

City Cast DC
City Cast
City Cast DC is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed.. Washingtonians are deeply passionate about our city, whose story is still being written, and City Cast DC is here to tell it.
Every weekday morning, our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will engage people from all over the eight wards in conversation about DC’s crises and its beauty, both literal and figurative. It’ll have the feel of eavesdropping on an energetic and informative coffee shop chat, except that with City Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at dc.citycast.fm.
Every weekday morning, our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will engage people from all over the eight wards in conversation about DC’s crises and its beauty, both literal and figurative. It’ll have the feel of eavesdropping on an energetic and informative coffee shop chat, except that with City Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at dc.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 3, 2025 • 46min
The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including DC!)
Join City Cast DC co-host Bridget Todd alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now.
Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping!
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 3rd episode:
Nace Law Group
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC
St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Dec 2, 2025 • 30min
How the National Guard Shooting Tightens Trump's Grip on DC
After the tragic attack on two National Guard members that left one of them dead and the other fighting for his life in the hospital, the Trump administration quickly announced plans to put 500 additional National Guard troops on DC’s streets, this time with DC police accompanying them for protection. All of this while there are still many unanswered questions about what exactly happened in this attack. The Washington Post’s Olivia George joins to tell us what we DO know.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 2nd episode:
Nace Law Group
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC
St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Dec 1, 2025 • 36min
Your Guide to December 2025 in DC
Whether you’re a holiday grump or can't get enough of all things merry and bright, we’ve got your guide to what to eat, drink, see, and do this December in DC, from Guinness World Record kissing to DC’s best gifts.
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast community.
For even more tips on how to make the most of November in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month.
If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Director of Storytelling and Marketing, Anna Claire, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 1st episode:
Nace Law Group
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC
St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
Reach us at DC@citycast.fm.

Nov 26, 2025 • 43min
Bowser’s Time As Mayor Is Over. What's Her Legacy? And Who'll Replace Her?
Muriel Bowser has announced that she’s going to hang it up after 12 years in office. What happens now? And what should we make of the decade-plus that Herronner has spent dominating DC politics? City Cast’s Michael Schaffer, Bridget Todd and WAMU’s Alex Koma explain every juicy detail.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 26th episode:
District Bridges
Nace Law Group
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nov 25, 2025 • 26min
$5 Snacks, Cemetery Dog Parks, and Other Niche DC Things to Be Thankful For
Thanksgiving is here! And we’re thankful, seriously and unseriously, about a whole bunch of things. The CCDC gang chat about what this Thanksgiving means for them and all the things we’re thanking DC for.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode:
District Bridges
Nace Law Group
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nov 24, 2025 • 20min
Why Do So Many Washingtonians Have Dementia?
Aging isn’t something most of us like to think about, but it’s something all of us will experience. And in D.C., older residents are more likely to face memory challenges like dementia, which occurs here at higher rates than in much of the country. But a new approach to elder care might offer a better path forward for how the city supports its aging population. Washington Post reporter Michael Brice-Saddler explores what aging in D.C. looks like today and what it could become.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 24th episode:
District Bridges
Nace Law Group
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nov 21, 2025 • 34min
E-Bike Slowdown, EEOB Remodel, and Thanksgiving in DC
Junete Dill, a dynamic reporter from Axios, brings her insights on D.C. politics and urban issues. She spills the latest scoop on the looming mayoral election and discusses Janice Lewis-George's potential bid using a grassroots strategy. The conversation shifts to e-bike speed limits influenced by youth crime concerns and debates surrounding safety. Dill also highlights proposed teen centers aiming to engage youth, while the hosts share their Thanksgiving plans and tips for dining in D.C. This episode is packed with timely issues and local flavor!

Nov 20, 2025 • 24min
Trump Is Gutting DC’s Coolest Secret Museum
You’ve probably never heard of the Wilbur J. Cohen federal building. It’s a government office building just off the Mall houses a collection of masterpieces of American art. Some of them are literally part of the building, murals by the legendary 1930s artist Ben Shahn. For decades, they’ve been open to the public, not that most people knew about them. Now, they might be destroyed: The Cohen building is one of the structures that the Trump administration wants to sell off, and its likely a buyer would take a wrecking ball to the place, timeless art and all. The New Republic’s Timothy Noah has been chronicling the collection’s fate and he’s here to tell us about it.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 20th episode:
District Bridges
Simply Eloped
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nov 19, 2025 • 22min
‘Mar-a-Lago’ Face is Taking Over DC
Joanna Weiss, a POLITICO Magazine journalist specializing in cultural trends in D.C., dives deep into the rising phenomenon of 'Mar-a-Lago Face.' She explores who is opting for these aesthetic changes, the discreet nature of D.C.'s beauty scene, and how political dynamics influence looks. The conversation touches on chin implants and their ties to masculinity, the impact of social media on younger generations, and why appearance is a significant asset in politics today. Get the inside scoop on how looks affect power in the capital!

Nov 18, 2025 • 37min
Is Student Truancy Behind DC's Youth Crime?
Lauren Lumpkin and Robert Samuels, reporters from the Washington Post, dive into the alarming connection between student truancy and youth crime in D.C. They reveal shocking statistics, including 18,000 uninvestigated truancy reports. The duo discusses the longstanding failures in addressing absenteeism and how unmet policy commitments have worsened the situation post-COVID. They explore reasons behind truancy, such as family needs and mental health issues, and spotlight successful after-school programs that help reduce absenteeism. It's a crucial discussion on policy and community impact.


