City Cast Madison

The controversy over an AI-driven sculpture coming to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art continues: in an open letter with hundreds of signatures, artist Noah Peterson urges MMoCA to reconsider its display of  “Diffuse Control.” We heard from MMoCA director Paul Baker Prindle earlier this week, and today Peterson joins the show to explain his perspective and motivation for writing the letter.  Later, executive producer Hayley Sperling, creative producer Rob Thomas, and contributor Emily Winter break down City Council’s rejection of a $100,000 relief fund for roughly 30 Willy Street-area businesses and a proposed capital budget that includes funding for police body cameras. Plus, why have UW–Madison applications surged? And exclusively for City Cast Madison Neighbors, take a tour of this $5.2 million Capitol Square penthouse. 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 11th episode: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Wisconsin Union Theater Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

IRONMAN Wisconsin⁠ is coming to Madison this weekend. Expect closed streets and super fit Madison visitors! For those of us who aren’t triathletes, the feat might seem impossible. But maybe with the right mindset, we could all become IRONMAN finishers? Host Bianca Martin talks with Larry Shapiro, former UW-Madison philosophy professor, IRONMAN Wisconsin finisher, and author of Zen and the Art of Running about what it takes to finish the race. This episode was originally published on Sept. 3, 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 10th episode: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Wisconsin Union Theater Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

A new United Nations report says global warming has hit the point of no return and is set to consistently exceed the 1.5°C benchmark set with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. On today’s episode, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Wisconsin State Climatologist Steve Vavrus about 2026’s wild weather, upcoming El Niño impacts, and the likelihood of future severe storms. On the positive side, Vavrus highlights adaptation work through the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts and the state climatology office. 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 9th episode: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Wisconsin Union Theater Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

An upcoming art installation at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has sparked some controversy due to its use of AI. On today’s podcast episode, MMoCA Director Paul Baker Prindle joins host Bianca Martin to discuss the nature of the piece and the role of contemporary art museums in the present moment. Then, Bianca talks with Chazen Art Museum Chief Curator Katherine Alcauskas about newly-open exhibits at the Museum and what museum visitors can expect when the Chazen reopens its collection galleries later this fall. 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 8th episode: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Wisconsin Union Theater Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Madison? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

This week, the Madison Finance Committee voted unanimously to deny additional funding for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. The office sought $28,500 to pay for additional staffing and operational costs. At the same meeting, the committee approved giving $100,000 to the Williamson Street Business Stabilization Program. Meanwhile, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is facing community pushback over a new exhibit that uses generative AI. Plus, good news for snow birds! The Dane County Regional Airport is bringing back seasonal flights to warm destinations for the fall and winter.  City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down these big stories and for Neighbors’ ears only, the fates of thousands of parking tickets are unverified. WHAT?! Mentioned on the show: Our interview with City Council President Sabrina Madison [🎧 City Cast 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 4th episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Wisconsin Union Theater Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

Madison’s first Halal Restaurant Week starts Friday, and eight local restaurants are adapting their menus to be more inclusive of Muslim diners. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down the offerings with host Bianca Martin and local comedian Emily Winter.  Plus, Wisconsin is projected to have a budget surplus of about three billion dollars. The team imagines what they would do with those excess funds. And finally, why did WalletHub rank Madison the 11th best city to retire in? Hint, it’s not the cost of living! 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 3rd episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Bayfield

Genes are just one factor in your odds for developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study from the Center for Health Disparities Research at UW–Madison explores the environmental and societal factors behind the disease. It’s a mission that is supported by a $30.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. CHDR director Dr. Amy Kind joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to explain what we now know about Alzheimer’s disease and external factors. Then, the team discusses the uncertain future of legal hemp-derived cannabis in Wisconsin as the Nov. 11 federal ban looms. Plus, Badgers head to class today! As UW-Madison alumni, Hayley and Bianca sound off with their hot tips for new students. 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 2nd episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Bayfield

September is here! This month will be full of bountiful harvests, neighborhood festivals, and “Is it fall yet?” vibes. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas share their picks for things to do and eat this month. Plus, they talk about how to get ready for fall.  ⚓ This month’s guide is sponsored by Forward Theater. Their pick this month is to go see “Steady She Goes.” Check out our Instagram for a chance to win two tickets to this world premiere play.  👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 September 1st episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Forward Theater Co. Bayfield

