Once called "Madison's Ellis Island," the Greenbush neighborhood used to be home to large populations of Italian, Jewish, and Black residents. But an urban revival plan in the mid-20th century decimated the neighborhood and displaced its communities. Now, the area is witnessing a revival. Spots like Leopold’s, Fabiola’s, and the Greenbush Bar are new staples of Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood, so for this special installment of Must See Madison, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley ...
Jul 16, 2024•27 min
For the first time in state history, Wisconsin has enacted a law that allows law enforcement agencies to charge public records requesters for the cost of redacting video or audio material, like body camera footage. The legislation has rattled local reporters, public officials, and police transparency advocates for its retaliatory nature and overall vague language. Executive producer Hayley Sperling sat down with Tone Madison publisher Scott Gordon to get the details — or lack thereof — on the st...
Jul 15, 2024•25 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Bianca Martin, Hayley Sperling, and Ava Wojnowski recap major court cases, allegations of discrimination against UW-Madison, and a look ahead at your potential weekend plans. Mentioned on the show: Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway Celebrates Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling Reinstating Ballot Drop Boxes [City of Madison] Ballot drop boxes are allowed again. When will they return in Madison? [Cap Times] Now what? Wisconsin’s publ...
Jul 12, 2024•26 min
Luna’s Groceries first opened on the southwest side of Madison in 2019. It quickly became a local staple with its healthy and diverse food options and strengthened community bonds through its annual block party. Now, Luna’s is expanding with a second location set to open later this year on South Park Street. Host Bianca Martin caught up with Luna’s owner Mariam Nunez to see what’s in store for the next generation of Luna’s Groceries, which also includes plans for a Caribbean restaurant! Join us ...
Jul 11, 2024•19 min
As a professional home maintenance technician with more than a decade of experience, Mercury Stardust can fix just about anything. And as an activist with millions of followers across her social media channels, she’s taught countless people how to live life with more compassion. Known online as the Trans Handy Ma’am, Mercury has built a massive community through her DIY home repair videos and has used her platform to raise awareness and money for LGBTQIA+ causes. Host Bianca Martin sat down with...
Jul 10, 2024•30 min
City Cast Madison’s new producer and new Madison resident Phil Surkis has been out on the town taking in your suggestions for how to experience Madison at its best. Today he’s back to report on his latest adventures — including his first fish fry! — along with host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling. It’s time for another installment of Must See Madison. And, if you have a suggestion for Phil, or the whole City Cast team, please let us know here! Mentioned in this episode Madis...
Jul 09, 2024•27 min
Madison is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top cities for bicyclists and pedestrians. In fact, Madison was recently named the 2nd safest city for pedestrians out of the largest 101 metropolitan areas across America. But none of that happened by accident, it’s taken years of planning and careful consideration to turn Madison’s streets into what we recognize today. And the city is already laying the groundwork for the future generation of infrastructure. City Cast Madison host Bianca Ma...
Jul 08, 2024•26 min
Madison can often be found at the top of many “best of” lists, but did you know our city has one of the best flags in the country ? The North American Vexillological Association rated the designs of a whopping 312 flags and Madison’s got top marks. Host Bianca Martin sat down with Ted Kaye, the nation’s foremost authority on flag design and author of the NAVA booklet “‘Good’ Flag, ‘Bad’ Flag” , to chat about about what makes a well-designed flag, why Madison’s flag is so great (and Wisconsin’s i...
Jul 05, 2024•18 min
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 Bianca Martin's story stacks up against the rest. Don’t forget to VOTE FOR US for Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison 2024 awards! City Cast Madison is up for best local podcast and our newsletter Madison Minutes is up for best local news website. Vote here . Wanna talk to us about an epi...
Jul 03, 2024•49 min
Tenney Park, Olbrich Gardens, and food carts — oh my! The City Cast Madison team is back with another installment of Must See Madison, where we take on Madison’s must-see attractions and hidden gems. This week, producer Phil Surkis explored Madison’s natural beauty and indulged in some good eats. He caught up with host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to debrief his latest discoveries. Do you have a suggestion for Phil and the team? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or ema...
