

City Cast Madison
City Cast
Join the City Cast Madison team 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. On City Cast Madison, host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, Madison Minutes, at madison.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 14, 2025 • 25min
Madison’s Latino Community Doesn’t Need To Be Saved
One of Wisconsin’s fastest growing groups is the Latino community. From 2010 to 2020, the state’s Latino population grew by 33%. And each member of this community has their own unique story and needs, but often, folks end up lumped together when talked about in the media. Host Bianca Martin talks with Centro Hispano executive director Karen Menéndez Coller about the range of needs within the community and the work Centro does daily to serve this fast-growing population and set the record straight when it comes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the nation.
New to Centro? Check out their weekly Mercadito, youth programming, and other community events.
👋 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 14th episode:
District Council of Madison
Wisconsin Science Festival
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Wisconsin Book Festival
Wisco Home Goods
The Bruce Company

Oct 10, 2025 • 37min
Buckle Up for Road Closures, UW Degree Requirement Changes, and What’s New in City Government?
It’s been a big week in the Madison news scene: the city’s independent police monitor has resigned, some students and faculty are worried about proposed changes to curriculums by system administrators, and construction is set to begin on John Nolen Drive. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about this week’s top stories. Plus, today is your last chance to snag the exclusive Neighbors Make Madison tote bag.
Mentioned on the show:
Cap Times question form on city budget [Cap Times]John Nolan construction begins Monday, October 13th [City of Madison]
Protesters urge council to reconsider Dairy Drive demolition [Isthmus]
Tailgating tips with DJ Nick Nice [City Cast Madison]
Mayor Releases 2026 Executive Operating Budget [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!
📧 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 10th episode:
District Council of Madison
Wisconsin Science Festival
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Telsaan Tea
Wisconsin Book Festival

Oct 9, 2025 • 31min
Mishqui Makes Peruvian Food for Everyone
Last month, the owner of Mishqui Peruvian Bistro announced that she would be permanently closing the flagship location on Monona Drive. The decision comes after the opening of a second location in Middleton in 2024 and a third downtown on King Street earlier this year. Host Bianca Martin talks with owner Cynthia Garcia about Mishqui’s extensive menu, the growing pains of running a new restaurant, and what’s in store for the future.
🥕 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 9th episode:
District Council of Madison
Wisconsin Science Festival
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Green Box Compost - Use code MM25 for a free month!
Telsaan Tea

Oct 8, 2025 • 28min
Why This Old-School Art Form Is Booming in Madison
What are textile arts? They are all around us, including sewing, weaving, embroidery, dyeing and even paper making. In recent years, making art from fibers and fabrics has been taken more seriously, including in Madison where the relatively new Textile Arts Center of Madison is thriving. Host Bianca Martin talks with the center’s co-founder, Elizabeth Tucker, about how the art form is booming in Madison and what the center has to offer.
👋 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 8th episode:
District Council of Madison
Wisconsin Science Festival
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Green Box Compost - Use code MM25 for a free month!
Telsaan Tea

Oct 7, 2025 • 28min
Badger Tailgating Tips From Party Experts
Local DJ Nick Nice, a staple at Badger tailgates, shares his take on the vibrant tailgating culture in Madison. He reflects on how he began DJing events and the evolution of festivities from humble gatherings to lively neighborhood parties. Nick highlights the unique, family-friendly atmosphere of Regent Street and discusses the unspoken rules of tailgating. He shares why DJs often skip the games, recounts memorable fan experiences, and emphasizes how these events foster community across generations.

Oct 6, 2025 • 32min
Your Guide To Fall Birding in Madison
Look up in the sky! No, it’s not an F-35, it’s fall bird migration season! This time of the year, countless birds grace our skies as they fly south for the winter. So what should you be on the lookout for? And how can we help these migratory birds make it to their destinations safely? To answer these questions and more, host Bianca Martin chats with the Wisco Birder himself, co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Dexter Patterson. Dex’s new book “Birds of the Great Lakes” drops Oct. 7.
👋 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 6th episode:
District Council of Madison
Wisconsin Science Festival
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Green Box Compost - Use code MM25 for a free month!
Telsaan Tea

Oct 3, 2025 • 41min
Government Shutdown Impacts, State Politics, and New Hope for Imperial Garden
How will the federal government shutdown be felt in Madison? Well, it’s too early to know for sure, but the City Cast Madison team discusses how local officials are bracing for the impact. Host Bianca Martin is joined this week by executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. They also break down the latest in the race for governor and its impact on local races, and how Middleton’s beloved Chinese-American restaurant might find new life.
Mentioned on the show:
Who’s running for Wisconsin governor [City Cast Madison]SoulFolk Collective tells Black Madison’s stories [City Cast Madison]
Test your Madison street name knowledge [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 3rd episode:
District Council of Madison

Oct 2, 2025 • 31min
Meet the World Class Bar on Madison’s East Side
JR Mocanu, co-owner and bartender of Public Parking, shares insights about his craft cocktail bar on Madison's East Johnson Street. He discusses the bar's inclusive atmosphere, its successful first year, and the accolades it's received—including being named one of the best new bars in the country. JR reveals how his experiences in Austin influenced his return to Madison, the creative cocktail menu that features playful names, and the exciting plans for their first birthday celebration with free champagne and drag performances.

Oct 1, 2025 • 37min
Your Guide to October 2025 in Madison
The leaves are changing colors and Halloween decorations are popping up all around us. That can only mean one thing – it’s October in Madison. The City Cast Madison team is here to give you our best recs for what to do and to eat this month. Plus, on this episode, we bring you our spooky recommendations. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about a new Norwegian food truck, Stars Hollow coming to Middleton, and so much more!
For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Madison, check out Madison Minute’s take on what to do this month.
🌡️ City Cast Madison’s guide to October is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric.
👋 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 1st episode:
District Council of Madison
Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

Sep 30, 2025 • 35min
Hot Takes and High Stakes in the Race for Wisconsin Governor
Next year, Wisconsin will have its first open gubernatorial election in more than a decade. Nearly a dozen candidates have already thrown their hats in the ring and we’re just getting started. To break down the stakes of this election and dig into the candidates vying for Wisconsin’s top job, host Bianca Martin chats with hosts of Milwaukee’s WTMJ’s Point Taken, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey.
👋 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 September 30th episode:
District Council of Madison


