It’s the first day of early voting, and we’re sitting down with Nashville-born political operative TJ Ducklo to get the insider’s look at this summer’s Biden-Harris/Harris-Walz campaign rollercoaster, and find out why he thinks their platform is the right choice for Middle Tennessee voters. We’re also asking why his new role as Chief Strategist for the Democracy Defenders Political Action Committee is necessary, what if any regrets he has about the scandal that led to him leaving the Biden White...
Oct 16, 2024•27 min
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Nashville's own Marie Cecile Anderson along with hosts from our daily local shows in Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Philly, and Portland. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up h...
Oct 15, 2024•39 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, producer Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by Nashville Scene reporter Eli Motycka as well as comedian and Radio Free Nashville host Jessica Carter. They’re discussing Eli’s Scene cover story about our missing middle housing crisis , and the exciting news that the Confederate flags around the former site of a very racist statue on I-65 have finally come down . Plus, Jessica’s got all the details on her Conjuring Comedy Festival , taking place Oct. 19th. And stick ar...
Oct 11, 2024•24 min
In honor of World Mental Health Day, we’re bringing you an episode that blends humor and healing. Join local comedian Amber Autry and trauma therapist Melanie Reese , co-hosts of the podcast I’m Fine, It’s Fine , as they discuss mental health, using comedy as a coping tool, and how to support our well-being year-round. From personal stories to local resources in Nashville, this episode is practically a free therapy session! So grab a blanket, get cozy, and tune in for an uplifting conversation t...
Oct 10, 2024•22 min
Today, we explore the local controversy surrounding the Journey to Jubilee tour at the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery. Historian Brigette Janea Jones , the creator of that award-winning tour, shares her concerns and allegations about plans by new leadership to alter the tour in an effort to make it more comfortable for visitors, raising questions about historical integrity. Also joining us is Victoria Sample, the Director of Historic Interpretation and Education at Belle Meade, who provide...
Oct 09, 2024•35 min
October and beer go hand in hand, but please put down that pumpkin spice ale! You can do better! Shani Glapion, founder of social club The Black Beer Experience, sits down with executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give us her list of the best local beers and breweries in Nashville, including great kid- and pet-friendly options. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for sponsoring this segment, and for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make ...
Oct 08, 2024•24 min
Growing up, we were all taught not to talk to strangers, but Folx Table is flipping that idea here in Nashville. Today, we’re joined by Emma McCallie, founder of Folx Table, a platform designed to foster meaningful social connections through intimate, in-person experiences. Emma explains how Folx Table breaks away from traditional networking by encouraging genuine conversations between strangers and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Book a seat at a Folx Table in one of Nashville's ...
Oct 07, 2024•26 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, producer Marie Cecile Anderson and EP Whitney Pastorek are joined by City Cast Nashville contributor and Metro Council columnist Nicole Williams, who’s helping us celebrate the current Metro Council’s first year in office by grading their progress. We’ve also got info on the sticky situation unfolding at the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery — where the creator of their acclaimed “Journey to Jubilee” tour says her work is being altered to make white folks more ...
Oct 04, 2024•24 min
Get ready for a spooky tale about Tennessee’s most famous ghost story — the legend of the Bell Witch! Joining us today is Kalie Morrison, who’s uniquely qualified to share this story, having lived on the property her entire life. She reveals firsthand encounters, eerie guest experiences, and the fascinating history of how her family became the caretakers of this haunted land. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Bell Witch Cave this October, where you can take a haunted hayride, a lantern tour, o...
Oct 03, 2024•25 min
Today we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Martha Silva and Tara Lentz, the co-executive directors of Conexión Américas. They share insights into their organization's work to create opportunities for Latino families to thrive, and how you can get involved. They also discuss their favorite local Latino-owned restaurants and businesses. And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going inside a day in the life of Big Al Anderson, proprietor of the one and on...
Oct 02, 2024•31 min
Spooky SZN is officially upon us! Executive producer Whitney Pastorek, producer Marie Cecile Anderson, and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury share ideas for Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating, great family activities at the Zoo and local farms, can’t-miss comedy and music, and the best food and drink events of the month. We’re also quibbling with the Belcourt’s rules for their upcoming “Rocky Horror” screenings, and looking for info on who’s giving out full-sized candy bar...
Oct 01, 2024•24 min
Did you know that Nashville has nearly 100 miles of greenways? In this episode, we’re joined by Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to discuss one of her passions — Nashville’s greenways. These essential pathways do more than provide recreation; they link parks, neighborhoods, libraries, schools, and even play a role in the city’s transportation network. We discuss the expansion of Metro’s greenway system, the challenges of accessibility, and the efforts to make these spaces safer and more interconnected...
Sep 30, 2024•21 min
The City Cast Nashville team is here to round up the week’s news with special guest Khalil Ekulona, host of This Is Nashville. This week, we're diving into which Nashville restaurants made the New York Times Best Restaurant List, discussing Banned Books Week, and exploring gun safety following recent tragic events. Plus, we wrap up with a fun round of 'Real or Fake TN Headlines'! And stick around after the roundup for our Don’t Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch spo...
Sep 27, 2024•27 min
I hope you're hungry, because Anas Saba, the man behind the popular Instagram account Nashville Hidden Gems , is back sharing his top picks for the best street tacos in town, as well as where to find fresh seafood flown in weekly from Hawaii. Lucky for us, Anas doesn’t gatekeep his favorite spots, so he’s sharing his most frequented local restaurants and some classic Nashville gems that are sure to make your mouth water. If you’re not already following Nashville Hidden Gems on Instagram, be sure...
Sep 26, 2024•18 min
It’s trivia time! The City Cast Nashville team recently spent the day at the Nashville Fair to quiz regular people on fun local facts and get their take on life in Music City. And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going inside a day in the life of Korey Crow, the driver of Nashville’s adorable bike lane sweeper, Demonbroomin . Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for sponsoring this segment, providing prizes for our lucky trivia contestants, and being o...
Sep 25, 2024•28 min
In order to thrive here in Nashville, there’s a few Essential Rules you need to follow. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a relative newcomer, it’s always great to brush up on the local customs. Executive producer Whitney Pastorek and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury sit down with Michelle Spiva, author of the new book “ Music City Musings: Old Nashville Knowledge for Newcomers ,” to run down the list — from the rules of the road to the proper way to handle a celebrity sigh...
Sep 24, 2024•22 min
Nashville is a great town for roller skaters and rollerbladers of all skill levels, abilities, and interests — and if you’ve ever wanted to try out roller derby , now’s your chance, as the season winds down and boot camp gets underway. Host Grace Fuisz sits down with Asphalt Beach Skate Shop owner Steve Larios — and his rambunctious shop kittens — to get his tips on our local skate scene. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! **This episode originall...
Sep 23, 2024•19 min
On this week’s Friday News Roundup, executive producer Whitney Pastorek and producer Marie Cecile Anderson are joined by Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams for an update on Council’s recommendation that MNPD adopt a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy , as well as the four anti-Nazi bills recently proposed by the mayor. We’ve also got your preview of the Nashville Film Festival , updates on Old Tent City and Wasioto Park, and some exciting new restaurants to check out. Plus, there’s a...
Sep 20, 2024•26 min
The InterNASHional Night Market is back this weekend, an essential food festival for those looking to sample dishes from all over the world, prepared by local immigrant and refugee vendors. It’s a fundraiser for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) , so executive director Lisa Sherman Luna and development coordinator Charles Briones sat down with City Cast Nashville executive producer Whitney Pastorek to preview this year’s event, and talk about TIRRC’s mission to make Na...
Sep 19, 2024•22 min
Our newest contributor is Jenn Harbin of the Hungry Loner , who recently launched a column on our website where she’ll be featuring the best new bars, restaurants, and pop-ups in town every month. She sat down with Grace Fuisz to give us her mouthwatering picks for August and September, including Fancypants, Butterlamp, Koré, Choy, and more. Plus, we get the Hungry Loner’s origin story. And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going inside a day in the life of Za...