Jul 02, 2024•29 min
School’s out, summer is in session, and if you have a kiddo, you might be wondering what to do. Host Bianca Martin caught up with Aaron Seligman, the writer and publisher behind the Macaroni KID Madison website, to get all the best restaurants, parks, and pools to bring your littles and bigs to this summer. Macaroni KID’s recommendations: 2024 Fourth of July Events Around Madison Summer outdoor fun - anytime Seven Fun Activities to Try on a Rainy Day - and some local outings Madison Area Summer ...
Jul 01, 2024•23 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week, and what a week it’s been. Host Bianca Martin is joined by executive director of WayForward Resources Ellen Carlson to recap how Madison’s food pantries are struggling to find solutions to the growing issue of food insecurity. Additionally, executive producer Hayley Sperling and interim newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski join to help break down the two referendums the Madison Metropolitan School District put on the ballot this Nov...
Jun 28, 2024•27 min
If you’re new around here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Madison community. There’s an abundance of activities to experience and enjoy in Madison this July, including festivals, art fairs, and fireworks. City Cast Madison’s Hayley Sperling, Ava Wojnowski, and Phil Surkis round up some of their favorite July highlights. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Madison, check out our full list in Madison ...
Jun 27, 2024•26 min
Wild weather and extreme heat have been affecting us all here at City Cast Madison, so we wanted to learn more about the science behind why. Host Bianca Martin sits down with Steve Vavrus , state climatologist and director of the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, to chat about Wisconsin’s “Lost Winter”, being a drought-free state, and what it means to be a climate haven. Why Madison Has Been So Hot, Smoky and Dry [City Cast Madison] Meet Wisconsin’s new state climatologist, Steve Vavrus [UW Ne...
Jun 26, 2024•26 min
We’ve been asking you, our listeners, as well as the readers of Madison Minutes to suggest your favorite, most iconic Madison experiences. Why? Because City Cast producer Phil Surkis is very new to town. So with your help, we’ve been putting him through a sort of Madison immersion therapy and then talking about it on Tuesdays. We think it’s working! Phil received more than a few suggestions to go to the Memorial Union Terrace, including one from host Bianca Martin, who just emceed the Madison Ja...
Jun 25, 2024•25 min
Summertime in Madison is always such a treat, so City Cast Madison wants to maximize our time outdoors by enjoying live music at this year’s Concerts on the Square series on the Capitol Square. This free weekly summer concert series, which kicks off this Wednesday , is organized by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and has been a staple Madison tradition since 1983. Host Bianca Martin sits down with Music Director of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Andrew Sewell to learn more about the programming...
Jun 24, 2024•27 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin and producer Phil Surkis recap Madison’s groundbreaking celebration at the Center for Black Excellence and Culture during this year’s Juneteenth. City Council addresses the complicated issue surrounding the lack of affordable housing with the approval of four new housing projects. Plus, UW-Madison food scientists research the chemistry behind no-melting ice cream. Mentioned on the show: Madison Center for Bla...
Jun 21, 2024•24 min
It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy. Especially while reclining on a blanket, enjoying a meal in one of Madison’s over 300 parks. It’s picnic season! But, where to go? What to bring? What about bugs?! Do not worry, City Cast has you covered. Today, we’re talking with a picnic professional! Host Bianca Martin sits down with Elizabeth Morrison of Lizzy’s Picnics to talk about her favorite spots, mitigating “the bug problem”, and her go-to eats. Morrison also discusses her own business where sh...
Jun 20, 2024•24 min
One of the things that makes Madison such a special city is the pride that people show when talking about their favorite places to eat, or things to do around town. Since our new City Cast producer, Phil Surkis, is a new resident, we’ve been asking our listeners and the readers of Madison Minutes to give him suggestions on where to go, what to eat and things to do. Well, Phil has been about town, and now is back to report on his findings, along with host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayl...
Jun 18, 2024•25 min
This Juneteenth marks the much-anticipated groundbreaking of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture on their new 37,000-square-foot, three story center, scheduled to open in late 2025. The Center plans to offer a cultural and educational space for Wisconsin’s Black communities to tell stories, create, and celebrate their achievements. Last May, host Bianca Martin spoke with Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, the founder and visionary instrumental to bringing this new cultural center to life. Rev. Gee is al...
