
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

Nov 14, 2023 • 21min
How to Spy a Secret Agent in DC
Who’s that behind you? Are you being followed? It’s not paranoia because if you’re in D.C., there’s a non-zero chance that you’re being tailed. Former CIA agent Lindsay Moran tells us how to spot a spy in D.C., whether it’s your neighbor, best friend, or that guy hitting on you at the bar. Also! We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13, 2023 • 22min
You’re Recycling Wrong — Here’s What To Do About It
Also! We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.Recycling in D.C. is confusing. Just last week the District launched a first of its kind drop off program to recycle batteries. But does sorting and cleaning your recyclables actually make a difference? Charlotte Dreizen says yes! Recycling is worth it and explains the ins and outs of recycling in D.C.Afterwards, maybe grab a baked good for an interview sponsored by Food & Friends. Lead Producer Priyanka Tilve is chatting with the people behind Slice of Life, an annual pie sale where the proceeds help feed local families. We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 2023 • 25min
FBI's New Home, City-Funded Stadium Makeover, and New Credit Card Fees
The FBI has finally said where it’s moving — a decision that could have a big impact on the shape of the D.C. area. The Wizards and Capitals are asking for a ton of city money to spiff up their stadium. Plus the team discusses what’s up with restaurants charging credit card fees. City Cast DC Producer Julia Karron and City Cast Contributor Dan Reed join us to give us the rundown.Check out another episode we did on the infamous FBI headquartersAnd be sure to check out the amazing local reporting that fueled this episode:
Check out the Washington Post’s Breakdown of the FBI’s HQ.
Read up on the $600M Monumental is asking for the Stadium, from this Washington post report, and the opinion piece criticism to that ask.
The Washingtonian covered the new credit card fees making eating out more costly.
We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 9, 2023 • 21min
There Was Almost a Black Chevy Chase. What Happened?
In 1906, a group of entrepreneurs set out to create an upscale Black suburban community in what is now Chevy Chase. It never happened — and, eventually, even the outrageous tale of how powerful locals subverted the plans was lost to the ages. Historians Neil Flanagan and Kimberly Bender have reconstructed the history, and they're here to tell us how a century-old injustice still shapes who lives where in Washington’s suburbs.We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. (TRY TO CHANGE IT UP EVERY TIME)Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 8, 2023 • 13min
Eastern Market Turns 150. Here’s How To Celebrate
It’s Eastern Market’s 150th anniversary this weekend, and we're here to talk history, favorites, and what’s on tap for the celebration.We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HEREAlso! We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.And 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7, 2023 • 19min
Are D.C.’s Shadow Senators Failing?
It’s Election Day! But in the District this year that’s pretty boring. So we’re looking ahead to a 2024 race that is already getting pretty heated: for the shadow senator role. What is a shadow senator and why should we care? City Paper’s Alex Koma explains what the job is, why Senator Michael D. Brown is in the hot seat, and who is gearing up to challenge him next year.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2023 • 17min
Rockville Could Let 16-Year-Olds Vote
Would you let a 16-year-old vote? Rockville is considering it, and it’s actually on the ballot tomorrow. Becca Fulton is one of the teenagers behind the movement, and she explains why she thinks students deserve the right to vote.Also! We’re kicking off our FIRST-EVER City Cast 6 Awards, where we recognize six individuals transforming D.C. in various categories (like food, business, music, etc.), and we want your input! Vote here before Nov. 17.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 3, 2023 • 26min
Virginia Elections, Nutty Weather, and a Bib Gourmand Tasting
We’re joined by Virginia Public Radio’s Michael Pope to talk about the elections in Virginia and what they mean for you. Plus, we dig into winter forecasts and new D.C. eateries on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand. As always our roundups are powered by the fabulous local reporting around the city:
Virginia Public Media has this handy election guide
We covered how the acorn abundance could lead to a nutty winter in our newsletter.
Check out Michelin’s Bib Gourmand recommendations here.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 2, 2023 • 19min
Why People Hate That NoVa Is a Data Center Hub
You might not think of NoVa as a data center hub, but it is! And it’s possible it’ll expand even more in the coming year. But not if residents have THEIR say. WAMU’s Margaret Barthel is here to tell us why this is such a big deal.And at the end of the episode, we’ve got a short but mouthwatering conversation with Food & Friends and Whisked by Jenna about the Slice of Life pie sale. Buy or sell some homemade pies and help feed local families in the process. Learn more at SliceOfLifeDC.org.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.And 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 1, 2023 • 15min
Your Fall Guide to D.C.'s Underrated Art Scene
D.C. is a great arts city, even if it doesn't always get the shine it deserves. And once you start paying attention, the variety of options can be a little overwhelming. City Paper’s arts editor Sarah Marloff is here to recommend five productions you NEED to see this month.Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Interested 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices