City Cast Madison

Madison’s restaurant scene is off to a hot start in 2025 with a ton of new openings. It’s a lot to keep track of, but don’t worry—we have you covered! Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to talk about the most delectable new restaurants you need to try.Check out Lindsay’s writeup of new restaurants in the Cap Times!We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.New restaurants mentioned on the episode:  Apex Grill Babe’s at Vitense Grill & Bar Caribou Coffee Thalaiva’s Restaurant Nano Sweet Cafe Ancora Cafe Monona Drive Molten Monkey The Feiring Izakaya Kuroyama Taco Madre Alimentari Ático Lounge El Gallo Mexican Cuisine Little Tibet Market & Café Orchard Rasta Barista Tailer Nicole Wine & Cupcakes 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 January 23rd episode here: Nehemiah Justified Anger Capital City Theatre Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Earlier this month, The UW Geology Museum announced the discovery of the oldest known dinosaur in the northern hemisphere, dating back 230 million years. The two bone fragments, small enough to put in your pocket, were discovered in Wyoming in 2013 by Dr. Dave Lovelace and a field crew. The chicken-sized dinosaur is called Ahvaytum bahndooiveche. Host Bianca Martin chats with Lovelace about Ahvaytum, other Northern Hemisphere dinosaurs, and the collaboration with the Northern Arapaho Tipo and Eastern Shoshone Tipo Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.The UW Geology Museum at 1215 West Dayton St. is free and open to the public.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 January 22nd episode here:Nehemiah Justified AngerCapital City TheatreBabbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

The recent single digit temperatures, and the thickening of the ice means it’s definitely ice fishing season! But what is it actually like for those hardy fishermen out on the ice? Host Bianca Martin gets the inside scoop from the voice behind everyone’s favorite fishing report: Pat Hasburgh.You can find Pat’s weekly fishing report online at the D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop’s website or call the hotline 608-BIG-FISH. This year’s Kids Ice Fishing Day is this Saturday, January 25th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Brittingham Park. The first 300 kids get a free rod, lunch and hot chocolate.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 January 21st episode here: Nehemiah Justified Anger Capital City Theatre Babbel

It’s Friday, so the City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week. Host Bianca Martin sits down with Newsletter Editor Rob Thomas and Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to chat about the big stories in Madison. Jade gives the update on the city’s decision to forgive $1.6 million to save the two Madison indoor ice rinks, under specific conditions. Bianca explains Governor Evers’ executive order to create a new statewide Office of Violence Prevention following the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. And Rob lays out the reasons Edgewood College is changing its name to match its mission. Mentioned on the show:City of Madison reaches agreement to keep ice arenas open under non-profit ownership [City of Madison]Gov. Tony Evers orders creation of new state Office of Violence Prevention [WMTV 15 News]Edgewood College Becomes Edgewood University in 2025 [Edgewood College]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 January 17th episode here: Justified Anger  StartingBlock

Twice a year, dozens of local restaurants put together special menus to delight diners for Restaurant Week. This year’s Winter Restaurant Week is almost here, running from Jan. 19 through Jan. 24. To get the scoop on what to expect, what dishes to get excited about, and get tips from the folks who put on the event, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin speaks with Madison Magazine food editor Emma Waldinger.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! 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 January 16th episode here:StartingBlock

Madison comedian Nate Chappell is used to asking questions as the host of the “Several Questions With Nate Chappell” podcast. But after his daughter was diagnosed with autism, Chappell found himself grappling with questions he’s never considered before — questions that ultimately led to his own autism diagnosis last year.On Jan. 20, Chappell is hosting a special live show at Gamma Ray Bar featuring a slate of autistic comedians who will debunk misconceptions about being on the autism spectrum while making people laugh. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Children’s Resource Center at the Waisman Center.Host Bianca Martin caught up with Chappell ahead of the show.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. StartingBlock

As our nation grapples with racial injustice throughout society, the situation has many of us wondering how we can actively work to see the humanity in one another. In Madison, the Goodman South Public Library is hosting a group art exhibition titled “I AM a Man: the Re-humanization of Black Men.” Inspired by curator Sharon Bjyrd’s trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the exhibit showcases work from several local artists examining the de- and re-humanization of Black men in America.Host Bianca Martin spoke with Sharon Bjyrd and Jerry Jordan, one of the exhibiting artists, about the exhibition and its impact. In addition to the exhibit, the library is also hosting community conversations about the display. You can join the conversation at their next event this Saturday, Jan. 18 at Goodman South Madison Library.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 January 14th episode here:StartingBlock

If you’re new in town and looking for some tips, or if you’ve lived here for years and somehow never heard of taking Highway M to avoid traffic — we’re here to give you the essential hacks you need to thrive in Madison in 2025. From getting the right winter gear to joining a CSA to finding a clean bathroom downtown, we have you covered. Host Bianca Martin sits down with City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas to share their secrets. Mentioned on the show: An Angler’s Guide to Ice Fishing in MadisonWanna 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 January 13th episode here:StartingBlock

We’ve made it through another week, which means it’s time for the Friday news roundup! This week, the whole City Cast Madison team is here to dish on Madison’s top stories. Newsletter editor Rob Thomas talks about the massive fundraiser Culver’s held for the Abundant Life Christian School community following a deadly school shooting in December. Host Bianca Martin gives more context to the impending closure of Short Stack Eatery. And executive producer Hayley Sperling has the details on what to expect in the upcoming City Council election. Plus, you’ll meet our newest team member!Mentioned on the show:Abundant Life Christian School Emergency Recovery Fund“Where are my tips going?”: Former employees from Short Stack Eatery talk about their experience while on the job [Channel 3000] McDonalds F*cked Us [Short Stack Eatery] The Madison Stories We’ll be Watching in 2025 [City Cast 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 January 10th episode here: Joey's Song Orthodontic Experts

When January comes around, many folks opt to lose the booze for the month. In a place with a big drinking culture like Wisconsin, though, that can be tough. But for the bartenders at popular downtown establishments Lucille and Merchant, making non-alcoholic cocktails that are just as buzzworthy as their boozy counterparts is a challenge they embrace with open arms. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin speaks with Jaiden Desens, a bar manager at Merchant, and Erika Yanke, a lead bartender at Lucille and Merchant, to get their takes on NA trends and get tips on how to keep Dry January interesting. 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! 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 January 9th episode here: Joey's Song Orthodontic Experts