WPLN - Nashville Public Radio

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This Is NashvilleAfter the Gavel, Part 1: Legislative Wrap-UpThe Tennessee legislature recently wrapped up the first half of the 114th General Assembly, and there is a lot to digest.Today, we bring you the first of a two-part review. Reporters assigned to cover the work of our elected state representatives join us to recap the bills passed, the bills still waiting to be signed by the governor, and the constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot in 2026.Tomorrow, we go a bit deeper into the issues with a post-session analysis — that you can join by calling 615-760-2000 at noon Thursday....2025-05-0750 min

This Is NashvilleA people’s history of WPLNToday we talk about our station's history through your eyes - from that first day to where we are now, how long have you been listening and why?WPLN's first broadcast was on December 17, 1962, and lasted for just 12 hours. Back then, programming consisted of classical music, local content, and informational programs from sources all over the world. This year the station celebrates its 63rd birthday, and we've come a long way from our first studio in the Richland Park library. Join us!This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests Nina Cardona...2025-04-0249 min

This Is NashvilleYour Turn to Talk: new immigration policyPresident 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 us at 615-760-2000. We want to know: Is immigration policy headed in the right direction?This episode was produced by Mary Manc...2025-02-0650 min

This Is NashvilleYour Turn to Talk: Ask the Mayor plus a state legislative updateDo 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 Char Daston | WPLN newscast producer and reporter 2025-01-3050 min

This Is NashvilleYour Turn to Talk: Antioch High School shooting and gun violenceIt 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, Attorney, Executive Director, Southern Movement Committee FURTHER READING...2025-01-2350 min

This Is NashvilleTennessee state legislative previewIn 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 Stockard, Tennessee Lookout Reporter and Columnist Mari...2025-01-1650 min

NashVillagerJanuary 6, 2025: The day a president came to WPLNOn this episode, host Nina Cardona remembers what it was like to spend three hours with former President Jimmy Carter years ago at WPLN. Plus, the local news for January 6, 2025, and a look at pop crossovers in 2024. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 2025-01-0618 min

This Is NashvilleYour Turn to Talk: Election NightWPLN reporter Paige Pfleger and MTSU Journalism and Strategic Media professor Dr. Jason Reineke are in the studio to take your calls and report on any results. Plus, Marianna Bacallao and Cynthia Abrams are reporting live from watch parties around town. It's election night and we're live!Guests Paige Pfleger, Criminal Justice Reporter, WPLN Jason Reineke, Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Strategic Media, MTSU Marianna Bacallao, Power and Equity Reporter, WPLN Cynthia Abrams, Metro Reporter, WPLN 2024-11-0650 min

NashVillagerOctober 18, 2024: What to expect when you’re expecting an electionElection Day is coming, and we here at WPLN News are on top of it. Today we'll share our coverage plan — and you can already find many stories at WPLN.org/elections. Plus, the local news for Oct. 18, 2024 and a conversation with civically engaged kids. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 2024-10-1814 min

This Is NashvilleCitywide reporter roundup: religion editionIn 2024, many different faith communities are flourishing in Middle Tennessee and local religion reporters, whose work often reaches national audiences, have a lot to cover. Today we are joined by Liam Adams, Religion Reporter for The Tennessean, Holly Meyer, the Global Religion News Editor for the Associated Press, and WPLN’s own Rachel lacovone, one of the our newsroom leaders who has reported and edited much of WPLN's religion coverage. They'll break down the latest news and share what it’s like to report on a topic that is both deeply personal and emphatically public for so many...2024-06-2750 min

NashVillagerComing Soon: "Supermajority" from NPR's Embedded & WPLN NewsSupermajority is a new podcast from NPR’s Embedded, in partnership with WPLN News, exploring what happens when one political party has near-complete control. In this four-episode series, hosted by Meribah Knight (Serial’s The Kids of Rutherford County, WPLN’s The Promise), we follow the story of three conservative women challenging their own party.As Americans focus on national politics this election year, NPR's Embedded takes an up-close look at one state – Tennessee – where Republicans hold a powerful majority. We ask: What does that power mean to lawmakers, who are the constituents pushing back, and what might it a...2024-06-1903 min

This Is NashvilleWhat's going on with TVA?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 while still providing electricity. Later, we'll talk with the Black Nashville Assembly to learn more about what m...2024-05-1450 min

This Is NashvilleNashville’s exvangelical movementWhile 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 exvangelicals in Nashville. Are the city’s exvangelicals finding support from one another, and if so how? This episode...2024-05-0250 min

This Is NashvilleThis week's reporter roundtable. And what is the Music Census?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 Kelly Walberg, vice president of Communications, Co...2024-02-2250 min

This Is NashvilleWhat’s at stake in the next Sumner County election?WPLN reporters Alexis Marshall and Blaise Gainey have been closely following local politics in Sumner County. The ultra-conservative Sumner County Constitutional Republicans have amassed incredible political power in a very short time, effectively taking over the county commission. The county's upcoming March 5 elections could significantly change the makeup of the school board. But how did we get here? And how that has shifted the political and educational landscape for those living in Sumner County? Our WPLN reporters share some of their recent work with us, and give us the lay of the land ahead of the elections.2024-02-0850 min

This Is NashvilleDiversely Segregated, Nashville Confidential and Reporter RoundupHave you ever tried to take the bus from Madison to the Cheekwood Estate? Chris Crofton did for the latest edition of Nashville Confidential. On this episode, we will hear how his journey went. Also, Jerome More talks with Marcus Knight in the newest Diversely Segregated. We’ll also have an update on the legislative session when we talk with reporters from the WPLN news desk. GUESTS WPLN politcal reporter Blaise Gainey WPLN health reporter Catherine Sweeney WPLN education reporter Alexis Marshall Contributor Jerome Moore...2024-01-1150 min

This Is NashvilleNew call-in show coming to WPLN wants to hear from the political 'Middle'People in the political center, and people in the middle of the country, will decide the presidential election of 2024. If you're one of these people, Jeremy Hobson, the former host of NPR's Here and Now, wants to know what you're thinking. His new call-in show, The Middle, airs on select public radio stations across the country, including WPLN. The show will air Thursday evenings at 8 p.m., and for the next several weeks, will re-air Fridays at noon. Today on This is Nashville, Jeremy Hobson explains how he developed this new show and fills us...2023-09-2239 min

