You’ve most likely noticed Dan Yoder’s handy work when driving through Madison. His company, Sign Art Studio , is responsible for the city’s most iconic signs: the huge new Orpheum marquee on State Street, the classic restored Badger Liquor sign a block away, the elegant, retro cool-looking Harvey House sign, and hundreds more. Bianca Martin sat down with Yoder to find out just how one becomes a “sign guy”, how many light bulbs it took to make the new Orpheum theater sign and why good design end...
Feb 26, 2025•17 min
There’s no question about it, Madison is in a housing crisis. But how did we get here and what do we do about it? The city has a plan , and it’s an ambitious and contentious one at that. To get insight on the plan and how we can expect Madison’s neighborhoods to change as our city grows, host Bianca Martin spoke with none other than the mayor herself, Satya Rhodes-Conway. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . We’re also on Instagra...
Feb 25, 2025•33 min
The state’s legislative session is in full swing, and so far, some of the ideas being brought to the floor by Republicans mirror the agenda President Donald Trump has been pushing in Washington, D.C. To get the scoop on what’s been proposed and how likely any of these initiatives are to be passed into law, host Bianca Martin speaks with Wisconsin Watch statehouse reporter Jack Kelly and statehouse reporting intern Hallie Claflin. Mentioned on the show Trump policies come to Wisconsin in first we...
Feb 24, 2025•22 min
It’s time for another Friday news roundup! This week, host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. The team digs into results from this week’s primary election, key takeaways from Gov. Tony Evers’ budget address, progress at the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, and complaints from some of Madison’s Black senior citizens. Mentioned on the show: Madison city council incumbents survive in low turnout primary [Isthmus] Gov. Tony Evers' bud...
Feb 21, 2025•32 min
Wisconsin is currently weathering one of the worst flu seasons in the past decade. In Dane County, hospitals are full of children and adults dealing with respiratory illnesses. So how do we keep ourselves healthy and help our bodies recover from sickness? We spoke with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to get her suggestions on what to cook and what ingredients to keep on hand when illness is making its rounds. Mentioned on the show Caroline Chambers’ lemon, spinach, chicken t...
Feb 20, 2025•26 min
Winter is here — do you know where to park? Alternate side parking is in effect through March 15, meaning you have to park your car on the correct side of the road each day to avoid getting a ticket. If you live on the isthmus this applies whenever there’s significant snowfall and the city declares a snow emergency. Confused? 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 te...
Feb 19, 2025•17 min
Less than a month into his second term as president, Donald Trump has signed more than 60 executive orders into law . Some of those orders are already being challenged in court, including one that would cut off federal funding for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years old. The order has left some Wisconsin families — and health care providers — with a lot of questions. To get answers, we caught up with Wisconsin Watch investigative reporter Phoebe Petrovic , wh...
Feb 18, 2025•24 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to wrap up the week with another Friday news roundup. This week, we’re getting you prepped for next Tuesday’s primary election. We’re also got some food news: the east side Ohio Tavern is getting new owners and Madison-born food delivery startup EatStreet has filed for bankruptcy . Plus, why did the county’s pick for a new Human Services director withdraw her acceptance ? We’ve got all of that and this year’s Summerfest lineup on today’s show. Mentioned on the ...
Feb 14, 2025•33 min
Happy Thursday! Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and we’re rounding out our Love Week with some tips and tricks for making a gourmet meal at home. Break out your cookware, because Chef Patrick O'Halloran from The Deliciouser is here to teach you how to impress your date in the kitchen. 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 Madiso...
Feb 13, 2025•22 min
Happy humpday, Madison! On this third day of Love Week, we’re gettin’ a little freaky. Have you ever wanted to explore your kinky side? As it turns out, Madison has a thriving community of people who like to explore their more unconventional interests together. To get the scoop on Madison’s kink scene, we talked to Lili Luxe, a local consent advocate and longtime host of many of Madison’s kinkiest events. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@ci...
