City Cast Madison

Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Thanksgiving is nearly here and if even the thought of cooking a big meal is stressing you out, sit back and relax because there are plenty of local spots that will help you out. To get a rundown of who’s serving dinner on the holiday and who’s got take-and-bake offerings, Executive Producer Hayley Sperling spoke with freelance reporter Nicole Haase who recently rounded up these local spots for the Cap Times. Looking for more options? We’ve got you covered. 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 November 20th episode here: DesignCraft Advertising Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Near Death Experiences from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality.Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality People have been having Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) all over the world for as long as we can look back into history. And the strange thing is… these experiences seem to have a lot in common. Why? Is it a look into the afterlife? Is it just our neurons firing in weird ways as the brain dies? We’ll talk to psychiatrist Bruce Greyson, one of the world’s leading experts on Near-Death Experiences, about the research that led him to rethink his understanding of the nature of life, death, and the continuity of consciousness. We’ll explore the science behind how these experiences can provide comfort, heal past trauma, and even create transcendent experiences that help us make as much sense of our lives as of impending death. And we’ll also consider the bigger question of what NDEs suggest, if anything, about our understanding of reality. Bruce Greyson, M.D. is the author of “After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond.” Find out more about his book, and his over 45 years of experience researching NDEs, on his website. Here are links to the recordings of people you heard talking about their NDEs throughout the episode: Sharon Stone, Dr. Mary Neal, Renee Pasarow, Cherie Aimee, Jayne Smith.Here’s a video of Dr. Gregory Shushan talking about his research on NDEs in ancient religions.  DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

Not every city has independent police oversight agencies with the power to subpoena, but Madison does. Empowering these agencies, though, takes resources—something the 2025 city budget won’t be able to provide fully. Host Bianca Martin sits down with Greg Gelembiuk, data analyst at Madison’s Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM), to discuss what makes Madison’s police accountability agencies so unique and what these agencies need from their fellow Madisonians.  Mentioned on the show: Police Accountability Is at Stake in Madison’s 2025 Budget [Tone 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!  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 November 20th episode here: DesignCraft Advertising Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love it or hate it, Madison is in a building boom. As our city continues to grow, we wanted to take stock of the places and spaces we hold dear by reflecting on Madison’s most iconic architecture. In this special installment of Must See Madison, the City Cast Madison team rounds up our favorite old and new buildings, and throws in a few wild cards. Want more? Check out our previous building roundup. Plus, take a deep dive into the new WYSO building. [ 🎧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 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 November 19th episode here: DesignCraft Advertising Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wild turkeys were nearly hunted to extinction in Wisconsin in the late 19th century. But now, it’s a great time to be a wild turkey in the Dairy State. Thanks to conservation efforts in the 1970s, wild turkeys are back and have adapted to our urban environment better than ever. UW-Madison wildlife ecology Professor David Drake joins host Bianca Martin to dive into the lives of the turkeys all around us.  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 November 18th episode here: DesignCraft Advertising Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City Cast team is here to round up the news of the week, and what a week it’s been. Executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into the city’s newly approved budgets, while host Bianca Martin unpacks election fallout, including racist texts sent to Black UW-Madison students and U.S. Senate hopeful Eric Hovde’s refusal to concede. Bianca also digs into an abortion case at the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas gives an update to the Southside Elementary naming process.  Also mentioned on the show: How Madison neighborhoods voted on the city’s $22M referendum [Cap Times] Holiday Fantasy Lights are up at Olin Park! Top employee at Epic Systems apologizes after arrest on plane [WMTV] Like the show? Come work with us! City Cast Madison is hiring a producer.  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 November 15th episode here: StartingBlock Madison Symphony Orchestra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret that Wisconsinites love to drink. But in Madison, our cocktail scene extends far beyond the classic Old Fashioned. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and host Bianca Martin are joined by Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians to take a deep dive into Madison’s favorite cocktail bars. Cheers! Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. Mentioned on the show Make These Holiday Cocktails While You're Snowed In [ 🎧 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!  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 November 14th episode here: StartingBlock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s often said that “information is power,” but what happens when one of our most vulnerable communities is cut off from a vital sources of information? Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections effectively halted the work of a local nonprofit that has sent books to Wisconsin inmates for nearly 20 years. To find out why and what happens next, host Bianca Martin spoke with Wisconsin Books To Prisoners co-founder and director Camy Matthay. Mentioned on the show Wisconsin prisons restrict books and mail to keep drugs out, but some staff still bring drugs in [Wisconsin Watch] Wisconsin escalates its long tradition of prison book-banning [Tone 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 November 13th episode here: StartingBlock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winter is coming — do you know where to park? Alternate side parking starts November 15th, meaning you have to park your car on the correct side of the road each day to avoid getting a ticket. If you live in the central city, this applies to you whenever there’s significant snowfall and the city declares a snow emergency. Former producer Dylan Brogan spoke with Madison Streets Superintendent Charlie Romines about what you need to know to help the streets get plowed and avoid a ticket. Get text alerts about snow emergencies and where to park. [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 November 12th episode here: StartingBlock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halloween might be over but creepy crawlers are still popping up in the cracks and crevices of Madison homes. So what do we do about these bugs and beetles and how’d they get here anyway? Host Bianca Martin spoke with PJ Liesch, director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and Wisconsin’s official Bug Guy, to get the details. Like our show? Want to be part of the team that makes it happen? Apply to be the next producer of 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 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 November 11th episode here: StartingBlock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s no secret the biggest news of the week is Tuesday’s election results. Donald Trump won Wisconsin and enough electoral college votes to earn a second term in the White House. So how are Wisconsinites feeling about our state’s role in the process and what does a GOP win mean for Madison? This week, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling are joined by WTMJ Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Kristin Brey to dive into these questions and more.  