City Cast Madison

Awards season is upon us, and while blockbuster films and Oscar contenders have been getting headlines everywhere, in Madison, we’re doing things a little differently. All throughout the month of February, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a weekly film screening showcasing movies you won’t find anywhere else. To get the scoop on the lineup and learn more about Madison’s film scene, host Bianca Martin speaks with Jim Kreul, public programs coordinator for Arts + Literature Laboratory and programmer for MMoCA Cinema. Plus, Madison Minutes newsletter editor and film aficionado Rob Thomas joins the chat.Mentioned on the showMills Folly Microcinema — 62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour 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. 

Michael Jones, president of Madison Teachers, Inc., dives into the significant issue of teacher shortages in Madison. He discusses the growing trend of hiring educators on temporary emergency licenses, allowing individuals with bachelor’s degrees to step into classrooms. Jones highlights the potential decline in educational standards and the strain on current teachers. He also explores the diversity this approach could bring, while addressing concerns about retention and the need for systemic reforms to support these educators better.

It’s time to close the books on January and round up another week of news. This week, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin explains how a federal funding freeze could cause adverse ripple effects throughout Madison. Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas has the latest on the Madison Labor Temple’s search for a buyer. And executive producer Hayley Sperling talks about the expansion of the CARES team to Sun Prairie. Plus, did you see the flying space trash?Mentioned on the show:Why Madison’s Crisis Response Team Is Working [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. Got a minute? Take the City Cast Audience survey here.Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 31st episode here: Monona Eastside Business Alliance Clean Lakes Alliance

Happy February, Madison! A new month means it’s time for a new guide. The City Cast Madison team is here with our recommendations for making the most out of February in our fair city. From winter festivals and local markets, to chili cook offs and movie marathons, we’ve got you covered.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🌺 Orchid Escape🏂 Memorial Union Winter Carnival 🪁 Frozen Assets Festival and Fundraiser hosted by Clean Lakes Alliance 🎸 AUX Vintage Expo🛍️ Minding My Black-Owned Business Pop Up✨ Femmestival🎥 Where To See Oscar Nominated Movies in Madison [Madison Minutes]🎤 Limmie Pulliam, tenor with Greg Zelek, organ☄️ Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert🚀 MSCR’s Valentine’s Planetarium Events 🍕 Molten Monkey🌶️ WORT's annual ChiliOcracy 🌶️ Wisconsin Union Chili Cook Off 🌶️ Boneyard Chili Cook Off 🌶️ VFW Super Bowl Cook Off 🌶️ East Side Club 34th annual Chili Cook Off🍫 Infusion ChocolatesWanna 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. Got a minute? Take the City Cast Audience survey here.Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode here: Monona Eastside Business Alliance Clean Lakes Alliance

Today we’re talking about a hot topic that is ice cold. The City of Madison is forgiving $1.6 million of debt owed by Madison Ice, Inc, the nonprofit that ran Madison’s two ice arenas. As is usually the case with government spending, the details are messy — but Wisconsin State Journal city hall reporter Lucas Robinson breaks down the key points of the deal with Host Bianca Martin.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 28th episode here: Monona Eastside Business Alliance Clean Lakes Alliance

Last week, Governor Tony Evers declared 2025 to be the “Year of the Kid” during his info-packed State of the State address; but what does that even mean? Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times politics and state government reporter Erin McGroarty to unpack the plans, promises, and unending barrage of applause from Evers’ State of the State address.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 28th episode here: Nehemiah Justified Anger Monona Eastside Business Alliance Clean Lakes Alliance

After four years leading the department, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes is leaving his post at the end of the month. He’s off to Seattle, where he’ll become that city’s next top cop. We sat down with Barnes ahead of his departure to get his perspective on what’s going well for our city when it comes to law enforcement, and what challenges the next police chief will face.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 27th episode here: Nehemiah Justified Anger Capital City Theatre Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Monona Eastside Business Alliance

Happy Friday, Madison! The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. This week host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about the stories you need to know. Jade kicks off the show with an explainer of President Trump’s executive orders regarding citizenship and deportation and how to be prepared for when ICE comes to town. Bianca breaks down the reasons UW Madison removed the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Educational Advancement. And Hayley talks about these frigid temperatures, where people can go to seek shelter, and how Friends of the State Street Family are checking in with unhoused people during the extreme weather. We also celebrate James Beard Best Chef in the Midwest semi-finalist, Ahan! Mentioned on the show:Kaul and Evers sue Trump over ending birthright citizenship [WPR] Trump Immigration Crackdown in Madison [The Cap Times]WI Republicans Audit DEI at UW-Madison [Wisconsin State Journal]Blanket donation drive at St. Vinny's Thrift Stores [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 and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 24th episode here: Nehemiah Justified Anger Capital City Theatre Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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