As much as we all love drama, we’d prefer it stayed on stage. At the June 4 council meeting, Metro Council approved the $200,000 settlement that would ensure former Director Daniel Singh’s resignation from the Metro Arts Commission. This is just the latest in a multiyear long conflict regarding equity — within the Metro Arts staff, between Metro Arts and other Metro departments, and in the Thrive award application process. Instead, back-and-forth about deficits and decorum has ruled the conversa...
Jun 06, 2024•51 min
From the outside, the world of beauty pageants and scholarship competitions can be fun to watch- but sometimes difficult to fully understand. What are the competitions really like? What does it take to win? And what exactly does a titleholder do for the year after she wins? Miss Tennessee USA 2024, Miss Black Tennessee USA 2024, Miss Tennessee 2023 and Miss Davidson County 2024 are here to share their personal experiences of competing- and what participating in these competitions means to them. ...
Jun 05, 2024•51 min
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!? A shorter version of this episode aired earlier this year. Tune in for the full conversations today! Guests: Beth and Tommy Womack Teresa Birdsong and Cameron Adkins Learn More: Nas...
Jun 04, 2024•51 min
Her political career began in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she came back to her hometown of Nashville, she became the Mayor of Oak Hill, then State Senator. Last year she ran for Mayor of Nashville, she even ran for Congress in 2022. But did you know that path to holding public office was not the path she first envisioned for herself? We’ll talk with the Nashville native who found her way to politics after experiencing events that helped her view life from a different perspective. This episode was ...
Jun 03, 2024•51 min
Dial 615-760-2000 to share what’s on your mind or to ask either mayor a question. We never fully know what’s going to come up on our Ask The Mayor show, but it’s always a good time. Join us! This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini. Guests: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell Franklin Mayor Ken Moore Listen to previous Ask the Mayor episodes: Ask the Mayor with Freddie O'Connell, plus Taking Cover, April 17, 2024 Ask the Mayor with Freddie O'Connell, plus Votes For Women, Mar...
May 30, 2024•51 min
For people who haven’t been following the story, it’s hard to know where to start if you want to learn more. For people who have been following, it can get complicated, and it’s easy to forget what's really happened. Today, we’re diving into it all headfirst and reviewing the most impactful, dysfunctional (and wildest) moments that led us to where we are today. We’ll hear from key players including commissioners, employees, councilmembers, reporters and concerned citizens that have been followin...
May 29, 2024•51 min
Housing is health care — which becomes especially apparent when we get to know our unhoused population. Here, we talk about what happens to people’s health and health care once they have lost their permanent housing. 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 national and local guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimatel...
May 28, 2024•51 min
Farmers markets are a way for food growers and other vendors to serve the community directly, outside of big box grocery stores. So who are these farmers and other vendors? Who are the community members that come out to support them? And how do farmers markets intersect with food justice? GUESTS Michael Bradford , Farmer and co-owner of Una Acre Farm Gretchen Trast , Co-founder of The Honey Collective Ben Piñon, Richland Park Farmers Market patron Karen Overton, Farmer and owner of Wedge Oak Far...
May 23, 2024•51 min
Veterans and their advocates have worked hard over the past several decades to make sure that veterans receive the care and support they need. Today, we’re speaking with local Vietnam veterans about their experiences and those working to learn and share veteran’s stories. Plus, we'll learn how anyone can get involved to make a difference for local vets today. GUESTS Rich Krejsa , President, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1140 in Franklin Pastor George Brooks, Sr., Vietnam veteran Johnny Cr...
May 22, 2024•51 min
Today, Jeremy Finley, chief investigative reporter for News Channel 4; Adam Sichko, senior reporter for Nashville Business Journal; and Mike Organ, college sports reporter for The Tennessean, will break down their latest stories and what they’re keeping their eyes on coming up. Join us for our citywide reporter roundup! Today’s episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Jeremy Finley, Chief investigative reporter, WSMV-TV Adam Sichko, Senior reporter, Nashville Business Journal Mike Organ,...
May 21, 2024•51 min
He leads the church Covenant of the Cross in Madison, and he is Nashville's longest serving openly gay pastor. Pastor Greg works to fill in the gaps left by antagonistic laws, homophobic and transphobic organizations, and to provide a place for LGBT worshippers to be spiritually filled while also getting the resources they need. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.
May 20, 2024•51 min
Routine health habits might be easy to ignore, but they make a huge difference in our wellbeing. Today, local physicians and a mental health care provider are here to share what we all need to know — and can do — to take good care of our bodies and minds. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. Guests: Dr. Carmen Tuchman , primary care physician, Internal Medicine Vanderbilt Dr. Carlenda Smith, associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt...
May 16, 2024•51 min
The conventional methods of management and discipline rely heavily on removing struggling students from the classroom — putting them even further behind. And this discipline disproportionately affects students of color. But educators and researchers have been developing ways to avoid the school-to-prison pipeline — a lot of these fall under the umbrella of “restorative practices.” So what are these restorative practices? And how is the attempt to implement them in MNPS going? This episode was pr...
May 15, 2024•51 min
Residents, elected officials, and climate activists have concerns about what the use of fossil fuels will mean for the state, especially as scientists say we should be phasing out our fossil fuel consumption. Today, we'll hear from reporters about their perspective on the TVA Board of Directors , which oversees the utility, and what the fossil fuel expansion will mean for Tennesseans. We'll also speak with two organizers who believe TVA could be doing a better job of protecting the environment w...
May 14, 2024•51 min
Prisca Dorcas Mojica RodrDespite finding acclaim and recognition in cities like LA and New York, and through her Instagram page @LatinaRebels , she struggles to find her place and feel seen in Nashville. She attributes part of that to being a disruptor- she was the one asking the tough questions and wearing upside down crosses while enrolled at Vanderbilt Divinity School. At the same time, she questions if people in Nashville aren't quite ready for an author like her who is forthright about writ...
May 13, 2024•50 min
Studies show that employee well-being, job satisfaction, retention and productivity all increase with a compressed schedule. In a recent six-month trial in the UK, nearly 90% of companies that gave a four-day workweek a try kept with it over a year later. But is it as good as it sounds? And how exactly does it work across different industries? Today, we’re talking with a researcher and veteran HR leader about the rising popularity of compressed schedules. We'll also hear from one employer about ...
May 09, 2024•51 min
n this episode, we’ll talk to Ren Fest enthusiasts and other folks who celebrate the medieval era to learn what inspires them to take up this type of historical reenactment, whether it’s a lifestyle or just for a weekend. This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay. Guests: Paolo Garbanzo, jeste r, professional entertainer extraordinaire Kate Brown , The Honorable Lancer Rose de la Cumbe, Society of Creative Anachronism Terrill Imboden, Kehinde, Laurel in the Society of Creative Anachronism Ross...
May 08, 2024•50 min
If you don’t have a disability, you may not have ever thought twice about how you would get into a building or whether you can really trust a gluten-free label. When you are disabled, it can seem like every decision you make has to be calculated in order to avoid flareups, episodes or more. Prescription medication, surgery, therapy, Eastern medication, yoga, massages and more can all be solutions to alleviate or ameliorate a disability, but for some people, this is not enough. They might turn to...
May 07, 2024•51 min
In 2010, Stacy Downey founded The Little Pantry That Could in North Nashville, which provided free food and support to any one in need –no questions asked. In 2022, the loss of a lease and sky-high real estate prices forced The Little Pantry to permanently close. Stacy, who has also worked at One Generation Away, joins us today to share her story and talk about her continued dedication to making sure everyone has the food and welcome they need. Join us. This episode was produced by Katherine Cei...
May 06, 2024•51 min
While mainline denominations are seeing a overall decline in attendance, exvangelicals, a term that denotes former evangelical status, are part of a growing online community who are outspoken about why they’ve left the church. In Nashville, evangelical culture is everywhere — think Bible verses on your favorite donut store’s boxes, prayer at social gatherings or the common practice of incorporating a gospel song into a set. With guest host Marianna Bacallao, we explore the experiences of exvange...
May 02, 2024•51 min
Whether we’re battling fake news, censorship, or just sloppy reporting, it can be extremely difficult for the average person to be engaged with what’s going on — especially in their city or region. Not to mention challenges with the funding model for some types of journalism. The news landscape can look bleak at times. The first half of 2024 has brought mass layoffs — and even shutterings — for legacy publications that are both nonprofit and for profit. Multiple NPR member stations have seen lay...
May 01, 2024•50 min
This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, brings in national and local guests to discuss everything from best practices to worst failures — and we get to hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. In today's episode, we focus on what it entails to assist a person transitioning from homelessness to housing. Today's guests: • Adam Ruege , Director of Strategy and Evaluation, Community Solutions • Sally Lott , Systems Improvement Ad...
Apr 30, 2024•51 min
Today we'll check in with those who are are innovating in Nashville’s dance scene and find out where Middle Tennesseans can go to see the work of local dancers and choreographers. Plus, visionary dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey carved out a space in the dance world for African American dancers to express themselves, and brought a blend of jazz, ballet, and Black cultural vernacular to the stage that has forever changed American modern dance. For a closer look, we'll also speak with past and...
Apr 18, 2024•51 min
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell takes listeners calls today. Then, starting this Friday, April 19, Nashville Public Radio will be running the seven-part series Taking Cover at noon. Hosted by NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and Graham Smith of the Investigations unit, Taking Cover investigates the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history and the events that followed. This Is Nashville producer Katherine Ceicys spoke with Bowman and Smith about the series and what...
Apr 17, 2024•51 min
Middle schoolers, high schoolers and college students all over Middle Tennessee run student newspapers, TV stations and recording studios. These student journalists work hard to deliver news and inform their communities. Today, we’re talking with student writers, reporters and podcasters about their latest coverage — and what it’s like to be an emerging journalist right now. Join us! Guests: Nick Held, Montgomery Bell Academy 8th grader, editor of upcoming Top of the Hill issue Grace Chen, James...
Apr 16, 2024•50 min
With more than 40 years of journalism experience in Nashville, Emmy-award-winning Demetria Kalodimos is still one of the best-known names and faces in local news. After a long career in television, she’s moved on to documentary filmmaking, teaching and resurrecting the print-gone-web Nashville Banner. We sit down with her to talk about her career, the golden days of local tv news, and what’s next for this venerable journalist. Guests: Demetria Kalodimos, host of Banner and Company...
Apr 15, 2024•51 min
Nearly 20 years ago Oprah Winfrey had a segment on her show encouraging women to get fitted, saying "change your bra, change your life." We'll talk to our own local expert on what makes a good bra. And then we turn our attention to a group of women who support each other in their time of breastfeeding. The members of La Leche League, an organization with chapters across the world, meet to share resources, tips, and advice for this crucial point of nurturing a new life. Guests: Adrienne Francis, ...
Apr 12, 2024•47 min
If you stand outside a local Old Navy on a hot summer day, you might see a grandmother carrying large bags, overflowing with discounted American-themed apparel for the whole family. It's hard to resist a good sale, especially when it comes in the form of patriotic polyester. Others might be a little more hesitant to proudly display patriotism via flying the flag outside their home or office or by saying the pledge at ballgames. We asked our listeners what you thought about the pledge of allegian...
Apr 11, 2024•48 min
Military service is a point of pride for many here in Tennessee and across the country. From wanting to serve something bigger than oneself, to seeking job experience or world travel, to honoring a family tradition of service- everyone who joins the military must find their own reason for signing up. Today we’re talking with local recruiters from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps to learn more about each branch and the first steps anyone here in Middle Tennessee can take towards serving. Join...
Apr 10, 2024•48 min
When you think about freemasons, your mind might wander to the founding fathers. Then, you might feel a shiver down your spine and wonder why you sense the eerie presence of Tom Cruise. It turns out, that all of that fear and cult association might be misplaced. Today, we go straight to the source: two freemasons from our very own West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. With host Khalil Ekulona at the helm, we'll demystify freemasonry and fraternity. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special ...
Apr 09, 2024•52 min
