But who are these giant beings living among us? Researchers tell us that trees have an underground network that they use to communicate with each other. So, how is the health of Middle Tennessee’s arboreal ecosystem? Which trees are native to this region? Which species are endangered, and what do we lose if we lose them? Due to the bustling housing construction industry, tree removal is big business here. But are there enough protections for our oldest and most important trees? Today, we speak w...
May 09, 2023•39 min
This episode first aired on July 19. Among cultures around the world, it’s traditional to grow your own food. But with the rise of supermarkets and grocery stores, gardening in the United States has become more and more uncommon. But, what do you do when the food you like to eat isn’t sold in grocery stores? Or when there are no supermarkets near you, and you can’t afford to buy fresh produce? This isn’t uncommon in Nashville. North Nashville, East Nashville, South Nashville and Edgehill all hav...
May 08, 2023•39 min
Nashville has a healthy local beer scene, with dozens of local breweries and beer halls, and even a WNXP-themed beer . This Sunday, the Craft Brewers Conference is coming to town, so in today's episode, we’re diving into the history and culture of the local beer scene, as well as hosting an on-air taste test. But first, Tennessee’s top education official is stepping down at the end of this school year. Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn has served in her position since 2019, when she was appoi...
May 05, 2023•51 min
And every corner of Latin America has a different style of music represented here. What once was a small community of musicians has exploded in recent years. Now, any night of the week you can see live music en español at a local restaurant or club. Today we talk to local Latino musicians about this growing and diverse scene. But first, we address listener feedback in our @us segment. Today's episode was produced by Magnolia McKay. Guests : Rachel Rodriguez , singer, host of bilingual story time...
May 04, 2023•51 min
This episode first aired on April 11, 2022. In 2021, Nashville resident Marie Varsos tried to get protection from her husband after he strangled and threatened to kill her. She did everything she was supposed to do. She had resources and support. But Shaun Varsos killed her and her mother . In recent years, the city of Nashville has made strides in improving the systems to address domestic violence, but the Varsos case demonstrates that those systems are not infallible. In this episode, we talk ...
May 03, 2023•51 min
The real numbers are much smaller, but there’s no denying that the Nashville area has welcomed a lot of newcomers in recent years. So where are all these recent transplants finding to live? Are new developments keeping pace with the needs of our growing population? Or is the new housing mismatched with what new residents want in location, size, or price? And what is the effect on longtime Nashville residents? Today we talk to a newcomer and housing experts to explore these questions. But first, ...
May 02, 2023•51 min
For many outside of the state, the swift expulsions of state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson from the Tennessee General Assembly were a shocking display of power by the state’s Republican supermajority. But for longtime observers, this was a continuation of patterns that have persisted over recent decades, as African Americans in the state have seen their political influence diminished. In this episode, we explore the shifting electoral and political landscape that has challenged Africa...
May 01, 2023•51 min
Nashville residents are . . . kind of sick of tourists. Perhaps very sick of tourists. Increased traffic downtown, a 24/7 party culture, rising housing costs – it all contributes to the sense that Nashville as a city is prioritizing tourism and business interests over the wellbeing of the people who live here. However, tourism is a real economic force, and living in a city that’s cool enough that so many people want to visit can be a source of pride for many. In this episode, we’ll discuss the p...
Apr 28, 2023•51 min
Public trust of the media is down , and political polarization is rampant. But studies show the answer to both of these problems lies in local journalism . Today we talk with journalists and scholars about the media landscape in Middle Tennessee. How do we address issues of funding, access, and diversity in our newsrooms? And how does that impact the information that is spread? But first, host Khalil Ekulona and senior digital producer Anna Gallegos-Cannon address listener feedback in @ Us. Gues...
Apr 27, 2023•51 min
In 2018, voters approved the creation of the Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board to keep police accountable to the community. But this month, the Tennessee legislature passed a bill to replace COBs with mayor-appointed committees that will not be able to conduct independent investigations. In this episode, we speak with community members, as well as current and former board members, about why community oversight boards are important to them, and how they feel about the state’s decision to ...
Apr 26, 2023•51 min
States with looser gun laws experience higher rates of road rage shootings that lead to injuries or deaths, according to a report by Everytown . Tennessee is in the top five states for road rage shootings. Studies show that the mere presence of a firearm in the car can induce what’s called the “weapons effect” and increase chances of aggressive behavior. But what is making drivers so angry in the first place? In this hour, we’ll talk about the rising tensions on Middle Tennessee roads and what d...
Apr 25, 2023•51 min
Middle Tennessee’s Palestinian community may not be as large as other ethnic groups in the region, but its roots go back decades. The community has become increasingly visible in recent years, especially after public rallies in Nashville. In this episode, we meet a few local Palestinians and learn more about their common bonds and hopes for the future. But first, the Tennessee legislature has adjourned — for the moment . We’ll review what happened during this contentious session , and what comes...
Apr 24, 2023•51 min
Saturday will be Music City’s first official Bettie Page Day. In this episode, we’re talking all about the native Nashvillian turned “Queen of Pinups” with her friends, family, and fans. Saturday is also Record Store Day. WNXP DJ Celia Gregory stops by Studio A with a rundown of local events and the limited edition vinyl that's available this year. This episode was produced by Rose Gilbert. Guests: Ben Wilkinson, Bettie Page fan who petitioned for the historical marker and to make April 22 the o...
Apr 21, 2023•51 min
Paul Vasterling, longtime artistic director for the Nashville Ballet , is retiring at the end of this season. Vasterling has been with the company for more than 30 years and at its helm for 25 years. Under Vasterling's leadership, the Nashville Ballet became one of the most notable ballet companies in the Southeast. He credits part of the Nashville Ballet's success an enthusiastic community and collaborating with local talent. The departing artistic director also strove to bring more diversity t...
Apr 20, 2023•51 min
On April 19, 1960, a bomb exploded in the North Nashville home of attorney and former city councilmember Z. Alexander Looby. The blast was so powerful it shattered windows at the nearby Meharry Medical College, but Looby and his wife escaped unscathed. The bomber behind the assassination attempt was never identified. In this episode, we’ll reflect on Looby's legacy and unravel the pivotal role he played in the Civil Rights Movement in Middle Tennessee, including as a lawyer after the 1946 Columb...
Apr 19, 2023•51 min
Part of this is due to institutional discrimination and land distribution policies that favored white farmers and landowners. Land loss among Black farmers far outpaces that of white landowners. But that hasn’t stopped some Black farmers from living and working on land that has been in their family for generations. In this episode, we have a conversation with Black farmers about their traditions, the challenges they face, and their connection to the earth. We’re also joined by Tennessee Lookout ...
Apr 18, 2023•51 min
The mass shooting at the Covenant School thrust Nashville into the international spotlight. And it hit particularly close to home for our city’s Christian communities. In this episode, we explore how local faith leaders have been navigating this tragedy, which happened at a Christian school with many connections to other churches throughout Nashville, and discuss how religion has become intertwined with conversations about public safety and gun control. But first, WPLN political reporter Blaise ...
Apr 17, 2023•51 min
The annual Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival takes place tomorrow. Founded in 2009 as a collaboration between the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, the General Consulate of Japan, and the Mayor’s Office, the festival is a celebration of Japanese culture, from martial arts to traditional music to wood block prints. Today, we're talking about the history of the festival, what it means to the community, and the symbolism of cherry blossoms with folks who helped found the festival, as well as tree...
Apr 14, 2023•51 min
With the drama and attention around the gigantic purple martin roost at the symphony over the last two years, more of our eyes are on the sky and on our migrating feathered friends. What is migration? Why is Nashville not only a stopping point for bachelor parties – but hundreds of thousands of feathered birds each year? And how can we be better hosts? In this episode, we hear from three guests who have their own experiences with migrating species. Then, we pivot to talk a bit about resident gam...
Apr 13, 2023•51 min
The deadly Covenant School shooting revived the conversation about gun control in Middle Tennessee. In this episode, we talk to the people who are leading that conversation, including a survivor of gun violence and someone who has lobbied against pro-gun bills in front of the the Tennessee legislature. We'll also discuss how the push for gun control has evolved in the more than 10 years between the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School and the recent tragedy in Nashville. But first, WPLN...
