While the UW-Madison men’s basketball team got knocked out in the first round of March Madness, the women’s hockey team brought home their 9th NCAA championship. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about Badger sports news. Plus, the names of two Madison Metro School District schools are up for reconsideration, so Bianca and Hayley offer some suggestions. And did you hear about the snowplow driver who cleared the path for the baby born during last week’s blizzard? 

Mentioned on the show:

Meet Madison’s First Female Snow Plow Driver [City Cast Madison]

Madison district monitors effect of César Chávez allegations on namesake school [Cap Times]

“It Was Time”: Dolores Huerta’s First Interview After “Devastating” Cesar Chavez Expose [Latino USA]

👋 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 almost that time of year again! The Wisconsin Film Festival is right around the corner, bringing eight days of movie magic to screens across the city. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with the festival’s Director of Operations, Ben Reiser, about everything you need to know to have a successful fest. From standout films to ticket-buying logistics, we’ve got you covered. Now dim the lights and settle in, we’re going to the movies.

👀 Psst — we’re giving away tickets to the fest! Check out our instagram for more information. 

👋 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 unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Madison. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

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

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This week, Madison’s Office of the Independent Police Monitor released a new annual report detailing staffing issues in its office and calling for officers to wear body cameras. However, after some scrutiny about AI use, the report was taken down for further review. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the story. They also talk about the 27 animal activists who were arrested after breaking into Ridglan Farms and the removal of a marker on an Indigenous burial mound.

Mentioned on the show:

Effigy Mounds in Madison [City Cast Madison]

Actress Alexandra Paul among animal rights activists arrested [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Our interview with police chief John Patterson [🎧City Cast Madison]

An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief [ 🎧City Cast Madison]

Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly? [ 🎧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! 

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 

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The Baked Lab is the newest addition to a growing cohort of dessert connoisseurs in the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood. Owner Shawn Buldoc started the business in 2020 during the pandemic, but didn’t have a space to call his own until this year. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Shawn about what to expect from this new shop and how he took his passion for baking and turned it into a beloved business.

🥕 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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How many Culver’s are in Madison? What former Madison mayor is now a blogger? How well do YOU know Madison? Trivia host extraordinaire Paul Guse is back to test our knowledge of the city we call home. Play along at home as host Bianca Martin and newsletter editor Rob Thomas battle it out in a game of trivia. But no cheating!

👋 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 Madison Symphony Orchestra is in the midst of celebrating its 100th season with an exciting lineup of concerts to bid farewell to longtime maestro and music director John DeMain, whose brand new memoir “Working with My Heroes” is out now. Host Bianca Martin chatted with John about the history of the orchestra and the evolution of the ensemble during his tenure.

📚 Learn more about the March 24 Book Fest event with John here. 

This episode originally aired Oct. 27, 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! 

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You asked and the mayor answered. Today, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway for a wide-ranging discussion, inspired by questions sent in by City Cast Madison listeners and readers. The two cover housing, the absentee voting lawsuit the city is facing, immigration enforcement, and more.

👋 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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Madisonians are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local policy, partially motivated by the fact that local cops have damaged their reputation by patrolling with feds. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host and executive editor Mike Schaffer about the political stakes involved, the effectiveness of body cameras, and how Washingtonians are dealing with the heavy federal law enforcement presence. Plus, Mike and Jacoby weigh in on public transit etiquette in their cities when it comes to people playing music out loud.

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

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As Wisconsin voters get ready to head to the polls next month to elect the next Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, current Justice Annette Ziegler announced this week that she will not run for a third term in 2027. Ziegler is the second conservative-leaning justice to retire from the court since liberal-aligned justices took the majority in 2023. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down the story with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, Amtrak’s anticipated arrival in Madison gets bumped up by a few years, and some weird buildings are creating buzz in town. 

And don’t forget to check out our new City Cast podcast "Your City Could Be Better" on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s usually hosted by our CEO David Plotz, but this week, Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran is stepping in as guest host, to talk with D.C.’s Mike Schaffer about a new D.C. law that aims to hold federal agents accountable. 

Mentioned on the show:

Why Madison picked Wilson Street for Amtrak [City Cast Madison]
How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Madison [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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