Épisodes

  • Step Right up to Wisconsin’s Historic Circus

    Step Right up to Wisconsin’s Historic Circus
    Apr 27 2026
    Did you know Wisconsin is home to the world's largest collection of circus artifacts? Well it is! Circus World in Baraboo is a 64-acre Wisconsin Historical Society site and it just reopened for its 2026 season! On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with Circus World attractions director Scott O’Donnell about the history and magic of the circus. Plus, O’Donnell details what folks can expect at the circus this year. Hurry hurry hurry! 🎪Want to support OUR circus? (By circus, I mean this podcast and newsletter.) Sign up to become a City Cast Madison Neighbor! Our membership campaign ended last week, BUT there is still time to help us reach our goal and get the limited edition Oxford Pennant. Become a Neighbor today! 👋 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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 27th episode: Journey Mental Health Center
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    46 min
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Madison

    'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Madison
    Apr 26 2026
    Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Madison? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism. Mentioned on the show: "Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville) "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible) 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.
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    25 min
  • City Threatens Police Monitor’s Independence, Beagles Stay at Ridglan, and Delays at Public Market

    City Threatens Police Monitor’s Independence, Beagles Stay at Ridglan, and Delays at Public Market
    Apr 24 2026
    Tuesday, Madison’s City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor to the Police Civilian Oversight Board for further review. Also on Tuesday, interim independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass released a 31-page memo in which she said city leadership and local media have spread false statements about her office. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about this story. Plus, we recap the escalating conflict over animal testing at Ridglan Farms, delays for the Madison Public Market, and, for Neighbors only, the proposed overhaul of San Damiano Park in Monona. 👂Want to hear what we had to say in the Neighbors-only segment? Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! If you join tuh-day, we’ll also send you a special gift! 👋 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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.
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    38 min
  • Your Guide to Madison Coffee Shops

    Your Guide to Madison Coffee Shops
    Apr 23 2026
    Here in Madison, we’re blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang out and work, there’s a coffee shop waiting for you. Host Bianca Martin chats with newsletter editor Rob Thomas and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about their favorite spots for a caffeine fix. ☕ Have you ever wanted to buy us a coffee? Well for the price of a coffee (or two) a month, you can support the work we do here at City Cast Madison. Join this week to get all the sweet perks AND a special wool pennant! 🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. 👋 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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio
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    39 min
  • How Happy is Madison, Really?

    How Happy is Madison, Really?
    Apr 22 2026
    Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU to chime in, and let’s just say the reactions were mixed! Y’all love the parks and lakes, but are less excited about the property taxes. Host Bianca Martin reacts to your messages with Mike Tarby, founding member of the local advocacy group Strong Towns Madison. 🩵 And hey, we are in the final days of our spring membership campaign and need your help to reach our goal! Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today. Neighbors who join this week get a special wool pendant to hang with pride! 👋 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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio
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    38 min
  • Miss Wisconsin and BGC’s Michael Johnson on Leading the Next Gen

    Miss Wisconsin and BGC’s Michael Johnson on Leading the Next Gen
    Apr 21 2026
    What does it take to lead young people through anxious, high-stakes times? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell and Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County CEO Michael Johnson about what youth support looks like on the ground. They dig into rising anxiety and financial stress facing families, why leadership opportunities matter, and how representation has resonated with kids as Newell serves as the first Black Miss Wisconsin. Plus, they discuss the reality of the harassment experienced by Black leaders in Madison. Mentioned on the show: All White Party Michael Johnson’s Audacity to Lead 🏠Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor during our spring campaign to receive a special gift! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! 👋 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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio Oak Bank - Do you have questions for Oak Bank? Submit them HERE.
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    45 min
  • Charlie Berens on Wisconsin Grandpas, Data Centers, and Running for Office

    Charlie Berens on Wisconsin Grandpas, Data Centers, and Running for Office
    Apr 20 2026
    Oh hey der. Did you know that comedian and Wisconsin legend Charlie Berens will be performing on May 7 and 8 at the Overture? He is known for his viral comedy videos poking fun at Wisconsin and Midwestern culture. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with Berens about Midwest humor and the less funny topic of data centers. Mentioned on the show Your City Could Be Better debate on data centers 🚩 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. Plus, Join this week to snag our oxford wool pennant! Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today!! 👋 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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 20th episode: Madison Opera The Madison Writers' Studio
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    33 min
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison

    'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison
    Apr 19 2026
    Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing? 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.
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    33 min