The news has been nonstop for Madison recently. Today, Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison talks to host Bianca Martin about the biggest stories in the city right now — from new updates on the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz to the opening of the new men’s shelter and the upcoming budget process. Plus, Madison’s first new library in more than two decades is opening Sept. 25! 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 31st episode: Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Madison airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports (unsettlingly often) across the world. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris brings David into the little-known world of airport energy independence, showing how a one-time investment can bring the kind of peace of mind that both travelers and operators hope for every day. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she’s gone, kids in Dane and Sauk Counties will still get their free book each month from “Aunt Dolly” thanks to a partnership between Madison Reading Project and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Early literacy coordinator Sarah Burke joins the podcast to talk about Dolly’s impact on our youngest readers.  Then, host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and contributor Scott Resnick talk about new candidates jumping into the Madison mayoral race. They also recap a three-hour Q&A on the city's response to the fatal police shooting of Cory Ruiz and the protests and encampment that resulted from it. And for Neighbors’ ears only: a group of Madison parents are pushing for stricter screen-time limits in schools. Mentioned on the show: Brian Bedford announces mayoral run [Madison 365]Syed Abbas announces mayoral run [Madison 365] Kaleem Caire will run for mayor [Wisconsin State Journal] 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 28th episode: Bike The Barns Dane County Humane Society

The new restaurant begonia. opens its doors to the public on Friday. But Monroe Street diners might already be familiar with the team behind begonia. Sara Anderson and her son-in-law, Chef Christopher Lund were also the team behind the now-closed Kettle Black Kitchen. Chris joins the show to explain what to expect at their latest concept. Then, host Bianca Martin and Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians chat about Osteria Papavero celebrating 20 years in business. Lindsay also gives us all her hot tips for eating well when camping in Door County. Plus, who do you think will win the Camp Randall hot dog showdown? 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 27th episode: Bike The Barns Dane County Humane Society

Did you know City Cast Madison’s Rob Thomas writes about movies on his Substack newsletter? Over on Not That Rob Thomas, Rob writes about new theatrical releases, movies currently streaming, and niche local screenings. The UW Cinematheque’s fall lineup, which begins Thursday, Aug. 27, falls into the latter category. On today’s episode, Rob and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos preview the Cinematheque’s upcoming season. Plus, they discuss the films that feature Madison in a starring role and their favorite movies that they recently saw in theaters.  👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 26th episode: Bike The Barns Dane County Humane Society

On Aug. 24, 1970, UW-Madison’s Sterling Hall was bombed in protest of the Vietnam War. The explosion killed a physics researcher, injured others, and caused millions of dollars of damages. Three of the four alleged bombers served prison sentences, while the fourth, Leo Burt, has never been seen since.  A UW Libraries oral history project from 2010 archives the memories and accounts of Madisonians who lived through the blast. Some of their voices are featured on this episode. Plus, host Bianca Martin chats to UW oral historian Troy Reeves about the event and its lasting impact on the Madison community 56 years later. This episode was originally published on Aug. 25, 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 25th episode: Bike The Barns Dane County Humane Society

Do you want to help shape the future of streets downtown? District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz is hosting a public meeting Tuesday to gather input on traffic safety as part of the Downtown Area Plan. Ahead of the meeting, Will joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to discuss how downtown can become safer for pedestrians, bikers, and motorists. Then, we hear from Carol Aspinwall, Executive Director of Period Products Pantry, a new nonprofit which aims to make menstrual products available to all in 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 24th episode: Bike The Barns Dane County Humane Society

How often are you out in nature in Madison? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It’s true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned up their act, through the tireless work of local advocates and politicians. Portland, OR, is one of those cities, and City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza joins this episode of Your City Could Be Better to debunk the assumptions and fears about her city’s river, the Willamette. Learn all about how a journalist-turned-governor led the charge to clean up Portland's waterfront, and how a quirky organizer — and lots of enthusiastic swimmers — have carried the torch. Mentioned on the show: Portland’s riverfront park, named after former Governor Tom McCall Swiss residents using river to swim home from work RFK Jr. swimming (in jeans) in Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

After donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month. The charitable organization provided funding for community resources like the Goodman Community Center and Goodman Pool. Meanwhile, Fitchburg Police Department ditched the controversial Flock surveillance company only to now be searching for alternatives. And Universities of Wisconsin leaders are looking for the state’s help in implementing a tuition freeze. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas discuss these news stories and exclusively for Neighbors, we talk about the fake election poll that was framed as a “social experiment.” 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 21st episode: Bike The Barns

Madison’s fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. are awaiting a decision by the Trump administration on whether or not to extend their Temporary Protected Status. Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos talk with Allison Suchon from Friends of Ukraine Madison about the festival and the heightened anxiety among the Ukrainian community.  Then, MAMA 2026 DJ of the Year DJ Femme Noir (aka Tempestt Ballenger) joins the show to talk about the state of Madison’s queer dance scene. Finally, we discuss the newly opened Madison Public Market. Spoiler alert: it features several vendors, excellent bathrooms, and paid parking.  👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 20th episode: Bike The Barns

Have you been hearing F-35 jets flying overhead late into the night? For the last two weeks, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been conducting night training. Many of us in the flight path have been experiencing the booming jet noise as late as 10:30 p.m. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks with retired Madisonian Scott Pigg about his online project to track how loud the F-35s are and share real-time data with Madison residents. 👋 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 City Cast Madison 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 August 19th episode: Bike The Barns