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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

37:13

Data Center Debate, Spring Election Preview, and...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/01/09

Earlier this week, the village board in DeForest denied a petition from residents' to require a referendum before annexing the land of a future data center. Virginia-based company QTS has proposed a $12 billion data center on farmland just outside of town, and are negotiating with DeForest officials to bring utilities to the property. Host Bianca Martin breaks down the news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. Plus, who’s going to be on the 2026 spring election

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24:23

How to Feed Yourself During Sick Season in Madison

City Cast Madison ·

2026/01/08

In the aftermath of folks getting together and traveling over the holidays, people are getting sick and feeling miserable. It’s time to break out the feel-better foods. Host Bianca Martin chats with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians about what to cook and what to order when you’re under the weather. This episode originally aired on February 20, 2025. 🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. 👋

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29:06

How To Make the Most of a Madison Winter

City Cast Madison ·

2026/01/07

Winter is in full force – even if the snow is slowly melting. From ice skating at one of Madison’s many outdoor rinks to snowshoeing in the park, our city is a winter wonderland. Host Bianca Martin chats with Destination Madison content manager Ashley Pettay about all the fun winter activities you should try this winter. P.S. Check the status of the City of Madison’s 20 ice rinks here. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re

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27:21

Wisconsin’s Legal Weed Market Is in Trouble

City Cast Madison ·

2026/01/06

When lawmakers signed a federal spending bill to reopen the government after its longest closure in history, it also closed the loophole that had opened the door to the booming hemp-derived THC market seen across Wisconsin today. Now, the clock is ticking for state lawmakers to find a solution to regulate and potentially legalize cannabis products or see the end of this billion-dollar industry in Wisconsin. To get into the, ahem, weeds of it all, executive producer Hayley Sperling speaks with

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56:58

What U.S. Cities Will Be Talking About in 2026...

City Cast Madison ·

2026/01/05

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. 👋 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

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34:33

Your Guide to January 2026 in Madison

City Cast Madison ·

2026/01/02

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, there’s plenty to be excited about this January. 👋 Wanna talk to us

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34:10

Is Madison Actually Midwest Nice?

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/30

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. Did we miss a trait or is one of the traits we mentioned not that

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26:08

A Madison Therapist’s Tips for Staying Sane During...

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/29

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 ⁠608-318-3367⁠ or email ⁠madison@citycast.fm⁠. We’re also on

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34:38

Madison’s 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/23

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 hopes for the new year. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us

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28:34

Madison’s Biggest Headlines of 2025

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/22

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 voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also

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38:36

Alliant Energy Center's Future, Milwaukee Judge Trial...

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/19

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 Hannah Dugan, and the fate of the Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center. Plus,

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35:34

Madison’s Biggest Food Stories of 2025

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/18

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 Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and

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36:14

The Fight Surrounding Wisconsin's Proposed Sandhill...

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/17

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 about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email

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31:27

Why Madison’s Drag Scene is so Fierce

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/16

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 Bianca Lynn Breeze and her drag daughter Victoria Lynn. This show

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30:47

One Year After Madison School Shooting: What Has...

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/15

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 year since with Cap Times reporters Erin McGroarty and Erin

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36:55

Data Center Developments, Plower Power, and Starbucks...

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/12

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 last day to get the special City Cast Madison beanie by joining the

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25:17

Award-Winning Chef Brings Italy's Amalfi Coast to...

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/11

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 means for the future of Bar Corallini. 🥕 Join us every Thursday as

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39:32

What’s So Special About State Street?

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/10

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 of State Street with Cap Times features reporter Ashley Rodriguez and

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33:01

Madison's 2025 Naughty and Nice List

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/09

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 Neighbors program! They will get all the perks AND for this week only, a

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28:20

Hey Amtrak, Madison Is Ready

City Cast Madison ·

2025/12/08

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 transportation director Christof Spieler about the latest developments in the

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