City Cast Madison

Cannabis is illegal in Wisconsin, but you can buy hemp-derived THC drinks, edibles, vapes, and even prerolls at several stores all over Madison. That’s because these products fall through a legal loophole and are largely unregulated. Amidst rising health concerns, Madison City Council President and District 5 Alder Regina Vidaver has proposed a new ordinance that would set a minimum age of 21 for those allowed to buy these products. Host Bianca Martin talks to Alder Vidaver about the proposal's public health motivations, community feedback, and the steps ahead.  👋 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 October 28th episode: Madison Opera Capital City Theatre

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 100th season with an exciting lineup of concerts to bid farewell to longtime maestro and music director John DeMain. Host Bianca Martin chats with John about the history of MSO and the evolution of the ensemble during his tenure. John also shares his process of selecting pieces and guest conductors for this special season, and highlights the importance of conducting from a place of love and respect.  👋 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 October 27th episode: Madison Opera Capital City Theatre

If the federal government shutdown doesn’t end by the end of the month, up to 65,000 Dane County residents could go without their SNAP benefits. To understand what’s at stake, host Bianca Martin talks with Ellen Carlson, Wayforward Resources executive director. Plus, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter Rob Thomas join Bianca to break down the top stories of the week, including a massive Cap Times investigation into teacher misconduct and the death of a beloved local restaurateur. 👋 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 October 24th episode: Madison Magnet The Bruce Company

News that the downtown restaurant Heritage Tavern had filed for bankruptcy took much of Madison by surprise. After opening in 2013 to much fanfare, acclaimed chef and owner Dan Fox built a multi-faceted business that has become a beloved institution for many in town. But a lawsuit filed by a former server tells a different story — one of alleged wage theft and unfair labor practices. Host Bianca Martin digs into the details of the allegations with Cap Times Food and Culture Editor Lindsay Christians, who broke the story.   Mentioned on the show What Went Wrong at Robinia Courtyard? [🎧City Cast Madison] Harassment on State: Botanist Social staff describe a disturbing pattern [Cap Times]A destructive cocktail: At Merchant and Lucille, a pattern of tirades and rage [Cap Times] 🥕 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!  📧 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 October 23rd episode: Madison Magnet The Bruce Company

It’s budget season for the city! Earlier this month, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released her proposed $452 million operating budget for next year. But what’s in it? To get the details, host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times local government reporter Enjoyiana Nururdin. They discuss what’s new, what’s changing, and why the city’s budget matters to every Madisonian. From the Imagination Center and men’s shelter to air quality initiatives and the impact of last year’s property tax referendum, they break it down. Learn more about the budget process and get all of the dollar details here. Mentioned on the show Hiring a Conservative-Led Lobbying Firm Might Be Exactly What Madison Needs [🎧City Cast Madison] What’s Going on With the Dairy Drive Encampment? [🎧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.  🏠 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 October 22nd episode: Madison Magnet The Bruce Company

How much can you see, hear, eat and drink in Madison in 36 hours? If you’re The New York Times, it’s a lot. Recently, the national news outlet published a travel guide for our fair city and we have some thoughts. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin breaks it down with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and executive producer Hayley Sperling,  dishing on what the Times got right — and what it missed — when it comes to 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.  🏠 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 October 21st episode: Madison Magnet The Bruce Company

Dozens of authors and countless readers will flood Madison this week for the 24th annual Wisconsin Book Festival’s Fall Celebration. From Oct. 23-26, the Madison Public Library, in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, will present free author talks that celebrate books and spark genuine conversations. With more than 50 events on the schedule, there’s something for everyone. To get the details on the can’t-miss events, host Bianca Martin chats with festival director Jane Rotonda. You can check out the whole lineup of events here.  👋 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 October 20th episode: Madison Magnet Wisco Home Goods

The Dane County Regional Airport isn’t playing the controversial government shutdown video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Meanwhile, the City of Madison is planning two pedestrian plazas near the top of State Street, and the food scene says hello to Stella’s Bakery and goodbye to El Rancho Breakfast and Tacos. Plus, thousands of protesters are expected to march on Capitol Square this Saturday. Host Bianca Martin talks with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about all this and more. Mentioned on the show: Mifflin and Carroll pedestrian plazas concepts [City of Madison] Protest legal tips [City Cast Madison]Press Corps journalist walk out [Associated Press] 👋 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 October 17th episode: District Council of Madison Wisconsin Science Festival Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Wisconsin Book Festival Wisco Home Goods The Bruce Company

Samantha Kincaid and Jon Nodler are no strangers to good food and great service. The two married chefs got their start in the Madison restaurant scene back in the 2010s and went on to earn critical acclaim in Philadelphia for their restaurant Cadence. Now, the two are back in Wisconsin and have opened an ambitious new project in New Glarus. Canter Inn is a bar and restaurant (and soon to be bed and breakfast) that pays homage to the city’s close-knit community and its Swiss heritage. Today, host Bianca Martin catches up with the duo to get the details on what folks can expect at  Canter Inn.  🥕 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!  📧 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 October 16th episode: District Council of Madison Wisconsin Science Festival Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Wisconsin Book Festival Wisco Home Goods

This Saturday, thousands are expected to rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol in an organized protest against President Donald Trump and his policies. In light of the upcoming demonstration, City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Ryan Cox, legal director for the ACLU of Wisconsin, about how to stay safe while exercising your First Amendment rights. This show originally aired on June 18th, 2025 👋 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 October 15th episode: District Council of Madison Wisconsin Science Festival Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Wisconsin Book Festival Wisco Home Goods