Apr 12, 2023•51 min
In the two weeks since the Covenant School shooting , many in Nashville have rallied for gun control and school safety. A significant portion of those raising their voices are youth. One week after the shooting, students organized a school walk-out, and marched to the capitol to tell lawmakers what they want done about the very real danger in schools. Today we hear from students themselves about how they’re feeling, what matters to them and what they need to feel safer in school. As this convers...
Apr 11, 2023•51 min
Tennessee House Republicans voted Thursday to expel two Democratic colleagues for breaking House rules. This came just days after Reps. Justin Jones, Gloria Johnson and Justin Pearson took to the House floor to join protesters calling for gun reform . The expulsion made national and international headlines. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre opened the Thursday’s press briefing by calling the expulsion vote “shocking, undemocratic and without precedent.” Vice President Kamala Harris ...
Apr 10, 2023•51 min
In the past two years, war and violence in Afghanistan and Ukraine have displaced millions of people, and some refugees have resettled here in Middle Tennessee. Today, we’re sitting down with people from both countries to learn what their lives have been like since leaving home. But first, the Tennessee State House has expelled two young Democratic representatives from Nashville and Memphis on Thursday. We’re joined by WPLN political reporter Blaise Gainey to get an update on this unprecedented ...
Apr 07, 2023•51 min
It’s a challenging time to be an LGBTQ person in Tennessee. With laws targeting gender expression and an increase in violent threats , the instinct for queer people might be to go underground. But instead, support groups are popping up to create belonging and foster solidarity in Tennessee’s LGBTQ community. Today, we’ll talk to members of these local groups about their experiences. But first, it’s time for @ Us! Host Khalil Ekulona and senior digital producer Anna Gallegos-Cannon respond to lis...
Apr 06, 2023•51 min
The Nashville Symphony is preparing for the world premiere of "The Jonah People: A Legacy of Struggle and Triumph," an epic and ambitious opera from composer and jazz trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe. "The Jonah People" tells the story of the African American experience, starting with abduction and enslavement to the present day. It’s a massive, multimedia undertaking that hasn’t been done before in a symphony hall. Lokumbe’s visionary creation is intended to have a huge impact as entertainment but al...
Apr 05, 2023•50 min
We’re less than a decade away from maximum capacity at Middle Point landfill in Rutherford County, where Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s trash goes. What will we do when we reach that capacity? One idea to expand the landfill. However, the city of Murfreesboro has already pushed back with a lawsuit against Middle Point on the basis of it violating several EPA standards. What to do with Middle Tennessee’s trash is a real problem, and it’s not going anywhere. Some are asking why we are making so ...
Apr 04, 2023•51 min
The origins of this Maury County tradition date back to the 1800s, but the event known as Mule Day started in it current form in 1974. We'll take a look back at this year's celebration and forward to next year's 50th anniversary. We also explore what role the humble yet mighty mule plays today. But first, we'll talk about the court decision to block Tennessee's drag performance ban from taking effect over the weekend. Guests: Veronika Electronika , drag performer Harvey Spann , Mule Day organize...
Apr 03, 2023•51 min
This is hip-hop’s 50th year. In honor of that, we’re looking at Nashville's hip-hop scene and how it has evolved over the decades. To get a picture of what it was like, we talk to some locals who have been around the hip-hop scene for decades. We'll learn about some of Nashville's pioneers in the genre and talk about who's carrying the torch now. But first, we check in with WNXP DJ Marquis Munson to discuss the impact of legendary hip-hop group De La Soul's music being released to streaming plat...
Mar 31, 2023•51 min
Four days have passed since six people were killed by a shooter at the Covenant School in Green Hills . There is still much we do not know, and the grieving process has really only begun. In today’s episode we hold space for our community — to talk about what people are feeling in this terrible moment and what healing might look like going forward. We also respond to your comments in our weekly @ Us segment. Guests: Dr. Christina Edmondson , leadership team member at Koinonia Church Sara Amos , ...
Mar 30, 2023•51 min
Sixty years ago, North Nashville was a thriving cultural oasis. There were taverns and gambling joints, restaurants and ice cream parlors, boarding houses and nightclubs that drew the likes of Etta James and Jimi Hendrix. Construction of Interstate 40 through North Nashville in the 1970s split the historically Black neighborhood in two, severed community ties and brought noise and pollution. Much of the Black middle class that had sustained North Nashville moved away, leading to years of neglect...
Mar 29, 2023•51 min
