City Cast Madison

👻 It’s Friday the 13th and the City Cast Madison team is here to round up the potentially freaky news of the week. Creative Producers Rob Thomas and Jade Iseri-Ramos are joined by Rob Chappell, Executive Editor of Madison 365.

First up, the City Council and the Police Civilian Oversight Board compete to control management of the independent police monitor’s office in an escalating tit-for-tat. Then the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear the latest legal challenge to Act 10, even as the incoming Democrat-led state legislature signals it might repeal the controversial law entirely. Plus, the debate over ALPRs continue as Axon fights to replace contracts previously held by Flock in Fitchburg and the Dane County Sheriff's Office.

And for our members only: Jack White is the proud new owner of a historic chair after a sell-out gig at The Sylvee. Jade and Robs wax nostalgic about famous Madison furniture they wish they’d gotten their hands on.

We’re super close to our 1,000th episode! It’s a crazy milestone and to celebrate we’re inviting you to contribute to our list of 1,000 things we love about Madison. Maybe it’s a fancy chair, maybe it’s a Flock camera…okay it’s probably not that. But either way, go to madison.citycast.fm/1000 and tell us what you love about our city.

Mentioned on the show:

In a rebuke to Common Council, Police Civilian Oversight Board appoints Rebecca Kemble as Interim Police Monitor [Madison 365]

Wisconsin Act 10 faces double threat from Supreme Court, legislature [Fox 6]
Wisconsin Legislature to be led by women for first time ever [The Cap Times]

City of Fitchburg, Dane County reject police surveillance technology contracts [Madison 365]

👋 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!

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Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13th episode:

It’s Thursday and that means we’re checking out Madison’s food and drink scene. Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos is joined by the food doula herself, Madison Public Library’s 2026 Naturalist in Residence, Qwantése Dourese Winters. This year’s theme, ‘The Tender Season,’ aims to connect Madisonians to the natural world and beat seasonal depression by embracing a reflective winter season. Pour a cup of cocoa buttermilk and tuck in.

Or switch vibes entirely and check out Death Drip Coffee, our first-ever heavy metal themed cafe. Owner Jake Lindsey hopped on the pod to talk collaboration with local businesses, a drink named after his dad’s band, and how Death Drip differs from what he calls a “sea full of identical hipster cafes.”

Listen to ‘Kill the Ache,’ one of Jake’s favorite tunes and the namesake for Death Drip’s most popular drink.

P.S. Don’t forget to tell us what you love about Madison for our 1,000 thing list! Maybe it’s a favorite library nook or specialty coffee drink – Fill out the form and let us know!

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

🏠 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 November 12th episode:

Wisconsin is the only state that doesn’t observe Veterans Day, what’s up with that? On today’s episode, creative producer Rob Thomas is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling to discuss our own version, Armistice Day, and how it could change with the incoming Democrat-led state government. Check out Rob’s guide here on SIX local events honoring the holiday.

Then Jennifer Drayna, conservation education director for the International Crane Foundation, takes us under her wing to chirp about the Great Midwest Crane Fest this weekend in Baraboo. 

And speaking of critters, sharp-eyed Madisonians have spotted a bobcat and Reddit is bursting with potential names, outdoor cat warnings, and reminders that you may not, in fact, ‘pet that dawg.’

Yes, a bobcat did hunt a shark.

🥳 We’re approaching our 1,000th episode of the podcast this month! To celebrate we’re compiling a huge list of things we love about Madison. Go to madison.citycast.fm/1000 and add all your favorites. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

👋 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 November 11th episode:

It’s sauna season and there’s a new spot on the shores of Lake Wingra just in time. Executive Producer Hayley Sperling has all the details on Madison Saunas including the biggie: is clothing optional?

Plus, UW-Madison Theatre and Drama Chair Dr. Erica Halverson is back on the pod to talk about Whoopensocker, her program connecting kids to the theatre, even as funding for the arts in Wisconsin ranks near the bottom of the country. Then, local comedian and writer Emily Winter walks us through her guide on throwing the best holiday office party for 20-120 people.

Whoopensocker has two shows this weekend at The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, at which seasoned performers will create live sketches from stories written by kids.

What do you love about Madison? Help us create our 1,000 things list to celebrate 1,000 episodes of 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! 

🏠 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!

Wisconsin Democrats are set to take control of the governor’s office, state Assembly and the Senate for the first time in 16 years. So just how much did the state’s newly redrawn legislative maps have to do with this great political shift? Creative Producer Rob Thomas and Executive Producer Hayley Sperling  speak with Nick Ramos, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, about how these new maps changed the playing field and why the fight for fair maps may be just getting started.

Plus, we’re sharing our unofficial rules for living your best Madison life, from exploring neighborhoods outside your usual bubble to embracing everything winter 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! 

🏠 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 November 9th episode:

Goodman Community Center

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Sauced Market

It’s fall in Madison, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government is realizing that rising temperatures deserve their attention and intervention year round — and they’re running a fun, generous program to help. David is joined by Elyse Belarge from the Somerville Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Environment to talk about the city’s pilot to de-pave and re-vegetate residential lots. Elyse shares the jaw-dropping impact of asphalt-free zones, as well as the joy of taking sledgehammers to driveways in your neighborhood.

Mentioned on the show:

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

UW-Madison is investigating reports of non-consensual drugging at an off-campus fraternity. Officials are asking for any additional victims to come forward. City Cast Madison Executive Producer Hayley Sperling breaks down this story with Creative Producers Rob Thomas and Jade Iseri-Ramos. Meanwhile, the UW continues its search for the next chancellor with finalist presentations next week, a coyote encounter resulted in a person being bitten, and there is good and sad news on Madison’s restaurant scene. 

Plus for our Neighbors-only segment, what’s going on over at the Henry Vilas Zoo?! 🐻‍❄️

Editor's note: Since the time of this show's recording, UW-Madison has released the names of the the three finalists for chancellor. They are Rashid Bashir and John Coleman, both of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Radenka Maric from University of Connecticut.

Mentioned on the show:

MPD seeking victims of possible drugging at fraternity [City of Madison]

Finalists for UW-Madison chancellor to visit campus next week [Wisconsin State Journal]

Madison coyotes are becoming a more familiar sight. Why? [Cap Times]

'We did what we set out to do'; Delta Beer Lab closes after nearly eight years [WKOW]

Madison’s is closing Nov. 15 [Madison’s]

Café Carlotta plans January opening on Capitol Square [Wisconsin State Journal]

Thai Nimman Opening [Hilldale] 

Upcoming Downtown Restaurant Has Ho-Chunk Pride and a Star Chef [🎧 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! 

🏠 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 November 6th episode:

Food is everyday, but brunch is an event. Lucky for us, Madison is full of delicious breakfast menus and brunch cocktails to enjoy. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling welcomes Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to rank the best places to have the first meal of the day.

🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.
This episode previously aired February 19, 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! 

🏠 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 November 5th episode:

Wisconsin voters have sounded off and officially elected a Democratic majority to the Legislature, including the state’s first Black governor ever in David Crowley. Meanwhile, incumbent assembly members in Madison held onto their seats, and voters rejected and approved constitutional amendments. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling and creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down the results of the Wisconsin 2026 midterms. 

👋 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 November 4th episode:

It's Election Day! Contributors Emily Winter and Scott Resnick are joining executive producer Hayley Sperling to recap the candidates and amendments on the ballot, what you need to know about voting today, and when we're expecting the results to come in. Check out our Instagram profile for explainers on the state-wide offices and constitutional amendments. 

Plus, updates on September's hazing incident, and a look at the big picture of hazing at UW-Madison. And finally, where to dispose of your old pumpkins, from curbside collection to food scrap drop-off sites. Want to learn about the origins of Jack-O’-Lanterns? Here's more about that Irish myth.