

City Cast DC
City Cast
City Cast is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed. Washingtonians are gritty, proud, and resilient — necessary qualities for a community facing issues that range from an affordability crisis to the fight for statehood to the movement for racial justice… and useful qualities for a region full of whip-smart people, dynamic culture, and constant change. 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 21, 2025 • 25min
Is the New Tipped Minimum Wage Killing DC's Restaurants?
Are DC’s restaurants in trouble thanks to DOGE cuts? According to a new report in the Washington Post, a startling number of places have closed. But Tim Carman, one of the authors of the report, says it’s a bit more complicated than just Trump-era chaos. He’s here to explain what’s going on — and what it means for your next meal.Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode:Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+.Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupAdams Morgan PorchFest

Apr 18, 2025 • 30min
DC Close to $3B RFK Deal, New Bus Map, and Local ASMR
We’re talking about the big Commanders stadium news, some serious changes coming to Metro, and a podcaster who reads DC menus to help put you to sleep. Plus, members get a bonus segment today, about the Kennedy Center going full patriotism.In case you missed our episode with sports economist JC Bradbury, listen to learn whether stadiums are worth what they cost cities.And here’s the new WMATA bus map, which goes live June 29.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 April 18th episode:Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% offAlliance FrancaiseInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 17, 2025 • 16min
The Best DC Day Off, For Every Type of Washingtonian
With everything going on in DC, maybe you’re in need of a mental health day. Whether you’re playing hooky from work, school, or endless job apps, there’s actually a ton to do in DC on a weekday when you just need some me time. In this rerun from last year, the City Cast team plan out the ultimate mental health day for cinephiles, sports buffs, and every type of Washingtonian in between. 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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode:Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% offCozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.Alliance FrancaiseInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Apr 16, 2025 • 20min
Bowser's Loophole For Avoiding $1.1B Cuts from Congress
Local reporter Martin Austermuhle dives into the financial turmoil facing Washington, D.C., as Mayor Muriel Bowser's government faces serious budget cuts due to congressional gridlock. He unveils a loophole that may allow minor spending increases, despite the looming $1.1 billion deficit. Austermuhle highlights the potential impacts on essential public services and how city officials are navigating this complex fiscal landscape. The discussion also touches on the unusual political unity among local leaders as they confront these pressing challenges.

Apr 15, 2025 • 19min
DC’s Best Parks for Kids
With the weather improving, it’s a great time to explore DC’s many great parks to entertain little ones! City Cast DC contributor and dad, Jacob Fenston, is on a quest to visit all 697 parks in the District and he’s here to tell us the best ones to take your kids to.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 $8 a month.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode:Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% offCozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.Alliance FrancaiseInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 14, 2025 • 23min
What RFK Stadium Could Cost DC
There hasn’t even been a vote on a new Washington commanders stadium in DC, but a lot of folks already talk about it as a done deal. JC Bradbury is an expert on the economics of stadiums, and he thinks they’re almost never worth it. Bradbury is here to walk us through his research and what he thinks it ought to mean for DC’s looming decisions about RFK.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode:Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% offAlliance FrancaiseInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 11, 2025 • 22min
Trump’s Parade, GOP & DC Activists' Common Ground, and Hidden Cash
It’s our Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about Trump’s birthday military parade, Congress targeting a couple of DC laws where they might actually have some local allies, and an epic scavenger hunt. Plus in our member’s-only fourth topic, we’ll talk through the way the new war on globalism is affecting DC’s local culture.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
DC Prides Itself on the Smithsonian. Now, Trump's Changing It.
The Smithsonian is front and center in one of Donald Trump’s most controversial executive orders. But what does his campaign against “inappropriate ideology” mean on a day to day basis for the museums — and for the city where they’re a big part of the cultural mix? Manuel Roig-Franzia from the Washington Post is here to give us the lay of the land.If you’ve been personally affected by Trumps tariffs, we want to hear from you! Email us at dc@citycast.fm or leave a message at 202-642-2654.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 9, 2025 • 17min
Do Streateries Still Belong in DC?
Spring has sprung, which means streateries are back! But do people really use them and like them? Senior producer Julia Karron talked to business owners and food journalists to get to the bottom of it.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 8, 2025 • 25min
How Trump’s Policies Are Devastating DC Schools
The Trump administration is pressuring public schools to abandon any programming related to what they call DEI, or else those schools will lose federal funding. And earlier this month, there was ICE activity at HD Cooke Elementary School in Adams Morgan. Scott Goldstein, the Executive Director of EmpowerEd, is here to share how schools are handling these threats and what it all means for local students.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.