City Cast Madison

Feb 03 2025 520 ep. 23 mins 122

City Cast Madison Podcast artwork

Join us 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. On City Cast Madison, she peers into our city’s soul with a journalist’s skepticism and an optimist’s heart.

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Why Are So Many Teachers On Emergency Licenses in Madison?

Feb 03 2025 29 mins

We’ve all heard that there’s a teacher shortage both nationally and here in Madison; but what’s being done about it? One solution growing in popularity in Madison is hiring teachers on temporary “emergency licenses.” This allows anyone with a bachelor's degree in any subject to start working as a teacher while they work towards qualifying for their full teaching license.

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Trump Ripple Effects in Madison, Next Chapter For Labor Temple, and CARES Grows

Jan 31 2025 33 mins

It’s time to close the books on January and round up another week of news. This week, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin explains how a federal funding freeze could cause adverse ripple effects throughout Madison. Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas has the latest on the Madison Labor Temple’s search for a buyer. And executive producer Hayley Sperling talks about the

Your Guide To February 2025 in Madison

Jan 30 2025 37 mins

Happy February, Madison! A new month means it’s time for a new guide. The City Cast Madison team is here with our recommendations for making the most out of February in our fair city. From winter festivals and local markets, to chili cook offs and movie marathons, we’ve got you covered. If you’re new around here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with epis

Why Madison Is Bailing Out Its Ice Rinks (Again)

Jan 29 2025 23 mins

Today we’re talking about a hot topic that is ice cold. The City of Madison is forgiving $1.6 million of debt owed by Madison Ice, Inc, the nonprofit that ran Madison’s two ice arenas. As is usually the case with government spending, the details are messy — but Wisconsin State Journal city hall reporter Lucas Robinson breaks down the key points of the deal with Host Bianca Ma

What Gov. Evers Is Planning for Wisconsin in 2025

Jan 28 2025 25 mins

Last week, Governor Tony Evers declared 2025 to be the “Year of the Kid” during his info-packed State of the State address; but what does that even mean? Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times politics and state government reporter Erin McGroarty to unpack the plans, promises, and unending barrage of applause from Evers’ State of the State address. Wanna talk to us about

An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief

Jan 27 2025 28 mins

After four years leading the department, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes is leaving his post at the end of the month. He’s off to Seattle, where he’ll become that city’s next top cop. We sat down with Barnes ahead of his departure to get his perspective on what’s going well for our city when it comes to law enforcement, and what challenges the next police chief will face.

Weathering Sub-Zero Temperatures, Mass Deportation, and DEI Changes at UW

Jan 24 2025 35 mins

Happy Friday, Madison! The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. This week host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos about the stories you need to know. Jade kicks off the show with an explainer of President Trump’s executive orders regarding citizenship and deportation and how to be prepared for whe

What’s New in the Madison Restaurant Scene?

Jan 23 2025 30 mins

Madison’s restaurant scene is off to a hot start in 2025 with a ton of new openings. It’s a lot to keep track of, but don’t worry—we have you covered! Host Bianca Martin sits down with Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to talk about the most delectable new restaurants you need to try. Check out Lindsay’s writeup of new restaurants in the Cap Times! We�

Madison Scientists Discover The Oldest Dinosaur in the Northern Hemisphere

Jan 22 2025 27 mins

Earlier this month, The UW Geology Museum announced the discovery of the oldest known dinosaur in the northern hemisphere, dating back 230 million years. The two bone fragments, small enough to put in your pocket, were discovered in Wyoming in 2013 by Dr. Dave Lovelace and a field crew. The chicken-sized dinosaur is called Ahvaytum bahndooiveche. Host Bianca Martin chats with Lovel