

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 9, 2025 • 30min
Police Chief Retires, Council Shake Up, And Why DC Politics Will Be Wild in 2026
We already know Mayor Bowser isn’t running for another term, but both Councilmember Anita Bonds and MPD Chief Pamela Smith also just announced their retirements, meaning a real shakeup is coming for the DC government. WAMU's Alex Koma is here to explain what all of these resignations mean for the city and why the 2026 field is looking so crowded.
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 9th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Dec 8, 2025 • 24min
Why DC Is Full of Weird Traffic Circles
Dan Reed, a city planner with insights into urban design, dives into the quirks of Washington, D.C.'s iconic traffic circles. He explains how these circles, stemming from L'Enfant's grand vision, confuse newcomers while being a rite of passage for locals. Reed discusses the differences between traffic circles and roundabouts, the impact of cars on their design, and contrasts successful circles like DuPont and Thomas. He sheds light on the balance between pedestrian access and vehicle movement, revealing the ongoing evolution of these urban features.

Dec 5, 2025 • 37min
Fixing Dulles, Divisive Streateries, and DC Enters Its 'Craziest Year in Politics'
We’re talking about the entry of a bona fide progressive into the DC mayor’s race, Donald Trump’s plans for Dulles Airport, and the return of stars to the Washington Post’s restaurant reviews. In a members only 4th segment, what’s going on with ranked choice voting in DC?
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 5th episode:
Nace Law Group
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC
Public Welfare Foundation
St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families

Dec 4, 2025 • 22min
How An Old Asylum Became DC’s Biggest Development Project
For a lot of people in DC, the name “Saint Elizabeth’s” still conjures the likes of John Hinckley. But the sprawling campus that housed what used to be known as an insane asylum has transformed over the past two decades, with the hospital’s footprint shrinking and a lot of new stuff coming in: A cabinet department, a basketball arena, some pretty-looking housing. And according to the Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer, more is on the way. Here’s what you need to know.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. 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 4th 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 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.


