

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

May 19, 2025 • 16min
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.

May 16, 2025 • 28min
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

May 15, 2025 • 21min
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

May 14, 2025 • 19min
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 • 29min
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.

May 12, 2025 • 25min
Why Trump Picked a Fox News Icon as DC's Top Prosecutor
At the end of last week, there was a big switcheroo in an office that’s really important to local DC: The US Attorney, which in our city also acts as the local prosecutor. Donald Trump abruptly pulled the nomination of Ed Martin, the January 6 firebrand who’d been the most controversial appointee in memory. But the replacement was also quite a shock: Jeanine Pirro, the bomb-throwing Fox News personality. What does this mean for us? NBC4’s Ted Oberg covers the office and he’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 12th 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.

May 9, 2025 • 29min
ICE at DC Restaurants, Tourism Struggles, and Nats Park Taste Test
We’re talking about ICE raids at restaurants, we’re talking about what plummeting international tourism means for DC, and we’ve got some results from City Cast’s highly unscientific Nats Park taste test. Plus, our members-only fourth topic: The strange story of the LGBT exhibit the Smithsonian just canceled.
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 9th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
PaintCare
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Nace Law Group
Silver Mirror Facial Bar - Use CITYCAST30 for $30 off your first facial
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
Gala Theatre
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

May 8, 2025 • 23min
Is Bowser's New Growth Plan Too Pro-Development?
DC’s Mayor is slowly rolling out her budget — and it’s all about trying to brace the city for the unprecedented Trump-era challenges that are hitting Washington’s biggest employer, the government. For Muriel Bowser, the answer seems to be giving business a freer hand to do what it wants. Until recently, that would have been a nonstarter for the DC Council. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil is here to explain why it could be different this time.
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 8th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
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.

May 7, 2025 • 32min
Mayor Bowser Wants to Repeal DC’s Tipped Minimum Wage ... Again
Mayor Bowser announced Monday that she wants to repeal initiative 82, the hugely popular DC plan to eliminate the tipped minimum wage. Three out of four voters were in favor in 2022, so how do people feel about the mayor potentially overriding them? Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian is here to explain why this is happening now and how all the stakeholders feel about 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.
If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Executive Director, Brianne Dornbush, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 7th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
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.

May 6, 2025 • 27min
Best Free Things to Do in DC This Summer
Let's face it - a lot of us in the DMV area are tightening our belts in preparation for an uncertain economic climate. BUT that doesn't mean you can't still have a good time, especially with the nice weather returning. Be sure to mark your calendars because we have your guide for fun FREE things to do in DC this summer.
https://dc.citycast.fm/dc-life-hacks/the-best-washington-dc-birthday-freebies-discounts-deals
https://dc.citycast.fm/best/the-best-free-workouts-in-dc
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 6th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
PaintCare
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Nace Law Group
Silver Mirror Facial Bar - Use CITYCAST30 for $30 off your first facial
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
Gala Theatre
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.