Best D.C. Constant Podcasts (2025)

1
How DC Got Its Iconic Flag 24:31

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14h ago24:31

24:31

DC may not be a state, but I think we can all agree that it has an awesome flag. A couple years ago, we sat with a couple of the world’s top vexillologists — that’s flag experts — to talk about why the DC flag became so ubiquitous and why it works. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also bec…

1
Can Sports Save DC’s Economy? 25:20

1d ago25:20

25:20

The federal workforce may be in trouble, but Mayor Muriel Bowser is poised to replace it with a pivot to a sports economy. We sat down with two Washington Post reporters who have been covering the mayor’s efforts to build a new stadium — Meagan Flynn, who covers City Hall, and Sam Fortier, who writes for the sports section. Want some more DC news? …

1
SCOTUS Okays Layoffs and Trump Teases Takeover — But Hey, More Fireflies! 30:00

5d ago30:00

30:00

WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to talk about the Supreme Court giving the greenlight to Trump’s mass firings of federal workers. Plus, the president is musing about taking over DC again. But it’s not all bad: There are more fireflies than ever! And in a member’s only fourth topic, we’re going to get into DC’s feelings about the Better Bus Network changes…

1
#NewProducts 7/09/25 Feat. @Adafruit PiCowBell HSTX DVI Output for Pico - Works with HDMI Displays 8:10

5d ago8:10

8:10

microSD and SD Card Holder (0:11) https://www.adafruit.com/product/6341microSD Card Holder (0:11) https://www.adafruit.com/product/6342Skill Seeker: Maker Edition - By Steph Piper (2:00)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6364Adafruit Pi Stemma QT Breakout for Raspberry Pi and Compatibles (4:21)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6365Adafruit PiCowBell H…

1
Why Won’t DC Fix Its Inhumane Jail Conditions? 20:34

6d ago20:34

20:34

The DC jail is in absolutely wretched shape — and has been for years. So why can’t anyone fix it? DC Auditor Kathy Patterson has just released a report about inhumane conditions at the facility, and it’s not even her first report on the topic. She’s here to walk us through what’s happening. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our …

1
How a $1.5 Billion Development Could Change Anacostia Forever 17:31

7d ago17:31

17:31

The Bridge District sounds like one of those buzzy, made-up neighborhoods that suddenly pop up on a map…and it kind of is! It’s a new $1.5 billion development along the Anacostia River in Southeast DC, with plans for seven buildings, more than 2,000 residential units, 90,000 square feet of retail, green space, and more. We sat down with Axios repor…

1
DC's Most Underrated Bars for Drinking Alone 25:05

8d ago25:05

25:05

There’s something uniquely empowering about taking yourself out on a solo date. The City Cast team got together last year to figure out DC’s best places to drink alone, whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail or a sober-friendly mocktail. Places mentioned in this episode: Showtime Lounge Lyman’s Tavern Red Derby Last Call Bar Jackie Lee’s B…

1
What Next Week's Election Means for DC 29:53

9d ago29:53

29:53

DC Council is already pondering whether to expel Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White again if he wins his seat back on July 15 special election. But in the meantime, the voters get a say, and they actually have a few candidates to choose from. WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to walk us through the state of the race. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to…

1
#NewProducts 7/02/25 Feat. @Adafruit Soil Sensor Kit - "FarmBeats for Students" Compatible! 4:14

12d ago4:14

4:14

Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet for Raspberry Pi - For HUB75 (0:09)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6358Adafruit Simple Soil Moisture Sensor - For micro:bit, and more (1:14)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6362Adafruit LM73100 23V 5A Max Ideal Diode Breakout (1:55)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6359Adafruit Soil Sensor Kit - "FarmBeats for Stud…