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 November 8th episode here: First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late night food can be hard to find, especially when you’re too hungry to think. So if you’re ever lying in bed dreaming of a milkshake at 2 a.m., or sitting on the couch and realized you forgot to eat dinner, we’ve got you. And it’s not just Tornado Room (though that is a highlight)! In this episode, host Bianca Martin is joined by our Executive Producer Hayley Sperling, and Emma Waldinger of Madison Magazine to go over our favorite midnight snacks, from fanciful full meals to food trucks. Whether you’re a night owl or up way past your bedtime, we’ve got you covered.  Mentioned on the show: Second dinner: Our guide to late-night dining [Madison Magazine] The Night Vending Program brings late night eats to State Street [Madison Magazine] 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 ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode here: First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We woke up early (5 a.m.!) to tell you what we know — and what we don’t — about Tuesday’s election results. We’re talking local offices, referendums, state and federal legislative positions. Madison Minutes newsletter editor Rob Thomas joins host Bianca Martin, and executive producer Hayley Sperling for this morning’s conversation to unpack how Madison voted. Mentioned on the show: Donald Trump wins Wisconsin [WPR] 🎧 Melissa Agard’s Pitch for Dane County Executive  🎧 U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin Makes Her Case to Wisconsin Voters 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 November 6th episode here: First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities. Our host, Bianca Martin, joins a panel discussion with the hosts from Las Vegas, Philly, and Pittsburgh. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other. 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 November 5th episode here: First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrow, in addition to voting on candidates Madison voters will also see four referendum questions on their ballot. A proposed constitutional amendment for the state, a budgetary referendum from the City of Madison, and two referendum questions from the Madison Metropolitan School District. Host Bianca Martin spoke with district Superintendent Joe Gothard to get a better look at the issues Madison schools are facing and why these referendums are coming at a critical time.  You can dig deeper into our election coverage with these shows: 🎧 What You Need To Know About Madison's $22 Million Budget Referendum 🎧 MMSD Is Asking Voters For More Than Half a Billion Dollars. Here’s Why. 🎧 Your Ballot Breakdown: State & Fed Legislative Races, Plus a Constitutional Amendment! Be sure to check out MyVote Wisconsin for all of your Election Day needs. 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 November 4th episode here: First Church of Christ, Scientist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news of the week. With only a few days left until the Nov. 5 election, Wisconsin has been a hotbed for political candidates and their delegates. Bianca Martin and Rob Thomas break down the various events happening around town and take a look at some of the local ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Hayley Sperling has the scoop on how a local pizza shop accidentally served THC-laden slices. Mentioned on the show: Harris, Trump make push for battleground votes with dueling Wisconsin rallies [WPR] Donald Trump's Wisconsin Crowd Size Compared to Kamala Harris' [Newsweek] Naked Donald Trump statue turns heads on Madison’s north side [Cap Times] Pizza contaminated with THC, Wisconsin business apologizes [FOX6 News Milwaukee] THC-Contaminated Food from Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, WI [PHMDC] 🎧 MMSD Is Asking Voters For More Than Half a Billion Dollars. Here’s Why. 🎧 What You Need To Know About Madison's $22 Million Budget Referendum 🎧 Dana Pellebon’s Pitch for Dane County Executive 🎧 Melissa Agard’s Pitch for Dane County Executive 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 November 1st episode here: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The leaves are on the ground and November is here! So what does our city have going on this month? From markets and celebrations, to fun runs and donations, the City Cast Madison team has your back with our recommendations. If you’re new around here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Madison community.  Mentioned on the show: Great Midwest Crane Fest Fall 2024 Midwest Vintage Flea Native Art Market 2024 Madison Roller Derby 20 year anniversary Madison Roller Derby 20th [City Cast Madison] Dexter’s 17th anniversary party Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving Basket Drive WayForward Resources Madison Turkey Trot Birdie Derby Murder Girl It’s a Wonderful Life musical & Juliet Napoleon Dynamite live 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 October 31st episode here: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come election day the city has a big ask — a $22 million ask to be exact. Madison is facing a budget deficit and to plug the holes, the city is turning to voters in hopes of passing a property tax referendum. But not everyone is on board with the idea. So how did we get here and what will the money be used for if the referendum passes? Host Bianca Martin sat down with Isthmus reporter Liam Beran to find out.  You can listen to City Cast Madison’s past conversations with Madison Common Council President Yannette Figueroa Cole and Madison’s Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke about the budget for more insight on the city’s budget woes. 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.  Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode here: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Tis the season for spooky, scary, campy, and vampy. If you’re looking for a fright with a side of delight, gather your ghouls and head to the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood where a group of residents have dreamed up and built a haunted yard extravaganza. Last year’s event drew more than 500 people and this year’s Chappell Roan-themed haunting is sure scary good. To get the scoop on this year’s frights, host Bianca Martin caught up with organizers Jinger Schroeder and Emily Balsley. Looking for more scary fun? Check out the Spooky Spaces of Madison Instagram account. 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.  Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode here: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Madison has its fair share of poltergeists, lingering spirits, and maybe even a few lake monsters. You just need to know where to look. We’re revisiting a conversation Bianca Martin had last year with Lisa Van Buskirk and Mike Huberty from Madison Ghost Walks about the city’s scary side.  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.  Learn more about the sponsor of this October 28th episode here: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices