City Cast Madison

By City Cast

Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Host Bianca Martin collects peo... more

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FAQs about City Cast Madison:

How many episodes does City Cast Madison have?

The podcast currently has 994 episodes available.

City Cast Madison episodes:

May 05, 2026 Wisco Birder’s Tips for Making the Most of Spring Migration
Did you know that nearly a million birds flew over Madison last night? Warblers, orioles, thrushes, and so many more bird species are migrating through our region right now, and many stop in Madison to refuel and rest. Plus, our cranes and waterfowl are coming back home for the season. This means now is a great time to get out and look and listen for the birds! To celebrate peak migratory bird season, host Bianca Martin chats with the Wisco Birder himself, Dexter Paterson.
Plus, get tickets to see Bianca talk with former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo about what it means to inhabit our home on Earth.
This episode originally aired on April 23, 2025.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
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26min
May 04, 2026 How To Know if You’re a True Madisonian
Now we’re not gatekeeping the title of “Madisonian,” but we want to know — what makes a Madison resident a Madisonian? If you’ve lived here your whole life like our special guest, you’ve got the street cred, but for the transplants, we’re asking when do you know that it’s real? Host Bianca Martin chats about iconic Madison experiences with executive producer Hayley Sperling and WORT host and MMSD school board member Ali Muldrow.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
...more
38min
May 01, 2026May Day Protest, Ridglan Update, and UW Extension Layoffs
Today, the May Day 2026: Day Without Immigrants demonstration is expected to draw thousands to the Capitol, including many Madison area teachers and students. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the planned protest. Plus, a big update on the Ridglan Farms beagles and possible layoffs at UW Extension. And exclusive for City Cast Madison Neighbors, the team is breaking down the new paid parking rules for Madison’s near east side.
Mentioned on the show:
Our interview with Centro Hispano executive director Karen Menéndez Coller [🎧City Cast Madison]
Help DCHS rehome Ridglan Farm beagles [Dane County Humane Society]
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 1st episode:
Journey Mental Health Center

Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.
...more
33min
April 30, 2026Your Guide to May 2026 in Madison
May in Madison means tulips, UW commencement, rooftop bars, and getting outside to enjoy it all! The City Cast Madison team is here with how to take advantage of the UW-Madison campus when many students leave for the summer, plus our top picks for things to do and eat!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode:
Journey Mental Health Center
...more
39min
April 29, 2026Legal Weed in Wisconsin Could Disappear
Last year, federal lawmakers closed the so-called loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill that has allowed Wisconsin’s hemp-derived THC market to boom. Wisconsin state lawmakers failed to pass a bill to regulate these products, leaving them susceptible to the federal ban that will take place in November. To understand what’s at stake, City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling speaks with Phillip Scott, president and founder of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association, and owner of Crone Apothecary.
This show originally aired on January 6, 2026.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 29th episode:
Journey Mental Health Center
...more
19min
April 28, 2026Controversial Tattoo Chain Takes Short Stack Spot, Summer Lakes, and Shoutouts to You!
There’s a new tattoo parlor opening in the former Short Stack Eatery location. And if that sentence wasn’t weird enough, get this: it’s a global franchise. It will be Cleopatra Ink’s first shop in Madison, but some people are wary of the business after allegations of shady business practices and human trafficking surfaced online. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into this story with local comedian and contributor Emily Winter and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. The trio also talk about the best lakes for dogs (and humans) and Emily’s upcoming adult show and tell event.
Mentioned on the show:
🏆 Our roundup of some of Madison’s best tattoo shops
🌊 Podcast: Toxic Lakes Hurt More Than Just Madison Swimmers
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 28th episode:
Journey Mental Health Center

Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.
...more
40min
April 27, 2026Step Right up to Wisconsin’s Historic Circus
Did you know Wisconsin is home to the world's largest collection of circus artifacts? Well it is! Circus World in Baraboo is a 64-acre Wisconsin Historical Society site and it just reopened for its 2026 season! On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with Circus World attractions director Scott O’Donnell about the history and magic of the circus.
Plus, O’Donnell details what folks can expect at the circus this year. Hurry hurry hurry!

🎪Want to support OUR circus? (By circus, I mean this podcast and newsletter.) Sign up to become a City Cast Madison Neighbor! Our membership campaign ended last week, BUT there is still time to help us reach our goal and get the limited edition Oxford Pennant. Become a Neighbor today!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 27th episode:
Journey Mental Health Center
...more
47min
April 26, 2026'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Madison
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Madison? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism.
Mentioned on the show:
"Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville)

"Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible)

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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26min
April 24, 2026City Threatens Police Monitor’s Independence, Beagles Stay at Ridglan, and Delays at Public Market
Tuesday, Madison’s City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor to the Police Civilian Oversight Board for further review. Also on Tuesday, interim independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass released a 31-page memo in which she said city leadership and local media have spread false statements about her office. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about this story. Plus, we recap the escalating conflict over animal testing at Ridglan Farms, delays for the Madison Public Market, and, for Neighbors only, the proposed overhaul of San Damiano Park in Monona.

👂Want to hear what we had to say in the Neighbors-only segment? Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! If you join tuh-day, we’ll also send you a special gift!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode:
Madison Opera

The Madison Writers' Studio

Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.
...more
38min
April 23, 2026Your Guide to Madison Coffee Shops
Here in Madison, we’re blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang out and work, there’s a coffee shop waiting for you. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about their favorite spots for a caffeine fix.
☕ Have you ever wanted to buy us a coffee? Well for the price of a coffee (or two) a month, you can support the work we do here at City Cast Madison. Join this week to get all the sweet perks AND a special wool pennant!
🥕 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!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode:
Madison Opera

The Madison Writers' Studio
...more
39min

FAQs about City Cast Madison:

How many episodes does City Cast Madison have?

The podcast currently has 994 episodes available.