

City Cast Madison
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. On City Cast Madison, host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, Madison Minutes, at madison.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2025 • 25min
Award-Winning Chef Brings Italy's Amalfi Coast to Madison
There’s a new Italian restaurant in town getting a lot of buzz. Giovanni Novella, the former executive chef of Bar Corallini, is bringing the Amalfi Coast to University Avenue. Complete with coastal vibes, authentic Italian food, and even a full vegetarian menu, Osteria Novella has hit Madison’s food scene with a big splash. Today, he sits down with host Bianca Martin to talk about what’s good at Osteria Novella and what this move means for the future of Bar Corallini.
🥕 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 madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 11th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee
Jones Dairy Farm

Dec 10, 2025 • 40min
What’s So Special About State Street?
It’s one of the most iconic streets in Madison, the artery that connects the UW-Madison campus with the greater downtown area — State Street. It’s been a staple of Madison’s nightlife, retail, and culture for decades. And just about every Madisonian has their own cherished memories of State Street. And as our city continues to rapidly grow and change, how does State Street keep up? Host Bianca Martin digs into the past and future of State Street with Cap Times features reporter Ashley Rodriguez and City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling.
📰 Check out Ashley’s full feature on State Street here.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 10th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee
Jones Dairy Farm

Dec 9, 2025 • 33min
Madison's 2025 Naughty and Nice List
We’re making a list and checking it twice, because it’s time for us to lay down the verdict of who was naughty and who was nice in 2025. Host Bianca Martin chats with WORT host, school board member, and friend of the show Ali Muldrow about how Madison was behaving this year. And who knows, maybe being naughty isn’t always a bad thing.
🎁 Psttt. Do you need a gift for someone nice this holiday season? Gift them the City Cast Neighbors program! They will get all the perks AND for this week only, a City Cast Madison beanie. Keep their heads and hearts warm!!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 9th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee
Jones Dairy Farm

Dec 8, 2025 • 28min
Hey Amtrak, Madison Is Ready
Madison has been waiting for passenger rail to connect us to neighboring cities for decades. We saw a glimmer of possibility in 2021 when Amtrak shortlisted Madison as a location for service by 2035. Ultimately, whether or not passenger rail comes to Madison is up to Amtrak and the state of Wisconsin, but the City of Madison is doing their part to attract the train. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin chats with city transportation director Christof Spieler about the latest developments in the future of rail transportation in Madison.
‼️ P.S. It’s day one of our week-long membership drive! 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. Plus if you sign up this week, we’ll send you our special City Cast Madison beanie. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program today!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 8th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee

Dec 5, 2025 • 33min
The Governor’s Race Heats Up, WisconsinEye Is in Trouble, and What’s Going On With Giannis?!
Happy Friday, y'all. The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news from this week. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about Mandela Barnes announcing his run for governor, WisconsinEye possibly shutting down, and speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Plus, Monday may be the official kick-off for our week-long membership campaign, but you’re not too early to snag our limited edition beanie.
Mentioned on the show:
Hot Takes and High Stakes in the Race for Wisconsin Governor [🎧 City Cast Madison]WisconsinEye funding plea [WisEye]
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 5th episode:
Root 2 Rise
Madison Community Foundation
Four Seasons Theatre

Dec 4, 2025 • 27min
How Madison Almost Lost Garver Feed Mill
Did you know Garver Feed Mill used to be a sugar beet factory? And it used to be five stories tall? Now it’s the home to some of Madison’s hidden culinary gems. Host Bianca Martin dives into the vibrant history and food scene at Garver Feed Mill with Bryant Moroder from the Garver development team. We get into how Garver is nourishing the Madison community in more ways than one. Plus, head to our Instagram to see Bianca’s taste test of Garver’s eats and drinks!
🥕 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 madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 4th episode:
Madison Community Foundation
Four Seasons Theatre
Madison Public Library Foundation

Dec 3, 2025 • 31min
Don’t Get Duped by Health Misinformation, Madisonians!
In an era rife with health misinformation, how can we stay informed and make health-forward choices? Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to discuss the importance of health literacy, the dos and don'ts of reliable health information, and the impact of misinformation on public health. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR’s “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in September 2025. His new podcast is “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster.”
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 3rd episode:
Madison Community Foundation
Four Seasons Theatre
RENEW Wisconsin

Dec 2, 2025 • 38min
Are Wisconsin Students Safe From Abusive Teachers?
Wisconsin lawmakers are currently reviewing how the Department of Public Instruction handles educator sexual misconduct and grooming of students. This was sparked by an extensive investigation by Cap Times reporter Danielle DuClos. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Danielle about her year-long research into the prevalence of sexual misconduct by educators in Wisconsin, DPI's investigatory capacity, and the potential legislative changes.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 2nd episode:
Madison Community Foundation
Four Seasons Theatre
Root 2 Rise

Dec 1, 2025 • 37min
Your Guide to December 2025 in Madison
We’ve made it to the last month of the year! The City Cast Madison team is here with the final monthly guide of 2025. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about holiday markets around town, the hot new sushi and ramen spot in the Town of Oregon, and so much more.
🎉 Plus, we’re throwing a party on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Gamma Ray Bar. RSVP today!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 1st episode:
Madison Community Foundation
Four Seasons Theatre
Goodman Community Center
Henry Vilas Zoo

Nov 26, 2025 • 47min
The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including Madison!)
Join City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling (filling in for host Bianca Martin) alongside fellow alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now.
Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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!
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 26th episode:
Henry Vilas Zoo
Lake City Books
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.