This Is NashvilleDriving toward a better bus system for NashvilleThe past few years have not been easy for Nashville’s WeGo bus network. But behind the scenes, the agency has been trying to make progress on improvements that riders have been requesting for many years. On today’s show, we start by looking back over the bus system’s recent history. In 2018, voters rejected a sprawling mass transit proposal. In 2019, budget cuts led WeGo to eliminate some routes. And then the coronavirus pandemic slashed ridership. We’ll also talk with WeGo leaders and frequent bus riders about what’s been going on since then. The agency h...2023-08-2850 min

This Is NashvilleEnjoying Nashville from the Cumberland RiverWhy do so many people ignore or avoid the Cumberland River? And how have perceptions — and access to our winding river — changed? In this episode, we dive into how feelings about our river are rapidly changing, thanks in part to a rise in paddling and boating outfitters, as well as the fresh eyes of newly arriving transplants (and developers). We'll hear from avid paddlers about their experiences. We'll also unpack some misconceptions and talk about the surge in new ideas for our riverfront. WPLN's interim news director, Tony Gonzalez, starts the show by sharing the late...2023-07-2850 min

This Is NashvillePeering into space with Nashville astronomersSome of the most exciting research in astronomy is happening right here in Nashville. A little more than a year ago, NASA released the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. One of the first approved studies using this imagery was led by Vanderbilt professor Keivan Stassun, who is searching for Earth-like planets with NASA's TESS Exoplanet Mission. And just weeks ago, a groundbreaking study demonstrating how gravitational waves permeate the universe was published by a team led by another Vanderbilt astrophysicist, Stephen Taylor. In this episode, we'll talk with these two scientists and...2023-07-2150 min

This Is NashvilleWhat Nashville can do about climate changeClimate change is already affecting our city, and the time to do something about it is running out. How is Nashville preparing to become more resilient and more sustainable? We talk with experts and advocates about adjusting to life on a warming planet — and city — and discuss what individual Nashvillians can do. But first, WPLN's Marianna Bacallao gives an update on how transgender patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center are responding to the release of health care records to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. This episode was produced by Steve Haruch. Gues...2023-06-2750 min

This Is NashvilleThe state of African American political power in TennesseeFor many outside of the state, the swift expulsions of state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson from the Tennessee General Assembly were a shocking display of power by the state’s Republican supermajority. But for longtime observers, this was a continuation of patterns that have persisted over recent decades, as African Americans in the state have seen their political influence diminished. In this episode, we explore the shifting electoral and political landscape that has challenged African American political power in Tennessee, and what efforts are underway to reverse this trend. But first, WPLN cr...2023-05-0150 min

This Is NashvilleThe future of the Metro Nashville Community Oversight BoardIn 2018, voters approved the creation of the Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board to keep police accountable to the community. But this month, the Tennessee legislature passed a bill to replace COBs with mayor-appointed committees that will not be able to conduct independent investigations. In this episode, we speak with community members, as well as current and former board members, about why community oversight boards are important to them, and how they feel about the state’s decision to get involved. We also talk about why the state legislature has gotten involved, and where this fits in the la...2023-04-2650 min

This Is NashvilleDriving the future of electric vehicles in Middle TennesseeIt's becoming increasingly clear that electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and that future is closer than ever. Tennessee is becoming a hub for electric vehicle production. That includes the vehicles themselves, like the ones Nissan and General Motors have been building in their Middle Tennessee plants for years. Volkswagen is doing the same in Chattanooga, and Ford is in the process of constructing the massive Blue Oval city facility near Memphis. Drive Electric Tennessee has set a goal of 200,000 electric vehicles on our state’s roads by 2028. But while vehicles are the most vi...2023-02-2150 min

This Is NashvilleWhat Tennessee's rejection of federal HIV testing, prevention funds mean for NashvilleIn January the Tennessee Department of Health announced that the state will no longer accept funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Around 20,000 Tennesseans are living with HIV, and the CDC estimates that 14% of Tennesseans with HIV are unaware of their status. The funding will run out at the end of May, and there is no set plan of how the state will compensate for this lack of federal money. So, how did we get here? In this episode, we look into the why the state made th...2023-02-1450 min

This Is NashvilleWhat’s next for the Fairgrounds Speedway?The Fairgrounds Speedway is a Nashville institution. It’s held car races and horse races since 1904, and still had horse racing up until 1957 when they paved the track. It held NASCAR races up until 1984, when disputes between city government and track management put an end to it. But it has continued to be a local and regional spot for car racing. In 2011, Nashville voters passed a referendum that obligated the city to maintain the track for racing. For years, Bristol Motor Speedway has been courting the city with a plan to renovate the track, in part to att...2023-02-0950 min

This Is NashvilleWhat you need to know about eviction in Middle TennesseeIn July 2021, pandemic-era eviction protections ended in Nashville. Since then, state and federal sources of rent assistance have dried up, and this December eviction filings in Nashville were 70% higher than they were before the pandemic. To understand what happens when a person is evicted and how it impacts their ability to find housing, we’re talking to community members with firsthand experience. Then, we’re joined by legal experts from the Legal Aid Society and the Hispanic Bar association to discuss resources, tenant rights and the Eviction Right to Counsel Project. On Thursday, Feb. 9, from 2-4 p.m...2023-02-0850 min

This Is NashvilleCelebrating 60 years of WPLN!On Saturday at 9:00 a.m., WPLN will officially turn 60 years old! Today, we're celebrating with past and present staff, former guests and listeners. We're taking a dive into station history, from the library days all the way to the launch of This Is Nashville. Then, we're sitting down with listeners to discuss what they want to hear from us in the next 60 years. Guests: Steve Swenson, president and CEO of WPLN Pat Nolan, host of Inside Politics at NewsChannel 5 Anita Bugg, VP of Content at WPLN Ellen M...2022-12-1652 min

This Is NashvilleWho are the Tennesseans who don’t vote?Election season always get people talking about voter turnout, which tends to be pretty low in Tennessee. The state has consistently ranked in the bottom ten for turnout over the past two decades, but why? We’ve talked to people about what has driven them to vote. Today, we’re talking to people who do not vote regularly about what’s keeping them home, as well as a couple of experts from local civic engagement organizations. But first, we have an update on plans to develop the East Bank from WPLN metro reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield. ...2022-11-2250 min

