Here in Tennessee, we have elected positions from local seats on county commissions and school boards all the way up to representatives in the state legislature and U.S. Congress. But where do you start as a candidate, and what does it actually take to run a campaign? Today, we’re breaking down what you need to know to run for office, including what trainings are available for first-time candidates. Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Rachel Campbell , Chair of the Tennessee...
Mar 13, 2025•50 min
Many lives were lost, and many locally owned businesses shuttered for good. But from the ashes of the pandemic arose opportunities for entrepreneurs who had always wanted to make a foray into the world of restaurants. On today’s show, local business owners who opened up shop during lockdown share their stories and how they managed to grow and thrive during one of the most troubling times of the century. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests: Ben Cornfield , Owner, Crieve Hall Bagel Co...
Mar 12, 2025•50 min
Today we explore the power music has to heal some of these wounds with the inspiring story of Johnny Bragg, who in the 1940s found his voice inside the Tennessee State Prison and went on to form the chart-topping group, The Prisonaires. We also hear from the founder and a musician with Higher Love, about what it’s like to go inside the prison walls with musical performances and messages of hope, love and worth. Guests Michael Gray , Vice President Museum Operations, Country Music Hall of Fame &a...
Mar 11, 2025•50 min
We decided to try it again: We asked six people from different parts of the region to share with us, and we were not disappointed. You’ll hear from folks of all ages and backgrounds. Sit back and open up your ears as we hear from a middle schooler, college junior, entrepreneur, a retired community member, a long time Nashville resident, and a sitting Metro Council member. They all provide us with a lot of food for thought. We present… This Is Nashvillians: Part 2. This episode was produced by Kh...
Mar 10, 2025•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 06, 2025•50 min
Bees, butterflies, even birds and other insects provide the essential service of carrying pollen from flower to flower, helping to grow the food we eat. But as the number of pollinators dwindle due to loss of habitat and overuse of pesticides, what do Tennesseans need to know about these fascinating creatures? How can we help the pollinators to thrive? What can we do, or not do, to encourage their populations? Plus, two experts tell us about invasive plants, which can have a negative effect on o...
Mar 05, 2025•50 min
Squirrels, possums, turtles, foxes, birds of prey and countless other wild creatures live right here with us in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, interactions with humans and human-made things can lead to injuries or death for these animals. Today, we’re speaking with the dedicated leaders and volunteers of several local wildlife rehabilitation centers to learn about what to do — and not do — if we come across an injured wild animal. We’ll also discuss steps we can take to be considerate and help...
Mar 04, 2025•50 min
Today, we sit with David as he reflects on the rigidity of political thought and the ways 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 . As we enter another new era of Conservatism v. Liberalism, what does he envision for the future of our country? This episode was produced by Tasha AF Lemley. Further reading and listening: The New York Times Opinion | My Old Church’s Fundam...
Mar 03, 2025•50 min
The laws took effect before this school year, resulting in students across the state being arrested for statements that wouldn’t even get them expelled. Today, we discuss the conflicting nature of school threat assessment laws and the unintended consequences they’ve created. And it’s your turn to talk. We want to hear from you: Are threat assessment laws in Tennessee working? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment. Guests Aliyya Swaby , ProPublica , Reporter covering children, families ...
Feb 27, 2025•51 min
In recent years, Nashville has attracted industry professionals who are motivated to build up the industry support for hip-hop here and bring more opportunity to local artists. Today, we hear about this side of the music industry that continues to grow, including two recent songwriting camps that aim to connect a new generation of hip-hop and R&B artists to industry professionals — and each other. Guests Eric Holt , Lovenoise Founder and Professor, Belmont University Jewly Hight , Senior Mus...
Feb 26, 2025•50 min
We look at how they establish relationships, connect people with services and start the housing process. We examine this initial point of contact and discuss what the role of assessments and data play when engaging with the unhoused population. Nashville Public Radio's daily show, This Is Nashville , launches the second season of In My Place — a series about finding home in our growing city. In My Place educates listeners on what communities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness ...
Feb 25, 2025•50 min
Having worked his way up from a print reporter in Florida, he now manages opinion and editorial pieces for The Tennessean. From the evolution of technology in news and media to the continuous change sweeping across Nashville, he joins us in-studio to share what he feels about the city, why the public has lost trust in news outlets, and how he was brought up and later came out. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. GUEST David Plazas, Opinion and Engagement Director at The Tennessean...
Feb 24, 2025•50 min
Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment. Later in the show, we hear from residents of Berkshire Place Apartments in East Nashville who are finally moving — years after they were first told to vacate. We’ll learn what’s at stake when an entire community must move. This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley and Mary Mancini. Guests Freddie O’Connell | Mayor, Metropolitan Govern...
Feb 20, 2025•51 min
But thanks to artificial intelligence, those seeking guidance may be able to extradite the process. Representatives from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and former clients who have successfully expunged charges from their own records join This Is Nashville to share their stories, mistakes to avoid, and how to use technology as a tool upon reentry. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. GUESTS Savannah Quintero, Legal Aid Society's Director of Reentry Project Zac Oswald, Legal Aid Societ...
Feb 19, 2025•50 min
Today we’re talking with members of Backlight Productions and Best Buddies , two organizations dedicated to building bridges, friendships, and having fun with people of all abilities. We’ll also learn about a new mentoring program for caregivers and an online tool that makes finding resources for anyone with a disability easier. Join us! Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys . GUESTS Melissa Smith, CEO Backlight Productions Fernanda Aguilar, Backlight Productions performer, Best Buddi...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min
Today we explore some of the city’s chocolatiers, chocolate artisans and candy bar makers. Plus, we’re one day away from Valentine’s Day and it’s your turn to talk. We want to hear from you. What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day date, good or...not so good. Guests Evane Stoner, Poppy & Peep Scott Witherow, Olive & Sinclair Beth Sachan , Goo Goo Cluster
Feb 13, 2025•50 min
Some contributions are well known — like the lunch counter sit-ins and school desegregation. Others have been lost to history. Today, we hear from those who work to preserve and elevate their history. The Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture is an all-day conference in its 44th year. The Nashville City Cemetery Association created a program to honor the more than 6,000 African Americans buried there, almost 3,000 without identification in the formal record. Dr. Edward Rob...
Feb 12, 2025•50 min
Here in Tennessee, several professions require licenses, including: contractors, doctors, lawyers, architects, private detectives and cosmetologists. Today, we’re talking about the boards that oversee professional licenses — what they do, how they function, and what the public needs to know about working with any licensed professional. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Rebecca Hall Allensworth, Associate Dean for Research, David Daniels Allen Professor of Law, Vanderbilt Law ...
Feb 11, 2025•50 min
Now, more than 45 years later, she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as the state has taken a targeted approach to the transgender community and other marginalized groups. She joins This Is Nashville to share her background, why she came to Tennessee, and how Tennesseans can benefit from equal rights for all. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. GUESTS Abby Rubenfeld, Civil Rights Attorney...
Feb 10, 2025•50 min
President Donald Trump’s administration pledged to deport approximately 11 million people who lack permanent legal status. And last week, Tennessee’s legislature passed a sweeping immigration law to support Trump’s planned mass deportation. Today, we hear details about the new policies and their effects on immigrants and refugees in Nashville. Plus, we learn about resources and “know your rights” programs for community members, educators and students. And once again, it’s your turn to talk. Call...
Feb 06, 2025•50 min
On this edition of This Is Nashville , we sit down with Belmont University choral instructor Jeffery Ames to discuss his labor of love, Requiem for Colour. We will also hear from the organization Youth About Business, which is putting together a live mixed media play about the heyday of Jefferson Street titled Lost and Found: a Story of Hope . Then, we will hear from the founder of Soul'd Creative Collective, Christian Sinclair, whose mission is to connect locals while growing the BIPOC art scen...
Feb 05, 2025•50 min
After their sets, we’ll hear from Rhonda and Marcus about their comedy journeys and what the stand-up comedy scene is really like in Middle Tennessee. We’re all in for some extra laughs during our first This Is Nashville stand-up special! Join us! This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Rhonda Sweat , Nashville-based comedian Marcus Lustig , Nashville-based comedian...
Feb 04, 2025•50 min
United Way brings together volunteers, local organizations and funding to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our community. Mitchell is joining us today to share about the work of United Way, her personal journey to service, and her dedication — and hope — for how we all can connect to make life better for everyone here in Middle Tennessee. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Erica Mitchell , President and CEO United Way of Greater Nashville FURTHER READING & LISTENIN...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min
Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment. Later in the show, WPLN reporters Marianna Bacallao and Char Daston will give us an update and take your calls about all the activity this week during the special session at the state legislature. Guests Freddie O’Connell | Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Marianna Bacallao | WPLN power and equity reporter Ch...
Jan 30, 2025•50 min
This legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers will consider a bill that will remove protections for our state’s wetlands. Today, we’re talking about why wetlands are valuable as part of a healthy ecosystem. We’ll also break down the proposed legislation and check in with local groups working to protect this natural resource. This episode was produced by Caroline Eggers , WPLN's environmental reporter, and Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Dr. Justin Murdock, Ecologist and Professor of Biology, Tennessee ...
Jan 29, 2025•50 min
Now, the group wants to bridge even more gaps — not just between believers and non-believers — but between followers of different religions and ideologies. Joining us to talk about finding commonality despite differences are The Conversation Coalition co-founder Elliott Martin, Rev. Brandon Baxter with East End United Methodist Church, and Vanderbilt Divinity School Professor of Religion Phillis Sheppard. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests Elliott Martin , Co-Founder, The Conversat...
Jan 28, 2025•51 min
Gauthier began writing songs relatively late in life, and her early work explores her troubled past and journey to sobriety. Her songwriting has earned her numerous awards and accolades – including a Grammy nomination – and The Associated Press called her “one of the best songwriters of her generation.” Mary’s book, Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting , tells the story of her personal growth and how, in her words, “songs can bring us a deep understanding of each other and o...
Jan 27, 2025•50 min
It seems that everyone can agree that no child should experience the terror of a school shooting, nor should any family experience the pain of an unimaginable loss; we just can’t agree on how to get there. Today, we’ll get an update on the circumstances surrounding yesterday’s tragedy. And we want to hear from you. What do you think can be done? This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. GUESTS Catherine Sweeney , WPLN Health Reporter Paige Pflegler , WPLN Criminal Justice Reporter Erica Perry ,...
Jan 23, 2025•50 min
Becoming an organ donor is a way to offer a life-changing gift to others. Today, we’ll hear from Tennesseans who know this personally: a mother whose teenage son became a donor, and both a kidney donor and recipient. We’ll also speak with experts from Tennessee Donor Services and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Transplant Center , a national leader, about what we need to know about being an organ donor and how to register here in Tennessee. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys....
Jan 22, 2025•50 min
The Lunar New Year is a time for gathering with relatives and friends for some food, fun and music. It's also a time to remember and honor one’s ancestors and reflect on one’s own personal journey as we get set for the year ahead. Guests Jen-Jen Lin, Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville Director and Artistic Director Anne Oppenheimer, CAAN Dancer and Performer Felix Wang, Music Educator and Cellist, Blair String Quartet Councilmember Tom Cash, Metro Council District 18...
Jan 21, 2025•50 min
