# Madison Opera

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The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Madison Together

Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there’s something extra special about those neighborhood bars that foster a deep sense of community and connection with the people they serve. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to bartender and the (unofficial) Que…

Extreme Weather, UW Athletics Shakeup, and Olbrich's Expansion Contested

Madison was just hammered by extreme weather — flooding, high winds, hail the size of baseballs, and possibly (maybe) even a tornado?! Host Bianca Martin, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas chat about where the city was impacted and how they weathered the storm. Plus, a big…

State Sen. Kelda Roys’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor

The primary election for the next Wisconsin governor is just five weeks away! Host Bianca Martin continues our election coverage with our first gubernatorial candidate interview. Wisconsin State Sen. Kelda Roys joins Bianca to explain what sets her apart from her opponents and her priorities for Wi…

Opera in the Park and What To Do in Madison This Weekend

The 25th anniversary of Opera in the Park is happening Saturday, July 18 in Garner Park. The free concert will include an extensive repertoire, the fan favorite glowstick number, and a picnic contest on Instagram! Ahead of the big day host Bianca Martin chats with Kathryn Smith, general director of…

The Mic Drops For Mad Lit, Plus Guv Race Shakeups, and County Jail Troubles

There’s a lot going on in Madison this summer. But not Mad Lit. The popular concert series that has brought thousands to State Street each summer is dark in 2026 due to funding issues. Hip-hop artist Rob Dz and Urban Community Arts Network Co-President Karen Reece come on the podcast to talk about …

Where To Find Madison’s Best Hiking Trails

The sun is shining and it’s time to lace up those hiking boots and get outside! From the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to the UW-Madison Arboretum, there’s no shortage of places to explore around the isthmus. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin shares her favorite trails with executive producer Hayley …

State Rep. Francesca Hong’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor

Wisconsin’s primary election is just four weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will face off against each other in the race for Wisconsin governor. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to state Rep. Francesca Hong, who’s running on the Democratic ticket as …

Wisconsin’s Socialism Debate, AI Dispatchers, and Saving the East Side Birds

Democratic socialism is coming for Wisconsin! Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling sit down to talk about why and how this is playing into the race for Wisconsin governor and beyond. Plus, Dane County is employing an AI agent called “AVA” to help handle nonemergency calls, and …

Bookstore (And Bar!) Reopens Downtown, Plus Cool Treats to Beat the Heat

Downtown Madison will have a new third space by the end of this week! Lake City Books is moving across Capitol Square to Carroll Street and leveling up the store in the process. Bookstore owner Molly Fish comes on the podcast to talk with host Bianca Martin and City Cast Madison contributor and Cap…

Summer Buggin’, Mayoral Announcement, and Parasites in Produce

On top of the heat and the smoke, Madison had been pretty buggy this summer. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat with Wisconsin’s Bug Guy extraordinaire PJ Liesch, director of the Insect Diagnostic Lab at UW-Madison, to learn about what’s up in Madison’s insect world, plu…