

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 5, 2025 • 26min
The Conversation No One Wants to Have About Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton
Ike Allen, a Washingtonian reporter, shares his firsthand insights from time spent with Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s longtime representative. At 87, she faces scrutiny about her effectiveness and ability to fight for the district's needs. They discuss her remarkable 35-year legacy, the challenges of advocating for D.C. statehood, and the pressing political landscape. Allen highlights the concerns from constituents regarding her leadership amidst growing demands for political change, raising important questions about the future of D.C. representation.

May 2, 2025 • 34min
Council vs RFK Stadium Deal, Ed Martin vs Weed, and an Exclusive MAGA Club
We’re talking about the RFK deal, Ed Martin’s moves against a DC medical-marijuana dispensary, and an ultra-pricey new private club for Trump allies. Plus, our special members-only fourth topic: The investigation of the DCA crash.
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 2nd episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
District Bridges
Gala Theatre
Capitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden Tour
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 1, 2025 • 27min
Your Guide to May 2025 in DC
May is one of the BEST times in DC. We have that narrow window of perfect springtime weather. There’s a lot going on and people actually seem…excited to be out and about.
To help you stave off FOMO, the City Cast DC gang has your guide to making the most of May in DC, including a Hong Kong-style night market, a flower festival, and camping recommendations.
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 May in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month.
City Cast DC’s guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsor, District Bridges. And get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 1st episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
District Bridges
Gala Theatre
Capitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden TourInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 30, 2025 • 32min
How Trump’s First 100 Days Changed DC
Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days. And with all the big changes his administration has brought to the DMV, it’s easy for the actual impact of it to get lost in the deluge of stories. The City Cast team is here to break down what the first 100 days of his administration has meant for DC.
Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.
Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
District Bridges
Gala Theatre
Capitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden TourInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
The $3.7B Deal to Revive RFK Stadium
The Washington Commanders announced plans to build a stadium on the RFK site, and a whole neighborhood around it. But there are still a few hurdles to jump before this stadium actually becomes a thing. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil was at the announcement, and he’s here to tell us if we should be excited or skeptical.
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 April 29th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
District Bridges
Gala Theatre
Capitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden Tour
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 28, 2025 • 23min
The Local LGBTQ Backlash with National Implications
Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a local case involving a group of conservative Montgomery County parents who want to be able to yank their kids out of classes where they talk about LGBTQ themes. It could set a precedent that frightens a lot of locals. Nicole Asbury, who’s been covering it for the Washington Post, is here to tell us about it.Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.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 April 28th episode:Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTDistrict BridgesGala TheatreCapitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden TourInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 25, 2025 • 34min
DC's Hated Top Prosecutor, Local War on Encampments, and Kristi Noem's Stolen Purse
The Washington Post’s Marc Fisher joins our roundup to talk about the controversies around DC’s US Attorney nominee, the city’s efforts to dismantle homeless encampments, and the very weird theft of Kristi Noem’s purse. Plus, a members-only fourth section about the surprising local history of Toys R Us, soon to be a major motion picture. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 25th episode:Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+.Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupAdams Morgan PorchFestCozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Apr 24, 2025 • 19min
Your Guide to Porchfest in DC
It’s almost one of the most fun times of the year — porchfest season! Petworth’s is this Saturday, Adams Morgan’s is next week. City Cast’s own Mark Kulkosky and Priyanka Tilve are Porchfest pros, and they’re here with everything there is to know to do this years festivals right. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode:Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+.Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupAdams Morgan PorchFestInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 23, 2025 • 21min
Why Everyone's Mad About Rock Creek Parkway
If you’ve driven on Rock Creek Parkway, then you know it has those reversible lanes - it’s actually had that traffic pattern since the 1930s. But now the National Parks Service wants to change up the roads and people both for and against the change are all yelling pretty loudly about it. The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner has been following the controversy. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode:Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+.Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupAdams Morgan PorchFestInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 22, 2025 • 23min
DC’s Most Underrated Brunch Spots
We love our brunches in DC. It’s kind of our thing here. But what about brunches that might be a little off the beaten path? Cornelia Poku of the popular food blog Black Girl Explore DC is here to share her menu of the best DC brunches. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode:Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+.Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupAdams Morgan PorchFestInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.