This Is NashvilleThe growth of HBCU athleticsHistorically Black colleges and universities have recently garnered national attention with legendary professional athletes becoming coaches, financial backers of programs, and expressing their fandom. In this episode, we'll hear from students and coaches from HBCU athletic programs in Nashville about the growing interest in HBCU sports and what it means for Black athletes. But first, we'll be joined by WPLN metro reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield about her coverage of Fisk University's gymnastics team. Guests: Ambriehl Crutchfield, WPLN metro reporter Corrinne Tarver, Fisk University gymnastics head coach Morgan Price...2022-11-1850 min

This Is NashvilleWalking a mile in Nashville's cowboy boots cultureCowboy boots are a classic part of Western wear, but they have become an iconic part of Nashville fashion. How did they come to be so popular here, and how have they changed over time? To learn more, we’re talking with star stylists, writers and local store owners. But first, we're joined by WPLN senior music writer Jewly Hight to discuss this year's Grammy nominations. Guests: Jewly Hight, WPLN senior music writer Manuel Cuevas, iconic Nashville designer who has outfitted stars including Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Lady Gaga ...2022-11-1650 min

This Is NashvilleThe power of solar energy in Middle TennesseeAs the conversation about climate change continues, interest in sustainable energy is also expanding. In this episode, we’re focusing on solar energy and its potential in Nashville. We explore the options available to homeowners interested in reducing their carbon footprints and take a look at at some of the large-scale solar projects either under way or on the horizon in Middle Tennessee. But first, Middle Tennessee is home to one of the nation’s top climate polluters. WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers explains who it is and why it matters at the top of the show...2022-11-1550 min

This Is NashvilleMargo Price on music, her memoir and making it in NashvilleMargo Price is a Grammy nominated artist who has studio three albums and an appearance on Saturday Night Live. However, the journey to country success in Nashville wasn't easy, which she chronicles in her new memoir "Maybe We'll Make It." On this episode, we're talking to Margo about her path from small town Illinois to the center of country music, her music and more. But first, WPLN criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger explains why Tennessee has one of the highest rates of voter disenfranchisement in the country. Guests: Paige Pfleger, WPLN cr...2022-11-1450 min

This Is NashvilleHumming along with Nashville’s vibrant composing sceneNashville has been drawing in musicians of all stripes for the better part of a century. Today, we’re talking about a growing part of the Nashville music family: classical composers. The city offers many outlets for these composers to apply their talents — from scoring the ballet, to writing arrangements on a hit record or even making music for video game soundtracks. But first we check in with WPLN contributor Laura Dean about her recent story on county jail visitations. Guests: Laura Dean, freelance journalist and WPLN contributor Wu Fei, comp...2022-11-1150 min

This Is NashvilleJewish life in the buckle of the Bible BeltJewish communities have thrived in Nashville for more than a hundred years. While they may still be small in number compared to their Christian counterparts, Nashville’s Jews continue to enrich local the culture in a variety of ways – not all of them religious. Today, we examine the state of Judaism in Nashville. What options are available for faith-based community and worship? How do Jewish families connect in an overwhelmingly Christian city? But first, we’re speaking with WPLN’s own Blaise Gainey and Julia Ritchey to review the results of Tuesday’s elections. Guests: 2022-11-0950 min

This Is NashvilleSeeking treatment for addiction while pregnantLast month, the Biden administration released a new report announcing that they will use federal courts and health programs to expand the use of medication to treat substance use disorders in pregnant women — and one of those health programs, Firefly, is in Nashville. Today, we’re joined by a mother and a current recovery coach to learn more about the unique challenges pregnant people face when seeking treatment for substance use disorders. Then, we’ll hear from the medical and executive directors of Firefly to discuss how the program got started, how it works, and how it might be im...2022-11-0850 min

This Is NashvilleCelebrating Día de los Muertos in NashvilleDía de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is an important holiday honoring those who have come before us. While its origins are Aztec and Mesoamerican, it is primarily observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but there are celebrations held around the globe. In this episode, we explore the traditions of Día de los Muertos and how it’s celebrated here in Nashville. But first, a look at some key legislative races in the upcoming midterm elections. Guests: Chas Sisk, WPLN senior editor Julia...2022-11-0150 min

This Is NashvilleThe Children’s Memory Garden memorializes Nashville’s youngest victims of violenceSince 1996, a small corner of Centennial Park has memorialized children who died from violence. Last year, the Children’s Memorial Garden was redesigned and expanded. The garden reopened on Tuesday with the engraved names of more than 200 children. In this episode, we explore garden’s history, talk to those who have been maintaining it all these years, and the families of the children who are remembered there. But first, early voting begins Wednesday at election offices across the state. One of the most competitive races is for Tennessee’s redrawn 5th Congressional District. WPLN political reporte...2022-10-1950 min

This Is NashvilleProtests in Iran hit home for Nashville’s Iranian and Kurdish communitiesIran is experiencing massive protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, after she was taken into custody by the nation’s morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. Thousands of people, from schoolgirls to oil and gas workers, have taken to the streets to protest police brutality, Iran’s strict morality laws, and, increasingly, the regime. Popular slogans among protestors include “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “death to the dictator.” In Nashville, the Iranian and Kurdish communities have held several demonstrations in solidarity with the protests in Iran in an effort to raise awarene...2022-10-1850 min

This Is NashvilleMeet the pagans and Wiccans of Middle TennesseeNashville is known as the Buckle on the Bible Belt. However, the city is home to a diversity of religions and traditions, including paganism. In today’s episode, we’re joined by a pair of community leaders to learn more about Pagan Pride Day and what it means to be pagan in a traditionally Christian area. Then, we’ll hear from solo practitioners about how they found paganism, and how they discuss their spirituality with their family and friends. But first, WPLN’s political and criminal justice reporters fill us in on their interview with Tennesse...2022-10-0450 min

This Is NashvilleThe future of cycling in NashvilleAnyone who lives in Nashville can tell you how hard it is to get around town without a car. But, trying to bike to work or school can be dangerous or downright impossible in the city. Today, we’re joined by transportation planners and a cyclist to learn more about the current state of our city’s cycling infrastructure and what plans are in the works. Then, we’ll hear from a couple of educators who work with kids and adults about what it means to own a bicycle and the best ways to stay safe on the roa...2022-09-3050 min

