This Saturday, thousands are expected to rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol in an organized protest against President Donald Trump and his policies. In light of the upcoming demonstration, City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Ryan Cox, legal director for the ACLU of Wisconsin, about how to stay safe while exercising your First Amendment rights.

This show originally aired on June 18th, 2025

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One of Wisconsin’s fastest growing groups is the Latino community. From 2010 to 2020, the state’s Latino population grew by 33%. And each member of this community has their own unique story and needs, but often, folks end up lumped together when talked about in the media. Host Bianca Martin talks with Centro Hispano executive director Karen Menéndez Coller about the range of needs within the community and the work Centro does daily to serve this fast-growing population and set the record straight when it comes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the nation.  

New to Centro? Check out their weekly Mercadito, youth programming, and other community events. 

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It’s been a big week in the Madison news scene: the city’s independent police monitor has resigned, some students and faculty are worried about proposed changes to curriculums by system administrators, and construction is set to begin on John Nolen Drive. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about this week’s top stories. Plus, today is your last chance to snag the exclusive Neighbors Make Madison tote bag.  

Mentioned on the show:

Cap Times question form on city budget [Cap Times]
John Nolan construction begins Monday, October 13th [City of Madison]

Protesters urge council to reconsider Dairy Drive demolition [Isthmus]

Tailgating tips with DJ Nick Nice  [City Cast Madison]

Mayor Releases 2026 Executive Operating Budget [City of Madison]

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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Last month, the owner of Mishqui Peruvian Bistro announced that she would be permanently closing the flagship location on Monona Drive. The decision comes after the opening of a second location in Middleton in 2024 and a third downtown on King Street earlier this year. Host Bianca Martin talks with owner Cynthia Garcia about Mishqui’s extensive menu, the growing pains of running a new restaurant, and what’s in store for the future. 

🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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What are textile arts? They are all around us, including sewing, weaving, embroidery, dyeing and even paper making. In recent years, making art from fibers and fabrics has been taken more seriously, including in Madison where the relatively new Textile Arts Center of Madison is thriving. Host Bianca Martin talks with the center’s co-founder, Elizabeth Tucker, about how the art form is booming in Madison and what the center has to offer. 

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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Happy Homecoming, Badgers! UW-Madison will face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 117th Homecoming Game in UW history Oct. 11 at Camp Randall in a battle for the Heartland Trophy. But before the Badgers kick off, the fans party. And each neighborhood does things a little differently. To get the scoop on how and where Madisonians tailgate, executive producer Hayley Sperling and host Bianca Martin chat with local DJ Nick Nice, who’s helped bring the party to Regent Street for the past decade.

Mentioned on the show

How Wisconsin's 'Jump Around' became the best tradition in college football [ESPN]

Being Bucky [IMDB]

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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Look up in the sky! No, it’s not an F-35, it’s fall bird migration season! This time of the year, countless birds grace our skies as they fly south for the winter. So what should you be on the lookout for? And how can we help these migratory birds make it to their destinations safely? To answer these questions and more, host Bianca Martin chats with the Wisco Birder himself, co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Dexter Patterson. Dex’s new book “Birds of the Great Lakes” drops Oct. 7.

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How will the federal government shutdown be felt in Madison? Well, it’s too early to know for sure, but the City Cast Madison team discusses how local officials are bracing for the impact. Host Bianca Martin is joined this week by executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. They also break down the latest in the race for governor and its impact on local races, and how Middleton’s beloved Chinese-American restaurant might find new life. 

Mentioned on the show:

Who’s running for Wisconsin governor [City Cast Madison]
SoulFolk Collective tells Black Madison’s stories [City Cast Madison]

Test your Madison street name knowledge [City Cast Madison]

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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It’s a birthday party, and you’re invited! Public Parking, the East Johnson Street bar, is turning one year old this weekend. The bar is celebrating with free champagne, raffle prizes, and drag performances. It’s been a big first year–from being named a best new bar in the country by Bon Appétit to winning the Judge’s Choice award at Bittercube’s Botanical Battle Royale 2025.  Ahead of the birthday party, host Bianca Martin chats with co-owner JR Mocanu about their first year in business and all the fanfare they’ve received.  

🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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The leaves are changing colors and Halloween decorations are popping up all around us. That can only mean one thing – it’s October in Madison. The City Cast Madison team is here to give you our best recs for what to do and to eat this month. Plus, on this episode, we bring you our spooky recommendations. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about a new Norwegian food truck, Stars Hollow coming to Middleton, and so much more! 

For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Madison, check out Madison Minute’s take on what to do this month. 

🌡️ City Cast Madison’s guide to October is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric. 

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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