Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Thanksgiving is nearly here and if even the thought of cooking a big meal is stressing you out, sit back and relax because there are plenty of local spots that will help you out. To get a rundown of who’s serving dinner on the holiday and who’s got take-and-bake offerings, Executive Producer Hayley Sperling spoke with freelance reporter Nicole Haase who recently rounded up these local spots for the Cap Times. Looking for more opti...
Nov 21, 2024•23 min
Not every city has independent police oversight agencies with the power to subpoena, but Madison does. Empowering these agencies, though, takes resources—something the 2025 city budget won’t be able to provide fully. Host Bianca Martin sits down with Greg Gelembiuk, data analyst at Madison’s Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) , to discuss what makes Madison’s police accountability agencies so unique and what these agencies need from their fellow Madisonians. Mentioned on the show: Police Ac...
Nov 20, 2024•24 min
Love it or hate it, Madison is in a building boom. As our city continues to grow, we wanted to take stock of the places and spaces we hold dear by reflecting on Madison’s most iconic architecture. In this special installment of Must See Madison, the City Cast Madison team rounds up our favorite old and new buildings, and throws in a few wild cards. Want more? Check out our previous building roundup . Plus, take a deep dive into the new WYSO building . [ 🎧City Cast Madison] Wanna talk to us abou...
Nov 19, 2024•30 min
Wild turkeys were nearly hunted to extinction in Wisconsin in the late 19th century. But now, it’s a great time to be a wild turkey in the Dairy State. Thanks to conservation efforts in the 1970s, wild turkeys are back and have adapted to our urban environment better than ever. UW-Madison wildlife ecology Professor David Drake joins host Bianca Martin to dive into the lives of the turkeys all around us. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@city...
Nov 18, 2024•19 min
The City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week, and what a week it’s been. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into the city’s newly approved budgets , while host Bianca Martin unpacks election fallout, including racist texts sent to Black UW-Madison students and U.S. Senate hopeful Eric Hovde’s refusal to concede . Bianca also digs into an abortion case at the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas gives an update to the Southside Elementary na...
Nov 15, 2024•32 min
It's no secret that Wisconsinites love to drink. But in Madison, our cocktail scene extends far beyond the classic Old Fashioned. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and host Bianca Martin are joined by Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to take a deep dive into Madison’s favorite cocktail bars. Cheers! Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. Mentioned on the show Make These Holiday ...
Nov 14, 2024•31 min
It’s often said that “information is power,” but what happens when one of our most vulnerable communities is cut off from a vital sources of information? Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections effectively halted the work of a local nonprofit that has sent books to Wisconsin inmates for nearly 20 years. To find out why and what happens next, host Bianca Martin spoke with Wisconsin Books To Prisoners co-founder and director Camy Matthay . Mentioned on the show Wisconsin prisons...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min
Winter is coming — do you know where to park? Alternate side parking starts November 15th, meaning you have to park your car on the correct side of the road each day to avoid getting a ticket. If you live in the central city, this applies to you whenever there’s significant snowfall and the city declares a snow emergency. Former producer Dylan Brogan spoke with Madison Streets Superintendent Charlie Romines about what you need to know to help the streets get plowed and avoid a ticket. Get text a...
Nov 12, 2024•20 min
Halloween might be over but creepy crawlers are still popping up in the cracks and crevices of Madison homes. So what do we do about these bugs and beetles and how’d they get here anyway? Host Bianca Martin spoke with PJ Liesch, director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and Wisconsin’s official Bug Guy, to get the details. Like our show? Want to be part of the team that makes it happen? Apply to be the next producer of City Cast Madison! Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voice...
Nov 11, 2024•26 min
It’s no secret the biggest news of the week is Tuesday’s election results. Donald Trump won Wisconsin and enough electoral college votes to earn a second term in the White House. So how are Wisconsinites feeling about our state’s role in the process and what does a GOP win mean for Madison? This week, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling are joined by WTMJ Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Kristin Brey to dive into these questions and more. Wanna t...
