Today we’re talking with two couples who have been together for several decades…and who are happy to say that they continue to love and like each other each day. We’ll also hear about a bonded couple who show their love through sharing treats, making biscuits, and grooming each other….guess what species they are! Join us! Guests: Beth and Tommy Womack Teresa Birdsong and Cameron Adkins Learn More: Nashville Catio This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Magnolia McKay....
Apr 08, 2024•52 min
The idea that Black people can make country music is new to some, but it’s not really a new concept. We’ll dive deep into the history of country music, and the Black artists who helped create and innovate in the genre. Join us here on KNTRY Radio. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Jewly Hight. This episode was hosted by Jewly Hight. Guests: Alice Randall , singer-songwriter and author of My Black Country Quia Thompson , filmmaker and granddaughter of Linda Martell Holly G , found...
Apr 04, 2024•51 min
Students are waiting for the mail and checking online portals to find out if they’ve been accepted or denied admission to their chosen schools. They then have to decide where to enroll and how to pay for college by May 1. Today, we’re talking with students, a parent of a high school senior, an admissions counselor and a mental health professional about how high schoolers and families can successfully navigate toward College Decision Day — and their future ahead. Join us! Guests: Shae Camardo , M...
Apr 03, 2024•51 min
People suffering from trauma often find that traditional talk therapy isn’t effective at treating PTSD. But other modalities, specifically ones that involve the body, are proving to be helpful to dislodge the trauma. In this episode, guest host Emily Siner talks to practitioners about these body-based therapies, and their potential to heal. Guests: James Lewicki, program manager of therapy and enrollment, Mental Health Cooperative Yadira Gonzalez, clinical coordinator and therapist, Sexual Assau...
Apr 02, 2024•51 min
Originally from Las Vegas, Merritt talks about the multicultural background that he comes from and his family’s roots in the South. After going viral in 2020 for a previously published video called “Before You Call the Police,” he gained national attention for his works on race, leading to the publication of his memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black." Today, he'll talk with host Khalil Ekulona about the upcoming elections, diversity in Nashville, and how he talks about difficult, political topics. Thi...
Apr 01, 2024•51 min
Regardless, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in Studio A to answer your questions live. Call 615-760-2000 for a chance to speak with the mayor about the issues facing our city. Later in the hour, we'll go on a tour of the Votes for Women Room with Nashville Public Library's Rebecca Price in honor of Women's History Month. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton, Mary Mancini, and Khalil Ekulona. Guests: Freddie O'Connell, the mayor Rebecca Price, Nashville Public Library Program S...
Mar 28, 2024•51 min
Last year, in the wake of the shooting, students showed up to the state capitol steps with signs in hand, carrying the message that they wanted their legislators to do something about the violence. We invited a panel of high school students to This Is Nashville to share what they and their classmates were going through. One year later, some of them are back to tell us about what’s changed, and what hasn’t. We'll also talk to former NPR Morning Edition host David Greene and Old Crow Medicine Show...
Mar 27, 2024•51 min
In this series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, we talk to national and local guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. Today's episode focuses on the Housing First philosophy. What is it? Who does it work for — and not work for? Today's guests: • Jeff Olivet , executive director, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness • Deirdre Nicole Childress , director...
Mar 26, 2024•50 min
After her child survived the assault last March, Melissa Alexander was thrust into a new role as a firearm safety advocate. In this episode, we hear an intimate account of the day of the shooting from one of the only parents who was able to see their child before reunification. And we learn how this long-time gun owner is now finding herself a "Covenant Mom" and navigating the ins and outs of our legislature during a time of personal tragedy and healing. This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. L...
Mar 25, 2024•51 min
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the distribution of SNAP benefits, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for low-income folks in Tennessee. Last year, DHS implemented a new application processing system for the first time since 1992— the same year of the L.A. riots , Barney and Friends ' debut, and President George H.W. Bush projectile vomiting in the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister . In the process of transitioning to the new system, there were quite a few te...
Mar 21, 2024•51 min
Restorative practices can be employed in a plethora of environments, but what impact does taking a restorative approach to the legal system have? How are environments, communities and individuals changed when restorative justice is applied? Today, we talk to people who have first-hand experience in this method of conflict resolution. Guests: Travis Claybrooks, Raphah Institute Dia Mimms , Raphah Institute program participant Quinton Perkins, Raphah Institute program participant Further Listening...
Mar 20, 2024•51 min
Today, we’re talking with the people who work to make sure the water that reaches our faucets is safe and clean for us, and that wastewater is properly filtered so our wildlife stays healthy. We’ll also hear about how people across Tennessee access water and check in with a researcher from Vanderbilt’s Water Justice Lab. Join us! Guests: Sonia Allman , Manager of Strategic Communications, Metro Water Service Brent Freeman , Assistant Director of Sewer Operations, Metro Water Services David Money...
Mar 19, 2024•51 min
After her brother was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime she, and many others, say he did not commit, Rolanda Holman describes herself as “a person who has developed a love for justice and a person who has a redefined definition of hope.” It's something she’s very vocal about, passionate about as an author and speaker, and something she teaches her boys about: this meaning of justice. What hope looks like, where you find it, and how you still believe in it even when it’s grim. You can ...
Mar 18, 2024•51 min
For those who are hitting the road this spring break, but aren’t trying to travel too far, there’s plenty to keep you entertained within state lines! And at WPLN we are lucky enough to have a resident roadside attraction enthusiast in Jewly Hight. We’ll explore some JH approved roadside adventures and side quests! Also, we'll hear from two people with an insider's view of this uniquely American phenomenon. Join us! Guests: Meagan Jolley , See Rock City Andrea Ludden , Co-owner of Salt and Pepper...
Mar 14, 2024•51 min
Today, we’re talking with an astronomer from the Adventure Science Center to find out everything we need to know about the eclipse and how to experience it. We’ll also hear from WPLN editor Miriam Kramer about what it’s like to report on space — and we’re even checking in with the one and only Neil deGrasse Tyson. Join us! Guests: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson , Astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Dr. Morgan Rehnberg, VP of Exhibits and Experiences, Adventure Science Center Miriam Kramer,...
Mar 13, 2024•50 min
Today, we’re talking with local Christians about what Lent is and what it means to them. Guests: Father Jarrod Russell , Greek Orthodox priest Nadine Choufani, Parishioner, St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Mission Pastor Liza Hawkins , Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Lindsey Krinks , Street Chaplain and activist Tewodros Manaye , Member, Ethiopian Orthodox Church This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley, Rachel Iacovone and Katherine Ceicys....
Mar 12, 2024•51 min
Vanderbilt’s new video series takes viewers behind the scenes on some innovative research projects. At Vanderbilt University, there are thousands of brilliant minds working hard on potentially world-changing projects. The Quantum Potential series, helmed by podcasting legend Jad Abumrad, is here to sharing their breakthroughs with the public. We’ll talk with Jad and meet a pair of scientists who are looking to solve the issue of traffic. Commuters everywhere, rejoice! Guests: Dr. Jonathan Sprink...
Mar 11, 2024•51 min
Dahron Anneliese Johnson is a local chaplain and trans rights advocate. In this profile episode, we hear how the seeds of her work sprouted at a young age, how grief has been a lifelong companion, and how she keeps hope Tennessee legislators will realize there’s “more than one way to be here.”
Mar 07, 2024•51 min
King Hollands had his first experience as a civil rights leader in 1954 as one of the first of 14 Black students to desegregate Father Ryan High School. Just a few years later, after participating in training for non-violent protests, he was part of the sit-in movement at Woolworth's that sought to desegregate Nashville’s downtown lunch counters. Throughout his life, as a member of the Metro Human Relations Commission, as president of the Organized Neighbors of Edgehill, and even as a neighbor t...
Mar 06, 2024•51 min
Since we last talked about school vouchers back in fall 2022, the state legislature and governor have made major steps toward making them a reality for all Tennesseeans. Right now, there are bills on the table in the House and Senate that would give over $7000 per student against their private school tuition— regardless of whether they were ever even enrolled in public school. Some are calling this a subsidy for the rich, and some are saying vouchers will make private school more accessible for ...
