On Monday, June 26, This Is Nashville and WPLN News collaborated with the Nashville Child and Youth Collaborative to put on a mayoral forum, which we called “For Nashville’s Future.” This is Part 1 — candidates answer questions about climate change and substance abuse, and This Is Nashville senior producer Steve Haruch and WPLN education reporter Alexis Marshall provide analysis. The goal was to center the needs and interests of Nashville’s youth, and we gave four local teens from the Mayor’s Yo...
Jun 28, 2023•56 min
Climate change is already affecting our city, and the time to do something about it is running out. How is Nashville preparing to become more resilient and more sustainable? We talk with experts and advocates about adjusting to life on a warming planet — and city — and discuss what individual Nashvillians can do. But first, WPLN's Marianna Bacallao gives an update on how transgender patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center are responding to the release of health care records to Tennessee...
Jun 27, 2023•51 min
Nashville is changing rapidly, and local youth have something to say about it. Since the previous mayoral race in Nashville, the city has been through a lot. We have seen a pandemic, protests in response to the murder of George Floyd, a near-total ban on abortion, a school shooting and much more. Meanwhile, the city’s population has grown exponentially and professional sports continue to expand, while long-time Nashvillians harbor concerns about issues such as transportation, school safety and a...
Jun 26, 2023•51 min
The bass is bumping and the banjo is twangin’ as folks across the LGBTQIA+ community gather together to celebrate. What are some of the untold stories in roots music, and who is carrying that torch today? And what is it about electronic dance music that continues to bring the queer community together? Today we hear how LGBTQIA+ musicians are creating and holding space in their respective scenes and bringing their traditions and expression to Pride. Guests: Jacob Campos, director of Nashville In ...
Jun 23, 2023•51 min
It's been nearly a year since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, which triggered Tennessee's abortion ban. Now, Tennessee residents have to travel out of state for abortion care. This makes it financially and physically challenging for many to receive the healthcare they need. Since then, physicians, activists, and every day people have rallied to put pressure on officials, raise funds for those seeking abortions in other states, and even left the state so that they can continue to p...
Jun 22, 2023•51 min
Now, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the future of affirmative action in the coming days. Today, we’ll talk to experts on law and affirmative action to unpack what a possible ruling from the Supreme Court might mean for college admissions, and the future of diversity on college campuses in Tennessee. But first, we’re joined by WPLN’s education reporter Alexis Marshall for the latest on Nashville’s ongoing school safety conversation. Guests: Dr. Kelly E. Slay, assistant professor of...
Jun 21, 2023•51 min
From free libraries to community fridges to online groups, some of the best things in Nashville are free. We talk with organizers and users of local free resources about the stuff they give away and the ways that building community costs nothing. And yes, this show is free to listen to as well. But first, WPLN political reporter Blaise Gainey talks about two new state laws that provide increased benefits to some workers . This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Steve Haruch. Guests: Es...
Jun 20, 2023•51 min
On June 19, the nation celebrates Juneteenth to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans after the Civil War. While Juneteenth was only recently made into a federal holiday, there was a resurgence in Juneteenth celebrations during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s. This special extended episode of This Is Nashville focuses on local civil rights efforts, namely the downtown sit-ins. At 12:40 p.m. on February 13, 1960, Black college students sat down at lunch counter...
Jun 20, 2023•51 min
No need to bring a partner, either. Nashville’s dance communities are welcoming and many even include dance lessons. Needless to say, partner dancing is alive and well in our city. Today, local dance enthusiasts and instructors join us to talk about their favorite styles and what gets them out on the dance floor. But first, WPLN digital editor Rachel Iacovone stops by to highlight this weekend’s Juneteenth events around town . Guests: Liza “Lavolta” Bennich, swing dancer “Ron D” Jones, breakdanc...
Jun 16, 2023•51 min
It is hard to imagine the Nashville Predators without general manager David Poile. That is because there hasn’t been a Predators without Poile in franchise history. 25 years ago, Poile helped launch the team and has been at the helm ever since. He is the winningest general manager in NHL, and he has been instrumental and transforming Nashville into “Smashville.” In February, he announced his retirement. He joins us to talk about his rich NHL legacy and his hopes for the Predators going forward. ...
