City Cast DC

City Cast is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed. Washingtonians are gritty, proud, and resilient — necessary qualities for a community facing issues that range from an affordability crisis to the fight for statehood to the movement for racial justice… and useful qualities for a region full of whip-smart people, dynamic culture, and constant change. Washingtonians are deeply passionate about our city, whose story is still being written, and City Cast DC is here to tell it. Every weekday morning, our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will engage people from all over the eight wards in conversation about DC’s crises and its beauty, both literal and figurative. It’ll have the feel of eavesdropping on an energetic and informative coffee shop chat, except that with City Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in.

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Episodes

Why D.C.'s ‘Revolutionary’ Global School Failed

The Whittle School was lauded as a revolutionary global campus. But after three years and multiple lawsuits, the campus abruptly shut down. Now, parents and students are scrambling to find new schools for the year, while teachers are waiting for paychecks. Washington Business Journal’s Hannah Denham has been covering the school's closure, and walks us through its rise and fall. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @city...

Aug 02, 2022•17 min

D.C. How-To: Make The Most Of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

If you haven’t yet been to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, there’s no better time than now. It’s a free national park, within city limits, and its lily and lotus festival is in peak bloom until the end of the month. Cornelia Poku from Black Girls Explore DC just explored the park, and says it’s got something for everyone. More details about KAG’s Lily and Lotus Festival here. Plus, sign up for our morning newsletter for more D.C. news, and follow our Twitter at @citycast_dc. We’d also love to fe...

Jul 28, 2022•13 min

5000+ Migrants Are Here. Here's What D.C. Is Doing About It

Over the past three months, more than 5,000 migrants and asylum seekers have been bused to D.C. from Texas and Arizona. The Governors there are doing this as a way of protesting the Biden administration’s border policy. But when the migrants get here, it’s not the federal government that’s receiving them. This is falling on D.C. to handle. DCist reporter Amanda Gomez joins us to explain what happens after the bus arrives. If you’re looking to volunteer to assist the asylum seekers coming to D.C....

Jul 26, 2022•17 min

How To Be A Washington Mystics Fan

It’s Washington Mystics season here in the District. They’ve got a fancy new stadium, the tickets are cheap, and they’re near the top of the league (unlike most of our other local teams). Kate Yanchulis from Just Women’s Sports joins us to give us tips on the best seats in the house, the players we should love, and the opponents we should hate. Plus, the MLK Library is hosting a smart home exhibit. Check it out! Need more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Follow us o...

Jul 21, 2022•18 min

Here’s What’s Changed About Protesting In D.C.

You’ve probably seen the headlines about protestors interrupting Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse. But that's not the only "creative" protest around town. Hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd explain how local activism has evolved with the times and if that evolution translates into real action. Also, Greater Greater Washington is hosting an ANC training, you can register and find out more here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our mor...

Jul 19, 2022•17 min

Drink Up. The War of the Rosés is Here

Until July 31, more than 20 D.C. restaurants are participating in a friendly competition called War of the Rosés. The premise is simple: whoever sells the most rosé chooses the charity of their choice that the proceeds go to. We sat down with founder Ralph Brabham to discuss how D.C. residents can do their part. You can find more information on the War of the Rosés here, and you can follow the competition through their Instagram. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning ...

Jul 14, 2022•16 min

Dan Snyder: The Least Popular Man in D.C.

You’ve probably seen the ugly headlines about Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder. Most recently, he’s been … negotiating … with Congress about when and how to testify about the toxic work culture he allegedly created on the team. But Snyder’s been an unpopular figure in D.C. for years now. In this episode, sports columnist Mike Wise shares some strong opinions about the guy and how he’s run D.C.’s once-most-beloved sports team. Want more Snyder background? Check out this Politico piece by ou...

Jul 12, 2022•18 min

Go-Go Is D.C.'s Official Music. Should It Be?

Go-Go has been THE sound of D.C. since the late 1970’s. In 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser designated it the official music of the District. But what happens when an art form that's intended to be subversive is embraced by those in power? Hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd discuss what Go-Go means to both of them, how it's influenced their perspective on the city, and if Go-Go could go national. Want some more D.C. news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter We’re also on Twitter! ...

Jul 07, 2022•17 min

What Is The Fate Of The Purple Line?

D.C.’s metro system was built for getting in and out of the city. Traveling across it, east to west, is not so easy. The Purple Line was supposed to help with that by connecting Bethesda, Silver Spring, University of Maryland, and New Carrolton. But it’s been in the works for decades and has cost taxpayers millions more than it was supposed to. Investigative Reporter Eric Cortellessa covered the drama behind the delays. He tells us why the project is taking so long, and who is to blame. Want som...

Jul 05, 2022•20 min

Potty Parity: D.C.’s Fight For Public Restrooms

D.C.’s a champ when it comes to great public spaces, but public restrooms, not so much. Thankfully, the D.C. Council has proposed a plan to inch towards potty parity, and Jonathan Katz knows all about it. To learn more, here are some resources Jonathan recommends: The Big Necessity, by Rose George No Place to Go, by Lezlie Lowe The American Restroom Association And for some non-potty related news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feat...

Jun 30, 2022•17 min

What The Roe Reversal Means For D.C.

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, saying abortion rights should be left to the states. But what happens when the place you live isn’t a state? Kaela Roeder from Street Sense joins us to explain what D.C. can expect in the future because of this decision. And as promised from our newscast, here's more info on the CPD Action protest happening on Thursday. Need more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related...

Jun 28, 2022•12 min•Ep. 1

Launching June 28!

Introducing City Cast DC — the fun, connected, and slightly wacky row house neighbor you wish you had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21, 2022•2 min

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