This Is Nashville is a live one-hour daily show driven by community, for community. This flagship program of WPLN News will become your one-stop-shop for news in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, as we continue to show up each day.

Today we'll check in with those who are are innovating in Nashville’s dance scene and find out where Middle Tennesseans can go to see the work of local dancers and choreographers. Plus, visionary dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey carved out a space in the dance world for African American dancers to express themselves, and brought a blend of jazz, ballet, and Black cultural vernacular to the stage that has forever changed American modern dance. For a closer look, we'll also speak with past and present performers from this groundbreaking group.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Karynn Hough, manager, <a href="https://mdcnashville.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Millennium Dance Center</a> and <a href="https://www.freshtalentgroup.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fresh Talent Group</a></li>
<li>Maggie Pelton, dancer and adjunct professor at <a href="https://www.belmont.edu/cmpa/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH51oOa0sgXtjavVuAVBEmr4mCBlqBw1Jb5RKf9NLL0SPay5UEjAjb9YaAuEGEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belmont University</a></li>
<li>Asia Pyron, Director of <a href="https://www.pydance.online/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PYDANCE</a></li>
<li>Constance Stamatiou, dancer, <a href="https://www.alvinailey.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater</a></li>
<li>Kathryn Wilkening, supervisor, <a href="https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/cultural-arts/dance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metro Parks Dance Division</a></li>
</ul>

Further Listening:

This is Nashville | <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/salsa-two-step-bachata-were-talking-partner-dancing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salsa, two-step, bachata… we’re talking partner dancing!</a> 
WPLN News |  <a href="https://wpln.org/post/these-nashville-middle-schoolers-create-dance-and-perform-to-celebrate-black-history-connecting-in-a-deeper-way/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These Nashville middle schoolers create, dance and perform to celebrate Black history, connecting in a deeper way</a> 
 

How to keep up with local dance performances: <a href="https://amandacroche.com/nashville-dance-community/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashville Dance Community list, compiled by Amanda Roche</a>

Today we'll check in with those who are are innovating in Nashville’s dance scene and find out where Middle Tennesseans can go to see the work of local dancers and choreographers. Plus, visionary dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey carved out a space in the dance world for African American dancers to express themselves, and brought a blend of jazz, ballet, and Black cultural vernacular to the stage that has forever changed American modern dance. For a closer look, we'll also speak with past and present performers from this groundbreaking group.
Guests:
Karynn Hough, manager, Millennium Dance Center and Fresh Talent Group


Maggie Pelton, dancer and adjunct professor at Belmont University


Asia Pyron, Director of PYDANCE


Constance Stamatiou, dancer, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater


Kathryn Wilkening, supervisor, Metro Parks Dance Division



Further Listening:
This is Nashville | Salsa, two-step, bachata… we’re talking partner dancing!
WPLN News |  These Nashville middle schoolers create, dance and perform to celebrate Black history, connecting in a deeper way
How to keep up with local dance performances: Nashville Dance Community list, compiled by Amanda Roche

Nashville's dance scene is the result of a growing number of performing groups, collaboratives and training opportunities. From classical to contemporary - you can find all types of dance here.

En Pointe: Nashville’s dance and choreography scene

Routine health habits might be easy to ignore, but they make a huge difference in our wellbeing. Today, local physicians and a mental health care provider are here to share what we all need to know — and can do — to take good care of our bodies and minds.This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.Guests: <ul>
<li>
Dr. Carmen Tuchman, primary care physician, Internal Medicine Vanderbilt</li>
<li>
Dr. Carlenda Smith, associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
</li>
<li>
Beth Hail, LCSW, <a href="https://centerstone.org/">Centerstone</a>
</li>
<li>
Dr. Justin Gregory  Briggs, Licensed marriage and family therapist; President, The Briggs Institute;  <a href="https://www.sexlifescience.com/podcast">Sex Life Science podcast</a> co-host </li>
<li>
Dr. Kassem Bourgi, Infectious Disease MD, Physician at <a href="https://www.nashvillecares.org/">Nashville Cares</a>
</li>
</ul>Learn more:<ul>
<li>
If you need help, call <a href="https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/need-help/crisis-services/988-suicide-crisis-lifeline.html">988</a>, the TN Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 Offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.</li>
<li>Learn more about mental health resources available through the <a href="https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.html">Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.</a>
</li>
</ul>

Routine health habits might be easy to ignore, but they make a huge difference in our wellbeing. Today, local physicians and a mental health care provider are here to share what we all need to know — and can do — to take good care of our bodies and minds.
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.
Guests: 


Dr. Carmen Tuchman, primary care physician, Internal Medicine Vanderbilt
Dr. Carlenda Smith, associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt


Beth Hail, LCSW, Centerstone


Dr. Justin Gregory  Briggs, Licensed marriage and family therapist; President, The Briggs Institute;  Sex Life Science podcast co-host 
Dr. Kassem Bourgi, Infectious Disease MD, Physician at Nashville Cares


Learn more:


If you need help, call 988, the TN Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 Offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Learn more about mental health resources available through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Did you move your body and get some good sleep this week? Have you been to the doctor for a physical recently? Have you taken a deep, full breath today?