This Is NashvilleChecking in with Warner Elementary, two years after ‘The Promise’On Monday, Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School in East Nashville was named a reward school. This makes it one of the top-performing schools in all of Metro Nashville. While that is plenty to celebrate on its own, consider this: Just two years ago, Warner was a so-called “priority school,” meaning it was among the lowest-performing schools. In that two-year span, enrollment has more than doubled. Warner was the subject of Season 2 of WPLN’s podcast The Promise, which explores not only the plan to improve the school, but also the stark difference between Warner and another...2022-09-1250 min

This Is NashvilleWhat does it take to make it as a songwriter in Music City?Songwriters are at the heart of Music City’s namesake industry, from big-name performers to veteran hitmakers to those just starting out. In this episode, we’re sitting down with songwriters, musicians and a local union president to learn about what it takes to write songs and make a living in Music City. But first, we’re saying goodbye to WPLN enterprise reporter Damon Mitchell and talking about some of his proudest work from his time at WPLN. Guests: Damon Mitchell, WPLN enterprise reporter Henry Brill, songwriter and producer Ellisa S...2022-09-0950 min

This Is NashvilleHow the federal student loan forgiveness program will impact Middle TennesseeThousands of Tennesseans could have their student loans reduced or wiped clean under a new program by the Biden administration. Student loan forgiveness is on a lot of people’s minds since one in eight Tennesseans has student loan debt. It’s a topic folks have strong opinions about – and with about 20 colleges and universities in the Middle Tennessee area, Nashville is especially impacted. In this episode, we’re joined by former and future college students to talk about how student loans have shaped their education decisions. Then, we hear from a lawyer and an economist t...2022-09-0750 min

This Is NashvilleRosetta Miller-Perry, Tennessee Tribune publisher, on Nashville, civil rights and the Black pressRosetta Miller-Perry is at the helm of the longest running African-American newspaper in Nashville, the Tennessee Tribune, which she started in 1991. Otherwise known as the “Queen Mother” of the Black Press, she joins us to reflect on her life and legacy, and what she sees as she looks around at a Nashville undergoing rapid change on many fronts — and slower change on others. But first, WPLN’s Blaise Gainey discusses the recent controversy over the seating of a Republican to the Sumner County Commission after the election resulted in a tie. Guests: Blaise Gainey, WPLN p...2022-09-0650 min

This Is NashvilleRebroadcast: Baristas lead union push in Middle TennesseeThis episode originally aired on July 7, 2022. Unions have historically been associated with factory workers and those in the automotive industry. In Tennessee, food service employees – particularly baristas – are leading the labor organization push. In Knoxville, Memphis and Murfreesboro, there’s been various efforts to unionize local Starbucks locations. While in Nashville, much of the labor organizing is taking place at smaller, independent shops – like Three Brothers Coffee and Barista Parlor. In this episode, we talk to community members who are leading the unionization efforts about why they want a union and some of the push...2022-09-0550 min

This Is NashvilleGetting a taste of Nashville's wing sceneThis Friday, we're talking chicken wings! What's the restaurant scene like here in Music City? What makes a good wing? And is there a quintessential Nashville-style wing? To get some answers to these questions and more, we're joined by restaurant owners and an expert chicken wing reviewer. Then, we'll talk about how our local wing joints have been impacted by inflation, supply chain issues and the pandemic over the past few years. But first, we're talking about the origins of "Cashville" with WPLN enterprise reporter Damon Mitchell. Damon Mitchell, WPLN enterprise reporter 2022-09-0250 min

This Is NashvilleNavigating birth control in Tennessee’s post-Roe worldIn the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision, a lot of people were left wondering: What does this mean for access to birth control and emergency contraception? While birth control remains fully available in Tennessee, the process of selecting and obtaining contraception can be difficult to navigate. From the pill, to intrauterine devices, to vasectomies or condoms, understanding and obtaining birth control options can be overwhelming — and not to mention, at times, expensive to access. To better understand the process of learning about and obtaining birth control, we are talking to three Nashvillians who have...2022-08-3150 min

This Is NashvilleAngela Tucker on adoption, race and centering adoptee voicesAngela Tucker wants to change the conversation about adoption. She is an adoptee advocate and mentor, host of the podcast The Adoptee Next Door and author of the forthcoming book You Should Be Grateful: Stories or Race, Identity and Transracial Adoption. Born in Chattanooga, Angela grew up in Bellingham, Wash., with white adoptive parents — an experience that was challenging and sometimes isolating. She didn’t have a person of color as a teacher until she was in college. After turning 21, she was able to find and eventually meet her birth parents, but that was in spite of Tenn...2022-08-3050 min

This Is NashvilleExploring the past, present and future of the Tennessee State FairThe Tennessee State Fair has taken place for over a century, with only a couple of interruptions: WWII and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been lots of changes over the years, from a huge fire in the 1960s, to the addition of car shows, to the recent move from the Nashville fairgrounds out to Lebanon. In this show, we’ll dive into the past and present of the fair with a historian and the fair’s current executive director. Then, we’ll hear from a couple farmers about what the fair means to them, and ho...2022-08-2950 min

This Is NashvilleThe Nashville Summer Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 34th yearThis year marks the 34th anniversary of the Nashville Summer Shakespeare Festival, which puts on free, outdoor performances of The Bard and other playwrights’ work. This year, the festival includes Cymbeline and, starting on the 25th, August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean. To learn more about how the festival got its start and how it relates to Nashville’s broader theater community, we’re joined by the executive artistic director and managing director. Then, we’ll hear from the directors of both plays about their productions and what meaning we can take from them today. But first, W...2022-08-1950 min

This Is NashvilleRebroadcast: Thrifters, vintage stores give old clothes new life in NashvilleNote: This episode originally aired on March 14. Scouring the racks at a secondhand store is a time-honored way to score stylish clothes on the cheap in Middle Tennessee. But the best bargains are getting more difficult to come by as goods are snatched up and sold under a different category: vintage. Sometimes, the markup can be eye-popping, so high-quality clothes or last season’s designer duds are out of reach for thrifters. The guests discuss the differences between vintage and thrift stores, and who benefits from this popular type of shopping in Nashville. Also...2022-08-1750 min

This Is NashvilleCelebrating the tomato and East Nashville’s Tomato Art FestThousands of revelers crowded East Nashville’s Five Points area over the weekend for the annual Tomato Art Fest. It’s also peak tomato season in Tennessee. Restaurants are dreaming up new treatments, home cooks are concocting everything from simple sandwiches to cabinets full of canned tomatoes to keep the flavor going through the winter. From farms to backyard gardens, everyone’s favorite fruit that’s really a vegetable (or is it the other way around?) is popping up everywhere. So let’s talk about it! We’ll meet a chef who just finished “tomato week” at his r...2022-08-1550 min

