Episodes

  • Hey Madison, Did You Know There’s an Election in 2 Weeks?

    Hey Madison, Did You Know There’s an Election in 2 Weeks?
    Feb 3 2026
    Happy election season, Madison! That’s right, the spring primary is just two weeks away, which means in-person absentee voting starts today. But who are you voting for and what’s going on in these races? Today, host Bianca Martin talks to Isthmus staff writer Liam Beran to break it all down and help you become the most informed voter at the polls. The primary is Feb. 17 and the spring election is April 7. For information on voter registration and more, head to MyVote.WI.gov. Plus, check out the full Isthmus voting guide here. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 3rd episode: Wonder Palette Camp Madison Opera Clean Lakes Alliance
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    25 mins
  • Your Guide to February 2026 in Madison

    Your Guide to February 2026 in Madison
    Feb 2 2026
    Happy February, Madison! The City Cast Madison team is here with a roundup of our favorite things to do and eat this month. Plus, we’re talking about ways to spread some love in February. From events like the Frozen Assets Festival and an exciting author talk at the Orpheum, to getting into the Mardi Gras spirit with zydeco music and home cooked étouffée, we’ve got suggestions for just about everyone this month. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 February 2nd episode: Wonder Palette Camp Madison Opera Clean Lakes Alliance
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    34 mins
  • Mnookin Leaves UW, Madison Goes on Strike, and Evers Slams City Over Voting Lawsuit

    Mnookin Leaves UW, Madison Goes on Strike, and Evers Slams City Over Voting Lawsuit
    Jan 30 2026
    This week, UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announced that she will be leaving Wisconsin to become the president of Columbia University in New York City. Governor Tony Evers chided the city of Madison for arguing in a lawsuit that absentee voting is a privilege, not a right. And locals are activating in protests against recent ICE activity in Minneapolis. City Cast host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down all this news. Plus, there's big news in the Madison food scene once again. Mentioned on the show: Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club closes, for real this this time [Cap Times]Himali Chulo carries on Himal Chuli’s legacy [Wisconsin State Journal] Madison participates in nationwide solidarity shutdown [Instagram] Chef Elena Terry to open Tall Grass restaurant in MMoCA [MMoCA] 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 January 30th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Wonder Palette Camp
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    38 mins
  • Madison Service Pros Get James Beard Nods

    Madison Service Pros Get James Beard Nods
    Jan 29 2026
    The semifinalists for the “Oscars of the food world” have officially been announced, and Madison is well represented. This year, three Madison spots are up for James Beard Awards, which is a pretty big deal, as Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians put it. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Lindsay about the local names making a national splash, what the competition looks like, and what you should order from these spots. 🥕 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 Madison Minutes 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 January 29th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Wonder Palette Camp
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    35 mins
  • Madison Has Always Been a Little Freaky

    Madison Has Always Been a Little Freaky
    Jan 28 2026
    It might be cold outside, but things are always hot in Madison’s kink scene. From the city’s historic red light district to current day Leather + Lace events at Crucible, Madison has a thriving community of people who like to explore their freaky side in community. Today, host Bianca Martin steps into this world with Lili Luxe, a local consent advocate and longtime host of many of Madison’s kinkiest events. This episode originally aired Feb. 12, 2025. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 January 28th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Wonder Palette Camp
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    30 mins
  • Why Madison Said 'No' to New Data Centers...For Now

    Why Madison Said 'No' to New Data Centers...For Now
    Jan 27 2026
    At the beginning of the year, we predicted the story to watch in 2026 would be the future of data centers in Madison. Well, the city has declared that this year will NOT be the year of data centers. Earlier this month, the Madison Common Council unanimously passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. Host Bianca Martin talks with District 3 Alder Derek Field, a sponsor of the ordinance, about what the council is hoping to achieve with the pause. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 January 27th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Wonder Palette Camp
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    26 mins
  • Why the Coliseum Redevelopment Is Actually a Pretty Huge Deal

    Why the Coliseum Redevelopment Is Actually a Pretty Huge Deal
    Jan 26 2026
    In September, Dane County sought proposals to renovate the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center. They received a single response. It’s from local concert giant FPC Live, which started as a small business running the box office at the Coliseum and now is largely owned by Live Nation, the world's biggest live entertainment company. In a piece for Tone Madison, Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission, wrote “Dane County should apply strict scrutiny of its partnership proposal with FPC Live.” Host Bianca Martin chats with Nick about why he thinks the county should be careful when planning out the future of the publicly owned Coliseum. 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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 January 26th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Wonder Palette Camp
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    30 mins
  • What Happens if ICE Comes to Madison? Plus Shocking Utility Bills and Good Restaurant News

    What Happens if ICE Comes to Madison? Plus Shocking Utility Bills and Good Restaurant News
    Jan 23 2026
    What happens if federal immigration and Customs enforcement agents come to Madison? Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Representative Mark Pocan told the media this week that based on activity across the country, it is likely ICE will come to Wisconsin. A recent Cap Times piece lays out how local law enforcement officers will cooperate (or not) with ICE should they carry out raids in Madison. Host Bianca Martin breaks it down with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. We also discuss rising utility bills, PFAS clean up funding, and some good food news. Mentioned on the show:New Mariners Inn development will include a waterfront restaurant [Isthmus] 👋 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 Madison Minutes 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.
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    41 mins