City Cast DC

City Cast is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed. Washingtonians are gritty, proud, and resilient — necessary qualities for a community facing issues that range from an affordability crisis to the fight for statehood to the movement for racial justice… and useful qualities for a region full of whip-smart people, dynamic culture, and constant change. 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.

DC’s Most Underrated Brunch Spots
Apr 22, 2025 – 25:35
You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Apr 22, 2025 –
Is the New Tipped Minimum Wage Killing DC's Restaurants?
Apr 21, 2025 – 27:00
DC Close to $3B RFK Deal, New Bus Map, and Local ASMR
Apr 18, 2025 – 32:07
The Best DC Day Off, For Every Type of Washingtonian
Apr 17, 2025 – 16:58
Bowser's Loophole For Avoiding $1.1B Cuts from Congress
Apr 16, 2025 – 20:37
DC’s Best Parks for Kids
Apr 15, 2025 – 21:27
What RFK Stadium Could Cost DC
Apr 14, 2025 – 24:06
Trump’s Parade, GOP & DC Activists' Common Ground, and Hidden Cash
Apr 11, 2025 – 24:23
DC Prides Itself on the Smithsonian. Now, Trump's Changing It.
Apr 10, 2025 – 21:43
Do Streateries Still Belong in DC?
Apr 9, 2025 – 17:39
How Trump’s Policies Are Devastating DC Schools
Apr 8, 2025 – 26:38
Will Driverless Cars Make DC More Dangerous?
Apr 7, 2025 – 27:24
DC Council Shuts Out Public, Zuckerberg’s New DC Home, and April Fools’
Apr 4, 2025 – 31:33
The Craziest Buildings DC Never Built
Apr 3, 2025 – 19:17
Why Won’t The House Just Pass DC’s Budget Fix?
Apr 2, 2025 – 14:46
Your Guide to April 2025 in DC
Apr 1, 2025 – 34:23
Trump's New Executive Orders Come for DC
Mar 31, 2025 – 26:03
Can DC Outlast Trump? Plus, Tesla Vandalism and Nats Park Deals
Mar 28, 2025 – 30:04
What It Would Take To Eliminate Crime in DC
Mar 27, 2025 – 24:23
The Secret to Beating DC’s Summer Camp Rush
Mar 26, 2025 – 25:55
Ranking DC's E-Bikes Best to Worst
Mar 25, 2025 – 27:08
How Safe Are Immigrants in the DMV Right Now?
Mar 24, 2025 – 33:58
Purple Line Delays, USIP v DOGE Showdown, and Community Stew. Plus, a Members Bonus
Mar 21, 2025 – 31:44
Will All The Fired Federal Workers Be Reinstated?
Mar 20, 2025 – 17:18
DC Leaders Lobby House GOP To Pass Budget-Saving Bill
Mar 19, 2025 – 17:51
How the Kennedy Center Takeover Changes Theater in DC
Mar 18, 2025 – 23:18
Could Rejoining Maryland Save DC From Trump?
Mar 17, 2025 – 25:34
Congress Battles Over DC Budget, Measles, and Ovechkin Eyes NHL Record
Mar 14, 2025 – 26:41
Unwritten Rules That Distinguish DC
Mar 13, 2025 – 26:18
House Votes to Slash $1B From DC Budget. Now What?
Mar 12, 2025 – 20:26
DC’s Halving Traffic Fines, But Only For Some
Mar 11, 2025 – 26:12
120 Years of French Culture in DC {Sponsored}
Mar 10, 2025 – 21:15
'We Are Winning in Court': Can DC's Congressional Allies Save Federal Workers?
Mar 10, 2025 – 30:54
Bowser Surrenders BLM Plaza, NoVa ICE Raids, and Cherry Blossoms
Mar 7, 2025 – 26:41
DC Tackles Impending Unemployment Crisis
Mar 6, 2025 – 24:21
The Best (and Most Underrated) Happy Hours in DC
Mar 5, 2025 – 15:53
How Virginia is Dealing With Federal Layoffs
Mar 4, 2025 – 22:07
Is Higher Ridership Enough to Save Metro?
Mar 3, 2025 – 25:08
DC Budget Crisis Fears, Washington Post Tumult, and Renting Chickens
Feb 28, 2025 – 27:49
Your Guide to March 2025 in DC
Feb 27, 2025 – 33:21
How Federal Layoffs Are Changing DC Restaurants
Feb 26, 2025 – 17:49
Life Hacks For New Parents in DC
Feb 25, 2025 – 19:53
Will the Kennedy Center Survive Trump?
Feb 24, 2025 – 21:52
DC's New MAGA US Attorney, E St. Cinema Closes, and High-Tech Scooters
Feb 21, 2025 – 23:57
Why Group Houses Are a Rite of Passage in DC
Feb 20, 2025 – 21:22
An Inside Look at DOGE's Mass Firings
Feb 19, 2025 – 23:44
Should You Buy a Home in DC Now?
Feb 18, 2025 – 18:34
Trump Vs DC Arts, PEPCO Price Spikes, and Snow Days
Feb 14, 2025 – 27:41
Will Trump Help DC Create a New Southwest Neighborhood?
Feb 13, 2025 – 16:38