This Is NashvilleLooking back at Robert Altman’s 1975 movie ‘Nashville’Director Robert Altman’s Nashville premiered in Nashville on August 8, 1975. The film was already doing well in New York and elsewhere, but even before then, before it even hit theaters, legendary New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael dubbed it “the funniest epic vision of America ever to reach the screen.” Nashville would go on to gross about $10 million in the U.S. and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture and best director. Keith Carradine’s ballad “I’m Easy” took home the Oscar for best original song. Even so, many in Nashville at the time felt li...2022-08-0850 min

This Is NashvilleBack to school with Nashville's teachersIt’s back-to-school season! Big box stores have put out special school supplies displays, and the airwaves are full of commercials for backpacks, clothes and markers. It’s a pretty familiar phenomenon, but it’s also impossible to deny that a lot has changed about education over the past few years, from the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic to new laws that impact what can be taught in the classroom. What is this time of year — this year — like for Middle Tennessee’s teachers? To learn more, we're joined by educators and MNPS officials. But first, we'll...2022-08-0550 min

This Is NashvilleConserving Tennessee's rare and endangered plantsA healthy ecosystem is a diverse one, and plants are critical to maintaining that diversity. For rare and endangered plants in Middle Tennessee, conservation can be challenging to manage. Native species often struggle to keep pace with invasive plants, and continuing development threatens to reduce green space. This hour we go on a hike in search of wild ginseng, meet some of the people working to preserve the plants that make our region unique, and learn what each of us can do to keep our local flora thriving. But first, WPLN health care...2022-07-2750 min

This Is NashvilleGrowing your own food in NashvilleAmong cultures around the world, it’s traditional to grow your own food. But with the rise of supermarkets and grocery stores, gardening in the United States has become more and more uncommon. But, what do you do when the food you like to eat isn’t sold in grocery stores? Or when there are no supermarkets near you, and you can’t afford to buy fresh produce? This isn’t uncommon in Nashville. North Nashville, East Nashville, South Nashville and Edgehill all have neighborhoods with food deserts. Community members are taking matters into their own hand...2022-07-1950 min

This Is NashvilleLooking at the state of pipelines in TennesseeOn June 29, a pipeline ruptured in West Tennessee, spilling approximately 200,000 gallons of crude oil. It was the second-largest spill in state history. But at the time, there was no public announcement of the spill, which came very close to contaminating Tennessee's largest aquifer. Environmental activists say this incident goes to show that the state needs to do a better job of maintaining its existing oil and gas pipelines, rather than building new ones. But a new state law just made it easier to build this kind of infrastructure. What do we know about the state of pipelines...2022-07-1550 min

This Is NashvilleThe state of adoption in TennesseeAfter the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, some supporters of the ruling presented adoption as an alternative solution to unwanted pregnancies. A photo of a couple holding a sign that read, “We will adopt your baby” went viral. While adoption may be an option, it’s not necessarily so straightforward, and the process can also be tricky to navigate, both for birth parents and hopeful adoptive parents. What is the state of adoption in Tennessee right now, and what does it look like for those wanting to adopt children? Could lack of abortion access lead more children to...2022-07-1350 min

This Is NashvilleWhere the sidewalk ends in Metro NashvilleNashville is growing fast, but as a city largely designed around cars, its pedestrian infrastructure is seriously lagging. Only about 19 percent of Nashville streets have sidewalks. A callout to WPLN listeners yielded some common themes: too many streets and neighborhoods with no sidewalks, making for dangerous walking conditions; and too many gaps between existing sidewalks. In 2020, a Metro report identified 71 so-called “priority miles,” where sidewalks were needed most urgently, but the timeline to get those sidewalks built is 20 years long. Metro also identified another 1,900 miles of “greatest need” sidewalks — and a total of 4,700 miles of missing sidewalk segments a...2022-07-1150 min

This Is NashvilleHoofing It: Getting around Nashville without a carNashville is not a city known for robust public transportation — and it seems that nearly everyone has an opinion on what needs to improve. There’s an impressive lack of sidewalks, bus routes and protected bike lanes, among other challenges. The options may be improving but are still limited. For many residents, the public transit options we do have are essential. For others, riding the bus is a lifestyle choice. In this episode, we hear from people without vehicles on how they navigate Nashville and why they take WeGo. Then we talk with transportation experts who are work...2022-07-0650 min

This Is NashvilleWhite supremacy and the state of hate in TennesseeTennessee has a long history with hate groups and white nationalism. The state is the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, but more recently, a "White Lives Matter" protest at a Juneteenth celebration on June 18 in Franklin, Tennessee, provided a visible local example of anxieties around white identity. Another white supremacist group, American Renaissance, routinely hosts its annual conference at Montgomery Bell State Park. In this episode, we're talking with local historians about how white supremacy has transformed over the years, how it has influenced Tennessee, and how these ideologies remain even as the state grows and di...2022-07-0550 min

This Is NashvilleThe unending appeal of vinyl recordsFor decades, vinyl was the primary medium for recording and listening to music. As technology advanced, CDs and digital downloads became the norm, and records fell by the wayside. However, for the past decade or so, vinyl has enjoyed an incredible renaissance. Some people say they prefer the sound of vinyl. Others say they enjoy the ritual of selecting and playing a record. Still others say it just looks cool. In this episode, we talk to record store owners, musicians and collectors about the business of pressing records and vinyl's lasting appeal. But f...2022-07-0150 min

This Is NashvilleRebroadcast: Preserving Fort Negley’s past while planning for its futureThe This Is Nashville team is off for Juneteenth. We are rebroadcasting our episode about Fort Negley, which originally aired on April 4. Nashville is developing a new master plan for Fort Negley, one of the city’s most significant and unique historical landmarks. The fort was built during the Civil War by conscripted free Black men and women for the Union Army. The U.S. Colored Troops who defended Fort Negley during the war remained and settled Nashville’s first post-Emancipation Black neighborhood at the base of the hill. The Bass Street neighborhood was a thrivin...2022-06-2050 min

