

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

Sep 13, 2024 • 24min
Fatal Police Shooting, Strip Club Drama, and WWI Memorial
We’re joined by Washington City Paper’s Mitch Ryals to talk about the fallout from a police shooting, a battle between a club and an investment bank, and the opening of a controversial memorial in the heart of downtown. Check out our episode on the future of the National Mall here.It’s National Preparedness Month, so every Friday, we’re sharing a tip from our sponsor, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Today’s tip is “Prepare with your needs in mind. Your emergency kit may look different than a neighbor’s. Download a checklist at ready.dc.gov/NPM2024.” 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 September 13th episode:PaintCareHSEMAGala TheatreThe Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins UniversityInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Sep 12, 2024 • 28min
The Local Race That Could Decide Senate
Lateshia Beachum covers Prince George’s County for the Washington Post, which means she covers the home turf of both candidates in this year’s Maryland Senate race — the rare case of a DMV election that could actually determine the fate of Congress. She’s here to walk us through the competitors and the stakes. Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here.If you enjoyed today's interview with PaintCare’s Vice President of Communications, Brett Rodgers, learn more here.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 September 12th episode:PaintCareHSEMAGala TheatreThe Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins UniversityInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Sep 11, 2024 • 32min
10 Moments That Shaped DC's Food Scene
City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner joins host Bridget Todd to reminisce and reflect on 10 culinary moments that have defined the city's food scene today and will continue to shape where the food scene is headed.Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted council member's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here.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 September 11th episode:PaintCareHSEMAGala TheatreThe Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins UniversityInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Sep 10, 2024 • 17min
Rights Every DC Renter Should Know
From pest problems to repairs, renting in the District comes with its own challenges. Luckily for us, there’s the Office of the Tenant Advocate or the OTA. Cristobal Puig and Joseph Trimboli from OTA are here to clue us in on all the renters’ rights that DC tenants should know.Our next live taping is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Black Cat. Come join us to learn about the juiciest election stories of the year, from the fierce clash over ranked choice voting to an indicted councilmember's scandalous reelection bid with zero competition. RSVP here.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode:PaintCareHSEMAGala TheatreThe Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins UniversityDistrict BridgesInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Sep 9, 2024 • 13min
What Should Happen To DC’s Prime Real Estate
The city signed a deal that would transform Anacostia’s Poplar Point, one of the most hotly contested waterfront properties in D.C. Last year, we spoke to reporter Tristan Navera about some of the options for Poplar Point and who’s fighting for what. 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 September 9th episode:PaintCareHSEMAGala TheatreThe Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins UniversityInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Sep 6, 2024 • 25min
Gun Lawsuit, Rug Tufting Guns, and Medical Marijuana Shops Closing
We’re joined by Axios’ Cuynet Dil and City Cast’s Ashe Durban, and we’re talking about the gun lawsuit filed by the DC attorney general, the D.C. medical marijuana dispensaries who say they’re in trouble, and a bunch of things to do this weekend.Check out our September Guide for even more events to catch this month.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 September 6th episode:Mosaic Theater CompanyDistrict BridgesHSEMAInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Sep 5, 2024 • 23min
Why DC Traffic Deaths Keep Rising
More people have died in car crashes this year than in all of 2014 — which just happens to be the year when the DC Government promised to cut these deaths to zero by 2024. What went wrong? The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner is here to tell us. 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 September 5th episode:Mosaic Theater CompanyDistrict BridgesHSEMAInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Sep 4, 2024 • 13min
DC's Best International Grocery Stores
For a city that prides itself on cultural diversity, D.C. is lacking on the international grocery store front. Ike Allen, Assistant Editor and Food Writer for the Washingtonian, explains why there are so few international grocery stores in D.C. and the ones we do have that you should know about. 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 September 4th episode:Mosaic Theater CompanyDistrict BridgesInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HEREAnd we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.

Sep 3, 2024 • 24min
Your Guide to September in DC
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.We’re back with another monthly guide of things to do, places to go, and tips to follow to lead your ideal D.C. life this September. One of those events is Art All Night! We’re going to be there, alongside our sponsors District Bridges, on September 27.If that’s not what you’re feeling this month, maybe check out the Maryland Renaissance Fair, H Street Festival, or go get yourself a COVID booster.Once you’re done listening, check out our newsletter article from Hey DC for even more tips about how to make the most of September. City Cast DC’s guide to September is made possible by our awesome sponsor, District Bridges. And City Cast DC is 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' Event and Engagement Manager, Olivia Osborne, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode:Mosaic Theater CompanyDistrict BridgesInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.Reach us at dc@citycast.fm.

Aug 30, 2024 • 28min
Trump on DC Abortion Access, Ward 8 Election Chaos, and Keith Lee Drama
We’re talking about the future of abortion rights in D.C., the election chaos in Ward 8 since DC Councilmember Trayon White was indicted, and just what viral TikToker Keith Lee said about our city’s food scene.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 August 30th episode:Mosaic Theater CompanyMaryland Renaissance FestivalPaulson & NaceInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE