In this episode, we hear from reporters who will offer insights into what’s at stake and break down the major topics expected to dominate the conversation in the coming months — from school vouchers and abortion pill access to immigration and guns. And we want to hear from you: What issues are important to you? And what do you want from lawmakers in the coming months? Today, it's your turn to talk, so join us by calling 615-760-2000! This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. GUESTS: Sam Stockar...
Jan 16, 2025•50 min
Each year, millions of adults and children fall victim to sexual exploitation, forced labor, or both. In this episode, we confront the harsh realities of human trafficking in Middle Tennessee and the broader state. We explore who is affected and learn about the efforts of local enforcement, nonprofits and community leaders who work to prevent this crime and support the survivors. And we learn how individuals and communities can take action to recognize the signs of trafficking and make a differe...
Jan 15, 2025•50 min
It is often difficult to figure out how to visit and stay connected to a loved one who is incarcerated. It is also challenging to navigate the emotions, and often judgement, that comes with the loss of someone close from daily life to prison. Today we’re talking about what it’s like to love someone - a child, a parent, a spouse, a friend- who is incarcerated and local resources available to help. Join us! This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Angie Tallent, Family member, guest o...
Jan 14, 2025•50 min
Today, we talk with Settles about the philosophy behind her mission to heal, what music means to her, and how she chose to center everything she does from a place of love. Plus, she performs live for us in the studio. Guest Odessa Settles , musician and retired nurse
Jan 13, 2025•50 min
Through guided dialogues, One Small Step encourages participants to listen just as much as they speak and stay open to a wide range of opinions. Dialogue Vanderbilt has partnered with StoryCorps to bring One Small Step to Middle-Tennessee and Jad Abumrad , Vanderbilt’s Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and co-founder of Radiolab , joins us to talk about the essentials and efficacy of this ambitious program. This episode was produced by Mary Mancini and J...
Jan 09, 2025•50 min
Today, we talk about Tennessee’s job market and some of the major concerns employers and employees face right now. We also hear about the local resources available to help anyone, even young people, figure out their next career step and get support while navigating a job search. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Dr. Donald Bruce , Boyd Distinguished Professor in the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee Adam Sichko , Senior Reporter, Nashville Business Jou...
Jan 08, 2025•50 min
Folx Table provides strangers the space and opportunity to meet — and hopefully, become friends. Today, we talk with the founders about connection and building community. Plus, to demonstrate how it works, some people who have never met join us in the studio to play Folx Table's "get to know someone better" games. Guests Emma McCallie | Co-founder and CEO, Folx Table Dallas Condra | Co-founder and COO, Folx Table Justin Allman Hannah Kelly Tina Dominguez...
Jan 07, 2025•50 min
Today, we sit with the thought leader as he reflects on the rigidity of political thought and the ways in which he believes political discourse in America must evolve. Plus, we talk about his journey and what led him to write for high profile publications like the New York Times. And, as we enter another new era of Conservatism and Liberalism, what does he envision for the future of our country? Further reading and listening: The New York Times Opinion | My Old Church's Fundamentalist Wing Cance...
Jan 06, 2025•50 min
Their responses can be spoken word poetry, an essay, a speech. It can be ... whatever they want. It’s their voice expressing what their city means to them. Today seven people share their perspective on what this city and region means to them. Their words. Their voices. This Is Nashville presents … This Is Nashvillians. This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona. Guests: Mac Pirkle Chris Crofton S’Kaila Colbert Erica Perry Benjamin Browning Willie “Big Fella” Sims Kate Parrish Music Playlist: Ch...
Jan 02, 2025•50 min
The holiday season is in full swing! With preparing for all of the fun, parties, family gatherings- and maybe even traveling, you might find yourself feeling a bit drained and tired. That is where practices like tai chi, yoga and meditation come in. Today we’ll talk with Nashvillians who use those practices to help themselves and others recenter and find peace. We’ll learn about what the practices are, how anyone can get started in a few moments today, and what you need to know if you want to st...
Dec 30, 2024•50 min
Our host, Khalil Ekulona, joins us as a guest alongside his parents to share how they started celebrating Kwanzaa as a family and what the holiday means to them. Then, local community leaders share more about how Kwanzaa is celebrated in Nashville. Guests: Khalil Ekulona, host of This Is Nashville Olufemi Ekulona, retired caregiver and Khalil’s mom Ademola Ekulona, retired television producer, activist, community leader, and father of Khalil MarQuita Holt, board member of Kwanzaa Nashville Jenee...
Dec 26, 2024•50 min
It features music from his modern holiday classic LP 'Socks' alongside handpicked, off-the-wall Christmas song selections and paired with interviews delving deep into 'Socks' and McPherson’s own holiday traditions. It’s guaranteed to be the only holiday special to reference 'Goodfellas,' dictatorial crowd control techniques and Black Sabbath’s "Children of the Grave" right beside the Andrews Sisters, the Drifters and Vince Guaraldi. A WNXP Production.
Dec 24, 2024•50 min
One of the main ways we can interact with others is through our hobbies and niche interests. And they’ve got another benefit, too: When we learn more about other people’s hobbies and niche interests, we better appreciate the world around us and we can embrace and celebrate our differences. Today, we delve into three vastly different niche activities and the people who pursue them. From Rubik’s cubing to cooking to professional Santa artistry, these guests illustrate the importance of finding our...
Dec 23, 2024•51 min
Today, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell joins us to take your calls. You can dial (615) 760-2000 to participate. Plus, Niche to Meet You podcast producer and host Leslie Eiler Thompson joins us to talk about the history of Santa, the personal stories of some of the real-life Santas she’s met, and how for these folks, being Santa is more than just a hobby. And we end the show with a special reading of the most famous poem about Santa Claus ever written. Guests Freddie O’Connell | Mayor, Metropol...
Dec 19, 2024•45 min
Demand for affordable spaces outpaces supply, rates are soaring and parking management wrongfully charge fees and boot without warning. Today, we discuss parking problems, what can be done to alleviate some of them, and what the future of parking looks like as new construction continues to boom and expand into residential areas. And we want to hear from you! Call 615-760-2000 to join the conversation. Parking Management companies that were contacted did not want to comment or did not respond to ...
Dec 18, 2024•50 min
A recent study by Belmont University reports that 70-80% of young people who age out of foster care without adequate support face homelessness, addiction, imprisonment and mental illness by the age of 21. Today we speak with two Nashvillians who both found themselves in foster care. We’ll hear about their stories, the support that made a difference for them, and how they are both dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others who are navigating similar experiences. Join us! This episode...
Dec 17, 2024•51 min
Their responses can be spoken word poetry, an essay, a speech. It can be ... whatever they want. It’s their voice expressing what their city means to them. Today seven people share their perspective on what this city and region means to them. Their words. Their voices. This Is Nashville presents … This Is Nashvillians. This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona. Guests: Mac Pirkle Chris Crofton S’Kaila Colbert Erica Perry Benjamin Browning Willie “Big Fella” Sims Kate Parrish Music Playlist: Ch...
Dec 16, 2024•50 min
Just over a year ago, a tornado outbreak struck Middle Tennessee, killing seven people, injuring more than 80, and damaging or destroying thousands of homes . In September, Hurricane Helene and the subsequent flooding devastated upper East Tennessee. In the aftermath of both disasters, volunteers and relief organizations quickly mobilized to provide immediate assistance and assess the damage. Once the initial recovery phase was complete, efforts shifted to long-term recovery and building. Today,...
Dec 12, 2024•37 min
Today’s guest, long-time Nashvillian Keely Scott, kept a written relationship for over 30 years with an eccentric Manhattan artist, starting when she was a second grader in Texas. The story of their relationship is marked by moments in Keely’s own life and contains beautiful stories of friendship. Not surprisingly, Keely is passing this legacy onto her daughter, who now has her own faraway pen pal. Read Keely's full letter to Barbara Learn more about Compassion International This episode is prod...
Dec 11, 2024•50 min
In today’s episode, we explore how to make connections and have meaningful conversations across our differences — while maintaining healthy boundaries. We'll also explore what community means and feels like today and learn about the skills necessary to feel more connected. Plus, we hear how one Nashville family stays close-knit despite it all. This episode was produced by Ambriehl Crutchfield.
Dec 10, 2024•50 min
Despite how influential they’ve become, they’ve maintained an insular musical world, evolving in their own way and at their own pace. Today, Nashville Public Radio Senior Music writer Jewly Hight sits down with Welch and Rawlings for an intimate conversation about their musical influences, the beauty of embracing imperfection, and the career self-sufficiency they didn’t really want but intentionally cultivated. This episode was produced by Jewly Hight and Mary Mancini. Guests Gillian Welch, Sing...
Dec 09, 2024•50 min
Since 2021, the financial health of Tennessee State University has been in the news. In 2021 a group of state lawmakers found that in the previous 50 years the state had underfunded the school by about a half a billion dollars. Then, in 2023, a federal report said that the state underfunded the university by far more than the original estimate — about $2 billion dollars just between 1987 and 2020. This fall, TSU laid off more than 100 employees and just last month the administration announced fu...
Dec 05, 2024•50 min
DPC has hosted US presidents. It’s been a hospital during the Civil War and has been on both the right and wrong side of civil rights. Today it houses a small, active congregation as well as nonprofits and artists — and the building itself is one of the best remaining examples of Egyptian Revival architecture. In this episode, as they celebrate what is most likely the longest-running fundraiser in town and go to a downtown church. The Downtown Presbyterian Church’s 100th Annual Waffle Shop takes...
Dec 04, 2024•50 min
Musicians and fans from all over journey to The Caverns in Grundy County for a truly unique experience. You can catch some performances there on the PBS series The Cavern Sessions (formerly Bluegrass Underground). Today we’re talking with the people who made the dream of holding concerts in a cave into a reality. We'll also hear from singer-songwriters Katie Pruitt and Bill Miller and a superfan about what it’s really like to experience a concert there. Natural History lesson included! Join us! ...
Dec 03, 2024•52 min
As an artist, Julia loves faces, the human figure, waxed pastels and oil paint. As the owner and operator of the Julia Martin Gallery, she relishes the close-knit arts community she’s helped build. In this episode we hear from Julia about her art, the life-changing exhibitions she’s curated, and why she thinks it’s important to give up-and-coming artists their first gallery experience. Guest Julia Martin, Artist and owner/operator, Julia Martin Gallery NOTE: This following paintings are mentione...
Dec 02, 2024•50 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...
Nov 27, 2024•51 min
The holidays are a time full of joy and celebration for most- but they can also be an especially challenging time for those struggling with alcoholism or addiction - or who have a loved one who is. Today, we are talking to members of different recovery communities here in Middle Tennessee to learn about 12 Step programs, local 12 Step resources and how they themselves are approaching staying healthy and connected during the holiday season. (In keeping with the tradition of anonymity in 12 Step p...
Nov 26, 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, deep religious roots, 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 ...
Nov 25, 2024•51 min
Although we never know exactly what’s going to come up on our Ask the Mayor show — that's up to you – on this month's agenda is the Capital Spending Plan, the grocery sales tax and the arrest by Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers of several people for camping on state property Downtown. Plus, Jude Mason from our sister station, WNXP, joins us to talk about Thanksgiving traditions. Jude is originally from across the pond and has a unique perspective on this American holiday. And we want to hear fr...
Nov 21, 2024•50 min
Through the Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative , Tennessee State University and Urban Green Lab are working to capture the voices of those affected first and worst. Today we hear about this first-of-its-kind oral history project . We also hear how these same communities are a source for real solutions to a more sustainable and equitable Nashville. Today's episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley. Guests Stephanie Roach, Assistant Director of Special Initiatives, Urban Green Lab Dr. Regi...
Nov 20, 2024•50 min