1
Is DC the Best Summer City in the US? 47:45

13d ago47:45

47:45

Bridget Todd and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weeke…

1
Architectural Moments That Changed DC 19:31

14d ago19:31

19:31

In DC, everything is political — even the buildings. One of Trump’s first moves back in office was saying federal buildings should follow “traditional” design styles. Meanwhile, there’s growing buzz about turning the city’s aging office buildings into housing. Public historian Neil Flanagan joins us to break down what these shifts mean for the arch…

1
Your Guide to July 2025 in DC 31:47

15d ago31:47

31:47

Listen, we get it — when it’s this hot, staying inside with the A/C blasting feels like the only option. But don’t let the muggy weather keep you stuck at home. July in DC is packed with fun — indoors and out. City Cast DC’s Bridget Todd, Michael Schaffer, and Ashe Durban are here to guide you through it, from how to manage the Fourth of July to be…

1
DC’s Craziest Political Scandals 32:24

16d ago32:24

32:24

Voters in Ward 8 are about to decide whether to send Trayon White back to the DC Council — just months after he was indicted on bribery charges and expelled from the body. A re-election would elevate White’s case to the pantheon of DC political scandals. Which got us thinking: What are the other legendary scandals locals ought to know about? NBC4’s…

1
Youth Curfew Controversy, Federal Agency Moves Out, and DC’s Worst Drivers 32:27

19d ago32:27

32:27

We’re talking about DC’s controversial new curfew, the first federal cabinet agency moving out of town in the Trump era, and two very different crazy stories about misbehaving drivers. Plus, in a members-only fourth topic: the implications of The Washington Post’s Metro section merger. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil and City Cast’s Priyanka Tilve are here to ge…

1
#NewProducts 6/25/25 Feat. @Adafruit TPS61169 Constant Current Boost Converter for LEDs 6:46

19d ago6:46

6:46

Adafruit NAU7802 24-Bit ADC - STEMMA QT / Qwiic (0:11)https://www.adafruit.com/product/4538Adafruit 2.9" Tri-Color eInk / ePaper Display FeatherWing - SSD1680 -Red Black White (1:08) https://www.adafruit.com/product/4778Adafruit 2.9" Red/Black/White eInk Display Breakout - THINK INK -SSD1680 Chipset (1:08) https://www.adafruit.com/product/1028Adafr…

1
When Being Gay Meant Losing Your Job in DC 19:02

20d ago19:02

19:02

We’re at the end of the most tense and controversial Pride Month in years. Which makes it a good time to take another listen to our conversation with James Kirchick, the author of "Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington". Kirchick’s history paints a very different Washington — but one that has some pretty significant echoes in 2025. Want…

1
Why More DC Men Are Getting Chin Implants 22:34

21d ago22:34

22:34

Plastic surgery procedures are booming among Washington men. Some of DC’s most visible residents are getting procedures to emphasize strong jawlines and prominent chins. Journalist Joanna Weiss from Politico magazine is here to tell us about the Square Head phenomenon and how DC feels about plastic surgery. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to…

1
How To Bargain Hunt at DC’s Estate Sales 28:15

22d ago28:15

28:15

Looking for vintage, eclectic, and well-made clothes or furniture without breaking the bank? Estate sales might be your new favorite thing. Vic Yepez is a vintage collector and reseller who’s gone viral for her estate sale shoutouts around the DMV. She’s here to share everything you need to know to get in on the estate sale scene. Want some more DC…

1
What Metro's Automation Means for You 24:08

23d ago24:08

24:08

In the past few weeks, Metro has quietly switched to automatic driving. In other subway systems, this has happened without much drama. But in Metro, automatic driving has a fraught history. NBC4’s Adam Tuss has been covering the change and is here to explain what it means for passenger safety, transportation budgets — and the drivers themselves. Wa…

1
Here's What 13 US Cities Are Talking About This Summer | A City Cast DC Special 1:01:39

26d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Michael Schaffer and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn …

1
Vinyl Bars Are DC’s Next Big Thing 20:40

28d ago20:40

20:40

Vinyl Bars are popping off in DC. Like, bars where you go, have some cocktails, and the music you’re hearing isn’t from spotify algorithms — it’s from actual records. Journalist Claudia Rosenbaum has been visiting a ton of them, and she’s here to give us some recs. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.…

