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

Bribery-Marred Re-election Bid, Initiative 83 Explainer, and More Election Primers

In this special news roundup, taped in front of a live audience at Black Cat, hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd sit down with WAMU’s Tom Sherwood to break down the juiciest election stories of the year: Councilmember Trayon White’s alleged bribery and scandalous reelection bid, Initiative 83 — which would dramatically change how D.C. votes, and of course, what’s at stake for D.C. in this year’s presidential race. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter ...

Oct 11, 202433 min

The Unexpected Effects of DC's Peak Drug Era

Tony Lewis Jr. was 9 years old when his father was arrested for his involvement with the notorious 1980s D.C. drug kingpin Rayful Edmond. Last year, after a campaign spearheaded by Tony Jr., his father walked free. He’s here to tell us about how it went down, and what he thinks D.C. needs to do for people coming out of prison. 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. Lea...

Oct 10, 202426 min

Litigious DC Parents and Angry Coaches Over ... Little League?

Over the last year, DC’s little league has been roiled with drama. With cheating accusations, threatening emails, lawsuits, and other things that only happen when youth sports take place in a neighborhood thick with power lawyers, maybe there is crying in baseball after all. Recently, friend of the show Dave McKenna did a deep dive on it, building on the reporting of the Wall Street Journal's James Fanelli, who we interviewed before the summer to explain the drama. Our next live taping is today,...

Oct 09, 202421 min

Why Housing in DC Is So Unaffordable

DC is facing a multitude of housing issues, from affordability to lawsuits against “bad” landlords. DC Councilmember Robert White, who leads the Council’s housing committee, joins us to talk about whether anyone can afford to live in DC, what’s going on with the city’s homeless programs, and what the government ought to be doing to create more housing in general. This episode is part of our 2024 contribution to the D.C. Homeless Crisis Reporting Project in collaboration with other local newsroom...

Oct 08, 202429 min

Which 'Love Is Blind DC’ Couple is Most DC?

Is love really blind? 30 singles from the DC area (kind of … ) went on hit dating reality show “Love is Blind” to find out. In today’s jumbo-sized episode, reality TV aficionados and local reporters Chelsea Cirruzzo and Aja Drain are here to recap the first six episodes, out now on Netflix. With host Bridget Todd, they discuss the couples, the drama, and what it all says about the District. Just a heads up, this episode does contain spoilers. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Ca...

Oct 07, 202443 min

Holiday Market Rivalry, Middle Class Housing Setback, and a Film-Worthy Heist

Washington Post’s Teo Armus joins the team to talk about a spat between dueling holiday markets, a battle over new housing in the suburbs, and a Georgetown high-society grifter scandal that could become a Jared Leto movie. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here. Want some m...

Oct 04, 202429 min

Why DC’s Storefronts Are Empty

As you may have noticed, D.C. has a lot of empty storefronts. The trend started long before COVID and could have a lasting effect on the wellbeing of our city. Leah Brooks studies urban space at George Washington University and she’s here to talk about how things got this way, and what the city should do next. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicte...

Oct 03, 202418 min

The Tips You Need To Date in DC

Only a handful of lucky locals got a chance to find love on the Love Is Blind reality show, and the rest of us D.C. singles are out here braving the dating apps. So today on City Cast DC, we’re revisiting a chat with local dating coach Erika Ettin, about tips to snag your partner on the app of your choosing. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted ...

Oct 02, 202422 min

Your Guide to October 2024 in DC

Do you feel it? That tiny chill in the air. The leaves are turning a little bit red, summer is over, and it’s giving way to fall in D.C. City Cast’s Priyanka Tilve and Kaela Cote-Stemmermann are here to go through our guide to October, from enjoying the crisp weather outside to spooky dance floors inside. And if you love fall as much as we do, check out our episode about the DMV’s best pumpkin patches. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and arti...

Oct 01, 202423 min

Why DC Cut the Circulator

Starting tomorrow, D.C. is phasing out its Circulator bus routes. Dan Tangherlini, who launched the service when he ran the city’s transportation department, is here to tell us how we got here, and what might get lost when the Circulator stops circulating. You can read Dan’s Greater Greater Washington piece on the Circulator here. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice...

Sep 30, 202423 min

Housing Crisis, Noise-Proof Apartments, and the Commanders Rebirth

We’re talking about a perfect storm threatening affordable housing in D.C. with the Washington Post’s Aaron Weiner, as well as whether they ought to make builders noise-proof new buildings. Plus, we have some thoughts about Washington’s newest sports icon. 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 September 27th episode: National Muse...

Sep 27, 202427 min

What’s Next For DC’s Trendiest Neighborhood

The Washington Post dubbed Buzzard Point “D.C.'s trendiest new neighborhood” this past summer. But longtime residents of the area have concerns about just how Buzzard Point is being developed. Emeka Moneme, Capitol Riverfront BID president, is here to explain what Buzzard Point means for DC. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's s...

Sep 26, 202427 min

Where To Get The Best Wine in the DMV

2024 is looking to be a solid year for wineries in Virginia and Maryland. But for folks who are unfamiliar and want to check out the area’s wineries this fall, we’re returning to our conversation from last year with Dave McIntyre of the Washington Post. He’s got a list of wineries no matter your price range or distance restrictions. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choi...

Sep 25, 202419 min

A Political Bar, News-Based Dating App, and Other DC Stories You Missed This September

September was chock full of news — so much so that we’ve set up this rapid-fire episode to squeeze all of the stories in. Today we’ve got 10 stories in 20 minutes, from D.C.’s newest dating app which matches you based on news articles, to the viral TikTok that got an AdMo cafe kicked off of Uber Eats. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted council...

Sep 24, 202426 min

The 1991 Uprising That Changed Mount Pleasant

In 1991, protests erupted in D.C.’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood after police shot Daniel Gomez, an El Salvadoran immigrant. Ellie Walton and Quique Aviles, creators of the documentary ‘La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered', are here to explain what happened and why it was a turning point for D.C.’s Central American communities. Please be advised that this episode contains some graphic descriptions. ‘La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered’ will be broadcast nationally this Thursday September 26th at ...

Sep 23, 202422 min

Does DC Need More Cops? Plus, $19,000 in Traffic Tickets, and Political Merch Sales

We’re talking about whether D.C. needs more police thanks to a new audit report, a car crash involving someone who had $19,000 in unpaid tickets — but was still on the road, and the big recent change in political merch. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here. Want some more...

Sep 20, 202430 min

The Good and Bad of Development in Congress Heights

Congress Heights is the home of the Washington Mystics and the entertainment and sports arena, but that’s a pretty limited view of one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in the District. So local artist and business owner Keyonna Jones and City Cast DC contributor Austin Graff stopped by to break down why Congress Heights is a neighborhood you should know. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierc...

Sep 19, 202430 min

What Do DC’s Violence Interrupters Do?

This week, D.C.'s police union called for the city’s violence intervention programs to be shut down after Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White was charged with bribery related to a violence interruption program. We talked to Dr. Joseph Richardson, a UMD professor and co-chair of D.C.’s Homicide Review, about what exactly D.C.’s violence interrupters do for the city. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from th...

Sep 18, 202422 min

How DC’s Breakup With Humane Rescue Alliance Affects Pet Owners

D.C. Health and the Humane Rescue Alliance, which handles animal services, just announced they’re ending their 44-year-old partnership. HRA leaders say they were initially caught off guard by the split. The Washington Post’s Michael Brice-Saddler explains what this could mean for pets and pet owners in D.C. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted c...

Sep 17, 202418 min

A New Plan to Fix DC’s 911 Call Center

Councilmember Brooke Pinto has put forward a new bill to finally fix DC’s beleaguered emergency response system. Bona fide 911 call center expert Dave Statter joins us to share his thoughts. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to s...

Sep 16, 202417 min

Fatal Police Shooting, Strip Club Drama, and WWI Memorial

We’re joined by Washington City Paper’s Mitch Ryals to talk about the fallout from a police shooting, a battle between a club and an investment bank, and the opening of a controversial memorial in the heart of downtown. Check out our episode on the future of the National Mall here. It’s National Preparedness Month, so every Friday, we’re sharing a tip from our sponsor, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Today’s tip is “Prepare with your needs in mind. Your emergency kit may lo...

Sep 13, 202426 min

The Local Race That Could Decide Senate

Lateshia Beachum covers Prince George’s County for the Washington Post, which means she covers the home turf of both candidates in this year’s Maryland Senate race — the rare case of a DMV election that could actually determine the fate of Congress. She’s here to walk us through the competitors and the stakes. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicte...

Sep 12, 202430 min

10 Moments That Shaped DC's Food Scene

City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner joins host Bridget Todd to reminisce and reflect on 10 culinary moments that have defined the city's food scene today and will continue to shape where the food scene is headed. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted council member's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here. Want some more DC new...

Sep 11, 202434 min

Rights Every DC Renter Should Know

From pest problems to repairs, renting in the District comes with its own challenges. Luckily for us, there’s the Office of the Tenant Advocate or the OTA. Cristobal Puig and Joseph Trimboli from OTA are here to clue us in on all the renters’ rights that DC tenants should know. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's scandalous reel...

Sep 10, 202420 min

What Should Happen To DC’s Prime Real Estate

The city signed a deal that would transform Anacostia’s Poplar Point, one of the most hotly contested waterfront properties in D.C. Last year, we spoke to reporter Tristan Navera about some of the options for Poplar Point and who’s fighting for what. 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 September 9th episode: PaintCare HSEMA Gala...

Sep 09, 202415 min

Gun Lawsuit, Rug Tufting Guns, and Medical Marijuana Shops Closing

We’re joined by Axios’ Cuynet Dil and City Cast’s Ashe Durban, and we’re talking about the gun lawsuit filed by the DC attorney general, the D.C. medical marijuana dispensaries who say they’re in trouble, and a bunch of things to do this weekend. Check out our September Guide for even more events to catch this month. 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 ab...

Sep 06, 202427 min

Why DC Traffic Deaths Keep Rising

More people have died in car crashes this year than in all of 2014 — which just happens to be the year when the DC Government promised to cut these deaths to zero by 2024. What went wrong? The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner is here to tell us. 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 September 5th episode: Mosaic Theater Company Dis...

Sep 05, 202424 min

DC's Best International Grocery Stores

For a city that prides itself on cultural diversity, D.C. is lacking on the international grocery store front. Ike Allen, Assistant Editor and Food Writer for the Washingtonian, explains why there are so few international grocery stores in D.C. and the ones we do have that you should know about. 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...

Sep 04, 202414 min

Your Guide to September in DC

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a whole guide for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to our City Cast DC community. We’re back with another monthly guide of things to do, places to go, and tips to follow to lead your ideal D.C. life this September. One of those events is Art All Night! We’re going to be there, alongside our sponsors District Bridges, on September 27. If that’s not what you’re feeling this month, maybe check out the Maryland Renaissance Fair, H Street ...

Sep 03, 202425 min

Trump on DC Abortion Access, Ward 8 Election Chaos, and Keith Lee Drama

We’re talking about the future of abortion rights in D.C., the election chaos in Ward 8 since DC Councilmember Trayon White was indicted, and just what viral TikToker Keith Lee said about our city’s food scene. 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 August 30th episode: Mosaic Theater Company Maryland Renaissance Festival Paulson &...

Aug 30, 202430 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android