Nov 08, 2024•35 min
Late night food can be hard to find, especially when you’re too hungry to think. So if you’re ever lying in bed dreaming of a milkshake at 2 a.m., or sitting on the couch and realized you forgot to eat dinner, we’ve got you. And it’s not just Tornado Room (though that is a highlight)! In this episode, host Bianca Martin is joined by our Executive Producer Hayley Sperling, and Emma Waldinger of Madison Magazine to go over our favorite midnight snacks, from fanciful full meals to food trucks. Whet...
Nov 07, 2024•29 min
We woke up early (5 a.m.!) to tell you what we know — and what we don’t — about Tuesday’s election results. We’re talking local offices, referendums, state and federal legislative positions. Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas joins host Bianca Martin, and executive producer Hayley Sperling for this morning’s conversation to unpack how Madison voted. Mentioned on the show: Donald Trump wins Wisconsin [WPR] 🎧 Melissa Agard’s Pitch for Dane County Executive 🎧 U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin Mak...
Nov 06, 2024•19 min
As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities. Our host, Bianca Martin, joins a panel discussion with the hosts from Las Vegas, Philly, and Pittsburgh. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehous...
Nov 05, 2024•27 min
Tomorrow, in addition to voting on candidates Madison voters will also see four referendum questions on their ballot. A proposed constitutional amendment for the state, a budgetary referendum from the City of Madison, and two referendum questions from the Madison Metropolitan School District. Host Bianca Martin spoke with district Superintendent Joe Gothard to get a better look at the issues Madison schools are facing and why these referendums are coming at a critical time. You can dig deeper in...
Nov 04, 2024•27 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. With only a few days left until the Nov. 5 election, Wisconsin has been a hotbed for political candidates and their delegates. Bianca Martin and Rob Thomas break down the various events happening around town and take a look at some of the local ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Hayley Sperling has the scoop on how a local pizza shop accidentally served THC-laden slices. Mentioned on the show: Harris, Trump make push for battlegrou...
Nov 01, 2024•31 min
The leaves are on the ground and November is here! So what does our city have going on this month? From markets and celebrations, to fun runs and donations, the City Cast Madison team has your back with our recommendations. 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. Mentioned on the show: Great Midwest Crane Fest Fall 2024 Midwest Vintage Flea Native Art Market 2024 Madison Roller D...
Oct 31, 2024•32 min
Come election day the city has a big ask — a $22 million ask to be exact. Madison is facing a budget deficit and to plug the holes, the city is turning to voters in hopes of passing a property tax referendum. But not everyone is on board with the idea. So how did we get here and what will the money be used for if the referendum passes? Host Bianca Martin sat down with Isthmus reporter Liam Beran to find out. You can listen to City Cast Madison’s past conversations with Madison Common Council Pre...
Oct 30, 2024•23 min
‘Tis the season for spooky, scary, campy, and vampy. If you’re looking for a fright with a side of delight, gather your ghouls and head to the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood where a group of residents have dreamed up and built a haunted yard extravaganza. Last year’s event drew more than 500 people and this year’s Chappell Roan-themed haunting is sure scary good. To get the scoop on this year’s frights, host Bianca Martin caught up with organizers Jinger Schroeder and Emily Balsley. Looking for mor...
Oct 29, 2024•25 min
Madison has its fair share of poltergeists, lingering spirits, and maybe even a few lake monsters. You just need to know where to look. We’re revisiting a conversation Bianca Martin had last year with Lisa Van Buskirk and Mike Huberty from Madison Ghost Walks about the city’s scary side. 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 ! You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the ...
Oct 28, 2024•22 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin and newsletter editor Rob Thomas recap this Tuesday’s massive start to in-person absentee voting and the Democratic Party’s big “Get Out the Vote” rally, as well as a groundbreaking UW-Madison study on Alzheimer’s and dementia onset. Later in the episode, Rob Chappell, executive editor at Madison 365 and co-host of Forward Madison FC podcast Talkin' Flock, joins us team to talk about the soccer team’s histori...
