City Cast food and travel contributor Margaret Littman joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to give us the rundown on the best soups in town this winter. From ramen to butternut squash and everything in between, you’ll be starving by the end of the show. Also: Is stew a soup? And is Skyline Chili just spaghetti sauce? Here is a list of soup purveyors discussed in this episode: Más Tacos Turnip Truck Kind of Collected Sunflower Bake Shop Kisser Eastside Pho Greenbrier Distillery Greko Greek Street Fo...
Jan 16, 2025•20 min
The Supreme Court's 2023 ban on affirmative action in admissions programs for higher education is already impacting Vanderbilt University. Host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Brina Ratangee and Rhea Patney of the Vanderbilt Hustler to discuss their reporting on the school’s 21% drop in racial diversity among incoming students, and what this means for the university as a whole. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @ci...
Jan 15, 2025•24 min
After last summer’s rise in hate groups and racist/antisemitic flyers appearing all over town, the Metro Human Relations Commission has launched a new initiative called Humans Over Hate , including an upcoming series of “No Hate on My Plate” dinners. Metro Human Relations executive director Rev. Davie Tucker joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about it, and to give us a preview of the local events planned around MLK Day next Monday. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to...
Jan 14, 2025•21 min
Tennessee ranks 49th on policies that benefit children and families, and quality child care in Nashville is increasingly difficult to access. But as the TN Legislature goes into the 2025 session tomorrow, are lawmakers proposing anything to help? Nashville Post and Nashville Scene reporter Hannah Herner sits down with Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury to talk about the crisis, and some possible solutions. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our...
Jan 13, 2025•20 min
Happy snow day!* Did you know our license plate readers are leaking data? And what’s up with the transit referendum lawsuit? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, new producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek run it all down on today’s Friday News Roundup. Plus, the Bonnaroo lineup is out! Are we getting a Sphere?? *if it is not snowing when you hear this, we jinxed it by recording the show yesterday. Send angry letters to @NashSevereWx. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? The...
Jan 10, 2025•24 min
Thinking about quitting drinking, or at least doing Dry January? Killjoy is Nashville’s first booze-free beverage shop, and they’re here for you. Founder Stephanie Styll joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about the products she carries, the vibe she’s created, and why a sober life was the right choice for her. 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 at: 615-20...
Jan 09, 2025•21 min
Tennessee State University’s financial plight dominated the news cycle last year, with stories about the alleged $2.1 billion owed to the school by the state and a series of leadership changes sparking confusion and dismay. We’re trying to understand the full story. Nashville-based Rep. Harold Love, Jr. — a TSU alum himself — sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to lay out the timeline, unpack the controversies, and tell us where he hopes things will go from here. Want some more City Cast N...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min
In December, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a challenge to SB1 , a 2023 bill passed by Tennessee’s Republican-led state legislature that bans the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth. While SCOTUS isn’t expected to rule on the case until later this year, parents here in Nashville are already dealing with the impacts of that law and other pieces of anti-trans legislation that have passed in our state. Today, host Marie Cecile Anderson speaks with two local moms, both of...
Jan 07, 2025•35 min
If you’re already thinking about planning vacation travel for the new year, then you’ve gotta follow BNA Cheap Flights on Instagram, a.k.a. Andrea Giordano. She’s sharing her secrets to finding low fares with Grace Fuisz, from when to buy those tickets you’ve been tracking to why you shouldn’t be afraid of budget airlines. Plus, what new international destinations can BNA travelers reach in the new year? We’ll let you know. **This episode originally aired September 16th, 2024 Want some more City...
Jan 06, 2025•21 min
We’re back from the holidays, and previewing the stories we’ll be watching in 2025. On today’s Friday News Roundup, This Is Nashville host Khalil Ekulona joins our host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to talk about the news we’re keeping an eye on, from Metro to the TN General Assembly. Plus, it’s the rare off-year from elections here in Nashville, and we share where we’ll put our local energies instead. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sig...
Jan 03, 2025•29 min
The calendar has turned over to a new year, and that means we’re all rested and ready for exciting new activities … right? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are here to fill the first month of your calendar with great options. Which local museum is pay-what-you-want this month? Where can you go ice skating ? What Americana artist is bringing their hardcore band to the Basement East? We’ll help you make the most...
Jan 02, 2025•24 min
Today on City Cast Nashville, Grace Fuisz sits down with one of our favorite artists of 2024: Songwriter and producer Alex Wong . They’re talking about taking up space, authenticity, and the connection he’s found between cooking and music. **This episode originally aired Aug. 14, 2024 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 at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertisin...
Dec 30, 2024•19 min
The battle over hemp products in Tennessee is ongoing, and prior to a judge's temporary injunction on Dec. 23 , a contested new rule scheduled to go into effect today would have barred products that contain THCA — a chemical found naturally in hemp. Before the new regulations emerged, Grace Fuisz sat down with Matthew McClure, the keeper of Benny the CannaBUS , to explain what was actually being sold in Nashville, and help us understand what all the jargon means. **This episode originally aired ...
Dec 26, 2024•24 min
With Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa right around the corner, you might have family in town. You might need someplace to take them — or a place to get away. We suggest a local microbrewery! 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 family-friendly options. Ya know, just in case. **This episode originally aired October 8th, 2024 Want so...
Dec 23, 2024•24 min
We promised drama at Tuesday’s Metro Council meeting and it delivered — although not in the way we expected. Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the final Friday News Roundup of 2024. She’s explaining why Morgan Wallen’s sign got approved without discussion and how a resolution involving public safety departments sparked emotions . Nicole and Whitney also go long on the “Survivor” finale (where local Titans beat r...
