Nashville’s drag scene is thriving and as active as it’s ever been, from club shows, to brunches, to transportainment. It's also a scene with a history that stretches back decades, with origins in Printer's Alley and some of the city's earliest LGBTQ clubs. A proposed state law would criminalize engaging in “an adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.” We check in on Nashville’s drag culture...
Nov 17, 2022•51 min
Cowboy boots are a classic part of Western wear, but they have become an iconic part of Nashville fashion. How did they come to be so popular here, and how have they changed over time? To learn more, we’re talking with star stylists, writers and local store owners. But first, we're joined by WPLN senior music writer Jewly Hight to discuss this year's Grammy nominations . Guests: Jewly Hight, WPLN senior music writer Manuel Cuevas , iconic Nashville designer who has outfitted stars including Elvi...
Nov 16, 2022•51 min
As the conversation about climate change continues, interest in sustainable energy is also expanding. In this episode, we’re focusing on solar energy and its potential in Nashville. We explore the options available to homeowners interested in reducing their carbon footprints and take a look at at some of the large-scale solar projects either under way or on the horizon in Middle Tennessee. But first, Middle Tennessee is home to one of the nation’s top climate polluters. WPLN environmental report...
Nov 15, 2022•51 min
Margo Price is a Grammy nominated artist who has studio three albums and an appearance on Saturday Night Live. However, the journey to country success in Nashville wasn't easy, which she chronicles in her new memoir "Maybe We'll Make It." On this episode, we're talking to Margo about her path from small town Illinois to the center of country music, her music and more. But first, WPLN criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger explains why Tennessee has one of the highest rates of voter disenfranchi...
Nov 14, 2022•51 min
Nashville has been drawing in musicians of all stripes for the better part of a century. Today, we’re talking about a growing part of the Nashville music family: classical composers. The city offers many outlets for these composers to apply their talents — from scoring the ballet, to writing arrangements on a hit record or even making music for video game soundtracks. But first we check in with WPLN contributor Laura Dean about her recent story on county jail visitations . Guests: Laura Dean, fr...
Nov 11, 2022•51 min
This January, Representative Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, announced that he would be retiring from Congress after 32 years in office. Redistricting, which has diluted the representation of Democratic voters in Nashville, played a key part in his decision. In this episode, we’re joined by Congressman Cooper to discuss his career, answer your questions and get his thoughts on the future of the Democratic party and electoral politics in Tennessee. But first, it’s time for @ Us! , where guest host Nina ...
Nov 10, 2022•51 min
Jewish communities have thrived in Nashville for more than a hundred years. While they may still be small in number compared to their Christian counterparts, Nashville’s Jews continue to enrich local the culture in a variety of ways – not all of them religious. Today, we examine the state of Judaism in Nashville. What options are available for faith-based community and worship? How do Jewish families connect in an overwhelmingly Christian city? But first, we’re speaking with WPLN’s own Blaise Ga...
Nov 09, 2022•51 min
Last month, the Biden administration released a new report announcing that they will use federal courts and health programs to expand the use of medication to treat substance use disorders in pregnant women — and one of those health programs, Firefly, is in Nashville. Today, we’re joined by a mother and a current recovery coach to learn more about the unique challenges pregnant people face when seeking treatment for substance use disorders. Then, we’ll hear from the medical and executive directo...
Nov 08, 2022•51 min
A 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 28% of LGBTQ youth experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives — even though they represent less than 10% of the population. The impact of homelessness is far reaching. LGBTQ youth who experienced housing instability are more two-to-four times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. So what is being done to help LGBTQ youth find a safe place to sleep for the night...
Nov 07, 2022•51 min
Out front, a neon sign flickers. Inside, the lights are dim. Folks are playing pool or swapping stories. And the drinks are cold and cheap. Yes, we’re talking about dive bars! Nashville has some great watering holes, and we’ll learn what makes these “low places” so special. But first, it’s a special Friday edition of @Us, where we respond to listener feedback and preview future episodes. Guests: Kevin Menck , regular at Mickey’s Tavern DeMarko Smith , bartender at Trax Tara Orr , bartender at De...