Recent Reviews

samindc

“Like”

It’s interesting content, especially what’s going on in DC this month, but every other word is “like.” Had to turn it off.
woahhlaura

Great local coverage

I’m a pretty new listener but have really enjoyed breakdowns of hyper-local issues (like the impact of congress’ budget cuts to dc residents specifically). However they push so many other podcasts into my feed that I’ve considered unsubscribing… a one off highlight of another pod is fine but the *same* other podcasts show up constantly, which is very annoying.
Sound sleeping

Love Citycast!

They do a great job at covering local news and stories and mixing in events that are happening. Love the pod and the newsletter!
DCBnDC

Hyperlocal News You Can Use

City Cast DC is such a great resource to stay up to date with what’s going on in the region. It’s refreshing and informative.
umm not what you think it is

Great local insight and news

Really love this podcast and mostly get the dc local vibe feel. Great show to listen if you live here
Ndustrialhippie

Love the Podcast Overall

I was looking so long for a podcast that would just keep me up to date on the goings on in DC. I love this city, but I know so little about local news because I don’t watch TV and all my other news podcasts are national. This podcast is great and hyper focused, though I could use less conversation about bars. I understand bars are important for those who drink, but alcohol consumption is going down. Can we find other places to socialize? So if I like this podcast so much, why the 2 stars? All the OTHER podcasts that get shoveled into my feed! It’s bad enough that I have to listen to ads, but now I’m subjected to a few hours’ worth of extra stuff I really don’t want to listen to. It might even be worth paying them for a subscription if it will stop those extra downloads.
rebelita

Always a Fun Listen

Recently found this podcast & have been really enjoying the wide range of topics pertinent to DC residents!
Activism for Animals

Wrong view on amplified noise

City Cast DC inexplicably takes a hostile approach against residents, withers, and other tax payers suffering from excessively amplified noise.
Samuelezrajacov

Upper-Middle Class Transplant Radio

Looking for lukewarm takes from upper middle class 40 year old executives regurgitated through their hip local mouthpiec- er, “reporters”? Want hard hitting conversation on mundane social issues that don’t really effect you because you have real problems? This is the show for you!
John f alderman

Citycast is the best

Citycast has made me feel so much more connected to DC. It’s an easy way to get up on the most important and interesting issues facing the city. I recommend the newsletter, too.
Paz2222

The show should stick to promoting events

The show’s coverage of crime and the crime epidemic has been a strange combination of superficial yet concerned. It’s largely amounted to reporting about how crime makes people feel rather than spending the time to carefully understand what is going on and what can be done about it. I think the show is really in touch with DC yuppies’ senses of adventure and city romanticism, but should leave the politics reporting to more qualified and better resourced outlets.
meaghaan.tolman

Michael Schaffer should not be on audio mediums

The content is really great, but I’ve never wanted to throat punch anyone more. Everything he says STARTS OUT REALLY GREAT, AnD SloWly Peters Off Until you literally Cannot hear anyth…. I’m constantly adjusting my volume.
Taka G

Whoa

The takes on 1/30 episode were BAAAAAAD. I like the show and will bump up my review next week but what a boneheaded take on the arena issue. And what a weird characterization of Woodley Park as “very much downtown.” Sometimes y’all seem very out of touch with my own perceptions of DC.
Domesle

Pretty useful local content except on crime

I listen to maybe 30% of the episodes, but have learned to avoid all of the episodes on crime. The female host especially treats rising crime in DC as a figment of our imagination. Time and time again she questions whether or not it’s a real thing. I listened to a recent episode to get a better understanding of the proposed crime bill but the majority of her contribution was to question its utility. She seems very out of touch (does she live in DC?) and it’s off-putting.
Anonymouslizz

Great local podcast

I love that this podcast covers such interesting and timely topics. Definitely one to listen to regularly if you live in the dmv.
DBL wants to leave a review

Narrow editorial lens

The August 18, 2023 episode justified the selective prosecution of an activist group performing civil disobedience. I do disagree ideologically with the group in question, but that concern is insignificant when the rule of law and free speech rights are in question. Ultimately this is an example of how the editorial lens of the show is unjustifiably narrow.
TerryInMaryland

Occasionally good information, often a LOT of whining

I subscribed for about six months. Now and then I learned some interesting information or a tip on a new restaurant or show. I was really put off by the amount of whining the hosts and guests do. Their view of DC is really narrow and they don’t step out into the wider city much.
dravey Y

Keeps us really in the know

I love the conversations about local DC issues IN DEPTH. I also loves the hacks shared. Thanks for this podcast!
jammle81

excellent

Smart, compassionate takes on current events in DC.
lathr106

Love learning more about my city!