The power of preventative health

The conventional methods of management and discipline rely heavily on removing struggling students from the classroom — putting them even further behind. And this discipline disproportionately affects students of color.But educators and researchers have been developing ways to avoid the school-to-prison pipeline — a lot of these fall under the umbrella of “restorative practices.” So what are these restorative practices? And how is the attempt to implement them in MNPS going?This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.Guests: <ul>
<li>Laura Fittz, Ph.D. Candidate, Vanderbilt University </li>
<li>
Daren Dickson, Chief Culture Officer, Valor Collegiate Academies</li>
<li>
Mary-Owen Holmes, Teacher at Glencliff High School; Facilitator, The Peace Team</li>
</ul>Further Reading and Listening<ul><li>For additional information about the use of restorative justice, you can listen to past This is Nashville episodes including "<a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/restorative-practices-in-the-legal-system/">Restorative practices in the legal system</a>" and our <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/dr-rich-milner-on-classroom-discipline-restorative-practices-and-the-opportunity-gap/">profile on Dr. Rich Milner</a>, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt University.</li></ul>

The conventional methods of management and discipline rely heavily on removing struggling students from the classroom — putting them even further behind. And this discipline disproportionately affects students of color.
But educators and researchers have been developing ways to avoid the school-to-prison pipeline — a lot of these fall under the umbrella of “restorative practices.” So what are these restorative practices? And how is the attempt to implement them in MNPS going?
This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.
Guests: 

Laura Fittz, Ph.D. Candidate, Vanderbilt University 
Daren Dickson, Chief Culture Officer, Valor Collegiate Academies
Mary-Owen Holmes, Teacher at Glencliff High School; Facilitator, The Peace Team
Further Reading and Listening

For additional information about the use of restorative justice, you can listen to past This is Nashville episodes including "Restorative practices in the legal system" and our profile on Dr. Rich Milner, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt University.

Classroom management is a major challenge for new teachers, and even veteran educators.

How restorative practices are changing some Nashville classrooms

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 <a href="https://wpln.org/post/tva-is-a-monopoly-a-board-is-supposed-to-curb-that-power-is-it/">the TVA Board of Directors</a>, 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 measures they want to see to ensure safety for young people in our city.This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Khalil Ekulona.This Is Nashville was unable to coordinate a representative from TVA to appear on today's show. Guests: <ul>
<li>
Jamie Satterfield, investigative journalist</li>
<li>
Caroline Eggers, Environmental Equity Reporter, WPLN</li>
<li>
JT Neal, organizer for <a href="https://hubs.sunrisemovement.org/nashville">Sunrise Movement Nashville</a>
</li>
<li>
Tracy O’Neill, organizer with Preserve Cheatham County and <a href="https://cleanuptva.org/">Clean Up TVA </a>
</li>
<li>
Erica Perry, Black Nashville Assembly</li>
</ul>Further listening<ul>
<li>Last week, the TVA held two meetings on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville and there was a stark contrast between the two events — and what the public asked the board to do versus what the board did. For more, you can read the latest WPLN coverage, <a href="https://wpln.org/post/executive-salaries-fossil-fuel-opposition-and-transparency-understanding-tvas-meetings-in-nashville-this-week/">Executive salaries, fossil fuel opposition and transparency: Understanding TVA’s meetings in Nashville this week</a>.</li>
<li>In July 2021, WPLN reported that the inspector general of the <a href="https://wpln.org/post/report-tva-neglected-coal-plant-worker-safety/">TVA disclosed in a report</a> that coal plant workers have not been adequately guarded against potentially dangerous exposures.</li>
<li>For years, coal ash cleanup workers in Roane County sought damages for cancer deaths, respiratory diseases and other ailments. You can listen to our coverage of the lawsuit from May 2022: <a href="https://wpln.org/post/kingston-coal-ash-cleanup-workers-still-seek-damages-more-than-13-years-after-spill/">Kingston coal ash cleanup workers still seek damages more than 13 years after spill.</a>
</li>
</ul>

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 measures they want to see to ensure safety for young people in our city.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Khalil Ekulona.
This Is Nashville was unable to coordinate a representative from TVA to appear on today's show. 
Guests: 


Jamie Satterfield, investigative journalist
Caroline Eggers, Environmental Equity Reporter, WPLN
JT Neal, organizer for Sunrise Movement Nashville


Tracy O’Neill, organizer with Preserve Cheatham County and Clean Up TVA 


Erica Perry, Black Nashville Assembly
Further listening

Last week, the TVA held two meetings on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville and there was a stark contrast between the two events — and what the public asked the board to do versus what the board did. For more, you can read the latest WPLN coverage, Executive salaries, fossil fuel opposition and transparency: Understanding TVA’s meetings in Nashville this week.
In July 2021, WPLN reported that the inspector general of the TVA disclosed in a report that coal plant workers have not been adequately guarded against potentially dangerous exposures.
For years, coal ash cleanup workers in Roane County sought damages for cancer deaths, respiratory diseases and other ailments. You can listen to our coverage of the lawsuit from May 2022: Kingston coal ash cleanup workers still seek damages more than 13 years after spill.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the electric utility that services Tennessee and parts of surrounding states, has planned eight gas plants in the past few years, which would mean 160 miles of pipeline for Tennessee.

What's going on with TVA?

Prisca Dorcas Mojica RodrDespite finding acclaim and recognition in cities like LA and New York, and through her Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/latinarebels/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@LatinaRebels</a>, she struggles to find her place and feel seen in Nashville. She attributes part of that to being a disruptor- she was the one asking the tough questions and wearing upside down crosses while enrolled at Vanderbilt Divinity School. At the same time, she questions if people in Nashville aren't quite ready for an author like her who is forthright about writing for a Latine audience— not white people. Today we’ll talk about her journey to Nashville, what being Latina means to her, and what she wants to see from the Nashville Latine community and Nashville as a whole.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>If you liked what Prisca had to say, pre-order Rodríguez's forthcoming book <a href="https://www.hbglibrary.com/titles/prisca-dorcas-mojica-rodriguez/t%C3%ADas-and-primas/9781541603967/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tias and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us</a></li>
<li>If you want to learn more about the Nashville Latinx community, listen back to our bilingual episode <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/how-to-connect-across-the-english-spanish-language-barrier/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on Spanish speakers </a></li>
</ul>

Prisca Dorcas Mojica RodrDespite finding acclaim and recognition in cities like LA and New York, and through her Instagram page @LatinaRebels, she struggles to find her place and feel seen in Nashville. She attributes part of that to being a disruptor- she was the one asking the tough questions and wearing upside down crosses while enrolled at Vanderbilt Divinity School. At the same time, she questions if people in Nashville aren't quite ready for an author like her who is forthright about writing for a Latine audience— not white people. Today we’ll talk about her journey to Nashville, what being Latina means to her, and what she wants to see from the Nashville Latine community and Nashville as a whole.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.
Further Reading and Listening
If you liked what Prisca had to say, pre-order Rodríguez's forthcoming book Tias and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us


If you want to learn more about the Nashville Latinx community, listen back to our bilingual episode on Spanish speakers

Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez is an author that has made Nashville her home.

Profile: Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez

Studies show that employee well-being, job satisfaction, retention and productivity all increase with a compressed schedule. In a recent six-month trial in the UK, nearly 90% of companies that gave a four-day workweek a try kept with it over a year later. But is it as good as it sounds? And how exactly does it work across different industries?

Today, we’re talking with a researcher and veteran HR leader about the rising popularity of compressed schedules. We'll also hear from one employer about how she transitioned her family business to a four-day workweek and what it's like to work there now from one of the company's team members. Join us!

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Timothy Munyon, associate professor of management at <a href="https://haslam.utk.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Haslam College of Business</a>, University of Tennessee Knoxville</li>
<li>Tracey Power, chief people officer at <a href="https://www.vaco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vaco</a>, a global talent solutions company based in Nashville</li>
<li>Erin Richardson, third generation owner of family business, <a href="https://www.allamericanpestcontrol.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All-American Pest Control</a></li>
<li>Adrian Zavala, operator, <a href="https://www.allamericanpestcontrol.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All-American Pest Control</a></li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>A study in the UK followed 60 companies that implemented a four-day workweek. Learn more about the results from this NPR story, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/27/1234271434/4-day-workweek-successful-a-year-later-in-uk#:%7E:text=The%20latest%20data%20come%20from,companies%20still%20have%20the%20policy." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These companies tried a 4-day workweek. More than a year in, they still love it</a></li>
<li>To learn more about the results of several studies on four-day workweeks, read this story from CNN, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/business/four-day-workweek-survey/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4-day workweeks may be around the corner. A third of America’s companies are exploring them</a>.</li>
<li>Academic researcher and guest Tim Munyon shared some insight about a recent study published out of Iceland in this WATE-TV story, <a href="https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/is-a-4-day-workweek-beneficial-what-a-ut-business-expert-says/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is a 4-day workweek worth it? What a UT business expert says</a>.</li>
<li>Many restaurants are embracing the four-day workweek by only staying open for four days per week. For more on this trend, read the NY Times story, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/dining/restaurant-four-day-workweek.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Can the Dream of the Four-Day Workweek Start With Restaurants?</a></li>
</ul>

Studies show that employee well-being, job satisfaction, retention and productivity all increase with a compressed schedule. In a recent six-month trial in the UK, nearly 90% of companies that gave a four-day workweek a try kept with it over a year later. But is it as good as it sounds? And how exactly does it work across different industries?
Today, we’re talking with a researcher and veteran HR leader about the rising popularity of compressed schedules. We'll also hear from one employer about how she transitioned her family business to a four-day workweek and what it's like to work there now from one of the company's team members. Join us!
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.
Guests:
Timothy Munyon, associate professor of management at Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee Knoxville


Tracey Power, chief people officer at Vaco, a global talent solutions company based in Nashville


Erin Richardson, third generation owner of family business, All-American Pest Control


Adrian Zavala, operator, All-American Pest Control



Further Reading and Listening
A study in the UK followed 60 companies that implemented a four-day workweek. Learn more about the results from this NPR story, These companies tried a 4-day workweek. More than a year in, they still love it


To learn more about the results of several studies on four-day workweeks, read this story from CNN, 4-day workweeks may be around the corner. A third of America’s companies are exploring them.


Academic researcher and guest Tim Munyon shared some insight about a recent study published out of Iceland in this WATE-TV story, Is a 4-day workweek worth it? What a UT business expert says.


Many restaurants are embracing the four-day workweek by only staying open for four days per week. For more on this trend, read the NY Times story, Can the Dream of the Four-Day Workweek Start With Restaurants?

The appeal of a four-day workweek is gaining steam across the country and globe. And there are good reasons why.

How the four-day workweek works

n this episode, we’ll talk to Ren Fest enthusiasts and other folks who celebrate the medieval era to learn what inspires them to take up this type of historical reenactment, whether it’s a lifestyle or just for a weekend.

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Paolo Garbanzo, jester, <a href="https://www.garbanzojuggling.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">professional entertainer extraordinaire</a></li>
<li>Kate Brown, The Honorable Lancer Rose de la Cumbe, <a href="https://www.sca.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Society of Creative Anachronism</a></li>
<li>Terrill Imboden, Kehinde, Laurel in the <a href="https://www.sca.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Society of Creative Anachronism</a></li>
<li>Ross Welbon, co-founder, <a href="https://honeytreemeadery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honey Tree Meadery</a></li>
<li>Melissa Blettner, CEO at <a href="http://ancientlorevillage.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ancient Lore Village</a></li>
<li>Mandy Giffin, co-owner, <a href="https://www.forestgullyfarms.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forest Gully Farms</a></li>
</ul>

n this episode, we’ll talk to Ren Fest enthusiasts and other folks who celebrate the medieval era to learn what inspires them to take up this type of historical reenactment, whether it’s a lifestyle or just for a weekend.
This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.
Guests:
Paolo Garbanzo, jester, professional entertainer extraordinaire


Kate Brown, The Honorable Lancer Rose de la Cumbe, Society of Creative Anachronism


Terrill Imboden, Kehinde, Laurel in the Society of Creative Anachronism


Ross Welbon, co-founder, Honey Tree Meadery


Melissa Blettner, CEO at Ancient Lore Village


Mandy Giffin, co-owner, Forest Gully Farms

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is an annual tradition. Each weekend in May, knights, fair maidens, vikings, faeries, mermaids, pirates, wenches and plainclothes time travelers gather on the streets of Covington Glen, in Williamson County’s Castle Park.

Where Tennessee's medieval enthusiasts find community

If you don’t have a disability, you may not have ever thought twice about how you would get into a building or whether you can really trust a gluten-free label. When you are disabled, it can seem like every decision you make has to be calculated in order to avoid flareups, episodes or more. Prescription medication, surgery, therapy, Eastern medication, yoga, massages and more can all be solutions to alleviate or ameliorate a disability, but for some people, this is not enough. They might turn to the help of a service dog to guide them around, alert them to incoming medical episodes and more.

Today, we’ll talk with service dog handlers and trainers in Middle Tennessee to learn more about what these dogs can do, how to respond when you see one in public, and what it takes to train one.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to Tom Jedlowski.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Chris Diefenthaler, Executive director of <a href="https://assistancedogsinternational.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Assistance Dogs International</a></li>
<li>Hallie Wells, Regional Advisor of Puppy Raising Services at  <a href="https://dogsinc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dog, Inc. (formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs</a></li>
<li>Austin Marshall, guide dog handler </li>
<li>Claire Schulz, service dog handler and owner of <a href="https://www.cosmicservicedogs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cosmic Service Dogs</a></li>
<li>Pluto, Claire's service dog and demo dog for Cosmic Service Dogs</li>
<li>Elizabeth Burton, This is Nashville Multi-media Producer and service dog handler</li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>For a different take on the disability experience, you can listen to past This is Nashville episodes: "<a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/navigating-into-adulthood-with-disabilities/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Navigating into adulthood with disabilities"</a> and "<a href="https://wpln.org/post/citizen-nashville-the-challenges-of-navigating-middle-tennessee-with-a-disability-and-what-can-be-done-to-make-it-more-accessible/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The challenges of navigating Middle Tennessee with a disability — and what can be done to make it more accessible</a>."</li>
<li>To learn more about how to acquire a program service dog near you, visit <a href="https://assistancedogsinternational.org/main/looking-for-an-assistance-dog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ADI's program guide</a></li>
</ul>

If you don’t have a disability, you may not have ever thought twice about how you would get into a building or whether you can really trust a gluten-free label. When you are disabled, it can seem like every decision you make has to be calculated in order to avoid flareups, episodes or more. Prescription medication, surgery, therapy, Eastern medication, yoga, massages and more can all be solutions to alleviate or ameliorate a disability, but for some people, this is not enough. They might turn to the help of a service dog to guide them around, alert them to incoming medical episodes and more.
Today, we’ll talk with service dog handlers and trainers in Middle Tennessee to learn more about what these dogs can do, how to respond when you see one in public, and what it takes to train one.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to Tom Jedlowski.
Guests:
Chris Diefenthaler, Executive director of Assistance Dogs International


Hallie Wells, Regional Advisor of Puppy Raising Services at  Dog, Inc. (formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs


Austin Marshall, guide dog handler 


Claire Schulz, service dog handler and owner of Cosmic Service Dogs


Pluto, Claire's service dog and demo dog for Cosmic Service Dogs


Elizabeth Burton, This is Nashville Multi-media Producer and service dog handler



Further Reading and Listening
For a different take on the disability experience, you can listen to past This is Nashville episodes: "Navigating into adulthood with disabilities" and "The challenges of navigating Middle Tennessee with a disability — and what can be done to make it more accessible."


