Society Madison Reading Project Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.

    28 min
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4.4
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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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