City Cast DC

In DC, everything is political — even the buildings. One of Trump’s first moves back in office was saying federal buildings should follow “traditional” design styles. Meanwhile, there’s growing buzz about turning the city’s aging office buildings into housing. Public historian Neil Flanagan joins us to break down what these shifts mean for the architecture that shapes DC — and the politics behind 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Listen, we get it — when it’s this hot, staying inside with the A/C blasting feels like the only option. But don’t let the muggy weather keep you stuck at home. July in DC is packed with fun — indoors and out. City Cast DC’s Bridget Todd, Michael Schaffer, and Ashe Durban are here to guide you through it, from how to manage the Fourth of July to beating DC’s infamous July heat waves. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast community. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month.  City Cast DC’s Monthly Guide 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Reach us at DC@citycast.fm.

Voters in Ward 8 are about to decide whether to send Trayon White back to the DC Council — just months after he was indicted on bribery charges and expelled from the body. A re-election would elevate White’s case to the pantheon of DC political scandals. Which got us thinking: What are the other legendary scandals locals ought to know about? NBC4’s Mark Segraves has been covering city politics for years and is going to walk us down memory lane. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re talking about DC’s controversial new curfew, the first federal cabinet agency moving out of town in the Trump era, and two very different crazy stories about misbehaving drivers. Plus, in a members-only fourth topic: the implications of The Washington Post’s Metro section merger. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil and City Cast’s Priyanka Tilve are here to get into what it means for the city. 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 June 27th episode: PaintCare Backroom Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We’re at the end of the most tense and controversial Pride Month in years. Which makes it a good time to take another listen to our conversation with James Kirchick, the author of "Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington". Kirchick’s history paints a very different Washington — but one that has some pretty significant echoes in 2025.  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 June 26th episode: PaintCare Backroom Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Plastic surgery procedures are booming among Washington men. Some of DC’s most visible residents are getting procedures to emphasize strong jawlines and prominent chins. Journalist Joanna Weiss from Politico magazine is here to tell us about the Square Head phenomenon and how DC feels about plastic surgery. 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 June 25th episode: PaintCare Backroom Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Looking for vintage, eclectic, and well-made clothes or furniture without breaking the bank? Estate sales might be your new favorite thing. Vic Yepez is a vintage collector and reseller who’s gone viral for her estate sale shoutouts around the DMV. She’s here to share everything you need to know to get in on the estate sale 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 June 24th episode: PaintCare Backroom Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

In the past few weeks, Metro has quietly switched to automatic driving. In other subway systems, this has happened without much drama. But in Metro, automatic driving has a fraught history. NBC4’s Adam Tuss has been covering the change and is here to explain what it means for passenger safety, transportation budgets — and the drivers themselves. 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 June 23rd episode: PaintCare Backroom Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Michael Schaffer and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Gala Theatre Nace Law Group Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Vinyl Bars are popping off in DC. Like, bars where you go, have some cocktails, and the music you’re hearing isn’t from spotify algorithms — it’s from actual records. Journalist Claudia Rosenbaum has been visiting a ton of them, and she’s here to give us some recs. 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 June 18th episode: Gala Theatre Nace Law Group Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.