Feb 12, 2025•30 min
Welcome to day two of City Cast Madison’s Love Week! Today, we’re turning inward and talking about the importance of self love. In times of turbulence, how can we give ourselves and those around us more grace? Khenchen Konchog Gylatsen Rinpoche is a Buddhist monk who founded the Drikung Kagyu Dharma Circle of Madison , which has met weekly at the Wil-Mar Center since 1992. He gives tips on how to quiet your ego and bring mindfulness into your routines. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us...
Feb 11, 2025•28 min
In honor of Valentine’s Day, this whole week on City Cast Madison, we’re talking about love! To kick things off, our team took our microphones to the streets to get your takes on Madison’s dating scene in 2025. And boy, did y’all deliver. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling share their stories and insights too. 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 delive...
Feb 10, 2025•26 min
This week on the Friday news roundup, we’re talking about workplace misconduct, political protests, and one of Madison’s favorite pastimes — naming our city’s heavy machinery. Wisconsin State Journal reporter Lucas Robinson joins the conversation to talk about his reporting on an investigation into the job performance of the Dane County Regional Airport’s retiring director. Host Bianca Martin has an update on the fraud investigation happening at Goodman Community Center ; and executive producer ...
Feb 07, 2025•31 min
Where can you find a lineup of world-class chefs creating specially crafted menus tailored specifically for the season? Why, Paoli of course. Through April, Seven Acre Dairy Company is hosting the Frost to Flower dinner series, which brings culinary legends from across the nation to Wisconsin for a unique dining experience. To find out more, we caught up with the owner of Seven Acre Dairy, Nic Mink, and one of the chefs featured this month, Chicago chef and champion of the Food Network’s “Choppe...
Feb 06, 2025•29 min
It’s no secret that Madison loves its sports teams. From the UW Badgers to the ‘Mingos and the Nightmares, the fans always fill the seats. Now, there’s a new team to cheer for — LOVB Madison professional volleyball . The team’s inaugural season just kicked off and to get the scoop on what they’re all about, we caught up with Head Coach Matt Fuerbringer and founding team member Lauren Carlini. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . W...
Feb 05, 2025•21 min
Awards season is upon us, and while blockbuster films and Oscar contenders have been getting headlines everywhere, in Madison, we’re doing things a little differently. All throughout the month of February, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a weekly film screening showcasing movies you won’t find anywhere else. To get the scoop on the lineup and learn more about Madison’s film scene, host Bianca Martin speaks with Jim Kreul, public programs coordinator for Arts + Literature Labora...
Feb 04, 2025•29 min
We’ve all heard that there’s a teacher shortage both nationally and here in Madison; but what’s being done about it? One solution growing in popularity in Madison is hiring teachers on temporary “emergency licenses.” This allows anyone with a bachelor's degree in any subject to start working as a teacher while they work towards qualifying for their full teaching license. On today’s episode, Host Bianca Martin sits down with Madison Teachers, Inc. union president Michael Jones and Cap Times educa...
Feb 03, 2025•28 min
It’s time to close the books on January and round up another week of news. This week, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin explains how a federal funding freeze could cause adverse ripple effects throughout Madison. Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas has the latest on the Madison Labor Temple’s search for a buyer . And executive producer Hayley Sperling talks about the expansion of the CARES team to Sun Prairie . Plus, did you see the flying space trash? Mentioned on the show: Why Madi...
Jan 31, 2025•31 min
Happy February, Madison! A new month means it’s time for a new guide. The City Cast Madison team is here with our recommendations for making the most out of February in our fair city. From winter festivals and local markets , to chili cook offs and movie marathons , we’ve got you covered. 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 🌺 Orchid Escape 🏂 Memorial Un...
Jan 30, 2025•36 min
Today we’re talking about a hot topic that is ice cold. The City of Madison is forgiving $1.6 million of debt owed by Madison Ice, Inc, the nonprofit that ran Madison’s two ice arenas. As is usually the case with government spending, the details are messy — but Wisconsin State Journal city hall reporter Lucas Robinson breaks down the key points of the deal with Host Bianca Martin. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . We’re also on...