This Is NashvilleNashville has a new Black symphonyIf you were to buy a ticket to the symphony right now — here in Nashville, or in another city — you likely wouldn’t see many Black performers. That won’t be the case at this weekend’s inaugural performance of the Nashville African American Wind Symphony. The group aims to challenge what has become the norm in classical spaces. We talk to members of the group about why they felt a Black symphony was needed. Then, educators and students talk about ways to bridge the gap. But first — the way we pronounce the names of some places in Tennessee...2022-06-1351 min

This Is NashvilleRebroadcast: Who is Nashville’s nightlife really for?Note: This episode originally aired on March 4. The honky-tonks on Lower Broadway contribute to Nashville’s economy and its reputation as a destination party city. While “NashVegas” has become a playground for bachelorette parties, locals have pushed back — complaining about unruly tourists and under-regulated party vehicles. Things got so out of hand that the word “transportainment” made its first appearance in The New York Times last year. In this episode, host Khalil Ekulona talks to some of the people who make Nashville’s nightlife tick, and also asks the question: Who is Nashville’s nightlife really for? But...2022-06-1050 min

This Is NashvilleWhat does the future of child care in Middle Tennessee look like?Child care is often expensive, hard-to-find and deeply necessary for working parents and guardians. With schools being out for the summer, many families in Middle Tennessee are in need for child care. To help address these access issues, Metro Council approved a measure that provides $7.5 million to support child care and early childhood education in Nashville this April. Today, we’re sitting down with community stakeholders to learn what this infusion of funding means for the future of child care in Nashville. We’re also joined by a panel of parents sharing their experiences of tryin...2022-06-0150 min

This Is NashvilleTalking with students about graduation season in the wake of recent shootingsAs the school year draws to a close in Middle Tennessee, we check in with students to see how they’re feeling. The Uvalde, Texas, school shooting is still in the headlines and it comes so soon after another mass shooting in Buffalo. Both were perpetrated by teenagers. And an even more recent shooting in Chattanooga saw six people injured, all of them younger than 15. How are students processing these multiple tragedies? How did they make it through this challenging year? And what are their hopes for the future? But first, we'll be sp...2022-05-3150 min

This Is NashvilleRebroadcast: Natural burial and walking toward the endThis Is Nashville is off for Memorial Day. We are rebroadcasting our episode about Larkspur, which originally aired April 14. Death is something that’s sure. It’s also something many of us avoid. Certain people, though, have made facing death part of their everyday life. In an opening feature, we visit Larkspur Conservation – one of the only conservation burial grounds in the country as we say goodbye to one man’s son. Then we speak with a woman who recently buried her dad at Larkspur as well as ordained ministers from different traditions about how they are plu...2022-05-3050 min

This Is NashvilleFree speech or hate speech? The role of rhetoric in violenceA deadly mass shooting at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket on May 14 sent shockwaves throughout the country, including in Middle Tennessee. In a document written before the attack, the gunman used rhetoric that echoed racist conspiracy theories and, in some places, the recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe. v. Wade. On this episode, we explore the connections between hateful rhetoric and harmful actions with someone whose community was targeted for harassment and with experts in critical race theory and hate speech. But first, WPLN metro reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield stops by the studio with...2022-05-2450 min

This Is NashvilleExploring the legacy of Nashville’s Freedom RidersOn May 17, 1961,10 members of the Nashville Student Movement boarded a bus from Nashville to Birmingham, Alabama, as part of the Freedom Rides. The riders were arrested in Alabama and then sent back to the Tennessee border in the middle of the night. However, they helped bolster the civil rights movement as it continued to roll across the South. In today’s episode, we explore the legacy of Nashville’s Freedom Riders with poets and a journalist. Then we’re joined by a local civil rights activist to learn more about her participation in the sit-ins and the role tha...2022-05-1750 min

This Is NashvilleHats, history and horses! Get ready for the 81st Iroquois SteeplechaseThis Saturday, Percy Warner Park will host the 81st Iroquois Steeplechase. The race, nicknamed Nashville’s “rite of spring,” has taken place every year since 1941 with only two exceptions: 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 1945, due to World War II. In today’s episode, we’re joined by two trustees of the Iroquois Steeplechase to learn about the race’s history and its origins in the sport of fox hunting. To find out more about the Iroquois Steeplechase today, we’ll hear from an organizer of last year’s Black at Steeplechase event and a journalist who has covered the ra...2022-05-1350 min

This Is NashvilleDr. Stephen Loyd: On substance abuse, addiction and harm reductionEast Tennessee native Dr. Stephen Loyd once had a 100-pill-a-day addiction and even stole pain pills from his own patients. Years after he first sought help for his substance abuse disorder, Loyd in now the vice president of the state board medical examiners as well as the medical director of multiple service organizations. Loyd's says he has yet to find a way to treat dead people. His past has shaped his approach to addiction treatment, and he's now one of the most stringent harm-reductionists in Tennessee. But what exactly is "harm reduction" - and what...2022-05-1250 min

This Is NashvilleExamining abortion access in Tennessee and answering community questionsThe future of abortion access in the United States is in question after POLITICO published on May 2 a draft opinion revealing that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. Tennessee has a trigger law in place that will ban almost all abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned. In this episode, we examine how we got to this pivotal moment in the future of abortion access. We also talk about what it’s like to get an abortion in Tennessee, and a board certified OB-GYN and reproductive health advocate answers community questions about...2022-05-1150 min

This Is NashvilleFresh strawberries and the benefits of seasonal eating in Middle TennesseeIt’s strawberry season in Tennessee! In this episode, we’ll learn more about what this time of year means to local farmers, what eating seasonally looks like in Middle Tennessee and all the best ways to eat strawberries. We’re joined by a panel of farmers, urban agriculturists and community supported agriculture experts. But first, we’ll hear from WPLN enterprise reporter Damon Mitchell on why Black men are less likely to graduate from a Tennessee college than their peers. Guests: Damon Mitchell, WPLN enterprise reporter Al Slate, third-generati...2022-05-0650 min

This Is NashvilleWhat's going on in Tennessee's youth detention centers?Parents and juvenile justice advocates want Tennessee to improve the conditions in youth detention facilities after a report claims that teens held at the Wilder Youth Development Center were physically and sexually abused. Disability Rights Tennessee and the Youth Law Center released the report on April 27. It details how the teens held at the state-run facility in Fayette County in West Tennessee were denied medical care and therapy services, and how parents were retaliated against when they tried to raise the alarm, among other allegations. The report focuses on Wilder, but the authors believe conditions...2022-05-0450 min

