
City Cast Madison
Join us 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 people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. On City Cast Madison, she peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart.
Latest episodes

Dec 11, 2024 • 24min
How Pull-tabs Took Over Wisconsin Bars
T. Krulos, a Milwaukee freelance author known for his work on the quirky history of pull-tabs in Wisconsin, dives into the fascinating world of these popular bar games. He reveals how local bars thrive on the excitement of pull-tab machines and the unique legal loopholes that keep them operating. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of these games, their ties to community fundraising, and the ongoing debates about regulation and gambling addiction. Krulos’ insights shine a light on a beloved tradition in Wisconsin nightlife.

Dec 10, 2024 • 33min
Excavating VHS Treasures with Found Footage Festival
Stoughton natives Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have collected over 13,000 obscure and delightful VHS tapes and have been taking viewers on a guided tour of their best finds since 2004. Their live show is called Found Footage Festival, and it’s coming to the Barrymore Theatre this Friday. In this episode, host Bianca Martin sits down with Joe and Nick to talk about how they got obsessed with old videos, where they find (and sometimes steal) VHS tapes, and how they pranked several local news stations across Wisconsin by pretending to be strongmen called “Chop & Steele.”Mentioned on the show:
Found Footage Festival
Special Delivery!
Alex Tribek Outtakes
Diabetes v. Diabetuhs
VCR Party Live!
🎉 Become a member of City Cast Madison 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 10th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Orthodontic Experts
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024 • 44min
What Uplifting Black Perspectives Looks Like in Madison
Today, the tables are turned as City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin is a guest on Rev. Dr. Alex Gee’s podcast Black Like Me. In this excerpt of the show, Bianca digs into her experiences as a Black journalist and Rev. Lilada Gee also joins the conversation to discuss the often minimized roles of Black women in society and culture. Listen to the full Black Like Me episode here.🎉 Become a member of City Cast Madison 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 6th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Orthodontic Experts
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2024 • 37min
What’s Next For Act 10, a WI Dem’s Bid For DNC Chair, and Santas Take Over Monroe Street
It’s Friday, which means the City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week! The kick things off, host Bianca Martin is joined by the Cap Times state government and disinformation reporter Erin McGroarty to talk about the latest development in the case against Act 10. Bianca also gives an update on Wisconsin Democratic Party leader Ben Wikler’s run for DNC chair. And executive producer Hayley Sperling joins the conversation to give an update on news from several of Madison's bookstores and dish on the giant inflatable Santas taking over Monroe Street.Mentioned on the show:Paul's Book Store is closing after 70 years [Madison Magazine]Mystery to Me employees will take over the Monroe Street bookstore [Cap Times]A Room of One’s Own bookstore debuts an event space [Cap Times]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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 6th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Children's Theater of Madison
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 5, 2024 • 27min
Madison’s Best New Restaurants of 2024
It’s been a big year for Madison’s food and restaurant scene. To help us round up all of the exciting openings — and the disappointing closures — of 2024, Madison Magazine food editor Emma Waldinger made a list. She joins host Bianca Martin to talk about some of the highlights.🎧 City Cast Madison episodes mentioned on the show Meet Willy Street's New Weird Vegan WonderlandWhy This Madison Bar Went All In On Cheese You Need to Visit Madison’s Newest French BakeryMust See Madison: Your Guide to the New GreenbushWhy Morris Ramen ClosedThe Next Generation of Hạ Long BayJoin 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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 5th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Children's Theater of Madison
Madison Public Library Foundation
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2024 • 34min
Madison Alder Speaks Out After Allegations Against Fellow Council Member Surface
Since March of this year, multiple women have come forward with allegations against District 18 Ald. Charles Myadze that range from harassment to domestic abuse. In a statement provided to City Cast Madison, Myadze denied these allegations and an investigation recently found he was not in violation of any city ordinance. District 2 Ald. Juliana Bennett has since identified herself as one of the anonymous complainants in the investigation, and she sat down with host Bianca Martin to share her side of the story. Mentioned on the showMy Response to the Investigation and Censure Process [Ald. Charles Myadze]My Experience with Harassment and Hostility from Ald. Charles Myadze [Ald. Juliana Bennett]Resolution to censure Ald. Charles Myadze [City of Madison]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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe 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 4th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Children's Theater of Madison
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024 • 25min
10 Years of Tone Madison: Arts, Politics, and Hot Takes
Ten years ago, Scott Gordon started a podcast to tell stories about Madison’s arts and culture scenes that no other local outlets were talking about. While it’s not a podcast anymore, these days you’ll find his stories and more on Tone Madison. This year, the local publication is celebrating a decade of storytelling. To reflect on the past 10 years and beyond, Scott joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Executive Producer Hayley Sperling.Celebrate with Tone Madison this week at their 10 year anniversary part at Gamma Ray Bar. 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 3rd episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Children's Theater of Madison
Music con Brio
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2, 2024 • 30min
Your Guide To December 2024 in Madison
As December rolls in, Madison lights up with festive markets and cultural celebrations. Discover the magical atmosphere of holiday fairs and unique local artisans. Enjoy theatrical delights like A Christmas Carol and join in on the vibrant pop-up bars. Don’t miss out on community traditions at Olin Park and musical performances that bring everyone together. Embrace winter with ice skating and snowshoeing while planning for exciting New Year's Eve festivities. It’s all about joy, togetherness, and making the most of the holiday season!

Nov 27, 2024 • 27min
UWPD’s History: Gay Purges, Policing Students, & Breaking Protests
Why do so many college campuses across the U.S. have their own police force? And are they really necessary? Those are the questions at the core of the new “Reorientation” podcast produced by the Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History at UW-Madison. To get the scoop on UWPD’s checkered history and why the center chose to go down this rabbit hole, Host Bianca Martin spoke with the center’s director and podcast co-host Kacie Lucchini Butcher.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 November 27th episode here:
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Lake City Books
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2024 • 31min
Madison’s Best Accessible Parks, Restaurants, and Public Spaces
Are Madison’s restaurants, parks, and public spaces accessible to people of all abilities? More so than a lot of cities — but with plenty of room for improvement. On this week’s Must See Madison, host Bianca Martin sits down with disability advocates Autumn Neugent and Martha Siravo to talk about which Madison businesses are doing accessibility well, what steps the city can take to improve accessibility further, and how we can treat each other with empathy rather than sympathy when offering assistance to our neighbors.Check out Martha and Autumn’s adaptive dance nonprofit, Wheels & Heels.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 November 25th episode here:Lake City Books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices