City Cast Madison

It's Election Day! Contributors Emily Winter and Scott Resnick are joining executive producer Hayley Sperling to recap the candidates and amendments on the ballot, what you need to know about voting today, and when we're expecting the results to come in. Check out our Instagram profile for explainers on the state-wide offices and constitutional amendments.

Plus, updates on September's hazing incident, and a look at the big picture of hazing at UW-Madison. And finally, where to dispose of your old pumpkins, from curbside collection to food scrap drop-off sites. Want to learn about the origins of Jack-O’-Lanterns? Here's more about that Irish myth.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 3rd episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Goodman Community Center
• Midwest Vintage Flea

A little over a week ago, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced that she wouldn’t be seeking a third term after all. On today’s episode, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with the mayor about this decision, why she didn’t make an appearance at the Willy Street vigil and encampment, concerns about police accountability, and more. Plus, some of the highlights of her tenure, and what she thinks Madison needs in its next mayor.👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
If you enjoyed today's interview with the CEO/President of Galena Country Tourism, Terry Mattson,learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this November 2nd episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Goodman Community Center
• Midwest Vintage Flea

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Madison. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents local governments from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly attractive to AV companies. City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson joins Your City Could Better to talk about if this loose regulation is good for Texas, particularly its dense capital city, whether local benefit is a priority for manufacturers at all, and how cities can learn from Austin if a similar influx hits their streets.

Mentioned on the show:

• City Cast Austin’s episode on AVs regulation: https://austin.citycast.fm/podcasts/are-texas-schools-using-ai-to-ban-books-plus-driverless-cars-in-austin-and-new-michelin-stars
• Waymo blocking emergency response to Austin shooting: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting
• The city of Austin’s public dashboard tracking incidents involving AVs: https://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/dbd59d9b20634de1afad32a8267b739b#

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

For lots of seasonal recommendations on the best things to do, places to shop, and ways to give back, don’t miss the City Cast Madison team’s November guide. Executive producer Hayley Sperling, creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and local comedian Emily Winter dig into where you can volunteer on Thanksgiving or donate your gently used clothes, Madison’srobust holiday market scene, thebest bakeries in town, and so much more.🎭 This month’s guide is sponsored by Forward Theater. Their pick this month is to go see “Gaslight,” which runs until Nov. 22. Check outour Instagram for a chance to win two tickets to this Wisconsin premiere play.
For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Madison, check out our newsletter.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode:

• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival
• Wisconsin Union Theater
• Forward Theater Co.

It's been a long journey for Maurer's Urban Market, but the independent grocery store has finally opened on Madison's south side. Executive producer Hayley Sperling and City Cast Madison contributor and Madison365 executive editor Rob Chappell talk with owner Kristie Maurer about affordability, community partnerships, and what sets her store apart from others in the area.

Plus, Forward Madison is heading to the playoffs! Rob shares how the team's doing, his predictions, and how you can watch the game this weekend.

Also this weekend is Madison's Hmong New Year Celebration. Event organizer Ady Lee joins Hayley to talk about the local Hmong community and why this is a can't-miss event. Hayley also recommends this article from The Verge.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode:

• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival
• Wisconsin Union Theater

Last year a group of 15 Wisconsin kids filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming the legislature passes and enforces laws worsening the climate crisis and violating their right to a safe and stable climate. The suit was dismissed by a Dane County circuit judge in April, but now the kids are taking their case straight to the state Supreme Court, aiming to avoid a lengthy appeals process.

Executive producer Hayley Sperling joins creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos to catch us all up on the case and explore why a sense of “impending doom” is pushing the 15 plaintiffs to speed things along. Then former host Bianca Martin speaks with Madeleine Bohn, a West High School student and one of the plaintiffs in the case, along with lawyer Skylar Harris of Midwest Environmental Advocates.

The second segment previously aired February 9, 2026

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

It’s one week until election day and races are (predictably) tight statewide. Dan Shafer, founder of the Recombobulation Area substack, joins executive producer Hayley Sperling and Capital Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to talk toss-up tickets and the issues motivating voters. Where does marijuana legalization rank against data centers and affordability for Wisconsinites?

In-person absentee voting ends 10/31. Find hours and locations here.

Plus, the 90’s are having a *moment*. We’re dusting off scratched CDs and low-rise jeans to explore the burning question: did Olivia Rodrigo rip off Korn?

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 27th episode:

• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival
• Wisconsin Union Theater

With still months to go before the February primary, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has announced that she’s ending her bid for a third term. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into this news with contributor and former mayoral candidate Scott Resnick. Plus, owners of Dapper Cadaver BJ and Eileen Winslow join the conversation to talk about their most recent and terrifying creations that you’ve probably seen on the big screen this year!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 26th episode:

• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival
• Wisconsin Union Theater

How prepared is Madison to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world — the only U.S. city to make it into the top 10. What’s Chicago doing right? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is joining David this week to talk about how the city is adapting to face climate risks, its work in renewable energy, and other projects in the works.

Mentioned on the show:

• New York Times article about climate resilience: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/realestate/is-your-city-prepared-for-climate-disaster.html
• AlphaGeo's report: https://alphageo.ai/how-climate-resilient-are-the-worlds-largest-cities/
• City Cast Chicago's episode about their climate resilience ranking: https://chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/loop-restaurants-resurging-chicagos-climate-resilience-and-meet-us-at-lit-fest
• Previous episode about Jacoby visiting all of Chicago's libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytx9DWibpQc

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, by a vote of 14-6, the Madison City Council terminated the contract of Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass. During the 12-hour meeting, the council heard from more than 100 community members who overwhelmingly opposed the termination. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with creative producers Rob Thomas and Jade Iseri-Ramos about the vote and what comes next for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor.

Plus, Madison is now $218 million closer to bringing a passenger train downtown, and the two gubernatorial candidates faced off this week in their first and only debate. Don’t forget to check out the City Cast Madison election guidefor what you need to know before heading to the polls. And for our Neighbors-only section this week – where are the best spots in Madison to catch the Brewers in the World Series?
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 23rd episode:

• Madison Magnet
• Enjoy Illinois
• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Goodman Community Center

An Asian bistro on the Square, a hibachi and ramen spot on the east side, and a rooftop restaurant at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art are just some of the new additions to Madison’s always changing restaurant scene. Today, host Bianca Martin gets the scoop with Cap Times Food and Culture Editor Lindsay Christians on what else we can expect to see opening around town this year and who we’re saying goodbye to.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 22nd episode:

• Madison Magnet
• Enjoy Illinois
• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Goodman Community Center

Our dear city of Madison just made National Geographic’s list of “The Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027.”The list highlights the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the lakes, and our "bohemian" spirit. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin chats with Executive Producer Hayley Sperling and vintage clothing seller and owner of Good Style Shop Peter Benck about the spotlight. Plus, Pete tells the team about what to expect at Midwest Vintage FleaNov. 7-8.
💐 Want to give Bianca her flowers for four years hosting City Cast Madison? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 21st episode:

• Madison Magnet
• Enjoy Illinois
• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Goodman Community Center

Madison’s Overture Hall is home to a 30-ton pipe organ that’s so massive that it moves on giant tracks. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with Madison Symphony Orchestra Principal Organist Greg Zelek about how he performs complex organ programs from memory while managing thousands of sound changes. Bianca also talks with City Cast Madison Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about what’s in store for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Overture concert organ for the remainder of 2026. That includes Laura Jackson’s first concerts as music director designee conducting Tchaikovsky and Zelek’s organ concert honoring Celia Cruz’s centennial.