This Is NashvilleHow rising housing costs are pushing Nashville's immigrant communities further awayHousing is on a lot of people’s minds in Nashville: how expensive it is, how hard to find it is, how many tall-and-skinnies are popping up across town, etc. In this episode, we examine how the red-hot Nashville market specifically impacts working class and recently arrived immigrants and their families. We're joined by community members, outreach worker, and educators to learn about how development and rising rents are making cultural communities and vital services harder to access for many immigrants and recently-arrived refugees. But first, we will hear from WPLN's Blake Farmer about what th...2022-05-0350 min

This Is NashvilleObserving Ramadan and celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Middle TennesseeRamadan Mubarak! Sunday marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday the celebrates the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar Muslims observe through fasting and spiritual reflection. On today's show, members of Nashville's diverse Muslim community to learn more about how they observe the holy month and what it means to them. But first, WPLN criminal justice reporter Samantha Max makes her final appearance on the show before she leaves the station for a new position at WNYC. Guests: Samantha Max, WPLN criminal justice reporter 2022-04-2950 min

This Is NashvilleExploring the future of green space in Nashville on Earth DayHappy Earth Day! Today, we’re talking about green space. First, why is it important? Second, who has access to it? And finally, how can we make green space in our city more equitable? To answer those questions, we’re joined by a city official, a professor, a tree activist and an affordable housing expert. But first, we’ll hear from WPLN Criminal Justice Reporter Samantha Max about the last minute decision to delay Oscar Smith’s execution on Thursday night. Guests: Samantha Max, WPLN criminal justice reporter Kendra Abkowitz, Nashville’s chief sustaina...2022-04-2250 min

This Is NashvilleWelcoming Afghan refugees to Middle TennesseeIn August, U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan as the Taliban took over the country. Millions of Afghans were forcibly displaced, and hundreds of thousands fled as refugees. Over 500 Afghans resettled in Nashville. At first, resettlement agencies were overwhelmed. The local community – mosques, teachers, electrical engineers, activists, grocers and more – stepped up to make sure the new arrivals got the help they needed, and more people are still coming. In this episode, we hear the stories of the people who have been resettled here. Then, we learn about how Tennessee’s refugee resettlement infrastructure works. Finally, we...2022-04-2050 min

This Is Nashville'What We Wish Were True': Tallu Schuyler Quinn's thoughts on life and deathTallu Schuyler Quinn was an icon in Nashville. She’s the founder and director of The Nashville Food Project. She died of brain cancer in February 17 at the age of 42 — leaving behind a husband, Robbie, two children, Thomas and Lulah, and a grieving, yet hopeful, community. This episode is centered around the release of her book "What We Wish Were True". The book came, in part, from the CaringBridge posts she wrote after she was diagnosed with cancer. We're talking to two of Tallu's employees from The Nashville Food Project then we have an intimate conversation with her...2022-04-1950 min

This Is NashvilleNashville murals: Appreciating the art beyond the Instagram photo opMurals have become an iconic part of Nashville’s visual identity, especially on social media (Taylor Swift’s famous wings photo, anyone?). Muralists have been working in Nashville for decades, including Aaron Douglas’ work at the Fisk Galleries and several longtime muralists, graffiti artists and commercial painters. However, murals and street art have exploded in recent years due to major beautification efforts like the Nashville Walls Project, as well as the increasing popularity of Instagram-friendly photo ops. In this episode we’re joined by a panel of artists to learn more about the history of murals in...2022-04-1549 min

This Is NashvilleDavidson County district attorney candidates answer community questionsWednesday is the first day of early voting for the Davidson County primary elections. To help listeners prepare to cast their ballot, This Is Nashville hosted a roundtable with the three Democratic candidates for Davidson County district attorney: incumbent Glenn Funk, Sara Beth Myers and P. Danielle Nellis. All of the questions posed to the candidates came from the community. To begin the episode, WPLN News political reporter Blaise Gainey had an update on the Tennessee legislative session. Guests: Blaise Gainey, WPLN political reporter Glenn Funk, current Davidson County DA ...2022-04-1350 min

This Is NashvilleThe past and present of poetry in NashvilleGrab a blanket and snuggle up with a cuppa on this rainy spring day. We've got some poetry for you. We bring you words from poets of Nashville's past, highlighting The Fugitive Poets of the early 20th century. Then we invite a few of poets of today to share some of their work and inspirations. But up first, WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers will join at the top of the show to talk about her recent coverage of the United Nations climate report and the Tennessee Valley Authority's response to the call for clean energy. 2022-04-1250 min

This Is NashvilleCrunching budgets and getting curious about Bell RoadIt’s tax time — one of our only sure things in life. It’s amazing we all make it through each year since the process often seems needlessly complicated. On this first round of a new segment we're calling Budget Crunch, we’ll invite a few panelists to answer some of your questions this filing season. Then, we'll focus on a Curious Nashville question about why Bell Road is so difficult to navigate around Interstate 24's Exit 59. There's a hopeful solution at a nearby exit that may make you dizzy. But first, WPLN News repo...2022-04-0650 min

This Is NashvillePreserving Fort Negley’s past while planning for its futureNashville is developing a new master plan for Fort Negley, one of the city’s most significant and unique historical landmarks. The fort was built during the Civil War by conscripted free Black men and women for the Union Army. The U.S. Colored Troops who defended Fort Negley during the war remained and settled Nashville’s first post-Emancipation Black neighborhood at the base of the hill. The Bass Street neighborhood was a thriving area until it was destroyed in the 1950s and ’60s to make way for Interstate 65. Now, former Bass Street residents and their...2022-04-0450 min

This Is NashvilleA 'State Of The Kids' addressIt's been a crazy two years. We all know that. But, think about this: high schoolers who are about to graduate have been in the pandemic since their sophomore year. As students head back to school after spring break, we check in on how they’re holding up this far into the pandemic. First, WPLN's Damon Mitchell talks new tech jobs, and how to get ready for them. Guests: Damon Mitchell, WPLN Enterprise Reporter Jama Mohamed, Technical Resident at HCA Sandra Williams, Mother Anna Bernstein, LMSW, English EL...2022-03-2544 min

