City Cast Nashville contributor Jenn Harbin, aka the Hungry Loner , joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to share her picks for Nashville’s must-try summer restaurants. From hyper-local pop-up success stories to flashy new spots backed by big city money, she breaks down what makes a restaurant really stand out. Plus, we dig into how immigration raids are affecting local kitchens. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastn...
Jul 10, 2025•20 min
WPLN recently released Rose Gilbert’s four-part podcast series, “The Country In Our Hearts,” telling the story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish population in the United States. Host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Gilbert and cultural advisor Dilman Yasin to learn more about the strife that led families to flee Iraqi Kurdistan in 1988, how they’ve rebuilt community in our city, and why the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant stance is endangering the systems that brough...
Jul 09, 2025•24 min
We’re heading to the water — not to cool off, but to hear from two small business owners (and friends of the pod) who recently sold their paddling companies. Margaret Littman (of Nashville Paddle Co. ) and Annie Klaver (of River Queen Voyages ) sit down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss the challenges of operating in Metro Parks, and what ultimately led them to walk away. A quick note: Their stories include discussions of safety concerns that may be difficult to hear, so please take car...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min
Patty lovers rejoice: The Nashville Scene’s Burger Week 2025 kicks off today! Scene food writer Chris Chamberlain joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to preview the mouthwatering slate of $8 burgers available this week at restaurants all over town. Don’t forget to download the Burger Week app for your chance to win glory and prizes! 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 voicem...
Jul 07, 2025•18 min
Marie Cecile Anderson and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts ...
Jul 03, 2025•46 min
American Legion Post 82 on Gallatin might be known as a great honky-tonk, but this 4th of July weekend is a great time to learn what it really does. Post commanders Shannon Rasmussen, Eric Rasmussen, and Josh Jordan join host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about how they’re leveraging Nashville’s music scene to provide healing and community for their fellow veterans. ** This episode originally aired Feb. 19, 2025 If you enjoyed today's interview with the Nashville Zoo's Director of Marketing and ...
Jul 02, 2025•31 min
Whether you’re looking for the best place to see fireworks or the coolest indoor activities, we’ve got you covered for the month ahead. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury preview their can’t-miss picks, from art walks to punk rock. If you’re looking for even MORE options, we’ve featured some great activities and important news stories across the city in recent episodes: You can go visit the baby eagles at Radnor Lake State...
Jul 01, 2025•24 min
Just in time for the Fourth of July, a baby eagle is about to take flight at Radnor Lake State Park ! Meanwhile, Park Manager Steve Ward and his team are busy expanding the park to include more butterfly-friendly grassland, and renovating trails to make them accessible for everyone. Steve joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to take you inside the spectacular 1400-acre natural area that’s right outside our back doors. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nas...
Jun 30, 2025•28 min
Who’s in charge of the future East Bank Boulevard ? It’s a potato that’s hotter than this weather. Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the latest on that, the surprising news about who’s paying too much in taxes , the lawsuit seven Metro Councilmembers just filed against the state, and more. Plus, happy Pride, y’all ! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode: Nash...
Jun 27, 2025•30 min
The Lipstick Lounge is one of the last remaining lesbian bars in the country, but as co-owner Christa Suppan reminds us, it’s really just a bar for humans. She joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to take us inside her legendary karaoke spot and give us a preview of Chapstick, the new women’s sports bar they’re building in the back. When will it open? We’ve got your exclusive! Happy Pride, y’all! Watch the video of Melissa Etheridge doing karaoke at Lipstick here . Learn more about the sponsors of t...
Jun 26, 2025•25 min
Federal officials recently accused Nashville of being a “sanctuary city.” Are we? District 30 Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda is here to clarify what that term really means, discuss a new state law making it a felony for city leaders to “adopt or maintain sanctuary policies,” and tell us why her Nashville SC supporters group La Brigada De Oro took a stand against ICE enforcement actions. **UPDATE: Yesterday afternoon, seven Metro Councilmembers, including CM Sepulveda, filed a lawsuit against the...
Jun 25, 2025•25 min
Metro Nashville’s budget for fiscal year 2026 is set, and once again, the Southern Movement Committee ’s Varsity Spending Plan — which inspired the Office of Youth Safety — played a key role. SMC executive director Erica Perry and organizing director Jamel Campbell-Gooch sit down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about their work and where it goes from here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Nashville Zoo Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sig...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. How is that law already impacting Nashville families? Host Marie Cecile Anderson speaks with two local moms, both of whom are raising trans/non-binary/gender-queer kids: Lindsey Patrick-Wright, whose family has chosen to stay in the Nashville area; and Taylor,* who relocated to a different state last year due to fears for her child’s safety. * Name has been changed by request ** This episode ...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min
City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Marie Cecile Anderson and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo on June 20, for the ribbon cutting at ...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr
With May’s ICE dragnets and similar immigration enforcement detentions taking place all over town, host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Nina Adel, a program director at writing collective The Porch , and Nallely Ortega Prater, a poet and first-generation immigrant from Mexico, to discuss how their Immigrants Write workshop provides a truly safe artistic space. Nallely also reads her new poem, titled “If I Go Missing.” **This episode originally aired Feb. 26, 2025 Learn more about the sponso...