1
What Trump's Failed Parade Means for Local DC 27:34

29d ago27:34

27:34

Despite the administration’s hype, Trump’s military parade fell short of expectations. WAMU reporter Alex Koma was on the ground covering both the parade and the protests and he’s here to break down what actually went down in the streets and how it impacts the city. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC…

1
How DC Wants to Spend Your Money 28:11

30d ago28:11

28:11

DC’s city government needs to find a way to balance the budget — and plan for a future where tens of thousands of federal jobs might never come back. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposal is to make a bunch of big cuts — but also spend more on things like stadium projects that she thinks will boost the economy. As you can imagine, not everyone agrees with…

1
Trump’s Military Parade, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and a Mystery Casket 32:32

1M ago32:32

32:32

It’s our Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about the logistics and symbolism of this weekend’s military parade, the latest twist in the Eleanor Holmes Norton story, and the mystery of the abandoned casket. Plus, in our member’s-only fourth topic, the scene at The Kennedy Center this week when Donald Trump went to see Les Mis. Want some more DC new…

1
#NewProducts 6/11/25 Feat. @Adafruit Adafruit STSPIN220 Stepper Motor Driver Breakout Board 5:48

1M ago5:48

5:48

Pre-Assembled Adafruit PiCowbell Adalogger for Pico - MicroSD, RTC &STEMMA QT (0:08) https://www.adafruit.com/product/6355Adafruit STSPIN220 Stepper Motor Driver Breakout Board (1:25)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6353Visit the Adafruit shop online - http://www.adafruit.com-----------------------------------------New nEw NEWs New Products, News, …

1
Is DCPS’ Phone Ban Good for Students? 21:48

1M ago21:48

21:48

D.C. Public Schools announced last week that they’re instituting a cell phone ban in schools — part of a trend around the country and around the city. One early adapter was Georgetown Day School in Tenleytown. That head of school, Russell Shaw, wrote an essay in The Atlantic about why they chose to nix phones. He’s here to explain. Want some more D…

1
Your Summer Guide to Cheap Flights From DC 26:41

1M ago26:41

26:41

It’s officially summer travel season — but DC’s airports have had a rocky few months. Some senators called this week for independent investigations into safety failures that may have contributed to the midair collision that took place outside DCA in January. To break down everything you need to know about traveling out of DCA, Dulles and BWI this s…

1
DC Jazz Is Having a Moment. Here's Where to Hear It. 25:21

1M ago25:21

25:21

Today our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd sit down to talk jazz in DC. Bridget grew up being taken to jazz shows around DC by her dad, which made her the city’s littlest jazz enthusiast. She’s been thinking a lot about the subject since her dad passed away, and today we’re going to talk through the past and the present of jazz in the Distri…

1
DC’s Most Underrated Cafes 13:26

1M ago13:26

13:26

If Pride has been wiping you out, DC has no shortage of cafes to bring you back to life. Digital creator Domonique Panton, aka As Told By Dom, has made it her mission to visit every single café in the city…and she’s here to tell us some of her favorites. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: PaintCare Alliance Francaise InKind - G…

1
Dupont Pride Standoff, I-82 Override Debate, and Rebranding Dave Thomas Circle 33:51

1M ago33:51

33:51

We’re talking about the seeming plan to close Dupont Circle park for Pride Weekend, we’re talking about whether the DC Council should just up and overturn citizen ballot initiatives, and we’re saying so long — maybe — to Dave Thomas Circle. Plus, a members-only fourth topic: The state of the Kennedy Center. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to…

1
#NewProducts 6/4/25 Feat. @Adafruit Wiz5500 Ethernet Co-Processor Breakout Board 4:16

1M ago4:16

4:16

Adafruit INA238 DC Current Voltage Power Monitor - STEMMA QT (0:05)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6349Heat Sink Thermal Sticker Tabs - 10 Pack (0:44)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6308Aluminum Metal Heatsink Raspberry Pi 5 Case - Without Fan (1:15)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6307Computer Add-On Pack for Raspberry Pi (2:04)https://www.adafr…

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DC Sold Prime Real Estate to a Shady Mega Spa 20:31

1M ago20:31

20:31

A European mega-spa is coming to the banks of the Anacostia — one that the city says will become a transformative destination. But the company behind it was recently the subject of a pretty unflattering New York Times report. Is their DC project on track? We talked to the Washington Business Journal’s Daniel Sernovitz and Ben Peters. Want some more…

1
The Founder of DC Pride on What's Changed 29:12

1M ago29:12

29:12

On Monday, the National Park Service announced plans to close the Dupont Circle park during this year’s Pride celebration. But after overwhelming backlash, they reversed course the very next day—confirming that the park at Dupont Circle would remain open for Pride festivities. It’s just one more wrinkle in what’s already a complicated Pride season …

1
DC’s Best Breakfast Sandwiches 25:17

1M ago25:17

25:17

Is there anything more perfect than a breakfast sandwich? In a quest to find the best one in DC, Washington Post food reporter Tim Carman asked the internet for its best recs—and the replies came pouring in. Within days, he had a list of more than 60 to try. And after some seriously tasty fieldwork, he’s narrowed it down to the top 10 breakfast san…

1
Your Bus Line Is About to Change — Here's How 30:37

1M ago30:37

30:37

Your bus lines are changing! That’s right – starting on June 29th, the bus lines that you take to go to work, to see friends, those are getting a pretty major makeover. Every last line in the Metrobus system is gonna have a new name. Most of them are gonna have new routes. Some will have new stops. It’s like the big bang of buses. Now, we had a lot…

1
Progressives Prep for Budget Battle, Streetcar Failure, and Restaurant Reality Checks 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

DC officials are about to start hashing out the budget. Today, we’re wondering if progressives have the muscle to push back. Plus: The end of the H Street Streetcar, and the problem with Gordon Ramsay’s visit to DC. And in a member’s only fourth section, we’re looking at the downturn in spending on going out to eat, and whether it is yet another si…

1
#NewProducts 5/28/25 Feat. @Adafruit INA237 16-bit DC Current Voltage Power Monitor -STEMMA QT 5:33

2M ago5:33

5:33

Posable Wooden Mannequin - 20cm (0:07) https://www.adafruit.com/product/6330Aluminum Metal Heatsink Raspberry Pi 5 Case with Fan (0:54)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6277Mini Sparkle Motion with Pre-soldered Terminal Block - ESP32 NeoPixelLED Driver (2:08) https://www.adafruit.com/product/6314Adafruit INA237 85V 10A 16-bit DC Current Voltage Powe…

1
Your Guide to June 2025 in DC 33:36

2M ago33:36

33:36

June in DC can be tricky, there’s a lot going on, and the FOMO is real. But don’t stress! City Cast’s Julia Karon and Ashe Durban are here with your guide to the best events, from films to parties, so you can make the most of the month. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you…

1
DC's 2026 Budget Reflects DOGE's Impact 24:21

2M ago24:21

24:21

With fewer job postings being listed and people eating at home more – DC is on edge money-wise! It’s had us all anxiously awaiting more information about DC’s 2026 budget. Now, Mayor Bowser has finally unveiled her proposal. WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to tell us what’s in it and what’s not. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our mo…

1
What Trump's Military Parade Will Cost DC 18:57

2M ago18:57

18:57

There is a massive military parade planned for DC on June 14. Though the city is built for mass gatherings, this kind of military display is actually rare — and comes with a lot of challenges, like whether DC’s streets can handle the weight of modern tanks. Cuynet Dil from Axios has been covering it and he’s here to tell us what he knows. Want some…

