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PODCAST

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. 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, at madison.citycast.fm.

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All Episodes

35:39

Police Monitor Answers Her Critics

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/08

Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board and Office of the Independent Police Monitor are once again under scrutiny as the city considers changes that the office says could undermine its independence. To better understand the issues at hand, host Bianca Martin talks with interim independent police monitor Aeiramique Glass. They discuss hurdles facing the office, how residents can file complaints, and progress in hiring a permanent monitor.Mentioned on this show: Why Madison’s Police Oversight

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30:30

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/07

Madison recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas podcast

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28:13

SCOWIS Takes on Congressional Maps, Gov. Race...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/05

Wisconsin’s voting maps are in the news again and headed to the state Supreme Court. What’s next for political representation in our state? To get the details on this latest update, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign executive director Nick Ramos joins City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, Bianca and Jade dig into everything you need to know about the gubernatorial race and we get an exciting Amtrak update! Mentioned on the show: Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition: Hosts

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35:29

What To Pack for Your American Players Theatre Picnic

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/04

The 2026 season at American Players Theatre starts this weekend! The Tony Award-winning theater company in Spring Green will have shows through November. Our friend Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians is an APT expert, so she joins host Binaca Martin to run down the plays in the first half of the season, and to explain why the core acting company is bigger than ever. Plus, we get into the top tips for a great picnic. And hey, City Cast Madison has a promo code for 20% off all

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24:36

Experience One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/03

Did you know Madison is home to the world-famous, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, First Unitarian meeting house? To mark the building’s 75th birthday, Friends of the Meeting House group is hosting a Heritage Weekend featuring free tours and lectures this Friday through Sunday. Guests can explore the iconic building with tours and lectures all weekend. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin chats with March Schweitzer, president of Friends of the Meeting House, about the remarkable stories behind the

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32:52

UW Ditches Ethnic Studies, Ridglan Beagle Update, and...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/02

UW-Madison is removing its ethnic studies requirement for students enrolling in summer 2026 and beyond. This move aligns the university with the Board of Regents’ highly debated changes to its curriculum and transfer process. Host Bianca Martin breaks down this change with executive producer Hayley Sperling. Plus, we have more news about the Ridglan Farms beagles, and AJ and Nicole Juarez from Barrio Dance tell us what they can about their America’s Got Talent audition!🗳️ P.S. Vote for City Cast

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32:37

Your Guide to June 2026 in Madison

City Cast Madison ·

2026/06/01

Cue up “June Hymn” by the Decemberists because summer is here, and the City Cast Madison is bringing you our picks of the best things happening this month. From eating donuts on National Donut Day to learning how to row, the team is going to make the most of June. Won’t you join us? 👋 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

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31:43

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/31

Where would Madison be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus,

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32:24

Fire on Fair Oaks, E. Coli Lakes Study, and Tom...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/29

TGIF! The City Cast Madison team is here with the biggest news stories of the week. More than 75 firefighters responded to a fire at Madison-Kipp Corporation on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Public Health Madison & Dane County and Clean Lakes Alliance are launching a pilot study to better understand E. coli in our lakes. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about these stories. Plus Tom Farley, author of the books “Growing Up Farley” and “The Chris Farley Show” and community

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29:16

Why Distill America Puts Madison in High Spirits

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/28

This Saturday is the 18th annual Distill America event at Breese Stevens Field. Attendees will sample spirits from more than 90 vendors ranging from major Kentucky brands to tiny Wisconsin producers. Ahead of the event, host Bianca Martin talks with Distill America founder Fred Swanson about the history of the event and what to expect on Saturday.🥕 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

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31:21

Ticks Suck Extra Bad This Season, Plus Banned...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/27

Thoroughly checking yourself for ticks is a must-do after spending time outdoors in the spring and summer. Tick season has already been bad this year, and the number of Lyme disease cases in Wisconsin has quadrupled over the past 20 years. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling about the problem with ticks. We also get into the latest around the Watertown High School band’s banned song, and how Madison is supporting the band with a concert at the Barrymore Theatre this

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37:41

Is Madison a Beach Town?

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/26

We think one of Madison’s best qualities is its ability to transform with the weather, and we argue that in the summer, Madison becomes a beach town. To make the case, host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. From Madison’s 12 beaches to all the places you can rent a boat, we think Madison has beach town vibes. 🌊 What do you think? Is Madison really a beach town? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also

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25:57

MMSD Parental Leave, Land Donation to Ho-Chunk...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/22

This week, the Madison Metro School District school board approved a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all district staff. Meanwhile, the interim independent police monitor found that Madison police officers violated department policy when arresting Madison School Board member Maia Pearson in December. Plus, Dane County will donate 165 acres of land to the Ho-Chunk Nation. Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down these stories, and in the Neighbors-only segment we talk about

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54:16

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Madison Makes Its Case

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/21

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Bianca beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt

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32:28

Inside the Wisconsin Academy’s Biggest Night

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/20

The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters connects Wisconsinites at the intersection of science, art, and culture. And their biggest event of the year is happening TOMORROW, May 21. They’re bringing the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo, to speak at the Overture Center and our very own Bianca Martin will be moderating. Ahead of the big event, Bianca speaks with Tiffany Rodriguez-Lee, the Academy’s director of arts and fellows, who explains the Academy’s statewide mission, its “Finding Home”

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30:16

Secrets Around Data Centers, Vegan Sausage Fest, and...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/19

Data centers have become a hot-button issue across the state. Newly released public documents show that Alliant Energy has received proposals for at least 12 centers in its service area. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and contributor Emily Winter about the secrecy surrounding data centers and why a majority of Wisconsinites disapprove of them. Plus, Vegan Sausage Fest is returning to Madison, and the Madison Public Market has announced a grand opening date! 🎵

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29:41

How Madison’s Smart Studios Shaped Indie Rock

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/18

Did you know that Nirvana recorded demos for their breakthrough album “Nevermind” here in Madison? It’s true. They recorded with Butch Vig (of Garbage fame) in an unassuming red brick building on East Washington Avenue. In the documentary film “The Smart Studios Story,” local filmmaker and former Smart Studio engineer Wendy Schneider shows just how influential the recording studio was on ‘90s alternative rock. Host Bianca Martin chats with Wendy about the film and the studio’s legacy. This

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29:30

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/17

Would Madison be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital? Mentioned on the

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35:00

‘Blockbuster’ State Spending Deal Dies, Madison Home...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/15

State lawmakers put together a bi-partisan spending package this week that would have sent much needed funding to Wisconsin schools as well as provided tax payers with $300 to $600 stimulus checks. But the “blockbuster” deal died in the senate. So what happened? Host Bianca Martin dives into the story with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, the team talks Madison home prices and the possibility of a nuclear fusion research facility taking over the Oscar Mayer

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35:39

Hot Grilling Tips From a Madison Butcher

City Cast Madison ·

2026/05/14

Memorial Day is right around the corner, which means it’s grilling season! Whether you’re heading to a cookout or barbecuing at home, we all want to level up our grill skills. Host Bianca Martin chats with Meat People Butcher co-owner Pip Freeman about how to select quality meats and tips for cooking a perfect brat. 🥕 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

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