

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

Aug 12, 2024 • 27min
Who’s Running for Dane County Executive
The August primary is nearly here! We’ve covered everything from how to vote on Election Day to the state legislative races and referendums on the ballot. Today, we’re diving into one of the most contested primaries, the race for Dane County Executive.To get the scoop on the four candidates vying for the seat, host Bianca Martin spoke with local government reporter at the Cap Times Allison Garfield, who’s been covering the race. Mentioned on the showEverything You Need To Vote in the Fall Primary [City Cast Madison 🎧]Your Primary Ballot Explained [City Cast Madison 🎧]Dane County executive candidates Q&A: Where they stand on issues [Cap Times]Read about the candidates for Dane County Executive [WORT] What the candidates running for Dane County executive have to say on key issues [Isthmus]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 August 12th episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift Stores

Aug 9, 2024 • 25min
What’s on the City’s Chopping Block, Ride the Drive, and Goodbye Daisy Cafe
The City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week, and it’s another big one. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into potential budget cuts that are becoming clearer for the city should it (or voters) decide not to move forward with a property tax referendum. That could mean fewer street repairs, shorter library hours, and the end of Goodman Pool?! Meanwhile, host Bianca Martin reminds us there are big street closures this weekend for Ride the Drive, and newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski helps us say goodbye to some local restaurants.Mentioned on the show:Public worries brewing over Madison's long-term budget crisis [Wisconsin State Journal]Ride the Drive Map [City of Madison]Winnequah Park remodel underway [Channel 3000]Daisy Cafe closing, Ready Set shutters, Kettle Black Kitchen sold [Cap Times]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 August 9th episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift Stores

Aug 8, 2024 • 27min
New Lounges, Breakfast Tacos, and A Kitty Cafe Coming To Madison
Wondering where you might grab your next bite to eat or drink? Why not try one of Madison’s newest bars, restaurants and cafes?Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times food editor Lindsay Christians who’s out with a new piece on our growing, dynamic food scene.Mentioned in the show:El Rancho Mexican GrillMolten Monkey PizzaNorthside LoungePublic Parking BarMint MarkAncora cafe Atico Casa Zaragosa David’s Jamaican El Sabor del PueblaWater Street Social ClubDuck DonutsSandwich HubMEGA Egg Rolls at Garver Feed Mill Food Truck FridayReap Food Group food truckGloria’s Mexican food truckSunshine Salad Farm AmaLacy’s CafeAlimentari MekongBar ManzoCat’s BrewJoin 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.

Aug 7, 2024 • 29min
Why We Need to Talk about the Imagination Center
After years of planning and community input, the future of the $18.6 million, 16,000-square-foot “Imagination Center” at Reindahl Park is in limbo. With the city facing a potential multimillion-dollar budget deficit, the project has received little attention — District 17 Ald. Sabrina Madison is trying to change that.Host Bianca Martin spoke with Madison about why the center is so desperately needed and what this process has shown about the city’s priorities.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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options.Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift Stores

Aug 6, 2024 • 26min
Kayaking, Nail Salons, and Impressing a Picky Teen in Madison
The tables are turned in this week’s installment of Must See Madison. Producer and Madison (not-so) newbie Phil Surkis shares his experiences showing off our fair city to some out of town visitors and how he celebrated a special birthday the Madison way. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling join the conversation to talk boating, self care, fancy dinners, and impressing teenagers with high standards. Mentioned on the showBrittingham BoatsNails 4 ULallandeWillalby's CafeI/O Arcade BarWanna 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 August 6th episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift Stores

Aug 5, 2024 • 27min
7 Days, 100 comics, 12 Venues. Welcome To Madison Comedy Week.
Madison Comedy Week is in full swing and we’ve got the inside scoop on the shows you can’t miss. Host Bianca Martin caught up with Madison Comedy Week’s executive director and Madison-bred comedian Jake Snell to get the details on what to expect from this week of laughs and play a fun game of Madison-themed Would You Rather. 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 August 5th episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift Stores

Aug 2, 2024 • 27min
Healing After Violence, Child Care is Expensive, and a Mixed Bag of Bird News
The City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week. Bianca Martin, Hayley Sperling, and Ava Wojnowski recap how a community is trying to heal after multiple deadly shootings at an east side apartment complex, why child care is only getting more expensive, and some good news for cranes but bad news for loons.Mentioned on the show:The shooting of Kyesha Miller [Channel 3000]The shooting of Devon Grant [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 August 2nd episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift StoresMadison365

Aug 1, 2024 • 28min
What To Expect from the 4th Annual Strip Mall Carnival
Have you ever eaten four burgers in three minutes? What about lifted more than 600 pounds? Madison personal trainer Mike Onsrud has done both and he has the trophies to prove it. As the reigning burger-eating champ of the annual Strip Mall Carnival at the Muskellounge, host Bianca Martin caught up with Mike to get a look at what folks can expect from the Aug. 4 festival and how he personally balances eating healthy while indulging in Madison’s food scene.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 August 1st episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift StoresMadison365

Jul 31, 2024 • 28min
Your Guide To August in Madison
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. August is moving season in Madison, which means boxes, trucks, and Hippie Christmas! This month will also bring some major community events like Ride the Drive, Sessions at McPike Park, Africa Fest, and Orton Park Festival. So buckle up because we’re cruising into August and making the most of it. Mentioned on the show:Student move out area map [City of Madison] Ride the Drive map and information [City of Madison] New Way to Pay Bus Fares [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! 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 July 31st episode here:Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift StoresMadison365

Jul 30, 2024 • 16min
The Capitol’s Newest Statue is a Historic First
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, protestors in Madison gathered day after day at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Amid calls for more diverse representation at the Capitol, a statue of Hans Christian Heg was torn down and tossed in the lake.And then, an idea was born: Wisconsin should create a statue memorializing civil rights pioneer Vel Phillips. She was the first woman judge in the state and first African American woman elected to statewide office, among many other firsts. Now that statue is a reality. We spoke with Vel’s son, Michael Phillips, about his mother’s legacy and the importance of the new piece.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 July 30th episode here: Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Vinny's Thrift StoresMadison365