Jun 18, 2025•20 min
Ed the Zebra made national news when he escaped from his Nashville-area owners earlier this month, but he’s far from alone: Our town has a long and proud history of weird animal sightings. District 12 Councilmember (and loose cow expert) Erin Evans joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to delve into our local wild kingdom. Here is the list of the animals you can and cannot have in Tennessee. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17th episode: Babbel - Get ...
Jun 17, 2025•23 min
Metro Council will consider and vote on the Substitute Budget Ordinance tomorrow night, which could replace the mayor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. What’s in it, and how does this whole thing work? Councilmember Delishia Porterfield — who filed this year’s substitute as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee — joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to tell us everything we need to know. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visi...
Jun 16, 2025•28 min
Elon Musk’s Boring Co. is in talks with state leaders to build a tunnel from BNA to downtown , but he’s not the only national name in our local news this week. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek have the deets on that as well as the surprise Middle TN indictment of wrongly deported immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the retirement of Rep. Mark Green (TN-07) . Plus, we’re remembering Dot Dobbins , who was tragically killed in a crosswalk ...
Jun 13, 2025•30 min
As our temperatures hit the 90s, we’ve got your updated list of the best ice cream, sorbet, and other frozen treats in Nashville. Grace Fuisz is joined by Summer Ottinger, aka Nash Food Fan , for a short and very sweet list of Music City’s coolest shops. **This episode originally aired August 15, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo on June 20th for the ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m get a free Leopard Forest bandana. ...
Jun 12, 2025•18 min
It’s our first birthday! To celebrate the launch of City Cast Nashville a year ago today, we’re giving YOU the gift of birthday freebies. Comedian and radio host Jessica Carter joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to share her list of local spots that will give you free stuff, just for being born. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo on June 20th for the ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m get a free Leopard Forest bandana. Want some...
Jun 11, 2025•20 min
WNXP on-air host and events director Emily Young is back with her guide to everything you’ve gotta see at Bonnaroo this year. She joins producer Daniel Sumstine to break down the Farm’s biggest acts and newest stages, and give us her annual vibe check. Remember: Water! Sleep! Sunscreen! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo on June 20th for the ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m get a free Leopard Forest bandana. Want some more C...
Jun 10, 2025•26 min
The giant golden statue of Athena inside Nashville’s Parthenon turns 35 this month, and to celebrate, they’re showcasing new (and only slightly less giant) works of art from her sculptor, Alan LeQuire. Parthenon curator Jennifer Richardson joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to share Athena’s backstory and tell us why locals should visit “the city’s museum.” Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo on June 20th for the ribbon cu...
Jun 09, 2025•26 min
The runaway zebra remains at large as CMA Fest descends upon our town, and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for today’s Friday News Roundup. Tuesday’s marathon Metro Council meeting featured over a hundred residents asking for a fair shake in the city’s budget, as well as some pointed comments about a council member who’s under fire; Sen. Marsha Blackburn is the latest to join the pile-on of Mayor O’Connell; and Ol...
Jun 06, 2025•32 min
As CMA Fest takes over downtown, one of Nashville’s most iconic independent music venues, 3rd & Lindsley , just signed a lease extension ahead of its 35th anniversary, securing its place in the city’s ever-changing music scene. We talk with venue owner Ron Brice about what this moment means, how the venue helped launch some of country music’s biggest stars, and why stages like his still matter in the journey from writer’s rounds to the CMA Fest stage. Learn more about the sponsors of this Ju...
Jun 05, 2025•21 min
What should you do with your kids this summer? Our Hey Nashville newsletter editor and token parent Margaret Kingsbury is here to help. She sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to swap ideas and stories of their own childhood summers. Plus, stay tuned for a very special guest at the end of the show! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode: Musicians Corner Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey ...
Jun 04, 2025•27 min
We’re getting you ready for tonight’s public budget hearing with tips on speaking at Metro Council, plus contacting your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels … and staying sane in the process. Dr. Katrina Green and East Nashtivists founder Melissa Sautter join host Marie Cecile Anderson to explain how to use your voice. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: Musicians Corner Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashv...
Jun 03, 2025•29 min
With headlines about immigration raids, school safety threats, and rising pedestrian and cyclist deaths, many Nashvillians are asking: Is our city still safe? In this episode, host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to unpack how Metro government is addressing growing safety concerns — federally, statewide, and right here in Nashville. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode: Musicians Corner Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to...
Jun 02, 2025•30 min
Councilmember David Benton (D28) is in hot water following his comments at a Memorial Day press conference, where he called Nashville immigrants an “invasion.” Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are breaking down that fallout as his comments spark outrage among fellow CMs, who are calling for his resignation; they also might have put the final nail in the coffin of LPRs. Plus, Trump’s “border czar” is threatening the mayor. At least we’v...
May 30, 2025•30 min
School’s out! Pools are open! And the month is packed with local events, concerts, and festivals. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury are here with your guide to June in Nashville — including what to do for Juneteenth and Pride! If you’re looking for even MORE options, we’ve featured some great activities and important news stories across the city in recent episodes: We’ve got your crash course to camping in our area, the b...
May 29, 2025•25 min
With the Old Tent City encampment set for closure early next week, is Metro’s “Housing First” strategy being followed? Executive producer Whitney Pastorek sits down with Homelessness Planning Council chair Kennetha Patterson and writer/community organizer Mike Lacy, who say they have significant concerns about the Office of Homeless Services, the outside organizations tasked with overseeing supportive housing sites like Strobel House, and how Nashville’s Continuum of Care is being impacted as a ...
May 28, 2025•30 min