Sep 18, 2024•25 min
The 24th annual AmericanaFest kicks off tonight at venues and bars across the city, and with over 200 artists on the official schedule, we decided to call in an expert to help us navigate it all: NPR Music’s critic Ann Powers joins host Grace Fuisz to break down this year’s must-see artists and showcases, as well as the unofficial gigs you should check out even if you don’t buy a festival wristband. It’s your bespoke guide to the very best Americana, roots, folk, and international musicians taki...
Sep 17, 2024•23 min
One of Nashville’s most essential Instagram follows is BNA Cheap Flights , aka Andrea Giordano. She’s sharing her secrets to finding low fares with host Grace Fuisz, from when to buy those tickets you’ve been tracking to why you shouldn’t be afraid of budget airlines. Plus, her favorite international destinations, and a crazy great tip for the perfect fifth date. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! The deadline to register to vote for November’s Fe...
Sep 16, 2024•22 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, we’ve been blessed with a ton of massive international pop star news, all of which connects to our fine city. Host Grace Fuisz, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and producer/Taylor Swift superfan Marie Cecile Anderson are talking about the world’s most famous “childless cat lady” endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris and driving hundreds of thousands of visitors to a voter registration website; the Country Music Association snubbing Beyoncé in this year’s CMA...
Sep 13, 2024•25 min
Why are “cannabis restaurants” popping up in a state where marijuana is still illegal? Host Grace Fuisz sits down with Matthew McClure, the keeper of Benny the CannaBUS , to explain what’s actually being sold in Nashville and why the cannabis industry has so much freedom in the state of Tennessee. We’re going to do our best to explain the difference between Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 and what exactly THCA is, among all the other lingo you need to know. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear fa...
Sep 12, 2024•24 min
As we come up on election season, it’s more important than ever to be careful with your media consumption. Our host Grace Fuisz is joined by Holly McCall, editor of the nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization Tennessee Lookout , to give you a guide to Nashville’s local media outlets. We’re talking about how and when to fact check, healthy skepticism, and the best places to find unbiased, nonpartisan information. And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going ins...
Sep 11, 2024•29 min
Metro Council just passed a new rule requiring proof of Tennessee residency to speak at public comment , and Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s slate of new anti-Nazi measures will be on second reading at next week’s meeting. To help put these recent legislative actions into context, we’re revisiting our conversation with State Senator Heidi Campbell from earlier this summer. What makes our city such an attractive place for neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and Christian nationalists to demonstrate? What is...
Sep 10, 2024•20 min
As the weather cools down, it’s a great time to pick up a new outdoor hobby. Lee Wilson — owner of Nashville Running Company and longtime East Nasty member — joins host Grace Fuisz to make the case for running. We’re talking about the running groups you can join, where to get your starter gear, and the social implications of being a slowpoke. (Spoiler alert: People will be nice to you.) Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Need to register to vote f...
Sep 09, 2024•21 min
Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams joins host Grace Fuisz and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the Friday News Roundup. They’re breaking down the big rules change that Council passed this week — you now must present proof of Tennessee residency to speak at public comment — and wondering why, exactly, the military is planning some big loud urban warfare exercises at the former city nursing home in Bordeaux. There’s Good News and Bad ...
Sep 06, 2024•26 min
City Cast Nashville food and travel contributor Margaret Littman returns with the first in a recurring series we’ll be doing on the best road trips for a weekend away from Nashville! Today, she’s telling host Grace Fuisz all about the Gatlinburg area: It’s more than just pancakes — this East Tennessee town is becoming a must-visit destination for foodies, thanks to some new high-end bistros and steakhouses. Plus, tips for how to enjoy the gateway to the Smoky Mountains as an outdoor enthusiast, ...
Sep 05, 2024•19 min
College football season is underway, and the Titans kick off their season this weekend — so we’ve got your guide to everything football in Nashville! Owner of 440 Media and local football expert Braden Gall sits down with host Grace Fuisz to talk about the storylines he’s following this NFL season, how to get to Nissan Stadium amidst the construction (you’ll never believe what he recommends), the best bars to catch all the college action on Saturdays, and why you might want to take a road trip t...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min