Nov 04, 2022•51 min
Last month, This Is Nashville asked listeners to submit their questions for incumbent Gov. Bill Lee and Democratic candidate Dr. Jason Martin ahead of the Tennessee gubernatorial election on November 8. We invited both candidates from the two major parties to the studio to answer listener questions, but Gov. Lee declined. In this special election episode of Citizen Nashville , Martin answers your questions and gives his thoughts on other pressing issues facing Tennesseans. But first, four state ...
Nov 03, 2022•51 min
What is does it mean to be white? How has whiteness developed in our region differently than in other parts of the United States? In this episode, we're talking with educators, authors, and community members about who has historically been considered white in Middle Tennessee, what being white has meant, and how that’s changed over time. But first, we're discussing the rise of Christian nationalism in Tennessee politics with the Tennessean religion reporter Liam Adams. Guests: Liam Adams, religi...
Nov 02, 2022•51 min
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is an important holiday honoring those who have come before us. While its origins are Aztec and Mesoamerican, it is primarily observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but there are celebrations held around the globe. In this episode, we explore the traditions of Día de los Muertos and how it’s celebrated here in Nashville. But first, a look at some key legislative races in the upcoming midterm elections . Guests: Chas Sisk , WPLN senior e...
Nov 01, 2022•51 min
Happy Halloween! This spookiest of holidays has changed a lot over the years, transforming from an ancient Celtic festival to a parade of adorable trick-or-treaters. But through it all, tales of ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night have remained a central part of the tradition. So today, we’re bringing you a special episode featuring some of Nashville’s legendary ghost stories. Our storytellers: Pat Fitzhugh, author of The Bell Witch: The Full Account and “The Bell Witch Site” ...
Oct 31, 2022•50 min
World-renowned artist William Edmondson was self-taught. The son of formerly enslaved people, Edmondson was born and raised in Nashville, and after what he described as divine inspiration, he began sculpting. Much of his work was practical, like tombstones, made from cast-off pieces of stone. He went on to become the first African American artist to have a solo show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. We explore the legacy of William Edmonson and the importance of the site where his wo...
Oct 28, 2022•51 min
Disability benefits can be absolutely vital for those who are eligible for them. These come in the form of Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance, federal programs overseen by the Social Security Administration. But, applying and re-certifying for these benefits an be complicated, and the benefits themselves are often not enough to live on. To learn more about what it’s like to navigate the disability benefits system in Tennessee, we’re joined by community members ...
Oct 27, 2022•51 min
Expanding access to alternative forms of schooling is central to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s education plans. The Educational Savings Account Program gives families access to vouchers that allow students in Davidson and Shelby counties to use money designated for public schooling and apply it to tuition at alternative institutions like private schools, in addition to other approved expenses. The act that created the program was passed in 2019, but it has been challenged in court. In today’s episod...
Oct 26, 2022•50 min
One of the largest Laotian communities in the United States is in Middle Tennessee. In this episode, we leave Nashville to meet the people of Laos who call Murfreesboro home. We'll talk about how this community came to be and how immigrants from Laos are passing on their culture and heritage to the next generation. But first, early voting is underway and one of the races we're closely watching is for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. We'll talk to Tennessee Lookout reporter Sam Stockard ab...
Oct 25, 2022•51 min
Many of Tennessee’s traditional and folk art forms are carried on by small numbers of artisans. But since 2017, the Tennessee Arts Commission has been pairing up knowledgeable “masters” with “apprentices” to work to preserve traditions. Broom makers, shoe cobblers, luthiers and milliners, along with gospel singers, buck dancers, Kurdish musicians and square dance callers have taken part in the Tennessee Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program . On today’s episode, we hear from both masters and a...
Oct 24, 2022•51 min
Nashville is infamous for being a bachelorette paradise, but what about the "I dos"? In this episode, we talk to newlyweds about their experiences planning and having the biggest day of their lives in Middle Tennessee. We also hear from a wedding planner about recent trends and the state of the wedding industry in Nashville. But first, hundreds of Tennessee children have spent the night in offices belonging to the Department of Children's Services or transitional housing. Tennessean reporter Jos...