Oct 25, 2024•28 min
It’s Thursday, which means we’re talking food and drink. Cozy season is upon us, and for many of us, fall means getting into the kitchen and baking some of our favorite recipes. Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians talks with Bianca Martin about some of her favorite things to make, including apple cake and banana bread, and some tips and tricks for both experienced and newbie bakers. Plus, if you don’t want to bake yourself, we offer recommendations for top spots to buy seasonal ...
Oct 24, 2024•27 min
It’s no secret that Americans are becoming less religious. Rev. Mark Elsdon, temporary co-director and outgoing executive director of the Pres House Presbyterian campus ministry, predicts that the Madison area could lose a third of all churches in the area. Many congregations are shrinking and re-evaluating whether they need their large buildings anymore. Madison’s pressed for housing, and more churches are considering selling or moving to make way. Rev. Elsdon says this could mean a real loss o...
Oct 23, 2024•24 min
Tammy Baldwin has represented Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate race since 2013. In her quest for a third term, she is locked in a close (and expensive) race with Republican businessman Eric Hovde. A Madison native, Baldwin talks with Bianca Martin about why she’s running for re-election, the key issues that distinguish her from her opponent, and why representing the state is “the honor of my life.” Mentioned on the show: MyVote Wisconsin Madison In-Person Absentee Voting Wanna talk to us about an ep...
Oct 22, 2024•25 min
The Madison Metropolitan School District has a big ask of voters come November. A $607 million dollar ask to be more precise. But what exactly will all that money be used for and does the district truly need it? Executive producer Hayley Sperling caught up with Cap Times K-12 education reporter Kayla Huynh to get the scoop on two MMSD referendum questions voters will sound off on this November. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm ....
Oct 21, 2024•25 min
We’ve reached the end of the week, which means it’s time for a good old fashioned Friday news roundup! This week, City Cast Madison’s Bianca Martin, Hayley Sperling, and Rob Thomas are talking about the election. Former President Barack Obama and current VP nominee Tim Walz will be in town Oct. 22, which also happens to be the first day of in-person absentee voting in Madison . The team also digs further into what’s on the ballot, dives into the city’s budgetary questions , and get ready to say ...
Oct 18, 2024•28 min
It’s hard to miss the Cinn City Smash food truck. It’s big, purple, and covered in cartoon art that, if you look closely, shows some of Madison’s most iconic places. The truck has been in business for about a year, popping up at bars and festivals around town serving the unlikely combination of smash burgers and churros. And the people of Madison have been eating it up, literally. To get the scoop on what’s made Cinn City such a smashing success, host Bianca Martin caught up with the truck’s own...
Oct 17, 2024•34 min
We’re less than 20 days away from the November election and it’s a packed ballot. Last week, we focused on the candidates running for Dane County Executive. This week, we invited Cap Times state government reporter Andrew Bahl on the podcast to zoom in on some of the state legislative races Madisonians will vote on as well as the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . We’re also on In...
Oct 16, 2024•27 min
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Madison's own Bianca Martin along with hosts from our daily local shows in Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philly, and Portland. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here . Lo...
Oct 15, 2024•40 min
Another Friday means it’s time for another news roundup! This week, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas talk about the first concert coming to Camp Randall in nearly 30 years. Plus, the library just got a major boost from the federal government, and there are some changes afoot in Madison’s restaurant scene. Buckle up because this roundup is a trip. Mentioned on the show: Coldplay coming to Camp Randall, Tickets on sale Oct. 11 [UW Athletics] Gov. Evers: Announces...
Oct 11, 2024•27 min
Trying a Sober October? Or maybe you’re just looking for something new to sip on. Enter RA! a new herbal wellness and beverage company from Richard Bowman and Alla Tyspin, who you may know as a co-founder of NessAlla Kombucha. To get the scoop on this new venture, host Bianca Martin caught up with Richard and Alla and talked all things wellness, sobriety, and beyond. RA! will be at the grand opening of Arbor House on Atwood Avenue Oct. 10 from 4-8 p.m. Join us every Thursday as we explore Madiso...
Oct 10, 2024•28 min