I really enjoy listening to this podcast to learn about new restaurants, events happening, and important local issues. I can’t recommend more for fellow Washingtonians!
mma789

Learning more about my city!

This pod has been a great addition to the dog walk playlist! Have been in the city for 20+ years and this podcast has exposed me to so many new things already. I’ve been to a Mystics game, started composting, and am going to the haunted forest. Also helped me decide who to vote for in ward 3!
schaubtex

Excellent show

Great hosts and a good mix of topics related to DC.
Whyitsali

Much needed

Excited to see how this show evolves. So needed as it feels like most DC-focused media is either legislative gossip or national outlets pouring into our city. Happy for some fresh local takes.
Timputer

Love the deep dives into local topics!

This is a must listen as a DC or DMV resident. The topics are always interesting in themselves but the bonus is the hosts do a fantastic job making it entertaining and drawing great information out of their guests.
LizzieG88

A new look at what’s going on in DC!

Love all the topics covered on this pod! The hosts do a great job tapping into the big conversations happening in DC, plus bring in other people and institutions that make DC what it is.
(insert sad emoji)

What we need

The topics are fun and informative. Finally a show where I can get all of my DC news!
WriteOftenLiveFully

<3

This show has taught me so much about DC and exposed me to parts of the city I’d never thought to explore! Really loving it.
Sonja135

Holy cow, I love this show

It’s completely changed the way I think about DC — forgive the Disney analogy, but remember when Aladdin invites Princess Jasmine up on the magic carpet and she sees her city from above, outside of the tall walls of her little garden, for the first time? Yeah, that’s the experience. The hosts are brilliant conversationalists, the guests are all so interesting, and you’ll learn something new about DC in every episode. Highly recommend!
Peymargar

DC Pride!

This podcast was such a needed addition to the DC media scene! I feel like it covers everything the rest of the local media does not. I’ve never felt so informed and engaged as a citizen. Thanks for all you do!
LAlonM

Quality podcast

Such an easy listen. Great length and content. I’ve learned so much!
Houston2995

DC gets the respect it deserves!

A refreshing focus on D.C. as a living, breathing City, not just as the nation’s capital — stuff like, what if the city outlaws right on red? and what’s the deal with the city’s “ghost kitchens”?
Smooches and Gooses

So needed!

It’s clear that this team cares about the people who live in DC
megdalts

Sharp, informative, fun

I love listening to City Cast DC! It does such a great job at capturing what’s happening in the city and beyond. A must-listen for all DC residents!
SDSU V

Awesome!

Awesome fresh take on DC, really informative, and great conversations!
King Queen Fire

I love this podcast

Thanks for making this show local!
AK ALMoumen

An educational show

D.C is such a unique place and has such a drastic contrast that it is refreshing to hear a show from the city not just focused on Capitol Hill but genuinely involved in the affairs of the city!
sbrexx189996

Love it

Love that the DC area now has a podcast like this - a great way of staying informed about city politics and various local issues, presented in a captivating way. Terrific hosts. Highly recommend!
Dplotz

The podcast that will make you love DC

City Cast DC is the podcast the city needs. It’s really fun and really smart, and it will make you feel like you know what’s going on, where to eat, where to go. It’s already turned me into a mystics fan and a Crispus Attucks park goer. Plus the hosts are incredibly lively
Guthtaigh

Great podcast. Keeping people informed!

Just started listening. Love the show.
audio_head

A must-listen!

This team clearly knows DC so well. The variety of topics and localness of the shows makes it a must listen for anyone living in the DC area. Love it!
A U12 Coach

Great podcast so far

So pleased City Cast has finally come to DC! Hosts sound good. Good topics so far. Will recommend far and wide!
Zephyrus13

The podcast this city needs

In just a few episodes, this podcast has beautifully showcased issues in and around DC. For a city often only associated with the federal government, it has been wonderful to hear in-depth updates and opinions on local ongoings from local experts. Can’t wait for more episodes!