Here at City Cast Madison, we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve had to pause our podcast recordings to let a F-35 fighter jet fly by. The jets are loud, there’s no question about that. But just how loud? One retired Madisonian has made it his mission to document and collect data on just how much noise these warplanes make. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Scott about his findings and how much louder Madison has gotten since the jets arrived in 2023. 

✈️ Check out Scott’s website here. 

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More affordable housing is needed in places like Madison. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?

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

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Airports across the country are struggling as TSA agents go without pay. While things remain stable at the Dane County Regional Airport, officials are bracing for a potential airport shutdown. Meanwhile, gas prices in Madison creep toward $4 per gallon. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down this news with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, what’s on your spring election ballot, and why is UW-Madison’s Space Place shutting down?

Mentioned on the show:

How to beat high gas prices in Madison [City Cast Madison]
Kwik Trip unveils a new mascot [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

But what happened to Urge? [Facebook]

👋 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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A Friday fish fry is a quintessential part of Wisconsin culture and everyone has their own takes on who does it best. But one Madison man takes his love for the iconic dish to new levels. Mike Seidel has tried and rated nearly 2,000 fish fries across the state over the years. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Mike to find out what separates a “good” fish fry from a “great” one. From the batter to the fish to the sides, Mike’s rating formula takes everything into account. Photos and reviews from Mike’s adventures can be found on Facebook and Instagram. 

🥕 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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If you enjoyed today's interview with Julie Gokhman, the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Taskrabbit, learn more here.

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Spring is officially here and with it comes wild and unpredictable weather. From blizzards in March to tornado warnings, us midwesterners need to be prepared for extreme weather. Host Bianca Martin chats with Andrew Beckett, Dane County Emergency Management’s emergency communications and outreach manager about what to do when things get wet and windy in Madison.

🌪️ The National Weather Service storm spotter training is on April 22, 2026.

This show originally aired on April 14, 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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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! 

📧 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 March 19th episode: