
City Cast DC
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.
Latest episodes

May 27, 2025 • 19min
What Trump's Military Parade Will Cost DC
There is a massive military parade planned for DC on June 14. Though the city is built for mass gatherings, this kind of military display is actually rare — and comes with a lot of challenges, like whether DC’s streets can handle the weight of modern tanks. Cuynet Dil from Axios has been covering it and he’s here to tell us what he knows.
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 May 27th episode:
Mosaic Theater
District Bridges
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 23, 2025 • 34min
Shooting Near Jewish Museum, Metro Tap to Ride, and DC's First Mahjong Parlor
A shocking shooting involving Israeli embassy employees raises urgent questions about diplomatic safety in Washington, D.C. Metro's modernization gets a fresh look, featuring new payment methods amid public concerns. DC proudly ranks as one of the top cities for parks, but worries about potential funding cuts loom. A vibrant new Mahjong parlor opens in Penn Quarter, fostering community connections. The episode also tackles the bittersweet effects of gentrification on Chinatown, highlighting both new opportunities and the loss of cultural heritage.

May 22, 2025 • 25min
Are Tenant Protections Making DC Rent Higher?
For decades, DC’s laws have been built to give tenants some muscle against landlords who might try to sell their buildings. But now that’s changing — with proposals before the DC Council that would shrink TOPA, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. In the old days, the politics of this would have been pretty clear, but nowadays there’s a twist, since some progressives have come to worry more about the supply of housing than the fate of individual tenants. Emilia Calma from the DC Policy Center has studied the issue and she’s here to explain.
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 May 22nd episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
PaintCare
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Nace Law Group
Silver Mirror Facial Bar - Use CITYCAST30 for $30 off your first facial
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 2025 • 18min
The Best Local Wines to Beat the Tariffs
It’s late spring, which means it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and head to a vineyard. But this year, there’s something else in the air: the threat of tariffs driving up the cost of imported wine. Dave McIntyre from the Washington Post is here to tell us which local wineries are worth the drive, and how to not break the bank.
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 May 21st episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
PaintCare
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Nace Law Group
Silver Mirror Facial Bar - Use CITYCAST30 for $30 off your first facial
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 20, 2025 • 31min
Best DC Summer Trips for Under $150
Memorial Day is right around the corner! If you’re watching your budget but still dreaming of that summer getaway, City Cast contributor Tim Ebner is here with the best summer trips you can take from D.C. for around $150.
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 May 20th episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
PaintCare
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Nace Law Group
Silver Mirror Facial Bar - Use CITYCAST30 for $30 off your first facial
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19, 2025 • 18min
Dupont Circle’s Controversial New Public Plaza
Construction is expected to begin this fall to “deck over” a busy section of Connecticut Avenue NW in Dupont Circle — transforming it into a vibrant new public plaza. But some residents and local businesses say they’re not getting enough information about how the project will affect them. NBC4 Transportation Reporter Adam Tuss breaks down what this all means for Dupont Circle — and the city beyond.
We’ll be talking to DDOT about the details of the project in a couple weeks. So if you have questions or concerns you'd like us to raise, give us a call 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 $10 a month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
PaintCare
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Nace Law Group
Silver Mirror Facial Bar - Use CITYCAST30 for $30 off your first facial
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2025 • 30min
Will Bowser Get a 4th Term? Plus, Stadium Updates, and RFK Jr’s Rock Creek Plunge
We’re talking about the prospect of a fourth term for Muriel Bowser, a poll of where the public stands on the RFK Stadium site, and also some news about the other RFK — Junior, who took an odd dip in Rock Creek this week. And today our fourth topic is by our sponsor PaintCare, and if you’re looking to tackle your spring cleaning we’ve got you!
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 May 16th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Folger Shakespeare Library
PaintCare
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2025 • 23min
Why DC Keeps Flooding And How To Make It Stop
Do you feel like you’re hearing a lot of reports about flooding in DC these days? You’re not alone. A lot of the city sits atop what used to be creeks and streams. Charlotte Taylor Fryar wrote a whole book about Washington and water. It’s called “Potomac Fever”. Charlotte is here to explain the water that sits beneath your sidewalk.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Folger Shakespeare Library
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14, 2025 • 21min
Everything to Know about WorldPride 2025
Joe Reberkenny, a reporter with The Washington Blade, shares insights on the upcoming WorldPride 2025 in DC, marking a monumental moment for the LGBTQ+ community. He discusses safety concerns for trans visitors amid a turbulent political landscape. The conversation highlights heightened security measures and the preparations local businesses are making for the massive turnout. Listeners will learn about exciting events planned, alongside critical discussions on ensuring a safe and celebratory atmosphere for all attendees.

May 13, 2025 • 31min
1 in 5 Residents Consider Leaving DC
Olivia George, a Washington Post reporter, dives into how the Trump administration's policies are reshaping life in D.C. A staggering number of locals are contemplating leaving due to economic instability and job losses. Residents share personal stories of their struggles and the anxiety rippling through the community. The discussion highlights the decline in construction permits and rising unemployment, emphasizing an urgent need for economic diversification. Join Olivia as she sheds light on the D.C. vibe amidst these challenging shifts.