City Cast Nashville contributor Jenn Harbin of the Hungry Loner writes a column on our website about the best new bars, restaurants, and pop-ups in town every month. She sat down with Marie Cecile Anderson to give us her picks for November, including seafood towers, Indian fusion, Jersey-style grinders, and what might be the best tamales in the city. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text...
Nov 26, 2024•18 min
On today’s episode of City Cast Nashville, Rev. Zach Sasser from The Downtown Presbyterian Church joins us to discuss a cherished Nashville tradition happening this year on Dec. 5th: the Waffle Shop . Since 1924, this fundraiser has united the community while supporting the church’s Fish and Loaves ministry, which serves a hot meal to those in need every Saturday. We’ll explore the church's history and unique architecture, the welcoming atmosphere it fosters, and what makes this year’s 100th Waf...
Nov 25, 2024•21 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, it’s acronym day! District 25 Metro Council member Jeff Preptit joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give us his take on Tuesday’s council meeting, where MNPD’s contract with surveillance tech company FUSUS was deferred once again after a passionate public hearing. We’re also talking about the CRB’s new MOU with MNPD , the Mayor’s $527 million proposed CSP , and with sunset now at 4:30 p.m., how we’re managing our SAD . Not s...
Nov 22, 2024•28 min
Host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Albert Bender , a local Cherokee activist, historian, attorney, and political columnist. With Metro Parks slated to hand down a decision on the renaming of Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park by Dec. 3, Albert explains why the change is important to our indigenous neighbors. He also educates us on the rich history of Nashville’s past as an ancient Native metropolis, shares his feelings on Thanksgiving, and suggests how non-Native people might thoughtfully re...
Nov 21, 2024•25 min
Nashville’s favorite weather guys — David Drobny, Andrew Leeper, and Will Minkoff from NashSevereWx — sit down with executive producer Whitney Pastorek to help us prepare for winter and what’s ahead. As we approach the one-year anniversary of our deadly Dec. 9th tornado outbreak, they’re also discussing the way socioeconomic status impacts our community’s weather resilience, and how the results of the Presidential election could affect the future of forecasting. Want some more City Cast Nashvill...
Nov 20, 2024•25 min
Our Hey Nashville newsletter editor and token parent Margaret Kingsbury sits down with kidfluencer Laura Hartley, a.k.a. TNLittles on Instagram, to swap suggestions for the best kid-friendly eateries and bars in town. They’ll tell you everything from the best restaurant playgrounds to some surprisingly great date-night spots for when your sitter falls through. Plus, who’s got Santa on standby for the holiday season? Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey N...
Nov 19, 2024•22 min
Photographer Isaac Jones and model Elaine Eisinger launched Nashville Creatives Club earlier this year as a safe, curated series of pop-ups for creatives of all backgrounds to collaborate in spaces around the city. They’re talking to host Marie Cecile Anderson about their vision for the club, the challenges of content and social media, and the way they’re empowering others — and themselves — through art. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville new...
Nov 18, 2024•25 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are joined by Nashville Banner Metro reporter Stephen Elliott . He’s catching us up on the happenings at Metro Council — where recent focus has been on MNPD funding — and giving us a preview of next week’s meeting, where they’ll be considering the reinstatement of a contract for the surveillance tech company FUSUS . We’re also flabbergasted at the prices for Personal Seat Licenses in the new Titans...
Nov 15, 2024•26 min
Today on City Cast Nashville, we’ve got the 411 on our local 311, otherwise known as hubNashville . Director Erin Williams is here to make sure y’all know all the ways that you can help one another and make our city better, via phone, website, and app. From trash issues to Airbnb complaints — or if you just want to say something nice about somebody — she and her team of operators are standing by. We’ll tell you how, when, and why to reach out. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make s...