Oct 21, 2022•51 min
It’s fall, and that means it’s a great time to forage and preserve foods. As trees and plants prepare for winter themselves, there are nuts, berries and roots abound for foraging as long as you do it responsibly . Because it’s harvest time, it’s also the perfect time to preserve foods to help get through the winter as long as you do it safely . So what’s out there to forage? How can we keep our harvest usable for the coming months? We talk with local foragers about what you can find to eat out i...
Oct 20, 2022•51 min
Since 1996, a small corner of Centennial Park has memorialized children who died from violence. Last year, the Children’s Memorial Garden was redesigned and expanded. The garden reopened on Tuesday with the engraved names of more than 200 children. In this episode, we explore garden’s history, talk to those who have been maintaining it all these years, and the families of the children who are remembered there. But first, early voting begins Wednesday at election offices across the state. One of ...
Oct 19, 2022•51 min
Iran is experiencing massive protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, after she was taken into custody by the nation’s morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. Thousands of people, from schoolgirls to oil and gas workers, have taken to the streets to protest police brutality, Iran’s strict morality laws, and, increasingly, the regime. Popular slogans among protestors include “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “death to the dictator.” In Nashville,...
Oct 18, 2022•51 min
Starting in October 1838, more than 16,000 Cherokee people who had been forced from their homes in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee began their journey to Indian Territory, in what is now known as Oklahoma. Undertaken through the fall and winter, the journey was fatal for a fourth of the population. The various routes became known collectively as the Trail of Tears, which passes right through present-day Nashville. The Cherokee were not the only people swept up in the ethnic cleans...
Oct 17, 2022•51 min
Nashville has a higher concentration of music industry jobs than any other city in the country. So what are our public schools doing to train up the next generation of behind-the-scenes talent — sound engineers, composers, producers or managers? We talk to kids about what opportunities they’ve had in Nashville’s public schools, and why it’s important to invest in these programs. But first, Nashville Scene’s Editor in Chief D. Patrick Rodgers gives us a peek behind the scenes of the Best of Nashv...
Oct 14, 2022•50 min
This weekend, the Southern Festival of Books returns for its 34th year. It’s also the first time back in person since 2019. This beloved institution has gone through some challenging times to get back to this point. What can attendees expect this year? And what does this literary festival mean to the cultural life of our city? We’ll talk with organizers and longtime attendees about literary Nashville’s biggest event, and we’ll meet four authors who will be appearing. Interested in checking it ou...
Oct 12, 2022•51 min
County icon Loretta Lynn died October 4 at the age of 90. Born a coal miner's daughter in Butcher's Hollow, Kentucky, she was a fixture of Nashville's music scene since the 1960s. She performed several times at the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. It was in Nashville that her autobiographical, Oscar-winning film Coal Miner’s Daughter first debuted in 1980. Today, we're diving into the legacy Loretta Lynn has left behind, in Nashville and beyond...
Oct 11, 2022•51 min
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, This Is Nashville is rebroadcasting an episode about local indigenous communities. Nashville has a rich indigenous history that dates back to the last ice age, as well as a small but vibrant Native American community that is working to gain recognition and resources in Middle Tennessee. The first people to inhabit the area that is now modern Nashville were Native Americans who arrived here about 14,000 years ago. During the Mississippian period they built farm...
Oct 10, 2022•51 min
Fall is here and the weather is perfect for getting outside and exploring the parks, trails and greenways of Middle Tennessee. In today's episode, we're joined by outdoors educators to learn more about just what kinds of hiking experiences and resources the Nashville area has to offer. Then, a pair of experienced hikers will talk about equipment, safety, community and the Appalachian trail. But first, WPLN metro reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield will dive into the discussions over the rezoning of th...
Oct 07, 2022•51 min
Around Nashville, more and more churches are becoming LGBTQ-affirming. According to the website Gay Church, affirming congregations — also known as reconciling or welcoming — have increased by more than 50 percent in Nashville over the past decade. That reflects a national trend. For some Nashville churches, the mission goes well beyond welcoming, centering LGBTQ people in worship and leadership. What does LGBTQ-affirming church look like in Nashville? We explore what it means for the religious ...
Oct 06, 2022•51 min
