

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 7, 2025 • 26min
Will Driverless Cars Make DC More Dangerous?
Andrew Hawkins, a transportation expert at The Verge, joins the discussion on the implications of driverless taxis in Washington, D.C. He shares insights on Waymo's plans to expand into the capital and explores safety concerns related to urban mobility. The conversation highlights the unique challenges posed by D.C.'s infrastructure and road quirks, including navigating tourist hotspots. Hawkins also raises ethical questions about public safety and regulatory frameworks necessary for a safe integration of autonomous vehicles in the city.

Apr 4, 2025 • 30min
DC Council Shuts Out Public, Zuckerberg’s New DC Home, and April Fools’
The DC Council passed a new law to keep more meetings secret, and Mark Zuckerberg joined a whole bunch of oligarchs buying houses in D.C. Plus: the best April Fools articles in D.C. this year. And for members, a special bonus topic: Trayon White, the expelled member of the DC Council, is running to win back his old seat. Can they re-expel him? NBC4’s Mark Segraves joins the team to discuss.Want the full episode? Become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. And make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC for more news from around the city.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 4th episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 3, 2025 • 18min
The Craziest Buildings DC Never Built
What are the coolest buildings in DC? Chances are your list doesn’t include the Lincoln Pyramid, the Washington Pedestal, or something called Dolphin America — precisely because they never got built. We sat down with architectural historian Martin Moeller last year to discuss the big ideas that, sometimes luckily, shaped our city by never getting off the drawing board. 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 3rd episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Apr 2, 2025 • 14min
Why Won’t The House Just Pass DC’s Budget Fix?
Mayor Bowser was scheduled to unveil her 2026 budget today but she’s delayed that while waiting for the House to pass its budget fix bill, restoring $1B to DC’s budget. Trump has signaled his support for the bill — so what’s the holdup? The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn explains where we're at with DC’s budget and what’s next. 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 2nd episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 1, 2025 • 32min
Your Guide to April 2025 in DC
They say April showers bring May flowers. The City Cast squad is here to give their top tips and recommendations, from getting your winter coats dry cleaned and stored for the winter, to hitting up a Smithsonian exhibit throughout the month.If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a whole guide for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to our City Cast DC community.Once you’re done listening, check out our newsletter article for even more tips about how to make the most of April in D.C.City Cast DC’s guide to April is made possible by our awesome sponsor, District Bridges. We're also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast DC.If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Community Navigator, Edward Wycliff, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 31, 2025 • 25min
Trump's New Executive Orders Come for DC
A new executive order by Donald Trump targets D.C. — but doesn’t, at least not yet, take it over. Mark Segraves from Channel 4 is here to explain the president’s new “"D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force", and why the city leadership feels like it doesn’t have much choice other than staying mum. 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 March 31st episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Mar 28, 2025 • 28min
Can DC Outlast Trump? Plus, Tesla Vandalism and Nats Park Deals
The discussion kicks off with DC's ambitious plans to diversify its economy amidst looming federal job cuts. Investigations into anti-Elon Musk graffiti reveal a complex intersection of vandalism and political sentiment. Meanwhile, Nats Park is highlighted as a vibrant hub for fans, boasting international cuisine and local deals. As DC hilariously memefies national news, the episode captures the city’s unique ability to blend political issues with local charm.

Mar 27, 2025 • 23min
What It Would Take To Eliminate Crime in DC
A new plan would consolidate the District's competing violence interruption programs under a single agency after a bribery scandal last year. But just what are these programs? The University of Maryland’s Thomas Abt has spent years studying violence prevention and he’s here to explain how these efforts can and can’t nudge violence down. 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 March 27th episode:The Pew Charitable TrustsInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Mar 26, 2025 • 25min
The Secret to Beating DC’s Summer Camp Rush
A reminder for the parents out there: if you are wanting to get your kid into summer camp, it’s time to make some plans. City Cast contributor Austin Graff is here to explain why March is a critical time for summer camp planning and everything you need to know to do it right.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 March 26th episode:The Pew Charitable TrustsInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Mar 25, 2025 • 25min
Ranking DC's E-Bikes Best to Worst
It’s spring in DC, which means it’s e-bike season. Last year, we systematically tested four different e-bike brands — Capital Bikeshare, Lime, Spin, and Veo — to figure which ones are worth the price.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 March 25th episode:The Pew Charitable TrustsInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE