While other areas of the city may be nearly blank slates for redevelopment, North Nashville boasts a vibrant history, thriving business district and a community deeply invested in preserving its culture and landmarks. In this episode, we hear from local business owners and ambassadors from two organizations dedicated to thoughtfully guiding North Nashville's redevelopment. The Jefferson Street Historical Society was created to preserve and protect the over eighty Black-owned businesses that call...
Sep 26, 2024•51 min
In Tennessee, two very different groups are leading the way. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has launched Project Milkweed , a free milkweed seed distribution program designed to support the breeding and flourishing of the monarch butterfly. Simultaneously, the green witches use holistic means – herbs, plants, and the rhythms of the lunar and solar cycles – to heal and nurture themselves, others and the Earth. Today, we look at these efforts and how they reflect a growing passi...
Sep 25, 2024•51 min
In places where there is homelessness, we often see clashes between neighbors and businesses, service providers and the government. And, as neighbors and businesses lose patience, they can put pressure on politicians to find quick solutions, which can result in the abrupt removal of people and their encampment structures from public spaces. In today’s episode, we discuss how to mitigate tension by finding the middle ground — and solutions that address the needs of those experiencing homelessness...
Sep 24, 2024•51 min
As the recently installed pastor of the historic First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill in Nashville, he’s on a mission to inspire a new generation while respecting, in his unique way, the foundation of past leaders. In this episode we learn about his childhood in rural Louisiana and northern California, the work he is most proud of, and his vision for the future of Nashville's oldest Black Baptist church. This episode was produced by Mary Mancini....
Sep 23, 2024•51 min
Often, in places where a bit of extra effort is needed, organizations, community groups and individuals step in to fill in the blanks and help navigate a sometimes confusing tangle of rules and regulations. As the deadline to register to vote for the November election approaches, we look at the most frequently asked questions about voting in Tennessee and hear from organizations that actively engage in the on-the-ground efforts to support and encourage voters. Plus, the phone lines are open for ...
Sep 19, 2024•51 min
AARP ranked the state 47th on the Transportation Livability Index, indicating poor public transit, walkability, and coordination for people with disabilities. This episode looks at how four Nashvillians get around the city and what can be done to make Nashville a city that is truly inclusive of everyone. This episode is produced by David Hooper. Guests Robby Barbieri , United Spinal Association Advocate of the Year, Disability Chair for Alcoholics Anonymous Darren Jernigan , Former Tennessee Sta...
Sep 18, 2024•50 min
Today, we’re talking with students who are working together to learn how government functions and young people who are using their voices to raise up concerns and ideas from their schools and neighborhoods. We’ll also check in with student representatives working with the Nashville Metro government. Join us for a special all-student panel! This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. Today's Guests: Ajay , high school senior, participant in YMCA Center for Civic Engagement's Model United Natio...
Sep 17, 2024•51 min
Doulas are non-medical professionals who can provide trusted support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early weeks and months after childbirth. Kristin Mejia founded Nashville-based Homeland Heart Birth & Wellness Collective to offer education and increase the number of doulas locally to improve birth outcomes for women, infants and families of color. Today, we’re talking with Kristin about her personal parenthood journey and why she is dedicated to making sure others have the su...
Sep 16, 2024•51 min
Today, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is in the studio to take your calls and answer your questions. Plus, it’s political debate season, and Tennessee State University professor Josh Shapiro is with us to discuss their efficacy and importance, and answer all your presidential debate-related questions. Are decisions at the ballot box impacted by debate performance? Are post-debate spin rooms effective? Why do some candidates refuse to debate? Is there one form of debate that works better than ...
Sep 12, 2024•51 min
From cosmetology to automotive technology, building construction, plumbing, machine maintenance, and even coding, there are many programs right here in Middle Tennessee available to anyone looking to step into a new career. Today, we’re talking with people who chose a trade school or apprenticeship path to hear about their experiences — and about the careers they’ve built since graduating. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. Guests Kevin Harrison, Vice President TCAT Nashville Jerry C...
Sep 11, 2024•51 min
From Francis Craig and the Beatles to Jackie Shane and Minor Threat , United Record Pressing has made some of the world's most significant records. United CEO and Chairman Mark Michaels is here to tell the story of this unique Nashville-based, American-owned business, and how — thanks to some ingenuity, a few well-timed business decisions, and a whole lotta luck — it’s survived decades of changes in the music industry. Guests Mark Michaels | Chairman and CEO, United Record Pressing, LLC Further ...
Sep 10, 2024•51 min
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 international peace. One sister city is Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. WPLN reporter Rose Gilbert is currently on assignment in Erbil, and before she left, she and Khalil sat down to preview what s...
Sep 09, 2024•51 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 ...
Sep 04, 2024•51 min
We’re seemingly full of towering yellow cranes and active construction sites busy with workers using hefty machinery and hoisting heavy materials – often several hundred feet in the air. Tragically, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states when it comes to construction worker on-the-job injury and deaths. In recent years, the city of Nashville and the State of Tennessee have not seen eye-to-eye on how to improve safety for workers. Today, we’re speaking with reporters, local advocates and t...
Sep 03, 2024•51 min
Every Thursday, we open up the phone lines because it's Your Turn to Talk. We never know what topics will come up when you call in to ask the mayor a question, but it's always an interesting discussion. Later on, we look at the basics of overdose prevention and learn what local organizations and law enforcement are doing to strengthen the overdose prevention strategy of harm reduction. Guests: Freddie O'Connell | Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Charles Cuthbert | ...
Aug 29, 2024•51 min
Some step into single parenthood by choice, and others unexpectedly find themselves raising kids on their own. Today, we’re speaking with two single parents here in Nashville about their journeys to parenthood, how they take care of both their kids and themselves, and where they find connection and community. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Megan Staggs, Single mom Steve Younes, Single dad
Aug 28, 2024•51 min
Over the course of this series, we have taken a closer look at the different aspects of homelessness examining the Housing First philosophy, the interconnectedness of housing and healthcare, prevention efforts, and what hidden homelessness looks like. In today's episode, we focus on the tools available for developers and communities to build supportive housing and the support systems necessary to help people maintain their homes. Additionally, we dive into braiding, a funding mechanism used to b...
Aug 27, 2024•50 min
Clark, a well-known Nashville producer, multi-instrumentalist, music supervisor and writer, was born and raised in Memphis — a city he says is utterly baked into him at a cellular level. It was in Memphis where he picked up his first instrument, bought his first dixieland jazz records, and played his first gig. Since then, Clark has gone on to write for numerous national publications – including Billboard and Rolling Stone – produce the first seven volumes of the award-winning Oxford American Ma...
Aug 26, 2024•51 min
Some people say they vote because it’s the least they can do. But what if you want to do more? What other options are available to voice your opinion, advocate for or against issues you care about, and influence policy? And what do you do when the action you take doesn't get the results you want? Do you keep hope alive, or do you let the cynicism creep in? We’re joined by a panel of community organizers who will take your calls and help us figure out how in the world we can make a difference. Pl...
Aug 22, 2024•51 min
But the legacy and impact of this small HBCU in Nashville often gets overlooked. Now, as ABC celebrates its 100th anniversary, we look at the college’s role in training generations of activists. How has it changed in the decades since the Civil Rights movement? And how can religion and theology be used to advance social justice causes in an increasingly secular world? This episode was produced by Emily Siner. GUESTS Dr. Forrest Harris, President of American Baptist College Dr. Phyllis Qualls, Co...
Aug 21, 2024•51 min
Architects shape skylines and neighborhoods with a vision that can last for centuries. Today, we're speaking with some of Nashville's NextGen architects about their priorities, lessons learned, and the challenges they face building in the New Nashville. This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. GUESTS Amy Hardin, Senior project manager and senior architect at Gresham Smith Brittany Hodge, Project Architect at EOA Architects Joseph Cole, CEO, Culture Architecture and Design Brenda Cano Trejo, De...
Aug 20, 2024•51 min
Sara Figal has always been willing to work hard, follow her passions – and let herself be surprised. She recently retired from being the executive director of the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, an organization that facilitates mediation to help people and families work together to create solutions to their problems so they don’t have to end up in a court system. Today we’re speaking with Sara about the often unexpected outcomes and impact of mediation that she has witnessed here in Tennes...
Aug 19, 2024•51 min
At the state capital, Nashville has a good amount of local news coverage. We’ve also attracted national attention, including multiple conservative outlets and their personalities. So, with a myriad of choices and a never-ending supply of information, what news sources do you use to stay fully and accurately informed? Are you willing to pay for that information? And how do you tell the difference between news that’s been checked for accuracy and news that hasn’t? This episode was produced by Mary...
Aug 15, 2024•51 min
After the Covenant School shooting in the spring of 2023, three Covenant moms — Melissa Alexander, Mary Joyce, and Sarah Shoop Neumann — set out to pursue gun reform here in Tennessee. The women were lifetime conservatives and supporters of the Second Amendment. WPLN senior reporter Meribah Knight documented the women’s efforts to impact Tennessee state politics where the Republican Party holds a supermajority. You can listen to the full story on NPR’s Embedded: Supermajority . Today, we’re spea...
Aug 14, 2024•51 min
You’ve seen them around town, organizing Black Nashvillians to become greater participants in local, state and national governments. They are not the only organization in town to do this work, but they are one of the most effective. So, who are the folks that make up the BNA? How did they form? What is next for the group? And how important do they think your vote is for this year’s election in November? This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona. GUESTS Jamel Campbell-Gooch | Organizer, Souther...
Aug 13, 2024•51 min
He may have been born in Florida, but Mr. Boone has deep Nashville roots. He attended Lipscomb, had his first performances in Centennial Park, recorded in middle Tennessee, and appeared on Hee Haw. Today, we'll hear from Boone about his singing and film career, his family, his heavy-metal phase and so much more. Join us! Today's episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley. GUEST Pat Boone | Singer, author, actor and speaker. FURTHER LISTENING Pat Boone's new song “Where Did America Go?” is availab...
Aug 12, 2024•51 min
This isn’t the first time they’ve ruled on this issue, with additional decisions on immunity in civil cases given during both the Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton administrations. But what does the ruling actually state? And what degree of immunity do our state and local leaders have? Most importantly, how do we as a country balance immunity with accountability? We've convened a panel of experts to take your questions and comments. Call 615-760-2000 to join the conversation. This episode was produ...
Aug 08, 2024•51 min
Wild turkeys are what biologists call an indicator species — meaning its presence in a location is indicative of a healthy ecosystem for all other species, including humans. The turkey is also a significant figure to Native cultures, both spiritually and practically. In the early 1900s, commercial hunting left the wild turkey population decimated, and it faced extinction. Hunters were the first to notice the trouble, and in the mid-1900s, efforts began to rescue and conserve them — a movement th...
Aug 07, 2024•51 min
Quantum computers can already complete calculations that would take current computers millions of years to solve, and experts say that researchers are on track to cross a game-changing threshold in this new technology by 2030. MTSU recently launched its Quantum Science Initiative and is working with regional partners, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory , to educate and train students here in Middle Tennessee to step into research and technical jobs in this emerging field. Today, we’re speak...
Aug 06, 2024•51 min
His focus on African American history has led to many discoveries about a hidden and sometimes forgotten past. He is leaned on by city officials, historic foundations, community members and most importantly, his students, to learn about the many people whose lives and work have impacted our city, region, and state. Today, we'll learn more about Dr. Lee, as he is famously known. Where did his thirst for knowledge and history come from? How did his early life shape the actions he takes today? Join...
Aug 05, 2024•51 min