WPLN News InvestigatesRethinking The Police Academy IAbout 1,000 police recruits have dropped out of Nashville’s police academy in recent years. Women and people of color dropped out at the highest rates. So, why are so many of those recruits failing their training courses? Or flat-out giving up before they even make it to patrol? WPLN News — with help from the investigative reporting center APM Reports — examines Nashville’s challenge to diversify its police force in this three-part series. Find online extras at WPLN.org/Academy.2022-03-2309 min

This Is NashvilleWhat it means to celebrate Newroz in Middle TennesseeNewroz (also spelled Nowruz) is the start of the Persian New Year and a celebration of spring that is held throughout the Middle East. It's also celebrated in Middle Tennessee because Nashville is home to the largest Kurdish population in the United States. Today's guests share what Newroz means to them and their cultural identity as either Kurds or Afghans living in the U.S. Also in this episode, WPLN healthcare reporter Blake Farmer talks about why hospitals are closing in Middle Tennessee. Guests: Blake Farmer, WPLN healthcare reporter ...2022-03-2150 min

This Is NashvilleCurious Nashville returns!After a brief intermission, Curious Nashville returns to the airwaves to answer listener questions about Middle Tennessee. The show reexamines history, explains what is — and isn’t — working in local government, and finds the story behind the oddball landmarks on the side of the road. WPLN Special Projects Editor Tony Gonzalez joins This Is Nashville host Khalil Ekulona to share some of his favorite stories from past Curious Nashville episodes and gives a glimpse into what's being investigated next. Also in this episode, WPLN Criminal Justice Reporter Samantha Max joins in studio to talk about how she re...2022-03-1750 min

This Is NashvilleMeasuring the impact of Middle Tennessee’s trash problemsNashville is locked in a contract dispute with Red River Waste Solutions, the private company the city hired for trash and recycling pickup. Things got so bad that the city stopped picking up recyclables altogether late last year. Recycling collection has started up again, but Red River is still in bankruptcy and the city’s garbage is piling up. All this refuse raises questions. Where does our junk go? Are we running out of space to dump it? Garbage collection on the one hand, and landfill space on the other, are just two elements of a larger...2022-03-1650 min

This Is NashvilleRevisiting license plate readers in NashvilleIn February, the Metro Nashville Council passed a controversial piece of legislation that would allow law enforcement to use license plate readers as part of a six month pilot program. Some believe that this new technology will help address crime in our city. But others have serious concerns that it poses a threat to privacy and could disproportionately target people of color. To learn more about about this debate, we hear from community members, a research scientist, a co-sponsor of the legislation and WPLN metro reporter, Ambriehl Crutchfield. Also in this episode, we're joined by...2022-03-1550 min

This Is NashvilleThrifters, vintage stores give old clothes new life in NashvilleScouring the racks at a secondhand store is a time-honored way to score stylish clothes on the cheap in Middle Tennessee. But if you’re searching for these kinds of bargains, at a thrift store, good luck — pretty much anything that’s worth anything is getting snapped up and sold under a different category: vintage. Sometimes the markup can be eye-popping so high-quality clothes or last season's designer duds are out of reach for thrifters. The guests discuss the differences between vintage and thrift stores, and who benefits from this popular type of shopping in Nashville. Also...2022-03-1450 min

This Is NashvilleSurviving outside when the temperature dips below freezingMiddle Tennessee experienced a handful of sunny days this week, but this weekend, there's the possibility of snow. The temperature drop is a mild inconvenience for most residents, but it can be deadly for those who are unhoused. In this episode, you'll hear from people who have experienced harsh weather when they didn't have stable housing and take a trip to one of Nashville's cold weather shelter. Also in the show, WPLN News reporter Paige Pfleger discusses her recent coverage of the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Year in Hate" report. It's Friday, which...2022-03-1150 min

This Is NashvilleBook-banning bills have potential to reshape the future of school libraries in TennesseeIn January Tennessee made national news when the Pulitzer Prize winning Holocaust memoir Maus was banned by the McMinn County school board. This was just the beginning of a much larger debate about books, obscenity and "age-appropriateness" that has been raging across the state. In this episode, host Khalil Ekulona sits down with WPLN News political reporter Blaise Gainey to learn more about three recent bills that would ban or limit books in schools.Then we hear from librarians, authors, parents and students on how these bills could impact education in Middle Tennessee. Today's episode i...2022-03-1050 min

This Is NashvilleNavigating Nashville when you have a disabilityAs Nashville continues its rapid growth, residents with disabilities say they're being left behind. While new buildings are popping up all around Middle Tennessee, residents who rely on wheelchairs, canes, guide dogs and other mobility aids are still fighting for reliable public transportation and safe sidewalks in their neighborhoods. In this episode, we hear what it's like to navigate Nashville when you have a disability, and get some perspective from people who are advocating for improved services and infrastructure. At the top of the show, WPLN News Senior Editor Chas Sisk joins us in studio...2022-03-0850 min

This Is NashvilleNurses are burning out as year three of the pandemic beginsAfter the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Tennessee in March 2020, nurses were often lauded as healthcare heroes. Two years later, nurses are not only feeling the weight of the pandemic, they are also dealing with staffing shortages, patients who refuse to get vaccinated, and the ongoing loss of human life. An increasing number of nurses are considering becoming travel nurses to make more money or leave the healthcare industry altogether for less stressful jobs. Host Khalil Ekulona talks with three Middle Tennessee nurses about their experiences. Guests: Dr. Alex Jahangir, chair o...2022-03-0750 min

This Is NashvilleTennessee school funding, and housing the unhousedTennessee’s school funding formula hasn’t been meaningfully changed in the last 30 years, but in late February Governor Bill Lee and Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn released a proposal that will focus funding on students. The new Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement promises more dollars to every district. In the first part of the show, WPLN education reporter Juliana Kim explains the differences between the current and proposed funding formulas, and what it will mean for local schools and teachers. Later, the conversation shifts to the hurdles unhoused individuals deal with as they try to find...2022-03-0249 min

WPLN News InvestigatesEpilogue: A Win For No OneThree years ago today, a white Nashville police officer shot and killed a Black man while he ran away with a gun in his hand. He was supposed to stand trial for murder this July. Instead, he took a last-minute plea deal. And the victim’s family was outraged. Credits: WPLN News Investigates: Deadly Force is a production of Nashville Public Radio. Editing for this episode came from Chas Sisk, Emily Siner and Anita Bugg. The episode was written, produced and sound designed by me, Samantha Max. Damon Mitchell also contributed reporting. And a big thank you to...2021-07-2635 min