

City Cast Madison
City Cast
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2024 • 29min
Dana Pellebon’s Pitch for Dane County Executive
The November election is just one month away. To keep you informed on the races, we’re talking to some of the candidates on the ballot. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling speaks with Dane County executive candidate Dana Pellebon to get her take on the job, the issues, and her hopes for the future. You can find more information on the general election from My Vote Wisconsin.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.Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode here:Jones Dairy FarmBabbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTBetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST

Oct 7, 2024 • 26min
The Can't Miss Events of the 2024 Wisconsin Book Festival
The Wisconsin Book Festival’s Fall Celebration is a culmination of the work that happens all year round to connect Wisconsin readers to authors and writers from across the country. This year’s festival will take place Oct. 17-20 and features dozens of literary giants from across genres. To get the scoop on this year’s celebration, we caught up with the festival’s director, Jane Rotunda.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.Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode here:Jones Dairy FarmBabbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTBetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST

Oct 4, 2024 • 27min
Helping with Helene, Duplicate Ballots, and UW Protesters Facing Discipline
From hurricanes to lotto winners, it’s been a week full of news. Host Bianca Martin catches up with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas to recap some top stories. This week, the team looks at the Madisonians stepping up to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts, the city’s spat with a Wisconsin congressman over a ballot error, and two UW-Madison graduate students are facing disciplinary actions for their alleged roles in the pro-Palestinian encampment that popped up on campus in the spring. Plus, is this one Kwik Trip especially lucky? 🍀Mentioned on the show:Three Wisconsinites deployed to aid Hurricane Helene relief efforts down south [WMTV]Dane County Humane Society helps with Hurricane Helene Response [WMTV]Help people affected by Hurricane Helene [Red Cross]Madison Clerk’s Office Correcting Duplicate Ballots [City of Madison]In-Person Absentee Voting Hours and Locations [City of Madison]Election Deadlines [My Vote Wisconsin]Months after pro-Palestinian encampment protests, UW-Madison students face discipline [WPR]$50K-winning Powerball ticket sold at Madison Kwik Trip [Channel 3000]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 October 4th episode here:Jones Dairy Farm

Oct 3, 2024 • 20min
The Sausage That Links Wisconsin’s Past and Present
“It’s fermented, cured, delicious, and often misunderstood and mispronounced.”So says Jesse Brookstein, author of A Perfect Pair: The History of Landjaeger in Green County, Wisconsin.They may look like beef jerky, but Jesse’s referring to the pairs of smoked, fermented sausages that hang in many bars around southern Wisconsin. The high-protein snack enjoyed by Swiss and German immigrants of the past century has found fans among many thirsty bar-hoppers in Madison today. We’re revisiting our conversation from 2023 where Jesse tells us why this salty meat snack is showing up all over. (And yes, it’s LON-yay-grrr.)🍖 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 October 3rd episode here:Jones Dairy Farm

Oct 2, 2024 • 27min
Madison Goes All Out For Bus Rapid Transit
After years of planning, discussions, debate, and construction, Madison’s first bus rapid transit line is officially here. To mark the occasion, the city held a ribbon cutting ceremony and the City Cast Madison team went to the event to hear from city officials and bus riders alike to get their takes on this new era of transportation. All aboard!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.Learn more about the sponsors of this October 2nd episode here:Jones Dairy Farm

Oct 1, 2024 • 29min
Your Guide To October 2024 in Madison
October is here and we are living for the fall vibes radiating throughout the isthmus. To get into the spirit of the season, host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas to talk sports, Halloween festivities (RIP Freakfest), fall festivals, and more. Grab some cider and let’s dive into October!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 showFreaked out [Isthmus, 2022]It’s Apple Picking SeasonCrop Circle or Corn Maze? Either Way, You Need To See It.Madison’s Most Haunted Places [City Cast 2023]Wisconsin Book Festival 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.Learn more about the sponsors of this October 1st episode here:Jones Dairy Farm

Sep 30, 2024 • 24min
Why You Should Be Prepping for the Winter Blues Now
With winter just around the corner, now is a good time to start building habits to help you manage your mental health, according to Executive Director of NAMI Dane County Jeanne McLellan. Executive Producer Hayley Sperling caught up with Jeanne to hear some of her tips, as well as talk about the stigmas surrounding mental illness (and how to break them) and the resources NAMI Dane County provides to support the community.Please note: This episode contains mention of suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day.Mentioned on the show:NAMIWalksNAMI resourcesWanna 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.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode here:Jones Dairy Farm

Sep 27, 2024 • 28min
BRT Is Here, Politicos Swarm Wisconsin, and the CurderBurger Returns
It’s another Friday news roundup and this week executive producer Hayley Sperling and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas are talking about everything from the politicians visiting Wisconsin and housing developments, to new Culver’s menu items. And buckle up, because Bus Rapid Transit is officially here. This is a roundup you won’t want to miss.Mentioned on the show:Highlights from the Bus Rapid Transit Ribbon-Cutting [City of Madison]What To Know About Bus Rapid Transit Pick Up Your Fast Fare Card [Metro Transit]Trump expected to hammer border security during stop in Prairie du Chien [WPR]Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to headline rally for VP Harris in Madison Friday [WKOW]Controversial Madison development breaks ground at Filene House site [Cap Times]Culver's introduces hot honey cheese curds; announces limited return of CurderBurger [Channel 3000]Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-31. 8-3367 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 September 27th episode here:Madison Public LibraryMadison365

Sep 26, 2024 • 21min
Where To Get a Good Cup of Coffee in Madison
It’s absolutely the season to curl up in a cozy coffee shop with a hot cup of joe. And Madison is rife with options. But which ones go above and beyond when it comes to quality coffee and top notch atmosphere? Bianca Martin speaks with Ashley Rodriguez, writer of the Boss Barista newsletter. 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 September 26th episode here:Madison Public LibraryMadison365

Sep 25, 2024 • 25min
Get Ready For the ‘Super Bowl of the Dairy Industry’
The World Dairy Expo brings tens of thousands of people and millions of dollars in economic impact to Dane County every year. And not to mention, more than a few cows. The annual event will be in town Oct. 1-4, and to get the scoop on what folks can expect from this year’s showing, host Bianca Martin caught up with the expo’s general manager Laura Herschleb.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.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 25th episode here:Madison Public LibraryMadison365