Mar 05, 2024•51 min
The locally-founded black-owned music promotion company Lovenoise changed the music landscape of Nashville — and you can hear how on 'Making Noise.' Today, we’re talking with WPLN Senior Music Writer Jewly Hight and several guests featured on the series about the current Black music scenes here in Nashville. We’ll dig into 'Making Noise,' the rich tradition of artists from different generations supporting each other, and what resources are available right now to help launch home-grown talent. Jo...
Mar 04, 2024•51 min
In My Place educates listeners on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused. We talk to guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, highlights how affordable housing affects each of us — even when we think it doesn't. Guests: • Dr. Marybeth Shinn...
Feb 29, 2024•51 min
We’ll learn one hip hop artist’s perspective about the word's origins, and we’ll talk with prominent local comedians about how the word has seemingly taken over the circuit. To land the show, we'll hear from Ademola Ekulona, the father of host Khalil Ekulona. Guests: PE McCallum, aka Pow Shadowz , hip hop artist, author, organizer Mike Floss , hip hop artist, activist Brad Sativa , comedian Elizabeth Burton , Multimedia Producer, This is Nashville Ademola Ekulona, father, organizer, activist, sc...
Feb 28, 2024•51 min
However, some believe the word can be used as a term of endearment. We’re talking about the N-Word. Can a term infused with hate be used to express love? Has this word's usage in popular culture gone beyond it's impact? Or, should the word be put away forever? Content warning: This episode contains use of unedited racial slurs. Guests: Clemmie Greenlee, Founder & CEO | Nashville Peacemakers Dr. Lerotha Williams, scholar at Tennessee State University Rev. Davie Tucker, Pastor at Beech Creek M...
Feb 27, 2024•51 min
In this episode we talk to the co-directors of the SEC4CD about the support the organization offers, how co-ops differ from traditional businesses, and what the bigger implications of sharing profits and power mean for those who choose this structure. Guests: Benny Overton, co-director, Southeast Center for Cooperative Development Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger, co-director, Southeast Center for Cooperative Development This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay....
Feb 26, 2024•51 min
And we learn about the Music Census—a survey to better understand the lives and needs of those working in the music industry in Davidson and surrounding counties. Who is considered to be part of Nashville's music industry? And how might having this data shift local policy to make the Nashville area a better place for those in the industry to live and work. Guests: Char Daston, reporter and newscast producer, WPLN Catherine Sweeney, health care reporter, WPLN Cynthia Abrams, Metro reporter, WPLN ...
Feb 22, 2024•51 min
Today, we’re talking with local athletes, coaches and the organization’s team members to learn about Special Olympics sport competitions, inclusive sports teams called unified teams , and the health-focused Healthy Athletes and Fit-4-Life programs that all promote health, fun, leadership and friendships between people of all abilities here in Tennessee. Plus, if you’re looking to get involved, we’ll share the many ways you can. Join us! Guests: Brittany Meyer , Special Olympics Athlete Harlan Wa...
Feb 21, 2024•51 min
With the help of Nashville-native writer and reporter Kim Green and Chantha’s daughter, Clara Kim, Nguon’s story will reach worldwide and show us all that it’s possible to make something sweet out of something bitter. Today's guests: Chantha Nguon , author , chef, nonprofit founder Kim Green , author, journalist Clara Kim , Nguon's daughter and Slow Noodles audiobook narrator More: Previous story on Chantha by WPLN reporter Blake Farmer. You can find Slow Noodles here . Upcoming events: Tuesday,...
Feb 20, 2024•50 min
Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in the studio and wants to hear from you! Call at the top of the show to join: 615-760-2000. Later, we'll hear from Jeff Fasano, who, at the age of 40, left his corporate life and pursued his passion of photography. We will talk about his life, how it's never too late to follow one's dreams, and about his book Americana Portrait Sessions that photos of everyone from Keb Mo, to Jewel. Guests: Mayor Freddie O'Connell Jeff Fasano This episode was produced by Khalil E...
Feb 15, 2024•51 min
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is playing at TPAC now through February 18th. The musical production, of which Turner was a producer, tells the story of her life. Tina Turner grew up in Nutbush, Tennessee, a rural community about 50 miles outside of Memphis. Her genre-breaking career spanned over 6 decades. When she passed in May of 2023, she left behind an impressive legacy of work. In this episode we talk to cast members from the musical depicting her story, and speak with an author who can tell...
Feb 14, 2024•51 min