To learn more about how to acquire a program service dog near you, visit ADI's program guide

Dogs are many things: furry friends, four-legged family members and constant companions. Service dogs are all of that – and much, much more.

Service dogs and their handlers

In 2010, Stacy Downey founded The Little Pantry That Could in North Nashville, which provided free food and support to any one in need –no questions asked. In 2022, the loss of a lease and sky-high real estate prices forced The Little Pantry to permanently close. Stacy, who has also worked at One Generation Away, joins us today to share her story and talk about her continued dedication to making sure everyone has the food and welcome they need. Join us.

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Further listening and reading:

<ul>
<li>If you would like some background on food pantries, listen to our previous episode, <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/food-prices-nashville/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The cost of food is on the rise. Here’s how it’s impacting Middle Tennessee</a>.</li>
<li>When the Little Pantry that Could closed after twelve years of operation, several Nashvilles news outlets covered the story including News Channel 5 with <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/news/the-little-pantry-that-could-set-to-close-after-12-years-due-to-rising-nashville-rents" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Little Pantry That Could set to close after 12 years </a>and WPLN with <a href="https://wpln.org/post/in-its-final-days-the-little-pantry-that-could-continued-to-offer-more-than-just-groceries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In its final days, The Little Pantry That Could continued to offer more than just groceries</a>.</li>
<li>If you want to know more about where Stacy continued her good work, visit <a href="https://onegenaway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">One Generation Away</a>.</li>
</ul>

In 2010, Stacy Downey founded The Little Pantry That Could in North Nashville, which provided free food and support to any one in need –no questions asked. In 2022, the loss of a lease and sky-high real estate prices forced The Little Pantry to permanently close. Stacy, who has also worked at One Generation Away, joins us today to share her story and talk about her continued dedication to making sure everyone has the food and welcome they need. Join us.
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.
Further listening and reading:
If you would like some background on food pantries, listen to our previous episode, The cost of food is on the rise. Here’s how it’s impacting Middle Tennessee.


When the Little Pantry that Could closed after twelve years of operation, several Nashvilles news outlets covered the story including News Channel 5 with The Little Pantry That Could set to close after 12 years and WPLN with In its final days, The Little Pantry That Could continued to offer more than just groceries.


If you want to know more about where Stacy continued her good work, visit One Generation Away.

Stacy Downey has an enormous heart – and a tireless work ethic that turns her compassion into tangible help for others.

Profile: Stacy Downey

While mainline denominations are seeing a overall decline in attendance, exvangelicals, a term that denotes former evangelical status, are part of a growing online community who are outspoken about why they’ve left the church.

In Nashville, evangelical culture is everywhere — think Bible verses on your favorite donut store’s boxes, prayer at social gatherings or the common practice of incorporating a gospel song into a set. With guest host Marianna Bacallao, we explore the experiences of exvangelicals in Nashville. Are the city’s exvangelicals finding support from one another, and if so how?

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Marianna Bacallao (host), Reporter, WPLN</li>
<li>Holly Meyer, religion news editor, Associated Press</li>
<li>Rev. Diane Dowgiert, Reverend, <a href="https://www.firstuunash.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville</a></li>
<li>Mike Maeshiro, ex-pastor, <a href="https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">consultant</a> for queer and deconstructing Christians</li>
<li>Heather Mae, <a href="https://www.heathermae.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">artist, activist, and songwriter</a></li>
<li>Eve, ex-evangelical content creator, and host of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAr7zcbKMJh3aQcMwNx8KYh6rvkwHuD9u" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chewed Gum Live</a></li>
<li>Dr. Laura Anderson, therapist, religious trauma resolution coach &amp; consultant, author of *<a href="https://drlauraeanderson.com/book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion</a>.*</li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li><a href="https://bobsmietana.com/reorganized-religion-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reorganized Religion by Bob Smietana</a> and <a href="https://religionnews.com/2023/09/07/the-great-dechurching-explores-americas-religious-exodus/," rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Great Dechurching</a>, by Jim Davis and Michael Graham.</li>
<li>For more about dechurching trends in the United States, Pew Research released two studies fairly recently: <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace</a> and <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How the Pandemic Has Affected Attendance at U.S. Religious Services</a>.</li>
<li>Last fall, the AP released a report called, <a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/the-nones/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nones</a>, about people who self-identify as “nonbelievers or unaffiliated with any organized religion.”</li>
<li>
You can find additional background coverage by listening to the past This is Nashville episodes:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/lgbtq-affirming-churches-nashville/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The growth of LGBT-affirming churches</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

