City Cast Madison

City Cast Madison

Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. On City Cast Madison, host Bianca Martin collects people wherever she goes, like an endless conga line. She peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, Madison Minutes, at madison.citycast.fm.

Episodes

January 2, 2026 34 mins
Happy New Year! We’ve officially made it to 2026 and are celebrating with a fresh monthly guide for your listening pleasure. In today’s show, host Bianca Martin catches up with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas to talk about what they’re looking forward to this month. From Hamilton at the Overture Center and the return of the Freezing Man Concerts at the Sylvee to Winter Restaurant Week and more, t...
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We love Madison so, so, so much! But part of loving somewhere is recognizing where it falls short. And to be honest, Madison and Madisonians can be pretty toxic. We are spilling the tea on all of Madison’s toxic traits from flannel as formal wear to the dangers of our drinking culture. The City Cast Madison team breaks down all the gripes big and small we have with our little hamlet, plus we hear your take on Madison’s toxic traits...
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The Holidays are a stressful time. With finding gifts, traveling, seeing (or not seeing) family, calling it the happiest season can feel like a cruel joke. That’s why we are revisiting our episode with Myra Renne, founder and executive director of ⁠Anesis Therapy⁠, about mental health resources in Madison and steps you can take right now to take care of yourself. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at ⁠608-3...
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December 23, 2025 34 mins
The new year is right around the corner and in keeping with tradition, the City Cast Madison team put out a call to YOU to find out what Madisonians want to see in 2026. From creating more mindful moments to engaging with our city’s bustling arts scene, we’ve collected resolutions and hopes for the new year that everyone can get behind. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling round them up and share their own hope...
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December 22, 2025 28 mins
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? We’re wrapping up 2025 and feeling nostalgic! From kicking off the race for Wisconsin’s next governor to John Nolen construction traffic to the revival of concerts at Camp Randall, 2025 was a big year for Madison. Today, host Bianca Martin digs into these stories and more with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a...
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Madison’s only Ethiopian restaurant announced this week that it may soon close. Buraka, a Madison staple for more than 30 years, is struggling to attract customers and the owner in talks about ending the Willy Street lease. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about the hazy future on the Friday news roundup. Plus, we discuss the federal trial of Milwaukee County Judge Hanna...
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December 18, 2025 35 mins
As we close out 2025, we’re taking a moment to take stock of some of the biggest developments Madison’s food scene has seen throughout the year.  From exciting new restaurant openings and trends to sad and unexpected closures, host Bianca Martin covers it all with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians.  Plus, need a place to eat on Christmas? The Cap Times has you covered. 🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Ma...
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Should hunting sandhill cranes be legalized in Wisconsin? That’s what state lawmakers  are trying to decide with a proposed bill that would also provide financial assistance to farmers trying to combat damage caused by the birds. Host Bianca Martin chats with UW wildlife specialist David Drake about the arguments on both sides of this hotly debated issue and how cranes have become so beloved in Wisconsin.  👋 Wanna talk to us abou...
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December 16, 2025 31 mins
If you're on the lookout for some indoor activities, or you're just wanting to try something new in 2026, you should know that Madison has become a hotbed for popular drag performers. But their acts are about so much more than feather boas and bingo; it’s a community, and in some cases, a chosen family. To learn more about drag culture and the family dynasties that rule in Madison, host Bianca Martin caught up with local drag icons...
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It’s been almost one year to the day since tragedy struck in Madison when a shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School. The incident left multiple people dead and injured and a community devastated. Slowly but surely, the ALCS and greater Madison community has rebuilt itself, leaning on faith and the compassion of others to heal. Today, host Bianca Martin reflects on the tragedy and how Madison has moved forward in the yea...
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Earlier this week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and a group of alders proposed a year-long moratorium on data center construction. If the measure is approved, it would be a first in Wisconsin. Host Bianca Martin digs into the story with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. Plus, the team discusses striking Starbucks baristas and how Madison is handling the recent snowfall.  ❄️P.S. It’s the la...
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There’s a new Italian restaurant in town getting a lot of buzz. Giovanni Novella, the former executive chef of Bar Corallini, is bringing the Amalfi Coast to University Avenue. Complete with coastal vibes, authentic Italian food, and even a full vegetarian menu, Osteria Novella has hit Madison’s food scene with a big splash. Today, he sits down with host Bianca Martin to talk about what’s good at Osteria Novella and what this move ...
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December 10, 2025 39 mins
It’s one of the most iconic streets in Madison, the artery that connects the UW-Madison campus with the greater downtown area — State Street. It’s been a staple of Madison’s nightlife, retail, and culture for decades. And just about every Madisonian has their own cherished memories of State Street. And as our city continues to rapidly grow and change, how does State Street keep up? Host Bianca Martin digs into the past and future o...
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December 9, 2025 33 mins
We’re making a list and checking it twice, because it’s time for us to lay down the verdict of who was naughty and who was nice in 2025. Host Bianca Martin chats with WORT host, school board member, and friend of the show Ali Muldrow about how Madison was behaving this year. And who knows, maybe being naughty isn’t always a bad thing.  🎁 Psttt. Do you need a gift for someone nice this holiday season? Gift them the City Cast Neigh...
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December 8, 2025 28 mins
Madison has been waiting for passenger rail to connect us to neighboring cities for decades. We saw a glimmer of possibility in 2021 when Amtrak shortlisted Madison as a location for service by 2035. Ultimately, whether or not passenger rail comes to Madison is up to Amtrak and the state of Wisconsin, but the City of Madison is doing their part to attract the train. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin chats with city transportatio...
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Happy Friday, y'all. The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news from this week. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about Mandela Barnes announcing his run for governor, WisconsinEye possibly shutting down, and speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks. Plus, Monday may be the official kick-off for our week-long membership camp...
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December 4, 2025 26 mins
Did you know Garver Feed Mill used to be a sugar beet factory? And it used to be five stories tall? Now it’s the home to some of Madison’s hidden culinary gems. Host Bianca Martin dives into the vibrant history and food scene at Garver Feed Mill with Bryant Moroder from the Garver development team. We get into how Garver is nourishing the Madison community in more ways than one. Plus, head to our Instagram to see Bianca’s taste tes...
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In an era rife with health misinformation, how can we stay informed and make health-forward choices? Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to discuss the importance of health literacy, the dos and don'ts of reliable health information, and the impact of misinformation on public health. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR’s “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in...
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Wisconsin lawmakers are currently reviewing how the Department of Public Instruction handles educator sexual misconduct and grooming of students. This was sparked by an extensive investigation by Cap Times reporter Danielle DuClos. Host Bianca Martin speaks with Danielle about her year-long research into the prevalence of sexual misconduct by educators in Wisconsin, DPI's investigatory capacity, and the potential legislative change...
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December 1, 2025 37 mins
We’ve made it to the last month of the year! The City Cast Madison team is here with the final monthly guide of 2025. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about holiday markets around town, the hot new sushi and ramen spot in the Town of Oregon, and so much more.     🎉 Plus, we’re throwing a party on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Gamma Ray Bar. RSVP today!  👋 Wanna talk to us abou...
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