UW Ditches Ethnic Studies, Ridglan Beagle Update, and Madison’s Got Talent!

About this episode

The episode discusses UW-Madison's removal of its ethnic studies requirement, updates on Ridglan Farms beagles, and an interview with Barrio Dance about their America's Got Talent audition.

UW-Madison is removing its ethnic studies requirement for students enrolling in summer 2026 and beyond. This move aligns the university with the Board of Regents’ highly debated changes to its curriculum and transfer process. Host Bianca Martin breaks down this change with executive producer Hayley Sperling. Plus, we have more news about the Ridglan Farms beagles, and AJ and Nicole Juarez from Barrio Dance tell us what they can about their America’s Got Talent audition! 🗳️ P.S. Vote for City Cast Madison in Best of Madison’s podcast and news website categories! Mentioned on the show: Interview with “Reorientation” podcast host Kacie Lucchini Butcher [🎧 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 City Cast Madison morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison…

People in this episode

Host: Bianca Martin

Guests: Hayley Sperling, AJ Juarez, Nicole Juarez

Topics covered

• ethnic studies
• university curriculum
• beagle news
• America's Got Talent
• local events

Keywords

• UW-Madison
• ethnic studies
• Ridglan Farms
• America's Got Talent
• Barrio Dance
• Bianca Martin
• Hayley Sperling

Sponsors

Clean Lakes Alliance, Dane County Humane Society, Madison Reading Project

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UW-Madison, Board of Regents, Ridglan Farms, Barrio Dance, City Cast Madison

Books & works: Reorientation

More episodes of City Cast Madison

• City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids · June 12, 2026 · 34 min
• Spicy Takes From Madison’s Chef of the Year. Plus, WTF Is Cookie Salad?!? · June 11, 2026 · 37 min
• Hot Takes on Madison’s Queer Scene · June 10, 2026 · 34 min
• Honoring Michael Johnson, Public Art Woes, and Pop-Ups at Madison Public Market · June 9, 2026 · 35 min
• Police Monitor Answers Her Critics · June 8, 2026 · 36 min
• 'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Madison · June 7, 2026 · 31 min