<pre><code>1. *[The role of Black churches in Middle Tennessee](https://wpln.org/post/episodes/the-role-of-black-churches-in-middle-tennessee/)*

2. *[The Southern Baptist Convention report: What it means for abuse survivors and the faithful](https://wpln.org/post/episodes/southern-baptist-convention-sexual-abuse/)*
</code></pre>

While mainline denominations are seeing a overall decline in attendance, exvangelicals, a term that denotes former evangelical status, are part of a growing online community who are outspoken about why they’ve left the church.
In Nashville, evangelical culture is everywhere — think Bible verses on your favorite donut store’s boxes, prayer at social gatherings or the common practice of incorporating a gospel song into a set. With guest host Marianna Bacallao, we explore the experiences of exvangelicals in Nashville. Are the city’s exvangelicals finding support from one another, and if so how?
This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.
Guests:
Marianna Bacallao (host), Reporter, WPLN


Holly Meyer, religion news editor, Associated Press


Rev. Diane Dowgiert, Reverend, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville


Mike Maeshiro, ex-pastor, consultant for queer and deconstructing Christians


Heather Mae, artist, activist, and songwriter


Eve, ex-evangelical content creator, and host of Chewed Gum Live


Dr. Laura Anderson, therapist, religious trauma resolution coach & consultant, author of *When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion.*



Further Reading and Listening
Reorganized Religion by Bob Smietana and The Great Dechurching, by Jim Davis and Michael Graham.


For more about dechurching trends in the United States, Pew Research released two studies fairly recently: In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace and How the Pandemic Has Affected Attendance at U.S. Religious Services.


Last fall, the AP released a report called, The Nones, about people who self-identify as “nonbelievers or unaffiliated with any organized religion.”


You can find additional background coverage by listening to the past This is Nashville episodes:
The growth of LGBT-affirming churches
1. *[The role of Black churches in Middle Tennessee](https://wpln.org/post/episodes/the-role-of-black-churches-in-middle-tennessee/)*

2. *[The Southern Baptist Convention report: What it means for abuse survivors and the faithful](https://wpln.org/post/episodes/southern-baptist-convention-sexual-abuse/)*

Today we delve deep inside the growing movement of people who identify as “exvangelicals.”

Nashville’s exvangelical movement

Whether we’re battling fake news, censorship, or just sloppy reporting, it can be extremely difficult for the average person to be engaged with what’s going on — especially in their city or region. Not to mention challenges with the funding model for some types of journalism. The news landscape can look bleak at times.

The first half of 2024 has brought mass layoffs — and even shutterings — for legacy publications that are both nonprofit and for profit. Multiple NPR member stations have seen layoffs — like Colorado Public Radio, WAMU (DC’s local), WBEZ (Chicago), and WBUR (Boston). It's not just radio. The Los Angeles Times also laid off entire departments, and they faced sharp critique for eliminating some of their post-2020 diversity-focused programming. Pitchfork is restructuring to a point that no one is even sure if they really still exist.

With guest host Emily Siner, we’ll ask what conditions reporters are facing right now and unpack what it means to be audience-funded.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Emily Siner (host), <a href="https://wpln.org/nashvillager/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashvillager newsletter contributor</a> and former WPLN News Director</li>
<li>Rosetta Miller Perry, Publisher, <a href="https://tntribune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tennessee Tribune</a></li>
<li>Eli Motycka, Reporter at the <a href="https://www.nashvillescene.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashville Scene</a></li>
<li>Jesse Dukes, Freelancer and former producer on <a href="https://www.wbez.org/shows/curious-city/7b79e16d-f3a9-4156-9b27-4d2cc6ce351e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WBEZ's Curious City</a></li>
<li>Mack Linebaugh, Vice President of Audience Engagement, <a href="https://nashvillepublicradio.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashville Public Radio</a></li>
<li>Alicia Montgomery, Vice President of Audio, <a href="https://slate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slate</a></li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>If print is more your speed, read <a href="https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverstory/good-news-bad-news-the-state-of-nashville-s-media-landscape/article_8295b808-2a5d-11ee-82be-b3e38adabdc7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eli Motycka's July 2023 Nashville Scene cover story </a></li>
<li>Trying to sort out what's happening at bigger NPR stations like WBEZ, WAMU, or WBUR beyond station leadership's official statements? Good luck. Check out <a href="https://diamondshoals.substack.com/p/i-dont-understand-what-happened-at" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jesse Dukes Substack</a> or the <a href="https://twitter.com/wemakewamu?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WAMU Union</a> Twitter.</li>
<li>If the Uri Berliner debacle was news to you, here is his <a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/npr-editor-how-npr-lost-americas-trust" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">piece in The Free Press</a>, and a <a href="https://slate.com/business/2024/04/npr-diversity-public-broadcasting-radio.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rebuttal</a> from Slate's Alicia Montgomery.</li>
</ul>

Want more This Is Nashville? Consider <a href="https://wpln.secureallegiance.com/wpln/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=WPLNGIVE&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=IavKQncXLFBJzDNdp%2bZttW3L5BYddGq6PVAl6UEf65g%3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">giving</a> to WPLN for this year's Public Media Giving Day.