Dec 20, 2024•26 min
Nashville Zoo director of marketing Jim Bartoo joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to commemorate this month’s 51st anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. They discuss the species that need protecting here in Nashville, the Zoo’s larger conservation work, and why Zoolumination (now through Feb. 9) is a must-see winter activity. 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 voicema...
Dec 19, 2024•23 min
The very real Santa Claus sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to answer our burning questions: What do kids want this year? How does he handle crying babies? And who needs to clean their room? The first half of this episode is perfect for kiddos, with Santa responding to listener questions. For the second half, we go adults-only, and find out how Chuck Smith turned some cheap shag carpeting into a career of bringing joy to Middle Tennessee. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then mak...
Dec 18, 2024•26 min
Aftyn Behn, the Democratic State House Representative for Nashville’s District 51, joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss her newly-filed bill to eliminate the Tennessee grocery tax , the Republican bill that was filed in response, and what she’s expecting from the 2025 TN General Assembly session, which begins Jan. 14. 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 a...
Dec 17, 2024•27 min
Dr. Keegan Smith of Heritage Medical Associates is one of the best allergists in Nashville. How do we know? Because both executive producer Whitney Pastorek and newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury are his patients. They sit down with Dr. Smith to get his advice on how to avoid the Holiday Crud, whether you’re traveling, seeing family, or just trying to survive your adorable little petri dish of a child. Plus: Great gift ideas for allergy sufferers! Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then ...
Dec 16, 2024•23 min
Metro Arts is back in the news for this edition of the Friday News Roundup, as the Arts Commission has finally agreed on a funding mechanism. Host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are breaking that down, as well as What’s Banned in Tennessee This Week , why Morgan Wallen’s various “aerial encroachments” are swirling once again, quick hits on stories out of TSU and one of our local plantations , and why congratulations are in order for Vanderbilt Football . And stick ...
Dec 13, 2024•29 min
Chef Wes Scoggins, a.k.a. the Jewish Cowboy , sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about Nashville Hanukkah traditions and how his identity as a Jewish Texan informs his cooking, and tell the story of fending off neo-Nazi goons last summer via the simple act of offering them a hot dog. 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 at: 615-200-6392 Interested...
Dec 12, 2024•26 min
NPR Music critic and friend of the pod Ann Powers joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to round up the best albums released by Nashville artists in 2024, from superstars like Brittany Howard to notable newcomers like Madi Diaz. Did your fave make the list? And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going inside a day in the life of April Moore , a fitness coach with a mission to help busy moms. Thanks to Tecovas , our Western wear faves, for sponsoring this segment, an...
Dec 11, 2024•34 min
The transportation referendum passed, but will it help the people who often need public transit the most? Disability rights advocate Robby Barbieri joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss the state of disability access in Nashville; his nonprofit, Music City Wheels ; and his successful campaign to change Tennessee law by creating a Medicaid buy-in program so that people with disabilities can earn income and still receive assistance. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to ...
Dec 10, 2024•23 min
It’s “Nutcracker” season — but given the upheaval at Metro Arts, we need to talk about more than just the Sugar Plum Fairy. Host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director and CEO of the Nashville Ballet ; Asia Pyron, director and choreographer of PYDANCE ; and Sarah Atenhan, president and artistic director of Satellite Dance . They’ll discuss their current projects, their passion for broadening dance access in Nashville, and unpack how the Metro Arts chaos — and insuffi...
Dec 09, 2024•32 min
On today’s Friday News Roundup, Metro Council contributor Nicole Willams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to take us inside Tuesday’s Metro Council meeting, where the proposed contract with surveillance tech platform Fusus failed , by one vote. We’re also talking about our faves in the annual Nashville Scene Boner Awards — celebrating the year’s biggest screw-ups — and responding to Spotify Wrapped’s list of the top songs in Nashville for 2024. Want some m...
Dec 06, 2024•29 min
Chef Steven Robilio of Amerigo joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to preview his 13th annual Feast of Seven Fishes — taking place Dec. 9 at the Cool Springs location and Dec. 10 on West End — and explain why after more than three decades, this beloved Italian restaurant continues to stand the test of time. 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 at: 615-200-6392 Inte...
Dec 05, 2024•25 min
The Contributor is Nashville’s best street paper, written and sold as part of a larger social enterprise by vendors experiencing homelessness. Their annual wrapping paper issue is out now, which means you can help your neighbors, read great stories, and wrap your presents in one fell swoop. The Contributor executive director Will Connelly and consultant Judith Tackett (formerly head of the Metro Homeless Impact Division ) sit down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to explain what they do, why it m...
Dec 04, 2024•22 min
It’s Giving Tuesday, and whether you want to lend a hand within our community or need a hand up from your neighbors, this is the show for you. Host Marie Cecile Anderson speaks with Jann Seymour, the senior director of volunteer engagement for Hands On Nashville , an organization that connects thousands of volunteers to more than 300 service projects every month. Here are links to the resources and opportunities mentioned in today’s show: Hands On Call & Other Newsletters Hands On Calendar L...
Dec 03, 2024•23 min
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us, and we’ve got our picks for the best places to visit, shop, eat, and celebrate this month. Host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for a whirlwind tour through activities for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s; must-see concerts and holiday light spectaculars; our favorite local gift ideas; and an insider’s tip at how to beat one of the most exorbitant parking fees in ...
Dec 02, 2024•29 min
Nashville Scene food writer Chris Chamberlain is back to preview the Scene’s annual Taco Week , taking place Dec. 2-8 at more than 40 restaurants across the city. He’s giving host and hot sauce aficionado Marie Cecile Anderson his picks for the tacos you can’t miss, from traditional faves and luxurious ingredients to entries that might not actually be tacos at all. (Breakfast taco eggroll, anyone?) Download the Taco Week app and get ready to hit the ground running with us next Monday! Want some ...
Nov 27, 2024•19 min
