City Cast DC

Today our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd sit down to talk jazz in DC. Bridget grew up being taken to jazz shows around DC by her dad, which made her the city’s littlest jazz enthusiast. She’s been thinking a lot about the subject since her dad passed away, and today we’re going to talk through the past and the present of jazz in the District — and how you can experience it like Bridget. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: PaintCare Alliance Francaise InKind - Get $25 off your next order of $50 or more! Gala Theatre Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If Pride has been wiping you out, DC has no shortage of cafes to bring you back to life. Digital creator Domonique Panton, aka As Told By Dom, has made it her mission to visit every single café in the city…and she’s here to tell us some of her favorites. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: PaintCare Alliance Francaise InKind - Get $25 off your next order of $50 or more! Gala Theatre Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In this discussion, Andrew Beaujon, a local DC journalist, and Julia Karen, a CityCast commentator, delve into pressing issues facing the city. They tackle the controversial closure of Dupont Circle for Pride Weekend and the ensuing community backlash. The duo also debates Initiative 82, exploring its implications for restaurant workers' wages amid political tensions. Additionally, they discuss the renaming of Dave Thomas Circle, celebrating local history while examining the city's commitment to revitalizing public spaces.

A European mega-spa is coming to the banks of the Anacostia — one that the city says will become a transformative destination. But the company behind it was recently the subject of a pretty unflattering New York Times report. Is their DC project on track? We talked to the Washington Business Journal’s Daniel Sernovitz and Ben Peters. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode: District Bridges Folger Shakespeare Library Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

On Monday, the National Park Service announced plans to close the Dupont Circle park during this year’s Pride celebration. But after overwhelming backlash, they reversed course the very next day—confirming that the park at Dupont Circle would remain open for Pride festivities. It’s just one more wrinkle in what’s already a complicated Pride season under the current administration. Few people can speak to that better than DC Pride’s founder Deacon Maccubbin. He’s here to tell us everything that’s changed and everything that’s stayed the same in the last 50 years of DC Pride. Vote for City Cast DC in Washington City Paper's "Best of DC" roundup! Write "City Cast DC" in the "Best Local Podcaster" section in Arts & Entertainment. Thanks, neighbor!  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode: District Bridges Folger Shakespeare Library Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Is there anything more perfect than a breakfast sandwich? In a quest to find the best one in DC, Washington Post food reporter Tim Carman asked the internet for its best recs—and the replies came pouring in. Within days, he had a list of more than 60 to try. And after some seriously tasty fieldwork, he’s narrowed it down to the top 10 breakfast sandwiches in DC. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: District Bridges Folger Shakespeare Library Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Your bus lines are changing! That’s right – starting on June 29th, the bus lines that you take to go to work, to see friends, those are getting a pretty major makeover. Every last line in the Metrobus system is gonna have a new name. Most of them are gonna have new routes. Some will have new stops. It’s like the big bang of buses. Now, we had a lotta questions about this, so we talked to Allison Davis who leads Metro’s Office of Planning about the thought behind this and how you can prepare for the upcoming changes. Also, if you have questions or concerns you'd like us to raise — about your bus lines or anything else — leave us a voicemail at 202-642-2654 or send an email or voice memo to dc@citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode: District Bridges Folger Shakespeare Library Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

DC officials are about to start hashing out the budget. Today, we’re wondering if progressives have the muscle to push back. Plus: The end of the H Street Streetcar, and the problem with Gordon Ramsay’s visit to DC. And in a member’s only fourth section, we’re looking at the downturn in spending on going out to eat, and whether it is yet another sign of economic apocalypse for our city.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 30th episode: Mosaic Theater District Bridges Williamstown Theatre Festival Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

June in DC can be tricky, there’s a lot going on, and the FOMO is real. But don’t stress! City Cast’s Julia Karon and Ashe Durban are here with your guide to the best events, from films to parties, so you can make the most of the month. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast community. For even more tips on how to make the most of June in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month.  If you enjoyed today's interview with our sponsor District Bridges, check out the summer bucket list challenge here. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.  If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Director of Storytelling and Marketing, Anna Claire, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 29th episode: Mosaic Theater District Bridges Williamstown Theatre Festival Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

With fewer job postings being listed and people eating at home more – DC is on edge money-wise! It’s had us all anxiously awaiting more information about DC’s 2026 budget. Now, Mayor Bowser has finally unveiled her proposal. WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to tell us what’s in it and what’s not.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode: Mosaic Theater District Bridges Williamstown Theatre Festival Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.