Jun 15, 2023•51 min
Have you met Nashville’s sisters? Sister cities, that is. If you didn’t know, the long-running Sister Cities Nashville program has formal partnerships with nine — and soon to be 10 — international cities . These partnerships strive to connect the people of Nashville to the people of the world. And they follow a nationwide mission established in the 1950s to carry out what’s known as “citizen diplomacy,” under the belief that exchanging cultural ideas builds understanding and fosters internationa...
Jun 14, 2023•51 min
Collectively and individually, the group has met with many barriers to getting somewhere with their music or making music at all, and joining Six One Tribe has both brought the all-important empowerment they needed and provided resources. We discuss their origins, plans and hopes for Nashville's larger hip-hop scene. But first, WPLN general assignment reporter Rose Gilbert discusses what's next for Nashville's Community Oversight Board as a new state law abolishes these bodies as we've known the...
Jun 13, 2023•51 min
On June 12, 2020, a group of protesters began occupying Legislative Plaza. Among them was now state-representative Justin Jones. For over two months, they called on Governor Bill Lee to meet with them to discuss racial justice and policing in Tennessee. The occupation lasted for 62 days until the state passed a law that escalated camping on public property from a misdemeanor to a felony. In this episode, guest host Steve Haruch speaks with people who participated in the People's Plaza protest an...
Jun 12, 2023•50 min
This episode first aired on July 22. Ice cream is the perfect summer treat. This hour is all about ice cream in Nashville. What are some current trends? What is the scene like? We learn a little about the “queen of ice cream” back in 1840s Nashville, meet some of the people churning away today and finally ride shotgun on an ice cream truck. But first, we’re joined by Nashville Banner Editor Steve Cavendish, who has an update on the future of Alive Hospice . Guests: Megan Seling , former Sugar Sh...
Jun 09, 2023•51 min
Small business is a big deal in Nashville. Today we talk to Nashvillians who are making their living by starting their own businesses, and the folks who help nurture this thriving community of entrepreneurs. Does it take a certain type of person to build a business from the ground up? What does it take to start a small business here? Which industries are being served by Nashville’s small businesses? And what resources are available to those who are trying to start their own business? But first, ...
Jun 08, 2023•51 min
“Jazz is here, whether you know it or not!” That’s how one local jazz musician describes the scene in Middle Tennessee. It’s thriving, if less visible, with deep roots going way back to the 1930s, especially in the historically Black Jefferson Street community. That’s also the location of the first jazz radio station in Nashville and the first Black-owned FM station — on the campus of Fisk University. Jazzy 88 WFSK is celebrating 50 years on air and getting ready for the return of its Fisk Food ...
Jun 07, 2023•51 min
On August 3, Nashville will elect its next mayor from 12 candidates . Rather than interviewing the candidates, for now we're making space for members of the community. In today's episode, we ask: what do you want in our next mayor? What are your community’s most urgent needs this election season? Listeners who weighed in candidates to have concrete solutions for affordable housing, transportation, sustainability, reducing gun violence, standing up to the state , and making sure Nashville is stil...
Jun 06, 2023•51 min
Nashville wasn’t always the tourist destination it is today. Over the past three decades, the city has attracted high-level pro sports franchises, minted the nickname “Music City” into a brand, and become the bachelorette capital of the U.S. Like it or not, the tourism industry is booming in our town. And for the past 32 years, Butch Spyridon has been at the helm, running the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation . Now, as he prepares to step down as CEO at the end of this month, we invi...
Jun 05, 2023•51 min
This episode first aired on April 25, 2022. Nashville is known as Music City, but as the cost of living continues to rise in Nashville, it’s putting pressure on those trying to get by. What is it like to make music in Nashville if you aren’t headlining arenas? How are musicians piecing together a life for themselves? We start by talking with former WNXP artist of the month $avvy, who is joined by rapper and producer Mike Floss. We also talk with more musicians about doing the work, and what kind...
Jun 02, 2023•51 min
Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School is the only one of its kind in the South. It’s liberal and interdenominational, and, under the leadership of Dean Emilie Townes, has only grown its reputation as a theological institution leading in the areas of diversity and social justice. Later this month, Townes will step down as dean . She joins us to reflect on her legacy, and how the Divinity School has changed with Nashville over the past decade. But first, we’ll respond to listener feedback in our...