The interview with organist Greg Zelek originally published on Aug. 1, 2023.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 20th episode:

•

Madison Magnet

•

Enjoy Illinois

•

Madison Opera

•

Midwest Vintage Flea

•

Goodman Community Center

Black infants in Wisconsin are nearly three times more likely than white babies to die before their first birthdays. Cap Times health and policy reporter Erin McGroarty is investigating this disparity and the lived experiences of Black Wisconsin mothers. Erin joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin to discuss how systemic racism, chronic stress, and epigenetics are driving preterm birth and low birth weight, which are the leading causes of Black infant death. Erin also shares an intervention by The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness to connect pregnant people with doulas, and a Madison NICU collaboration to save extremely premature babies.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 19th episode:

• Madison Magnet
• Enjoy Illinois
• Madison Opera
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Goodman Community Center

How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Madison? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep city streets free of floods and trash — and to possibly slow the drying and pollution of the Great Salt Lake. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta says it’s worth a shot. This week, she joins David to discuss how quick, periodic cleaning of a neighborhood sewer grate can be part of a much bigger solution.

Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form.

Mentioned on the show:

• SLC’s Adopt A Storm Drain map: https://www.slc.gov/utilities/adoptastormdrain/
• Ali’s past Your City Could Be Better episode on making a park census: https://yccbb.citycast.fm/podcasts/why-every-region-needs-a-park-map-tool-like-salt-lakes-plus-dry-heat-vs-humidity

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The Madison Common Council is set to vote on whether to terminate the interim independent police monitor on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Whether or not they have legal standing to do so is up for debate. Madison365 Executive Editor Rob Chappell joins City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and Creative Producer Rob Thomas to break down the story. Then, Rob Thomas lays out two contentious items in Dane County Executive Melissa Agard’s proposed 2027 budget: funding for sheriff body-worn cameras and a mental health contract dispute with Journey Mental Health. Plus, the team talks about thegroundbreaking of the new YMCA facility in Fitchburg and, for Neighbors’ ears only, the impending federal hemp rule change and where gubernatorial candidates stand on cannabis.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 16th episode:

• Wisconsin Science Festival
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Did you know the iconic 1976 film “Car Wash” has a Madison connection? The film’s director, Michael Schultz, studied at UW-Madison where he quickly changed his aspirations from being an astronaut to being a filmmaker. He chats with City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin about his long career as a trailblazing director, the lack of Black film representation during his early years, and the lasting relevance of his films.

This episode was originally published on Feb. 22, 2023.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 15th episode:

• Wisconsin Science Festival
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival

For the second year in a row, UW-Madison students who live on campus will be charged $100 to host one guest over Halloween weekend. The university says this will help pay for additional security and cleaning costs. But will it keep things tame during “Halloweekend?” City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with contributor, writer, and comedian Emily Winter about Madison’s Halloween party history from State Street’s block-party in the 70s and 80s to the riot-era peak in the early aughts, all the way up to the now defunct city-run Freak Fest.

Then Daniel Haschke, saxophonist and co-leader of Madison funk fusion band Wurk, joins the show to talk about the band’s 10-year anniversary show at the Barrymore Theatre. The WURKestra will feature the 17-piece DB Orchestra and an instrument donation drive with the Madison Area Music Awards and Hyde Music. Finally, there’s more Brewers playoff excitement with the team taking the first two NLCS games from the Dodgers. Go Brewers!

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 14th episode:

•

Wisconsin Science Festival

•

Midwest Vintage Flea

•

Remembrance Festival

The Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration kicks off this Thursday. The yearly tradition brings more than 80 authors to Madison for book readings and author talks around town. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with festival Director Jane Rotunda about the event line up. Writer Jeff Oloizia also joins the show to discuss the new season of his podcast “Writing Forward.” Plus the three settle the age-old debate: is listening to an audiobook the same as reading a physical copy?

🧢 And hey! It’s not too late to get the limited-edition Neighbors dad hat. Become a City Cast Neighbor today to snag this great gift before they are gone!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 13th episode:

• Wisconsin Science Festival
• Midwest Vintage Flea
• Remembrance Festival

Another Madison school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean.

Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form.

Mentioned on the show:

• Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.