City Cast Madison

City Cast
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Aug 1, 2025 • 26min

Who’s Running for Governor, Mallards and Night Mares are HOT, and Is Churchkey Open?

Happy August, Madison! We’re kicking off the new month with a Friday news roundup to catch you up on what’s happening. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin is joined by Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to talk about the race for Wisconsin governor, the closure and then re-opening of Madison bar Churchkey, and championship dreams for the Mallards, Night Mares, and Brewers. Plus, do you love the ‘90s and want to be in an upcoming film? Here’s your chance.  Mentioned on the show: How the Mallards Threw Madison a Curveball [ 🎧 City Cast Madison] Brewers 9, Cubs 3: Andrew Vaughn smacks a grand slam as Milwaukee sends a Central message [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] 👋 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. 
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Jul 31, 2025 • 40min

Your Guide to August in Madison

Discover a vibrant array of summer activities in Madison, from the lively Dane Dances to the nostalgic Orton Park Fest. Dive into the excitement of upcoming football games while savoring local culinary treasures at the Taste of Madison. Enjoy free rooftop movies at the art museum and celebrate community spirit through the Magic Pride Festival. Don’t miss the new café showcasing delicious banh mi, all while soaking up the last days of summer in this picturesque city.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 28min

New Bookseller Continues the Story of Paul's Book Store

When Paul's Book Store announced it would close its State Street shop after 70 years in business, many Madisonians mourned the loss. But amid this loss, Augie McGinnity-Wake saw a unique opportunity. He bought roughly 2,000 books from Paul’s collection and used them as the foundation for his new business, Augie’s Books. We caught up with Augie to learn more about how he’s carrying the Paul’s legacy forward and the role bookstores play in the Madison community.  👋 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. 
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Jul 29, 2025 • 23min

Toxic Lakes Hurt More Than Just Madison Swimmers

Spending time in and around our lakes is a quintessential part of being a Madisonian –we are on an isthmus after all. But pollutants like agricultural runoff, road salt, and chemicals are threatening the well-being of our waters. Beach closures have become increasingly common throughout the summer. And it's more than just swimmers and boaters who lose out when the beaches shut down. Our city misses out on millions of dollars in potential economic benefits. To understand these costs and what’s being done to help protect and study our lakes, we spoke with Cap Times investigative reporter Danielle DuClos. 👋 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. 
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Jul 28, 2025 • 25min

No, You Can’t Get Naked At Madison’s New Modern Bathhouse

Madison’s brand new bathhouse is something the city has never seen before. With multiple saunas, specialized soaking tubs, and a cold plunge, Saunaday promises patrons at least a few hours of self-care bliss. Bathhouses are a popular tradition in many cultures, but their history in Madison comes with some taboo connotations. So what exactly can folks expect from this new spot and what are the rules? Host Bianca Martin caught up with co-owner Roshelle Ritzenthaler to get the scoop. 👋 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. 
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Jul 25, 2025 • 33min

Evers Is Out, Humane Society Needs Help, and AI Makes the Front Page

It’s Friday, so the City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week! Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about the Dane County Humane Society hurting for resources, an AI blunder that made it to the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal, and activities around town including Disability Pride Festival and AtwoodFest. Plus, Gov. Tony Evers announced he won’t seek a third term in office. Ready to dive in? Mentioned on the show: Madison’s Best Accessible Parks, Restaurants, and Public Spaces [City Cast Madison]Madison’s new sprayground opens at Rennebohm Park  [City of Madison] The Gentlemen 60th Anniversary [The Bur Oak] 👋 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.  🏠 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 July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre
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Jul 24, 2025 • 27min

Ten Months After Fire, The Victory Cafe Is Back

The Victory cafe has been a staple of the east side SASY neighborhood for years. But 10 months ago, a fire broke out and put the shop’s future in jeopardy. After months of reconstruction, building updates, and community support, The Victory is back and busier than ever. In celebration of the shop’s re-opening, we caught up with owner Patrick Downey to learn more about cult-followed cafe. 🧀 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.  🏠 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 July 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre Merchant by Rule No. One Hospitality Group
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Jul 23, 2025 • 30min

What Happens When Overdoses Spike in Dane County

Recently, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued an overdose spike alert after five confirmed overdose response calls were made within a single 24-hour period. Currently the cause of the spike is unknown. So what’s going on? To learn more, we talk to public health supervisor Julia Olsen. You can find resources mentioned on the show here. Plus, Where to get free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and syringes. 👋 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 July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre
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Jul 22, 2025 • 35min

Is American Players Theatre Worth the Drive (and the Hike)?

The American Players Theatre in Spring Green has kicked off its season and we’ve got the full theater lineup for you! For Must See Madison, host Bianca Martin talks with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to dig into this season’s plays: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Fallen Angels,” “Picnic,” “Death of Chuck Brown,” “Anna in the Tropics,” “Tribes,” and “The Winter’s Tale.” They also talk about accessibility at the theater, tips for attending, what to do if it rains, local food and hotel options, and everything in between. 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.  🏠 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 July 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre
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Jul 21, 2025 • 39min

How Wisconsin’s New Budget Will Impact You

Earlier this month, Gov. Tony Evers signed a new biannual budget that in part brings relief to tax filers, conditional raises to UW employees, and increased funding to special education. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Cap Times state government and disinformation reporter Erin McGroarty to understand how the new budget will impact Madison residents. 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.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Northwestern Mutual's Managing Partner, Sandy Botcher, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Madison Magnet Capital City Theatre Overlook American Players Theatre

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