Jun 17, 2024•29 min
The City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin and producer Phil Surkis recap three separate tragic shooting incidents that occurred this past weekend and how Madison was named 2nd safest U.S. city for pedestrians. Plus, Dane County is seeking nominations for its own Underrepresented Communities Historical Markers Program! Mentioned on the show: ‘A very violent weekend’: Three Madison shootings in three days [The Cap Times] MPD chief details plans to reduce gun v...
Jun 14, 2024•25 min
After almost 3 decades at the Dane County Farmers Market, Chris & Lori’s Bakehouse is celebrating its last year on the Capitol square. The bakery enjoys a cult-following for its signature scones and cow cookies and has even been named as one of Madison’s most iconic eats by Destination Madison. So why are they leaving? Host Bianca Martin spoke with co-owner Lori Robson about just that. Plus, she got the details about how to score a deal on their leftover scones. Vote for us for ‘Best of’ Mad...
Jun 13, 2024•26 min
Madisonian’s love to bike. We even have a whole week dedicated to it! So when a Madison Minutes reader introduced us to MadTown BMX , we knew we had to go full throttle into learning more about this Madison gem. Host Bianca Martin spoke with the track’s operator Brian Stouffer about hosting the state championship races, how to join a beginner league, and what makes this sport fun for everyone from 2 year olds to 67 year olds. Follow their facebook for more updates. Wanna talk to us about an epis...
Jun 12, 2024•20 min
Madison, like all of us, contains multitudes, so getting to know it is a huge task. Luckily, producer and city newcomer Phil Surkis is up to the challenge. With the help of suggestions from Madison Minutes readers, Phil is trying to visit all of Madison’s must-see attractions. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling get his thoughts and share their own takes on these Mad Town classics. Mentioned in this episode: Mickey’s Tavern Mikie’s Dairy Bar Alimentari Arboretum Drive The B...
Jun 11, 2024•29 min
This weekend, some of Wisconsin’s best musicians are playing one of our most beautiful venues in the second annual Dirt Camp festival . Host Bianca Martin caught up with one of the festival’s organizers, Joe Copeland, to talk about who's playing, what to expect, and why they wanted to host a festival at The Vines. 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 ! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? S...
Jun 10, 2024•25 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Podcast host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling break down the complicated legal case brought against Trump allies’ fake elector scheme. Plus: why will it cost more to use Madison’s parking garages during special events, and a father in Baraboo charged with disorderly conduct after he charged the school’s Black superintendent. Mentioned on the show: Vote for us for ‘Best of’ Madison! [Madison Magazine] Key Tru...
Jun 07, 2024•27 min
There’s a cookbook out that showcases the ingredients and flavors of Madison. And we’re gonna stop ya right there, it is WAY more than brats and cheese curds. It features recipes from the farmers, chefs and shoppers who frequent the Dane County Farmers’ Market, one of the oldest and largest in the country. With recipes for curtido to panzanella to ratatouille, and gorgeous photos of the food and the people behind them, it’s a celebration of all who call Madison home. We speak to author Terese Al...
Jun 06, 2024•23 min
Madison is getting a new music venue, but unlike other spaces in the city — the priority isn’t the audience but instead the musicians. Muso is the brainchild of Hoot’n Annie String Band members Prentice Berge and Cindy Murphy, who wanted to create a space for musicians to rehearse and just enjoy playing in Madison. Host Bianca Martin got a sneak peek of the space, and got into the rhythm and reason behind this new acoustic only spot. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608...
Jun 05, 2024•23 min
Do you have a special place where you like to take out-of-towners? How do you show them how utterly cool, unique and amazing our big little city is? A stroll at Picnic Point? A bloody mary at Mickey’s? We asked the readers of Madison Minutes for their favorite Madtown things to do, places to go, food to eat, and more. The response has been fantastic! This special episode finds the City Cast Madison team, including host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling, chatting with City Cast...
Jun 04, 2024•29 min
Madison is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best cities for biking, and this week we’re celebrating our cycling community. Madison Bike Week kicked off June 1 and is jam packed with family festivities, fun rides, and the best beverages and bites. Host Bianca Martin spoke with Eleanor Conrad and Harald Kliems, the president and former president of Madison Bikes, about the more than 70 events happening this week and how Madison became such a hot spot for cycling. Wanna talk to us about a...
Jun 03, 2024•24 min