Jan 29, 2025•22 min
Last week, Governor Tony Evers declared 2025 to be the “Year of the Kid” during his info-packed State of the State address; but what does that even mean? Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times politics and state government reporter Erin McGroarty to unpack the plans, promises, and unending barrage of applause from Evers’ State of the State address. 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 mor...
Jan 28, 2025•24 min
After four years leading the department, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes is leaving his post at the end of the month. He’s off to Seattle, where he’ll become that city’s next top cop. We sat down with Barnes ahead of his departure to get his perspective on what’s going well for our city when it comes to law enforcement, and what challenges the next police chief will face. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . We’re also on Instagr...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min
Happy Friday, Madison! The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. This week host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about the stories you need to know. Jade kicks off the show with an explainer of President Trump’s executive orders regarding citizenship and deportation and how to be prepared for when ICE comes to town. Bianca breaks down the reasons UW Madison removed the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and E...
Jan 24, 2025•33 min
Madison’s restaurant scene is off to a hot start in 2025 with a ton of new openings. It’s a lot to keep track of, but don’t worry—we have you covered! Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to talk about the most delectable new restaurants you need to try. Check out Lindsay’s writeup of new restaurants in the Cap Times! We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey —it’s only 7...
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
Earlier this month, The UW Geology Museum announced the discovery of the oldest known dinosaur in the northern hemisphere, dating back 230 million years. The two bone fragments, small enough to put in your pocket, were discovered in Wyoming in 2013 by Dr. Dave Lovelace and a field crew. The chicken-sized dinosaur is called Ahvaytum bahndooiveche. Host Bianca Martin chats with Lovelace about Ahvaytum, other Northern Hemisphere dinosaurs, and the collaboration with the Northern Arapaho Tipo and Ea...
Jan 22, 2025•27 min
The recent single digit temperatures, and the thickening of the ice means it’s definitely ice fishing season! But what is it actually like for those hardy fishermen out on the ice? Host Bianca Martin gets the inside scoop from the voice behind everyone’s favorite fishing report: Pat Hasburgh. You can find Pat’s weekly fishing report online at the D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop’s website or call the hotline 608-BIG-FISH. This year’s Kids Ice Fishing Day is this Saturday, January 25th from 9 ...
Jan 21, 2025•18 min
It’s Friday, so the City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin sits down with Newsletter Editor Rob Thomas and Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to chat about the big stories in Madison. Jade gives the update on the city’s decision to forgive $1.6 million to save the two Madison indoor ice rinks , under specific conditions. Bianca explains Governor Evers’ executive order to create a new statewide Office of Violence Prevention following the deadly shooting at Abundant Lif...
Jan 17, 2025•24 min
Twice a year, dozens of local restaurants put together special menus to delight diners for Restaurant Week. This year’s Winter Restaurant Week is almost here, running from Jan. 19 through Jan. 24. To get the scoop on what to expect, what dishes to get excited about, and get tips from the folks who put on the event, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin speaks with Madison Magazine food editor Emma Waldinger. Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers ...
Jan 16, 2025•17 min
Madison comedian Nate Chappell is used to asking questions as the host of the “Several Questions With Nate Chappell” podcast . But after his daughter was diagnosed with autism, Chappell found himself grappling with questions he’s never considered before — questions that ultimately led to his own autism diagnosis last year. On Jan. 20, Chappell is hosting a special live show at Gamma Ray Bar featuring a slate of autistic comedians who will debunk misconceptions about being on the autism spectrum ...
Jan 15, 2025•24 min
As our nation grapples with racial injustice throughout society, the situation has many of us wondering how we can actively work to see the humanity in one another. In Madison, the Goodman South Public Library is hosting a group art exhibition titled “I AM a Man: the Re-humanization of Black Men.” Inspired by curator Sharon Bjyrd’s trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the exhibit showcases work from several local artists examining the de- and re-humanization of Black men in Ameri...
Jan 14, 2025•25 min