Jun 01, 2023•50 min
Franklin Pride is this weekend. The festival narrowly survived a months-long campaign to have the city deny its permit over backlash against last year’s drag performances. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Franklin Pride organizers about that controversy and what attendees can expect this year. We’re also joined by two Tennessee drag queens to hear how they’re celebrating Pride this year. But first, Tennessee passed a first-of-its-kind law restricting drag from public spaces, but a judge bl...
May 31, 2023•51 min
Nashville is a “song town,” but what’s the first step into songwriting for young people? For many, that first touch comes through the Words & Music curriculum from the Country Music Hall of Fame, which has been teaching kids how to write lyrics since 1979. The initiative guides teachers — often in language arts or music classes — to teach songwriting to students. They turn out songs about fun things like chicken nuggets, bus rides, and prom, but also their challenges, like loneliness, the is...
May 30, 2023•51 min
The summer heat hasn’t quite kicked in yet here in Nashville. But the city’s outdoor public pools are opening for the season soon, so we’re diving in! We discuss the benefits of swimming and access to public pool facilities. What if you still need to learn how to swim? What about lifeguarding? What should you look for if you’re swimming out in nature? We've got you covered. And host Khalil Ekulona takes a ride with a member of the city’s swift water rescue team. Guests: Antwan Majors , special p...
May 26, 2023•51 min
It’s easy to get up in arms when thinking about bots replacing human voices, instrumentalists and songwriters. But how realistic are those fears? And what about AI tools that are already being used in production and engineering? At what point does use of, or collaboration with AI tools become copyrightable? Who gets the royalties if AI writes a hit song? Today, we talk to musicians, critics, producers and an entertainment lawyer to unpack this complex new advance. But first, we address listener ...
May 25, 2023•51 min
The Metro Nashville government is a major employer, with some 10,000 workers, and city leaders have ambitions to create diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces within each department. Yet a new report on the demographics and wages of city employees finds communities of color are still underrepresented within the Metro workforce, and that there’s a pay gap in which white, male leaders are typically paid more than people of color and women. These findings aren’t new. The Metro Human Relations ...
May 24, 2023•51 min
Most K-12 schools offer support staff and specialized education classes for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But when those kids graduate, what's next? Often, it falls on the parents to figure it out. If they don't have the resources to hire a caretaker, or time to provide full-time care themselves, navigating this transition into adulthood can be really challenging. And that's just care. What about finding opportunities for joy? Today, we'll hear from a few young adult...
May 23, 2023•51 min
Most people who go to prison eventually get out. As difficult an experience as that can be, re-entering society afterward can be just as challenging as life on the inside — and in some ways, more so. What is it like to rebuild a life after spending years, or even decades, behind bars? What resources are out there to help? We talk with people who have experienced life in prison about their hopes for themselves and others, and with representatives from two organizations working to support re-entry...
May 22, 2023•51 min
Rodeos are an iconic part of American culture and a cultural fixture across the United States, and the sport's season is just kicking off this month. In Tennessee, organizers are gearing up for events including the Franklin Rodeo on May 18, Black Rodeo USA in Shelbyville on June 3 and the Springfield Rodeo on July 29. To learn more about rodeo culture in Tennessee, we’re sitting down with a 4-time world champion bull rider, a third generation cowboy, a rodeo clown and a former team roper/current...
May 12, 2023•50 min
One idea pushed as a solution to school shootings is to give teachers guns in the classroom, in lieu of school resource officers. The importance of this conversation has never been higher, in the aftermath of the deadly Covenant School shooting. HB 41/SB 1429 , which was introduced in the state legislature earlier this year and now sits in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee, would expand the right to arm school employees from “distressed rural counties” to any local school district. Previously...
May 11, 2023•51 min
How do our unhoused neighbors find community? Today, we're speaking with current and formerly unhoused residents about life in shelters and encampments, as well as how they make friends and find support. We are also joined by outreach workers from Metro Nashville's Homeless Impact Division to discuss how their department is changing, and what it means for the services they offer.
May 10, 2023•41 min
