City Cast Madison logo
April 22, 2026

How Happy is Madison, Really?

City Cast Madison

How Happy is Madison, Really?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU to chime in, and let’s just say the reactions were mixed! Y’all love the parks and lakes, but are less excited about the property taxes. Host Bianca Martin reacts to your messages with Mike Tarby, founding member of the local advocacy group Strong Towns Madison. 


🩵 And hey, we are in the final days of our spring membership campaign and need your help to reach our goal! Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today. Neighbors who join this week get a special wool pendant to hang with pride!

👋 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


Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 22

WI Governor Race Updates & Assembly District 76 Forum Takeaways

There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less t...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 18

The Ultimate Madison Ice Cream Showdown

There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich wit...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 17

Police Monitor Blames MPD for Man’s Death, Plus Ridglan Farms To Close

Richard Lee Johnson died on Dec. 31, 2024, after being arrested the previous night. A new ⁠report ⁠by the Office of the Independent Polic...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 16

Regent Street Redesign, Tourism Boom, and Juneteenth Events in Madison

After months of public input, Regent Street is getting a major redesign which will include wider sidewalks, fewer driving lanes, added pa...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 15

Why Madison Needs The Center for Black Excellence and Culture

The new Center for Black Excellence and Culture has officially opened! City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with founder Rev. D...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 14

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Madison

Do you know how many parks Madison has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cas...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 12

City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids

This week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fue...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 11

Spicy Takes From Madison’s Chef of the Year. Plus, WTF Is Cookie Salad?!?

Chef Patrick O’Halloran has been cooking for Madison for decades, and his latest business, The Deliciouser, blends spices, classes, and g...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 10

Hot Takes on Madison’s Queer Scene

It’s Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again fo...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
June 9

Honoring Michael Johnson, Public Art Woes, and Pop-Ups at Madison Public Market

We start today’s show remembering and mourning community leader Michael Johnson. Host Bianca Martin reflects with executive producer Hayl...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art