City Cast DC - podcast cover

City Cast DC

City Castdc.citycast.fm
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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Gas Leaks Shut Down School, SunTrust Plaza, and Canceled Reservation Charges

Gas leaks at a D.C. elementary school, more news on the Adams Morgan SunTrust plaza development, and can you be charged for skipping your dinner reservations? Hill Rag’s Elizabeth O'Gorek and Axios DC’s Mimi Montgomery join to get into all of it. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! ...

Jun 04, 202419 min

How the 11th Street Bridge Will Change DC

The 11th Street Bridge Park will link Capitol Hill and Navy Yard with the Anacostia and Fairlawn neighborhoods. We spoke with Ronald Moten from Don’t Mute DC and Scott Kratz of the 11th Street Bridge Park Project about what to expect from this mega project. Plus! City Cast’s Priyanka Tilve caught up with Casey Trees’ director of policy and land conservation about their work preserving green spaces in DC. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can...

Jun 03, 202422 min

Panda-monium, DC’s 2025 Budget, and the Best Parks in the Nation

Washington is elated about getting its pandas back, and City Cast CEO David Plotz is here to rain on their parade. On the other hand, there’s also a new report ranking Washington as having the best parks in the country, and City Cast park expert Jacob Fenston is going to lead that parade. And we’re also going to talk through the latest skirmishing over the city’s budget, which involves the prospect of tax hikes on homeowners. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning news...

May 31, 202425 min

Your Guide to June In DC

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast community. It’s officially summer time, and June is one of the most exciting seasons the city has to offer. From Pride celebrations to dancing outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Plus, if you’re worried about the impending Metro closures, Metro GM Randy Clarke assuages our fears. For even more tips on how to make the most of June in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what t...

May 30, 202422 min

DC Primary Races to Watch

It’s election season in D.C.! Washington City Paper’s Alex Koma is here to give us the low-down on the city’s hottest races before you head to the polls on June 4. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us ...

May 29, 202424 min

A 21st Century Battle Over Merging Schools in DC

Two Capitol Hill area elementary schools - Maury and Miner- could merge thanks to D.C.’s redistricting of school lines. And some parents are pissed. Lauren Lumpkin, Education Reporter for the Washington Post, has been following the story. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift c...

May 28, 202414 min

Mayor Bowser Exclusive: From Budget Cuts To Disapproval Ratings

We’d usually be doing our Friday News Roundup, but instead we’re sitting down with the Mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser. She invited us to her office in the Wilson Building, and we showed up with questions about her administration, her future plans, and the state of D.C. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligi...

May 24, 202429 min

The Ultimate "Sick Day" in DC

If you've ever seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, you know nothing beats sick day shenanigans. So how would you spend a sick day in D.C.? We’ve got tried and true tips on what to do when playing hooky in D.C. But, don’t tell our boss. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and ...

May 23, 202417 min

DC’s Best Long Weekend Escapes

With the long weekend ahead of us, it could be the perfect time to take a quick trip away from the city. A while back, travel writer Tim Ebner joined us to share his guide to D.C’s best day trips. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some mor...

May 22, 202418 min

Councilmember Charles Allen Strikes Back

If you listened to our episode about the campaign to recall Councilmember Charles Allen, you might have been wondering “what does Allen have to say about all this?” We spoke to him about the recall campaign and his vision for the future of Ward 6. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Vi...

May 21, 202427 min

The Case to Recall Councilmember Charles Allen

No member of the D.C. Council has ever been recalled. But there’s a group of Capitol Hill residents who want to recall Ward 6 councilmember, Charles Allen, who they blame for last year’s spike in crime. We talked to Rich Masters, one of the campaign organizers, to hear his case against Allen. P.S. Want to hear Charles Allen's rebuttal? Listen here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as lit...

May 20, 202426 min

Falcicchio Fallout, MD Senate Race, and a New Nats Owner?

Channel 4’s Mark Segraves joins us to talk about the last aftershocks — we hope — from a scandal in the mayor’s office, a Maryland race that just might be interesting, and whether or not the Nats are for sale, AGAIN. We're the best podcast in the area right? So go vote for us in Washington City Papers Best of 2024! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in a...

May 17, 202426 min

The Best DC Meals Under $10

It’s getting more and more expensive to eat out in the city. Luckily, DC native Big Schlim’s viral videos are shining a light on the best cheap eats in the city! Schlim is here to tell us his story, and to point us to some favorite spots for what he calls a ‘light pocket meal.’ Vote for us as your favorite local podcast in Washington City Paper! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And w...

May 16, 202416 min

What to Do if You See a Bear in DC

A bear, affectionately named Otis, was seen in Brookland last week. This is the third black bear sighting in the DMV in less than two weeks! We chatted with Lauren Crossed from the Humane Rescue Alliance to see why bears are roaming the streets, and what to do if you see one. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more inf...

May 15, 202414 min

More DCA Flights, Big Bus Changes, Dating App Decline

More flights out of DCA, big changes to D.C.’s buses and is everyone in D.C. giving up on dating apps? Washington Business Journal’s Nate Doughty joins the City Cast crew to dive into all of it. Vote City Cast DC as your favorite local podcast in Washington City Paper! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE ...

May 14, 202426 min

DC's Budget Director Defends Massive Cuts

It’s local budget season in D.C. But don’t let your eyes glaze over quite yet! D.C.’s mayor has proposed a bunch of cuts to fix a $700 million deficit. Her budget director, Jenny Reed, is here to walk us through their proposal and how we got here. Vote for us as your favorite local podcast in Washington City Paper! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in a...

May 13, 202432 min

From City Cast Denver: Introducing ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose’

Hey there! We are excited to share the trailer for a new special limited series from our friends and colleagues at City Cast Denver. If you’re a fan of what we do at City Cast, you’ll want to check it out: You’ve probably heard a story about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Like, how she got kicked out of a production of “Beetlejuice” for vaping and groping her date. Or, that time she heckled President Biden during his State of the Union address. Throughout it all, she keeps winning elections and a...

May 11, 20242 min

Revamping Chinatown, MPD vs Protesters, and Uber Wait Times

D.C. is considering a major revamp of Chinatown. The team is here to lay out the options. Plus, we detail the controversy over D.C. police and the George Washington University protesters, and the rising cost of Uber. Want to follow up on some episodes we mentioned? Check out Mike and Bridget’s insightful take on D.C.’s weed scene. We also covered the GW encampment in more detail, with the Washington Post’s Peter Hermann. And yes, Metro GM Randy Clarke promised us good bus service options while t...

May 10, 202423 min

One Year In, Was I-82 a Mistake?

It’s been a year since D.C. voters passed I-82, a referendum to phase out tipped minimum wage. The transition has been rough, largely because no one agrees on what the new normal should be. Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman is here to walk us through I-82’s fallout and what it means for customers. Vote for us as your favorite local podcast in Washington City Paper! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listeni...

May 09, 202419 min

DC's Best Weekend Trip? Philly!

From history and a love for museums to breweries, Philly and D.C. have a lot in common. We caught up with City Cast Philly’s Trenae Nuri to talk about the D.C. - Philly connection. Check out City Cast Philadelphia’s guide to the remaining smoking dive bars in Philly. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE An...

May 08, 202422 min

RFK’s Demolition, Legal Weed Patios, and Traffic Crackdowns

Washington Business Journal’s Drew Hansen joins the crew to explain RFK Stadium finally being knocked down, smoking weed outside this summer, and ticketing crackdowns on cars and mopeds alike. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc ( And we’d love to feature y...

May 07, 202423 min

How DC Became a Hummus Hub

From Cava to Little Sesame, the DMV consumes a lot of hummus, and we make and export even more. Axios reporter Anna Spiegel is here to explain her theory that our region is becoming the hummus hub of North America. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC...

May 06, 202411 min

Bowser Unplugged, Doorman Squabble, and Mother’s Day Recs

Cuneyt Dil of Axios joins the team to talk about the state of downtown, your options for mother’s day, and a red-hot doorman drama in one of the fanciest pieces of real estate. Want to join our Mother’s Day event giveaway? Then become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we...

May 03, 202422 min

Pro Tips for Urban Gardening in DC

You might not think of D.C. as a gardening city, but gardening in the District actually offers some specific benefits you don’t find elsewhere. Kathy Jentz, host of the podcast Garden DC, explains why you should be giving gardening a shot. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a vo...

May 02, 202416 min

Behind DMV Students’ Stand for Palestine

Protests and encampments regarding Israel and Palestine have taken off across the country. But in D.C., are we doing anything differently? Both Lauren Lumpkin and Peter Hermann from the Washington Post have covered the protests and lawsuits at the high school and college level, and they explain what’s going on for both. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested...

May 01, 202417 min

Your Guide To May in D.C.

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast community. From checking out a sunset session of music and dancing at Flash, to finally investing in a solid hammock or blanket you’ve been eyeing, May is a special time in D.C. There are so many options for things to do and places to go, so the City Cast DC team is here to narrow down your May bucket list to the must-dos this month. For even more tips on how to make...

Apr 30, 202424 min

Big Drama in D.C.’s Little Leagues

Parents behaving badly? High-powered lawyers? The Wall Street Journal’s James Fanelli is here to walk us through his epic story about a Northwest D.C. Little League conflict. Want some more D.C. news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrat...

Apr 29, 202420 min

A New Union Station, D.C.'s Media Failures, and Foxtrot's Demise

Washingtonian’s Andrew Beaujon joins the team to talk about the future of Union Station, the future of D.C. media, and the future — or lack thereof — of the Foxtrot food chain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Sh...

Apr 26, 202428 min

Metro's Stance on Price Hikes, Fare Evasion, and the Funding Crisis

Metro is voting on their proposed 2025 budget TODAY. To explain it all, we sat down with Randy Clarke, who runs the Metro system. Clarke’s new budget proposal isn’t full of the kinds of draconian cuts that were on the table last year, but he’s still managing a lot of the challenges — and, according to him, a lot of the opportunities — that come with running a mass transit system in a post-covid city. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can als...

Apr 25, 202427 min

Could Connecticut Avenue’s Bike Lane Be Resurrected?

Recently, D.C.’s Department of Transportation announced that the bike lane planned for Connecticut Avenue was no more. Sauleh Siddiqui, who represents a portion of Cleveland Park, joined us to explain if the bike lane could make a comeback in future transportation plans, and what it says about how D.C. treats multimodal transportation. Sauleh joined us previously for a debate about the proposed bike lane. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You ca...

Apr 24, 202418 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android