Nov 14, 2024•21 min
Ever wished you could find community through fashion? You can! Today on City Cast Nashville, we’re chatting with Julie Hollis and Shannon Clemons, co-owners of The Plus Closet , a local shop in Donelson recently named Nashville’s Best New Business and Best Clothing Consignment by the Nashville Scene. But this place is more than just a clothing store — it’s a vibrant space for body positivity, inclusivity, and community. Plus, stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots, where we ...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min
Hope you’re hungry! Anas Saba, the creator behind the popular Instagram account Nashville Hidden Gems , is back to share his favorite local restaurants and classic hidden spots in Nashville that are sure to make your mouth water. Lucky for us, he’s here to reveal his top picks for taco trucks along Nolensville, the culinary gaps he sees in the city, and the locally-owned restaurants his family loves to return to time and time again. **This episode originally aired September 26, 2024. Want some m...
Nov 12, 2024•18 min
Navy veteran and Middle Tennessee-born astronaut Butch Wilmore was one of two NASA test pilots who flew the Boeing Starliner to the International Space Station last June. The spacecraft malfunctioned, stranding Wilmore and co-pilot Suni Williams aboard the ISS until next February. Thanks to the good people at NASA for connecting executive producer Whitney Pastorek with Butch for today’s out-of-this world interview, and to the kids at Una Elementary — which Butch attended from first to third grad...
Nov 11, 2024•19 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, At-Large Metro Council member Quin Evans Segall joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for a look at how the results of the presidential election might impact Nashville. Plus, now that the transit referendum has passed, when will improvements begin? And the first bills are being filed for the 2025 TN legislative session — we’ll break down the return of Gov. Bill Lee’s universal school vouchers and a new bill from Rep. Aftyn Behn t...
Nov 08, 2024•28 min
As we continue to process the results of Tuesday’s election, a lot of us are searching for ways to stop doomscrolling. Lee Wilson, the owner of Nashville Running Company in East Nashville, might suggest going for a run. He sat down with Grace Fuisz for a convo that we hope inspires you to turn off your screens and get outside, in whatever way you are able. **This episode originally aired September 9, 2024. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville n...
Nov 07, 2024•19 min
Live from executive producer Whitney Pastorek’s house, it’s Election Night! Host Marie Cecile Anderson is bringing you all the news about how Nashville voted, with context and perspective from our special guest, District 5 Metro Councilmember Sean Parker. From transit to the TN General Assembly, here’s how we cast our ballots. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail...
Nov 06, 2024•26 min
It’s Election Day, and we’re here to bring you some joy and laughter! Host Marie Cecile Anderson welcomes Nashville-born comedian Miriam Kirk and our executive producer Whitney Pastorek for a special game they made up called Nashville Election Day Fantasy Face-Off. Ever wonder who would make a great Nashville celebrity mayor, or which Nashville icon could replace Athena? Play along with us in this fun (and totally fake) game and if you haven’t voted in the actual election, peep our guide for all...
Nov 05, 2024•31 min
Mayor Freddie O’Connell is back on today’s podcast, sitting down with host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give his final pitch on the Choose How You Move transportation improvement plan before the last voters head to the polls. He’s also sharing his perspective on how the policy proposals from the Trump and Harris campaigns would impact Nashville, as well as his hopes for the next four years — no matter who wins. Election Day is tomorrow. Here is a sample ballot...
Nov 04, 2024•25 min
This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Nashville. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look ins...
Nov 03, 2024•25 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, we’re doing a speed run down the Nov. 5 ballot, and reading your responses to the question, “Why do you or do you not vote?” City Cast Nashville contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to catch us up on Metro Council drama and look ahead to the next meeting. Plus: How Nashville was at the center of baseball’s biggest scandal this week. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear fa...
Nov 01, 2024•34 min
What if we told you that you can get fresh, high-quality seafood flown straight from Hawaii to Nashville? Thanks to the Aloha Fish Company , you can! Owner Jennifer Cheung Cline shares the inspiring story behind her family business. Alongside her husband, Chef Jerry Cline, they've found a way to bring incredible fish from the ocean to our landlocked city. She'll explain how they do it and why it matters, and share some of her favorite local seafood restaurants and recipes. Thanks to Tecovas , ou...
Oct 31, 2024•21 min
The leaves are turning (kinda), fall weather is here (kinda), and we’ve got your tips for how to make the most out of this November in Nashville. From the most delicious places to eat in or order out for your Thanksgiving dinner to the best turkey trots in town, host Marie Cecile Anderson, newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek have the essentials covered. Plus, this month’s stacked concert lineup, and the best places to peep those pretty leaves … and maybe...
