

City Cast DC
City Cast
City Cast DC is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed.. Washingtonians are deeply passionate about our city, whose story is still being written, and City Cast DC is here to tell it.
Every weekday morning, our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will engage people from all over the eight wards in conversation about DC’s crises and its beauty, both literal and figurative. It’ll have the feel of eavesdropping on an energetic and informative coffee shop chat, except that with City Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at dc.citycast.fm.
Every weekday morning, our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will engage people from all over the eight wards in conversation about DC’s crises and its beauty, both literal and figurative. It’ll have the feel of eavesdropping on an energetic and informative coffee shop chat, except that with City Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at dc.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 14, 2025 • 23min
What RFK Stadium Could Cost DC
There hasn’t even been a vote on a new Washington commanders stadium in DC, but a lot of folks already talk about it as a done deal. JC Bradbury is an expert on the economics of stadiums, and he thinks they’re almost never worth it. Bradbury is here to walk us through his research and what he thinks it ought to mean for DC’s looming decisions about RFK.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode:Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% offAlliance FrancaiseInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 11, 2025 • 22min
Trump’s Parade, GOP & DC Activists' Common Ground, and Hidden Cash
It’s our Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about Trump’s birthday military parade, Congress targeting a couple of DC laws where they might actually have some local allies, and an epic scavenger hunt. Plus in our member’s-only fourth topic, we’ll talk through the way the new war on globalism is affecting DC’s local culture.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
DC Prides Itself on the Smithsonian. Now, Trump's Changing It.
The Smithsonian is front and center in one of Donald Trump’s most controversial executive orders. But what does his campaign against “inappropriate ideology” mean on a day to day basis for the museums — and for the city where they’re a big part of the cultural mix? Manuel Roig-Franzia from the Washington Post is here to give us the lay of the land.If you’ve been personally affected by Trumps tariffs, we want to hear from you! Email us at dc@citycast.fm or leave a message at 202-642-2654.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 9, 2025 • 17min
Do Streateries Still Belong in DC?
Spring has sprung, which means streateries are back! But do people really use them and like them? Senior producer Julia Karron talked to business owners and food journalists to get to the bottom of it.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 8, 2025 • 25min
How Trump’s Policies Are Devastating DC Schools
The Trump administration is pressuring public schools to abandon any programming related to what they call DEI, or else those schools will lose federal funding. And earlier this month, there was ICE activity at HD Cooke Elementary School in Adams Morgan. Scott Goldstein, the Executive Director of EmpowerEd, is here to share how schools are handling these threats and what it all means for local students.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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th episode:PaintCareThe Pew Charitable TrustsNace Law GroupInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 7, 2025 • 26min
Will Driverless Cars Make DC More Dangerous?
Andrew Hawkins, a transportation expert at The Verge, joins the discussion on the implications of driverless taxis in Washington, D.C. He shares insights on Waymo's plans to expand into the capital and explores safety concerns related to urban mobility. The conversation highlights the unique challenges posed by D.C.'s infrastructure and road quirks, including navigating tourist hotspots. Hawkins also raises ethical questions about public safety and regulatory frameworks necessary for a safe integration of autonomous vehicles in the city.

Apr 4, 2025 • 30min
DC Council Shuts Out Public, Zuckerberg’s New DC Home, and April Fools’
The DC Council passed a new law to keep more meetings secret, and Mark Zuckerberg joined a whole bunch of oligarchs buying houses in D.C. Plus: the best April Fools articles in D.C. this year. And for members, a special bonus topic: Trayon White, the expelled member of the DC Council, is running to win back his old seat. Can they re-expel him? NBC4’s Mark Segraves joins the team to discuss.Want the full episode? Become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. And make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC for more news from around the city.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 4th episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 3, 2025 • 18min
The Craziest Buildings DC Never Built
What are the coolest buildings in DC? Chances are your list doesn’t include the Lincoln Pyramid, the Washington Pedestal, or something called Dolphin America — precisely because they never got built. We sat down with architectural historian Martin Moeller last year to discuss the big ideas that, sometimes luckily, shaped our city by never getting off the drawing board. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Apr 2, 2025 • 14min
Why Won’t The House Just Pass DC’s Budget Fix?
Mayor Bowser was scheduled to unveil her 2026 budget today but she’s delayed that while waiting for the House to pass its budget fix bill, restoring $1B to DC’s budget. Trump has signaled his support for the bill — so what’s the holdup? The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn explains where we're at with DC’s budget and what’s next. 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 $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Apr 1, 2025 • 32min
Your Guide to April 2025 in DC
They say April showers bring May flowers. The City Cast squad is here to give their top tips and recommendations, from getting your winter coats dry cleaned and stored for the winter, to hitting up a Smithsonian exhibit throughout the month.If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a whole guide for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to our City Cast DC community.Once you’re done listening, check out our newsletter article for even more tips about how to make the most of April in D.C.City Cast DC’s guide to April is made possible by our awesome sponsor, District Bridges. We're also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast DC.If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Community Navigator, Edward Wycliff, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode:District BridgesAwesome ConMosaic TheaterInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE


