

City Cast Madison
City Cast
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. On City Cast Madison, 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, Madison Minutes, at madison.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 20, 2024 • 28min
School Shooting Updates, Alder Charged with 8 Felonies, and What’s Next For Madison’s Ice Rinks?
It’s the last Friday news roundup of 2024. This week, the City Cast Madison team has updates on the school shooting that shook the Madison community. Plus, Ald. Charles Myadze was arrested last week and on Monday was charged with eight felonies related to domestic abuse. And finally, is it safe to step out onto Madison’s frozen lakes? Those hungry for ice time might be in trouble as the future of Madison’s ice rinks are uncertain. Mentioned on the show❤️🩹 Abundant Life Christian School Emergency Recovery FundLongtime Madison leader Gloria Reyes accuses Alder Charles Myadze of abuse during “volatile” 3-year relationship [Madison365]City Considers Bailing Out Madison Ice Inc. Do They Need The Money? [WORT]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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes 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 December 20th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Alliance Francaise De Milwaukee

Dec 19, 2024 • 23min
Where to Eat Out on Christmas in Madison
With the holidays on the horizon, many Madisonians are preparing for a massive family meal. But what if you don’t want to do the cooking? Nicole Haase, freelance reporter with the Capital Times, has the scoop on which restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year for dine-in and take-and-bake options.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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes 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 December 19th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Alliance Francaise De Milwaukee

Dec 18, 2024 • 29min
What Madisonians Want in 2025
As we close the book on 2024 and get ready for the new year, we turned to you to get a taste of what Madisonians hope to see in our fair city in 2025. What are your hopes for the new year? Perhaps a more diverse range of food options? Cleaner lakes? More time spent in the community? We heard from local leaders, business owners, and even the mayor to get their takes. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling reflect on the year and talk about their own resolutions.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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 18th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Alliance Francaise De Milwaukee

Dec 17, 2024 • 25min
What We Know About The Abundant Life School Shooting
The city of Madison was shocked Monday by a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, in which a teacher and student were killed in addition to the suspected shooter, and several others were injured. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Bianca Martin talks to Rob Chappell, executive editor of Madison365, about what we know and what questions remain. Links: City of Madison Incident ReportTeacher, student dead, 6 injured in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School | Live updates [WSJ]How a Community Heals after a School Shooting [CT]Statement on Abundant Life School Shooting and resources [City of Madison]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. Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Alliance Francaise De Milwaukee

Dec 16, 2024 • 28min
What a Local Film Critic Is Watching This Holiday Season
The holiday season is often the biggest time of the year for new movie releases. But to see big blockbusters, Madisonians have to make a trip out to the suburbs. To get to scoop on where and what to watch, we turned to local film aficionado and our own Madison Minutes 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 on Instagram! You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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 December 16th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Alliance Francaise De Milwaukee

Dec 13, 2024 • 35min
Sun Prairie Schools Investigations, Myadze Arrested and Censured, and New Speed Limits En Route
On this week’s Friday news roundup, Madison365 reporter Nicholas Garton joins host Bianca Martin to talk about recent drama in the Sun Prairie School District, which ultimately led to the resignation of a principal and multiple school board members. Executive producer Hayley Sperling has the latest in Ald. Charles Myadze’s arrest yesterday afternoon and the Madison City Council’s prior decision to censure him. And Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas shares details on where speed limits around town are set to change. Plus, it’s a weekend full of Santa extravaganza.Mentioned on the show:Former Sun Prairie principal claims “double standard” in how Black employees are treated by SPASD [Madison365]Investigation finds former Sun Prairie East principal & witnesses “not credible” in denial of offensive language [Madison365]Second Sun Prairie School Board member resigns [Madison365] 🎧 Madison Alder Speaks Out After Allegations Against Fellow Council Member Surface [City Cast Madison]🎧 Why So Many Public Officials Have Called For a Madison Alder’s Resignation [City Cast Madison]🎉 Become a member of City Cast Madison 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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes 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 December 13th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Orthodontic Experts
Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Dec 12, 2024 • 33min
The Best Holiday Gifts For a Madison Foodie
‘Tis the season for gifts! If you have a foodie in your life — whether that’s someone who loves to cook or just loves to eat — we’ve got suggestions for what to put under their tree. Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians joins Bianca Martin with a stacked list of local gift ideas everyone will enjoy.Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.🎉 Become a member of City Cast Madison 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! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes 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 December 12th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Orthodontic Experts
Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Dec 11, 2024 • 22min
How Pull-tabs Took Over Wisconsin Bars
T. Krulos, a Milwaukee freelance author known for his work on the quirky history of pull-tabs in Wisconsin, dives into the fascinating world of these popular bar games. He reveals how local bars thrive on the excitement of pull-tab machines and the unique legal loopholes that keep them operating. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of these games, their ties to community fundraising, and the ongoing debates about regulation and gambling addiction. Krulos’ insights shine a light on a beloved tradition in Wisconsin nightlife.

Dec 10, 2024 • 31min
Excavating VHS Treasures with Found Footage Festival
Stoughton natives Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have collected over 13,000 obscure and delightful VHS tapes and have been taking viewers on a guided tour of their best finds since 2004. Their live show is called Found Footage Festival, and it’s coming to the Barrymore Theatre this Friday. In this episode, host Bianca Martin sits down with Joe and Nick to talk about how they got obsessed with old videos, where they find (and sometimes steal) VHS tapes, and how they pranked several local news stations across Wisconsin by pretending to be strongmen called “Chop & Steele.”Mentioned on the show:
Found Footage Festival
Special Delivery!
Alex Tribek Outtakes
Diabetes v. Diabetuhs
VCR Party Live!
🎉 Become a member of City Cast Madison 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 Madison Minutes 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 December 10th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Orthodontic Experts
Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Dec 9, 2024 • 42min
What Uplifting Black Perspectives Looks Like in Madison
Today, the tables are turned as City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin is a guest on Rev. Dr. Alex Gee’s podcast Black Like Me. In this excerpt of the show, Bianca digs into her experiences as a Black journalist and Rev. Lilada Gee also joins the conversation to discuss the often minimized roles of Black women in society and culture. Listen to the full Black Like Me episode here.🎉 Become a member of City Cast Madison 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 Madison Minutes 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 December 6th episode here:
Jones Dairy Farm
Orthodontic Experts
Olbrich Botanical Gardens