Oct 30, 2024•33 min
Bagelshop in Donelson has launched “New Year, All Year” as a way to help us learn more about all the different cultures that call Nashville home. On Thursday, Hindus are celebrating Diwali, the annual festival of lights, and acclaimed chef Vivek Surti of Tailor has created a Dabeli bagel sandwich for the occasion. He joins City Cast Nashville food and travel contributor Margaret Littman for a conversation with host Marie Cecile Anderson to explain how a simple nosh can bring us all together. Tha...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min
City Cast Nashville contributor Jenn Harbin of the Hungry Loner writes a column on our website about the best new bars, restaurants, and pop-ups in town every month. She sat down with Marie Cecile Anderson to give us her picks for October, including Maíz de la Vida, Cafe Babu, Lowbar, and more. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Early voting is open now! Here is a link to times and locations, as well as a sample ballot. Want some more City Cast Na...
Oct 28, 2024•23 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, producer Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are joined by Tennessee Lookout reporter Adam Friedman to learn more about why Nashville got gerrymandered into three congressional districts. Plus: Why are the Titans having a fire sale? Will we get a National Women’s Soccer League Team? And is Nashville just … the Nashville airport ? And stick around after the roundup for our Don’t Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive lau...
Oct 25, 2024•28 min
Mama knows best — or does she? Today on City Cast Nashville, we’re excited to have producer Marie Cecile Anderson’s mom, Linda, on the show to share the Anderson family’s dining secrets from over 40 years of exploring Nashville’s food scene. While some of their favorite spots are no longer around, the ones that remain boast incredible happy hour specials, cheap eats, and early bird specials. From their favorite spot for happy hour oysters to a hidden gem near the airport, they’re laughing their ...
Oct 24, 2024•23 min
The Southern Festival of Books is this weekend! Our Hey Nashville newsletter editor (and resident bookworm) Margaret Kingsbury sits down with Humanities Tennessee executive director Tim Henderson and author Liz Riggs — whose recent debut novel, “Lo Fi,” is set in the Nashville music scene of 2010 — to get the scoop on what this year’s festival has to offer. And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going inside a day in the life of David Reeves, a Davidson County ...
Oct 23, 2024•33 min
In 2022, Nashville was gerrymandered into three Congressional districts, in what the New York Times called “an especially egregious twist of the political knife.” We reached out to interview all six candidates this cycle, but only the Democrats responded: Megan Barry, running to unseat Rep. Mark Green in TN-07; Lore Bergman, running to unseat Rep. John Rose in TN-06; and Maryam Abolfazli, running to unseat Rep. Andy Ogles in TN-05. They sat down with executive producer Whitney Pastorek to discus...
Oct 22, 2024•32 min
Today on City Cast Nashville, we’re excited to welcome back food and travel contributor Margaret Littman to help you plan a fall trip to Gatlinburg. With local businesses in East Tennessee needing support after Hurricane Helene, now is the perfect time to visit — and to top it off, it’s peak fall foliage season. Margaret shares the best spots for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and even tips for exploring Dollywood and the quirky attractions of Pigeon Forge . Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear f...
Oct 21, 2024•19 min
It’s the Friday News Roundup, and we’re talking Best of Nashville ! Producer Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are joined by Nashville Scene editor in chief D. Patrick Rodgers to break down the big winners in this year’s issue. They’re also discussing the city’s decision to demolish structures at Old Tent City and one council member’s call for resignations in the Office of Homeless Services , and celebrating the long lines at early voting locations as the transit refe...
Oct 18, 2024•30 min
In August, Lipscomb University quietly added an anti-LGBTQ+ marriage statement to their website , sparking outrage in the campus community. Dr. Dana Chamblee Carpenter is a former Lipscomb professor who resigned due to a change in “attitudes” last spring; Rachel Randolph is a Lipscomb alum who realized she was gay while enrolled at the university. They sit down with executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain why they’re pushing back. (Lipscomb did not respond to our requests for comment.) Th...
Oct 17, 2024•29 min
