
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

Nov 12, 2024 • 21min
How To Avoid Parking Tickets in Madison This Winter
Winter is coming — do you know where to park? Alternate side parking starts November 15th, meaning you have to park your car on the correct side of the road each day to avoid getting a ticket. If you live in the central city, this applies to you whenever there’s significant snowfall and the city declares a snow emergency.Former producer Dylan Brogan spoke with Madison Streets Superintendent Charlie Romines about what you need to know to help the streets get plowed and avoid a ticket.Get text alerts about snow emergencies and where to park. [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! 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 12th episode here:StartingBlock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2024 • 27min
Why These Beetles are Invading Your Home Right Now
Halloween might be over but creepy crawlers are still popping up in the cracks and crevices of Madison homes. So what do we do about these bugs and beetles and how’d they get here anyway? Host Bianca Martin spoke with PJ Liesch, director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and Wisconsin’s official Bug Guy, to get the details.Like our show? Want to be part of the team that makes it happen? Apply to be the next producer of 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! 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 11th episode here:StartingBlock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 8, 2024 • 37min
What a GOP Win Means For Madison, Plus Key Election Takeaways
It’s no secret the biggest news of the week is Tuesday’s election results. Donald Trump won Wisconsin and enough electoral college votes to earn a second term in the White House. So how are Wisconsinites feeling about our state’s role in the process and what does a GOP win mean for Madison? This week, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling are joined by WTMJ Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Kristin Brey to dive into these questions and more. 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 November 8th episode here:First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7, 2024 • 30min
The Best Late Night Food in Madison
Late night food can be hard to find, especially when you’re too hungry to think. So if you’re ever lying in bed dreaming of a milkshake at 2 a.m., or sitting on the couch and realized you forgot to eat dinner, we’ve got you. And it’s not just Tornado Room (though that is a highlight)! In this episode, host Bianca Martin is joined by our Executive Producer Hayley Sperling, and Emma Waldinger of Madison Magazine to go over our favorite midnight snacks, from fanciful full meals to food trucks.Whether you’re a night owl or up way past your bedtime, we’ve got you covered. Mentioned on the show:Second dinner: Our guide to late-night dining [Madison Magazine]The Night Vending Program brings late night eats to State Street [Madison Magazine]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 ads.Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode here:First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2024 • 20min
How Madison Voted
We woke up early (5 a.m.!) to tell you what we know — and what we don’t — about Tuesday’s election results. We’re talking local offices, referendums, state and federal legislative positions. Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas joins host Bianca Martin, and executive producer Hayley Sperling for this morning’s conversation to unpack how Madison voted.Mentioned on the show:Donald Trump wins Wisconsin [WPR]🎧 Melissa Agard’s Pitch for Dane County Executive 🎧 U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin Makes Her Case to Wisconsin VotersWanna 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 6th episode here:First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5, 2024 • 28min
The Four Cities That Could Decide the Election
As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities. Our host, Bianca Martin, joins a panel discussion with the hosts from Las Vegas, Philly, and Pittsburgh. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.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 5th episode here:First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4, 2024 • 28min
MMSD Superintendent Thinks Madison Children and Families Deserve Better
Tomorrow, in addition to voting on candidates Madison voters will also see four referendum questions on their ballot. A proposed constitutional amendment for the state, a budgetary referendum from the City of Madison, and two referendum questions from the Madison Metropolitan School District. Host Bianca Martin spoke with district Superintendent Joe Gothard to get a better look at the issues Madison schools are facing and why these referendums are coming at a critical time. You can dig deeper into our election coverage with these shows:🎧 What You Need To Know About Madison's $22 Million Budget Referendum🎧 MMSD Is Asking Voters For More Than Half a Billion Dollars. Here’s Why.🎧 Your Ballot Breakdown: State & Fed Legislative Races, Plus a Constitutional Amendment!Be sure to check out MyVote Wisconsin for all of your Election Day needs.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 4th episode here:First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 1, 2024 • 33min
Harris and Trump Stump Across Wisconsin, Plus a Local Pizza Joint Accidentally Served THC Edibles
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. With only a few days left until the Nov. 5 election, Wisconsin has been a hotbed for political candidates and their delegates. Bianca Martin and Rob Thomas break down the various events happening around town and take a look at some of the local ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Hayley Sperling has the scoop on how a local pizza shop accidentally served THC-laden slices.Mentioned on the show:Harris, Trump make push for battleground votes with dueling Wisconsin rallies [WPR]Donald Trump's Wisconsin Crowd Size Compared to Kamala Harris' [Newsweek]Naked Donald Trump statue turns heads on Madison’s north side [Cap Times]Pizza contaminated with THC, Wisconsin business apologizes [FOX6 News Milwaukee]THC-Contaminated Food from Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, WI [PHMDC]🎧 MMSD Is Asking Voters For More Than Half a Billion Dollars. Here’s Why.🎧 What You Need To Know About Madison's $22 Million Budget Referendum🎧 Dana Pellebon’s Pitch for Dane County Executive🎧 Melissa Agard’s Pitch for Dane County ExecutiveWanna 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 November 1st episode here:
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 31, 2024 • 33min
Your Guide To November 2024 in Madison
The leaves are on the ground and November is here! So what does our city have going on this month? From markets and celebrations, to fun runs and donations, the City Cast Madison team has your back with our recommendations.If you’re new around here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Madison community. Mentioned on the show:Great Midwest Crane FestFall 2024 Midwest Vintage FleaNative Art Market 2024Madison Roller Derby 20 year anniversaryMadison Roller Derby 20th [City Cast Madison]Dexter’s 17th anniversary partyGoodman Community Center Thanksgiving Basket DriveWayForward ResourcesMadison Turkey TrotBirdie DerbyMurder GirlIt’s a Wonderful Life musical& JulietNapoleon Dynamite liveWanna 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 October 31st episode here:
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 2024 • 24min
What You Need To Know About Madison's $22 Million Budget Referendum
Come election day the city has a big ask — a $22 million ask to be exact. Madison is facing a budget deficit and to plug the holes, the city is turning to voters in hopes of passing a property tax referendum. But not everyone is on board with the idea. So how did we get here and what will the money be used for if the referendum passes? Host Bianca Martin sat down with Isthmus reporter Liam Beran to find out. You can listen to City Cast Madison’s past conversations with Madison Common Council President Yannette Figueroa Cole and Madison’s Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke about the budget for more insight on the city’s budget woes.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. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode here:
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCASTLooking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices