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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.
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Episodes

Can DC Develop Without Gentrifying?

D.C. is in the process of rethinking a part of town called North Capitol Crossroads. And for those of you who think urban planning is a case of big-shot planners coming in and dictating what your neighborhood is going to look like, think again. City Cast’s Bridget Todd worked with the Office of Planning on a podcast about the area and its residents. At our latest live taping, we sat down with Ebony Dumas and Anita Cozart from the office to talk about what they’re up to. Want some more DC news? T...

Jul 18, 202436 min

Who Makes DC’s Best Pupusa?

D.C. is a city known for its pupusas. So from El Tamarindo to La Casita, who’s got the best one? The City Cast DC team taste-tested them all (for science!) to get to the bottom of this important question. And go 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Roda - use promo code CITYCAST20 for 20% off Paulson & Nace Interested in advertising with City Cast?...

Jul 17, 202434 min

Ex-DCist Reporters Launch Worker-Led News Outlet

A few months ago, when the news site DCist abruptly shut down, it was a shock. So we were intrigued by the rumors that a bunch of former DCist employees were starting up their own, homegrown thing. Natalie Delgadillo and Abby Higgins are two of the founders, and they’re sitting down to give us the exclusive details on what their new organization is, how they’re going to survive when DCist couldn’t, and when you can start following their work. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for...

Jul 16, 202427 min

Trump's Radical Plan to 'Takeover' DC

It doesn’t get a lot of attention compared to other stuff going on in the presidential election, but Donald Trump has made a number of radical proposals for what he’d do to D.C. if elected. Cuneyt Dil from Axios is here to tell us how it could affect you. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: Roda - use promo co...

Jul 15, 202420 min

Severed Thumb Murder, National Mall Expansion, and A Summer Peak Bloom

We’re talking about the future of the Mall, a spate of weird crime stories, and why you need to go to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens right now. Come hang out with us at metrobar tomorrow! RSVP 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 little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 12th episode: Babbel PaintCare Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HE...

Jul 12, 202430 min

What Happened to the DMV's ‘Black Promised Land’?

For decades, Prince George’s County has been a top draw for Black professionals looking for a suburban life. But lately its demographics have been changing in interesting ways. Greater Greater Washington’s Olubusayo Shabi is here to tell us more. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 11th episode: Babbel PaintCare Interested ...

Jul 11, 202422 min

How DC’s Moped Boom Affects You

Police are clamping down amid a massive boom in moped riders. But it turns out it’s not just a new way of commuting — mopeds are at the core of a trend in food-delivery where the riders are some of the most vulnerable people in the industry. Axios’ Anna Spiegel is here to explain. 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. If you enjoyed today's interview with PaintCare’s ...

Jul 10, 202421 min

Your DC Summer Essentials

School’s out, the first big holiday of the summer is past us, and it feels like endless days of humidity lie ahead. So we sat down with food and travel writer Tim Ebner to lay out your perfect summer bucket list for 2024, from one-off events like pig racing (yes you read that right) to the quintessential D.C. summer activities we often take for granted. 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 a...

Jul 09, 202421 min

Where’s the Best Coffee In DC?

There are so many places to get coffee in DC, it’s a real cafe hot spot. And digital creator Domonique Panton of As Told By Dom is making it her mission to visit every single one in D.C. Here’s her guide to the best underrated cafes in the District. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District District Bridges Babbel Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City ...

Jul 08, 202414 min

Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Bridget Todd's story stacks up against the rest. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 5th episode: Capitol Riverfr...

Jul 05, 202452 min

DC’s Secret Oasis

Crispus Attucks Park in Northeast D.C. is a great place to spend your 4th of July holiday, so we’re revisiting our episode with Tyrone Goodwyn, who helped transform the space from asphalt into a hidden gem. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District District Bridges Bab...

Jul 03, 202414 min

Rats Invade Dupont Homes, Office Conversions, and Swimming in the Anacostia

What’s happening with converting D.C.’s office buildings, rats in Dupont Circle apartments, and swimming in the Anacostia River? To get into all of it, City Cast’s Julia Karron and Ashe Durban join the show to roundup the weekend. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement Distr...

Jul 02, 202420 min

Your Guide to July 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. Happy July everyone! July in DC has a lot to offer, despite the oppressive weather. Our hosts Mike Schaffer and Bridget Todd are here to talk about what to do when it’s hot and muggy and gross out this month. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month. If you enjoyed today's interview with Dis...

Jul 01, 202426 min

Police Drones, New Bike Trails, and Melting Lincoln

DC police are getting drones, DC bicyclists are getting a new trail, and Abraham Lincoln has melted! Washington City Paper’s Alex Koma and City Cast’s Julia Karron join the show to round up the week. Join us for our next live taping at Metrobar DC! 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 28th episode: Casey Trees Paulson & ...

Jun 28, 202426 min

Why Georgetown Doesn’t Have A Metro Stop, And Other Explanations

If you live on the Red Line, you know it’s been a summer of Metro closures — which makes it a great time to check out one of our favorite early City Cast episodes. We sat down with Metro historian Zack Schrag and transit planner Matt Johnson to talk about one of my favorite pastimes: Making up fantasy Metro lines that can get you exactly where you want to go. Or, at least, talking about why they can’t quite happen in real life. Join us for our next live taping at Metrobar DC! Want some more DC n...

Jun 27, 202424 min

Is Crafting The New Drinking?

Did you spend a bunch of money on craft supplies in the early parts of the pandemic that you never really used? Whether you’re an aspiring crafter or a seasoned pro, Madeleine Odendahl, founder of Merry Pin, the city’s first crafting bar and cafe, says D.C. is a great place to get your craft on. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of th...

Jun 26, 202416 min

Why Metro is Extra Slow Right Now. Plus, Compass Coffee Backlash, and DC's New Library

A D.C. coffee shop is alleged of kicking anti-union efforts into overdrive, the heat is making Metro slow its roll, and the Folger Shakespeare Library is reopening.To get into all of it, CityCast’s Kaela Cote-Stemmermann and Cuneyt Dil from Axios join the show. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Casey Trees L...

Jun 25, 202416 min

DC's New Financial Plan for Crime, Downtown, and Housing

We’ve got a budget for 2025! And it’s very different from the one that we talked about with Mayor Bowser. The Washington Post’s Michael Brice-Saddler is here to tell us the differences between the two, and what the council’s priorities are. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Casey Trees Live Nation Smithsonia...

Jun 24, 202415 min

Bagel Shop Zoning Battle, Commanders Stadium Study, and Heat Wave

We’ve got a zoning battle in Georgetown over bagels, we’ve got a copy of the sports economic study, and we all have to find a way to survive the heat wave crushing the city. ANC member Topher Matthews and the Washington Post’s Michael Brice-Saddler are here to chat all about 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 21st epis...

Jun 21, 202424 min

The Problem with Giant's Latest Security Measure

Since May of this year, Giant has banned bags above a certain size to crack down on shoplifting. For shoppers like our host, Bridget, this means not only an inconvenience, but the company putting corporate responsibility onto their customers. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: PaintCare Paulson & Nace Eag...

Jun 20, 202422 min

Speed Cameras Are Actually Working. Plus, DC’s Budget, and Juneteenth

Are all those new speed cameras making an impact? Plus, we need to hash out D.C.’s new budget, and how to celebrate Juneteenth! To dig into all of this, we’re joined by Briana Thomas, author of Black Broadway in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: PaintCare Paulson & Nace Eagle Bank Smithsonian Folklife Festival 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 a...

Jun 18, 202431 min

Why DC Kids Are Skipping School

Absentee rates at D.C. schools have gone absolutely off the charts. Everyone agrees it’s a problem, but there’s a lot of disagreement about how to fix it. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil has been covering kids playing hooky and grownups playing politics. If you enjoyed this interview with Alliance Française's Executive Director, Sara Dilligenti, learn more here. Learn more about the pther sponsors of this June 17th episode: PaintCare Paulson & Nace Eagle Bank Smithsonian Folklife Festival Want some more D...

Jun 17, 202422 min

WaPo’s Pivot, Parks Quest Continues, and DC Chefs Sweep Awards

The Washington Post is making news, we’ve got James Beard award winners in our own backyard, and we get an update on the ultimate park's quest. Ann Limpert from Washingtonian and Jacob Fenston are here to get into all of it. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 14th episode: Casey Trees Alliance Française Eagle Bank 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. Interest...

Jun 14, 202422 min

What’s the Point of Pocket Parks?

It’s D.C. Parks Week sponsored by Casey Trees , a week of coverage celebrating D.C.’s green spaces. D.C. was recently named the country’s best big city park system by the Trust for Public Land for the fourth time in a row! We are a park city, and not all of our parks are big. Greater Greater Washington’s Dan Reed and Kelly Collins Choi of Casey Trees sound off on what makes DC’s pocket parks so special. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 13th episode: Casey Trees Alliance Française Eagle...

Jun 13, 202421 min

How To Forage Your Next Meal in the DMV

It’s Parks Week sponsored by Casey Trees! A week of coverage celebrating DC’s green spaces. If you’re hearing more about foraging lately but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. April Thompson, culinary chair of the Mycological Association of Washington D.C., explains what you need to know to safely and deliciously forage in the DMV. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Casey Trees Alliance Française Eagle Bank Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our...

Jun 12, 202414 min

Is Congress Caving on Weed? Plus, Tornadoes and Reality TV

It’s Parks Week sponsored by Casey Trees! A week of coverage celebrating DC’s green spaces. In today’s roundup, we dig into a potential change in D.C.’s weed legalization, recent extreme weather in the area, and why the District is having a great reality TV season. Contact 311 or visit trees.dc.gov for more information on tree maintenance. Check out are episodes on DC's weird weed culture and grey market here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Y...

Jun 11, 202423 min

Could DC Lose Its Forests?

It’s Parks Week sponsored by Casey Trees! A week of coverage celebrating D.C.’s green spaces. A recent study says 9 of 11 forests in DC could face failure of regeneration. The National Park Service’s JP Schmit is here to explain what forest regeneration is and what we can do about 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...

Jun 10, 202423 min

Election Results, New Pet Rules, and Pride Parade Tips

We’re talking election results, pet policies and pride month with City Paper’s Alex Koma and Hey DC’s Kaela Cote-Stemmerman. 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! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustration...

Jun 07, 202428 min

Are DC's Best Restaurants Plant-Based?

Are you vegan? Vegan-curious? Or just likely to go out to dinner with a vegan? Tom Sietsema from the Washington Post is here to talk through the best of DC’s burgeoning vegan and vegetarian dining options. 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 voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. L...

Jun 06, 202420 min

The Best Thrift Spots in the DMV, Plus Election Results

There are so many thrift stores throughout the DMV area! So we connected with Sidney Hui, owner of Disco Loft, to lay out our guide for thrifting in DC. Plus, we have all the results from election day! We'll be back with a more in depth analysis on our Friday news roundup. 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 H...

Jun 05, 202418 min
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