
City Cast Madison
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 7, 2023 • 22min
The Best Cookbooks To Give for the Holidays
'Tis the season to be baking and cooking so maybe it’s time to crack open that cookbook you’ve been neglecting all year. If you’re looking for culinary inspiration or the perfect gift for a home chef in your life, Cap Times food editor Lindsay Christians is here with a bounty of cookbook recommendations, local and beyond. Christians joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Molly Stentz to round up the best cookbooks for the season.👩🏾🍳 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.Cookbooks mentioned in the episode: Local favorites— “Dane County Farmers Market Cookbook” by Terese Allen— “Wisconsin Field to Fork” by Lori Fredrich— “Osteria Papavero Cookbook” by Francesco Mangano and Lindsay ChristiansA Midwestern perspective— “Company” by Amy Thielen— “Pulp” by Abra Berens— “Home is Where the Eggs Are" by Molly Yeh“My new year’s resolution is to cook more”— “Small Victories” by Julia Turshen— “The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook” by Deb Perelman— “Dinner” by Melissa Clark— “Milk Street Tuesday Nights” by Christopher Kimball— “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” by Ina GartenLet’s bake! — “Sweet Enough” by Alison Roman— “Dessert Person” by Claire Saffitz— “Baking with Dorie” by Dorie GreenspanWanna talk vegetarian?— “Super Natural” by Heidi Swanson— “East” by Meera Sodha— “Fast Fresh & Green” by Susie Middleton— “Love Soup” by Anna ThomasThe ones Lindsay is MOST excited about right now— “Start Here” by Sohla El-Waylly— “Signature Cocktails” by Amanda Schuster— “More is More” by Molly Baz — “Cured” by Paula Forbes and Steve McHughWanna 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? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2023 • 19min
The Bizarre Story Behind Wisconsin’s Unofficial Lottery
If you’ve been to a Wisconsin bar, you’ve likely seen a pull-tab machine. Pop in a buck and out comes a rectangle cardboard card that may get you a cash prize of up to $250. Tea Krulos got the bizarre backstory of this unofficial — yet legal — lottery. He joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to explain how Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps (as they're officially known) became a thing.For more on Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps, read Krulos' article "The Unlikely Story Behind Pull-Tabs in Wisconsin" published by Milwaukee Magazine.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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 5, 2023 • 23min
Happy 30th Birthday to One of Madison’s Longest Running Bands
Mama Digdown’s Brass Band is perhaps the longest gigging band in Madison. For 30 years, the eight-piece brass band has been bringing the sound of New Orleans to Wisconsin. Ahead of their 30th birthday celebration, saxophone player Christopher 'Roc' Ohly and sousaphone player Erik Jacobson sit down with City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to talk jazz, how the music scene has changed over the decades, and share stories from 30 years of traveling with the band.More details about the 30th birthday celebration shows at the Burr Oak: https://mamadigdown.com/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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2023 • 22min
What’s Up With All The Ketamine Clinics?
Have you noticed the ketamine clinics popping up around the city? While ketamine has been used as an anesthetic in the medical field for decades, its use as a treatment for depression, PTSD, and chronic pain has been gaining popularity in recent years. So what exactly is a trip like to one of Madison’s clinics? Host Bianca Martin is joined by Brian Czapko, co-founder of Forward Ketamine, to chat about how ketamine therapy works and what the future of this industry and treatment could look like. 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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 1, 2023 • 26min
Libraries Under Scrutiny, Elk Love & That Alarming Email From UW’s President
Bianca Martin, Hayley Sperling, and Molly Stentz join the City Cast team to discuss the future of the UW System, proposed bills on parent involvement in library books, and the adventures of a searching elk in Wisconsin.

Nov 30, 2023 • 22min
An Ode to Madison’s Best Dive Bars
In light of the news about the historic Silver Dollar Tavern closing soon, the City Cast Madison team is rounding up the best dive bars in Madison. Executive producer Molly Stentz, producer Dylan Brogan, and newsletter editor Hayley Sperling talk about what exactly makes a dive bar a dive bar, the future of dive bars in Madison, and of course, dish on their favorite spots.🍺 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.Dive bars (and other spots) mentioned in this episode:
Silver Dollar Tavern
The Plaza Tavern
Woody & Anne’s
The Caribou Tavern
Le Tigre Lounge
Slices Bar & Grill
Wando’s
Dive Inn
Jade Monkey
Chiefs Tavern
Buck’s Pizza
North of the Bayou
Landmark Bar and Grill
The Paradise Lounge
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? Sign up for Madison Minutes.Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2023 • 25min
Your Guide to Madison in December
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Madison is BUSY this December. From holiday markets to The Nutcracker, the City Cast Madison team has you covered with events you can’t miss this month. Our picks:🎁 Find local gifts
New Glarus Christkindli Market - December 1 - 3
Eastside Winter Market - December 9 - 10
🍸 Relax downtown
Miracle on King Street - Through December 30
The Nutcracker at The Madison Ballet - December 15 - 24
🧠 Feed your head
“Shaping Minds, Unveiling Truths” with Dr. Jason Stanley - December 14th🌲 Get outdoors!Winter Recreation at Devil’s Lake State ParkWanna 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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 28, 2023 • 24min
Who’s Cyber Attacking Madison Businesses?
Dave Schroeder, Director of research at the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium, discusses recent cyber attacks on Madison businesses and the implications for customer data security. They explore funding methods for cyber attackers, concerns about election security, and the importance of awareness and device updates for cybersecurity. Additionally, they touch on Governor Evers' use of an alternative state email account for confidentiality and Madison's holiday trolley supporting local businesses.

Nov 27, 2023 • 22min
Your Guide to Madison Experiences & Gifts for Kids This Season
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, maybe you’re looking for festive things to do with the kiddos in your life? Local dad Aaron Seligman with his website, Macaroni KID Madison, has you covered. From the best ice skating in town to giving the gift of experiences, host Bianca Martin rounds up the options with Aaron.Aaron’s full experience gift guide here for MacaroniKID! A list of local nonprofits and causes you could support for Giving Tuesday. More info on the Re-Entry Service Fair on Nov. 28.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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 2023 • 23min
How Paying College Athletes is Changing UW Sports
College athletes getting paid and how it's changing UW sports. Exploring the complexities, challenges, and impact of NIL deals. Disparity between male and female athletes. The need for transparency and preparing student-athletes for the future. Also, flight options and a heartwarming bike giveaway in Madison.