1
Shooting Near Jewish Museum, Metro Tap to Ride, and DC's First Mahjong Parlor 33:59

2M ago33:59

33:59

We’re talking about the shocking shooting of a pair of Israeli embassy employees and what it means for DC. We’re talking about more big changes coming to Metro. Plus, how DC ranks in the latest rating of park systems, Mahjongg in Chinatown, and — for members only! — some of our personal hot takes about DC. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to …

1
#NewProducts 5/21/25 Feat. @Adafruit OPT4048 Tri-Stimulus XYZ Color and LuxSensor! 7:39

2M ago7:39

7:39

LED Illuminated Pushbutton - 60mm Square (0:10)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6261?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=videodescrip&utm_campaign=newproductsLED Illuminated Push Button - 51mm Square (0:10)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6270?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=videodescrip&utm_campaign=newproductsLED Illuminated Push Button - 44mm Square (0:…

1
Are Tenant Protections Making DC Rent Higher? 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

For decades, DC’s laws have been built to give tenants some muscle against landlords who might try to sell their buildings. But now that’s changing — with proposals before the DC Council that would shrink TOPA, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. In the old days, the politics of this would have been pretty clear, but nowadays there’s a twist, s…

1
The Best Local Wines to Beat the Tariffs 18:28

2M ago18:28

18:28

It’s late spring, which means it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and head to a vineyard. But this year, there’s something else in the air: the threat of tariffs driving up the cost of imported wine. Dave McIntyre from the Washington Post is here to tell us which local wineries are worth the drive, and how to not break the bank. Want some more DC…

1
Best DC Summer Trips for Under $150 30:31

2M ago30:31

30:31

Memorial Day is right around the corner! If you’re watching your budget but still dreaming of that summer getaway, City Cast contributor Tim Ebner is here with the best summer trips you can take from D.C. for around $150. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free …

1
Dupont Circle’s Controversial New Public Plaza 17:52

2M ago17:52

17:52

Construction is expected to begin this fall to “deck over” a busy section of Connecticut Avenue NW in Dupont Circle — transforming it into a vibrant new public plaza. But some residents and local businesses say they’re not getting enough information about how the project will affect them. NBC4 Transportation Reporter Adam Tuss breaks down what this…

1
#NewProducts 5/14/25 @adafruit Feat. Adafruit Sparkle Motion Stick + Enclosure Kit

2M ago

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Adafruit SEN6x Breakout for Sensirion SEN66 - STEMMA QT / Qwiic (0:31)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6331Adafruit Sparkle Motion Stick + Enclosure Kit (1:28)https://www.adafruit.com/product/6333Visit the Adafruit shop online - http://www.adafruit.com-----------------------------------------New nEw NEWs New Products, News, and more: https://www.ad…

1
Will Bowser Get a 4th Term? Plus, Stadium Updates, and RFK Jr’s Rock Creek Plunge 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

We’re talking about the prospect of a fourth term for Muriel Bowser, a poll of where the public stands on the RFK Stadium site, and also some news about the other RFK — Junior, who took an odd dip in Rock Creek this week. And today our fourth topic is by our sponsor PaintCare, and if you’re looking to tackle your spring cleaning we’ve got you! Want…

1
Why DC Keeps Flooding And How To Make It Stop 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

Do you feel like you’re hearing a lot of reports about flooding in DC these days? You’re not alone. A lot of the city sits atop what used to be creeks and streams. Charlotte Taylor Fryar wrote a whole book about Washington and water. It’s called “Potomac Fever”. Charlotte is here to explain the water that sits beneath your sidewalk. Want some more …

1
Everything to Know about WorldPride 2025 21:22

2M ago21:22

21:22

WorldPride, the largest global LGBTQ+ celebration, is coming to DC. The festivities start this weekend, with the headline events from May 28 to June 8. The Washington Blade’s Joe Reberkenny is here with what you need to know from heightened travel concerns for trans visitors to increased security city-wide. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to…