Whether we’re battling fake news, censorship, or just sloppy reporting, it can be extremely difficult for the average person to be engaged with what’s going on — especially in their city or region. Not to mention challenges with the funding model for some types of journalism. The news landscape can look bleak at times.
The first half of 2024 has brought mass layoffs — and even shutterings — for legacy publications that are both nonprofit and for profit. Multiple NPR member stations have seen layoffs — like Colorado Public Radio, WAMU (DC’s local), WBEZ (Chicago), and WBUR (Boston). It's not just radio. The Los Angeles Times also laid off entire departments, and they faced sharp critique for eliminating some of their post-2020 diversity-focused programming. Pitchfork is restructuring to a point that no one is even sure if they really still exist.
With guest host Emily Siner, we’ll ask what conditions reporters are facing right now and unpack what it means to be audience-funded.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.
Guests:
Emily Siner (host), Nashvillager newsletter contributor and former WPLN News Director


Rosetta Miller Perry, Publisher, Tennessee Tribune


Eli Motycka, Reporter at the Nashville Scene


Jesse Dukes, Freelancer and former producer on WBEZ's Curious City


Mack Linebaugh, Vice President of Audience Engagement, Nashville Public Radio


Alicia Montgomery, Vice President of Audio, Slate



Further Reading and Listening
If print is more your speed, read Eli Motycka's July 2023 Nashville Scene cover story 


Trying to sort out what's happening at bigger NPR stations like WBEZ, WAMU, or WBUR beyond station leadership's official statements? Good luck. Check out Jesse Dukes Substack or the WAMU Union Twitter.


If the Uri Berliner debacle was news to you, here is his piece in The Free Press, and a rebuttal from Slate's Alicia Montgomery.



Want more This Is Nashville? Consider giving to WPLN for this year's Public Media Giving Day.

We're getting meta on Public Media Giving Day and peeling back the curtain on the news landscape.

The state of local and public media

This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, brings in national and local guests to discuss everything from best practices to worst failures — and we get to hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. In today's episode, we focus on what it entails to assist a person transitioning from homelessness to housing.

Today's guests:

• Adam Ruege, Director of Strategy and Evaluation, <a href="https://community.solutions/about-us/the-team/adam-ruege/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Community Solutions</a> 
• Sally Lott, Systems Improvement Advisory, <a href="https://community.solutions/about-us/the-team/sally-lott/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Community Solutions</a> 
• April Calvin, Director, <a href="https://www.nashville.gov/departments/office-homeless-services/people/april-calvin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Office of Homeless Services</a> 
• Rachel Hester, Executive Director, <a href="https://www.roomintheinn.org/leadership" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Room In The Inn</a> 
• Traci Pekovitch, Program manager, Consumer &amp; Employee Safety Mandatory Outpatient Treatment Coordinator, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-pekovitch-403b7936/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mental Health Co-operative</a> 
• Vicky Batcher, expert through lived experience, <a href="https://www.neighborhoodhealthtn.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neighborhood Health</a> board member

This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, brings in national and local guests to discuss everything from best practices to worst failures — and we get to hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. In today's episode, we focus on what it entails to assist a person transitioning from homelessness to housing.
Today's guests:
• Adam Ruege, Director of Strategy and Evaluation, Community Solutions
• Sally Lott, Systems Improvement Advisory, Community Solutions
• April Calvin, Director, Office of Homeless Services
• Rachel Hester, Executive Director, Room In The Inn
• Traci Pekovitch, Program manager, Consumer & Employee Safety Mandatory Outpatient Treatment Coordinator, Mental Health Co-operative
• Vicky Batcher, expert through lived experience, Neighborhood Health board member

In part three of our housing series, In My Place, we continue our discussion on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused.

In My Place, Episode 3: Housing Strategies

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell takes listeners calls today.

Then, starting this Friday, April 19, Nashville Public Radio will be running the seven-part series Taking Cover at noon. Hosted by NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and Graham Smith of the Investigations unit, Taking Cover investigates the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history and the events that followed. This Is Nashville producer Katherine Ceicys spoke with Bowman and Smith about the series and what listeners can expect. 

This Is Nashville will be live again tomorrow, Thursday, April 18, and will return again on Tuesday, April 30.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell</li>
<li>Tom Bowman, Co-host, Taking Cover; NPR National Desk, Pentagon Reporter</li>
<li>Graham Smith, Co-host, Taking Cover; NPR Senior Producer, Investigations</li>
<li>Katherine Ceicys, Multimedia Producer, *This is Nashville*</li>
</ul>

Learn More:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510368/taking-cover" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taking Cover</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell takes listeners calls today.
Then, starting this Friday, April 19, Nashville Public Radio will be running the seven-part series Taking Cover at noon. Hosted by NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and Graham Smith of the Investigations unit, Taking Cover investigates the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history and the events that followed. This Is Nashville producer Katherine Ceicys spoke with Bowman and Smith about the series and what listeners can expect. 
This Is Nashville will be live again tomorrow, Thursday, April 18, and will return again on Tuesday, April 30.
Guests:
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell


Tom Bowman, Co-host, Taking Cover; NPR National Desk, Pentagon Reporter


Graham Smith, Co-host, Taking Cover; NPR Senior Producer, Investigations


Katherine Ceicys, Multimedia Producer, *This is Nashville*



Learn More:
Taking Cover
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

It's a new month and time for the next installment of Ask the Mayor!

Ask the Mayor, plus 'Taking Cover'

Middle schoolers, high schoolers and college students all over Middle Tennessee run student newspapers, TV stations and recording studios. These student journalists work hard to deliver news and inform their communities. Today, we’re talking with student writers, reporters and podcasters about their latest coverage — and what it’s like to be an emerging journalist right now. Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Nick Held, Montgomery Bell Academy 8th grader, editor of upcoming Top of the Hill issue</li>
<li>Grace Chen, James Lawson High School senior, staff writer, The Lightening Letter</li>
<li>Robert Lakatosh, TN Tech sophomore, NPR Student Podcast Challenge finalist</li>
<li>Shamani Salahuddin, MTSU senior, Student Assistant Lifestyles editor at MTSU Sidelines</li>
<li>Maya Taylor, TSU senior, Editor-in-Chief, The Meter</li>
</ul>

Learn More:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://jlhsnews.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lightening Letter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mtsusidelines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MTSU Sidelines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-456722995/the-fluid-dynamics-of-coffee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Fluid Dynamics of Coffee</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.tnstate.edu/campus_life/meter.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Meter</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

Middle schoolers, high schoolers and college students all over Middle Tennessee run student newspapers, TV stations and recording studios. These student journalists work hard to deliver news and inform their communities. Today, we’re talking with student writers, reporters and podcasters about their latest coverage — and what it’s like to be an emerging journalist right now. Join us!
Guests:
Nick Held, Montgomery Bell Academy 8th grader, editor of upcoming Top of the Hill issue


Grace Chen, James Lawson High School senior, staff writer, The Lightening Letter


Robert Lakatosh, TN Tech sophomore, NPR Student Podcast Challenge finalist


Shamani Salahuddin, MTSU senior, Student Assistant Lifestyles editor at MTSU Sidelines


Maya Taylor, TSU senior, Editor-in-Chief, The Meter



Learn More:
The Lightening Letter


MTSU Sidelines


The Fluid Dynamics of Coffee


The Meter



This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

Today, we’re hosting a reporter roundup — student edition!

Student reporter roundup

With more than 40 years of journalism experience in Nashville, Emmy-award-winning <a href="https://www.demetriakalodimos.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Demetria Kalodimos</a> is still one of the best-known names and faces in local news. After a long career in television, she’s moved on to documentary filmmaking, teaching and resurrecting the print-gone-web Nashville Banner. We sit down with her to talk about her career, the golden days of local tv news, and what’s next for this venerable journalist.

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Demetria Kalodimos, host of<a href="https://nashvillebanner.com/banner_and_company/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Banner and Company</a>
</li>
</ul>

With more than 40 years of journalism experience in Nashville, Emmy-award-winning Demetria Kalodimos is still one of the best-known names and faces in local news. After a long career in television, she’s moved on to documentary filmmaking, teaching and resurrecting the print-gone-web Nashville Banner. We sit down with her to talk about her career, the golden days of local tv news, and what’s next for this venerable journalist.
Guests: 
Demetria Kalodimos, host of Banner and Company

Chatting with Emmy-award-winning Demetria Kalodimos

Re-air: Demetria Kalodimos

Nearly 20 years ago Oprah Winfrey had a segment on her show encouraging women to get fitted, saying "change your bra, change your life." We'll talk to our own local expert on what makes a good bra.

And then we turn our attention to a group of women who support each other in their time of breastfeeding. The members of La Leche League, an organization with chapters across the world, meet to share resources, tips, and advice for this crucial point of nurturing a new life.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Adrienne Francis, owner of <a href="https://rebeckaslingerie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebecka’s Lingerie</a></li>
<li>Stephanie Kuhr, owner and designer at <a href="https://dottiesdelights.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dottie’s Delights </a></li>
<li>Juanita Benz, group leader of <a href="https://www.lllofkytn.org/middle-tennessee/nashville" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Leche League of Nashville</a></li>
<li>Kendra Southerland, La Leche League participant</li>
<li>Jill Scott, La Leche League participant</li>
</ul>

Nearly 20 years ago Oprah Winfrey had a segment on her show encouraging women to get fitted, saying "change your bra, change your life." We'll talk to our own local expert on what makes a good bra.
And then we turn our attention to a group of women who support each other in their time of breastfeeding. The members of La Leche League, an organization with chapters across the world, meet to share resources, tips, and advice for this crucial point of nurturing a new life.
Guests:
Adrienne Francis, owner of Rebecka’s Lingerie


Stephanie Kuhr, owner and designer at Dottie’s Delights 


Juanita Benz, group leader of La Leche League of Nashville


Kendra Southerland, La Leche League participant


Jill Scott, La Leche League participant

Today we're talking breasts and the different ways people who have them find support. First we'll dive into the world of bras — how to tell if we're wearing the right size, and what goes into making them.

The one about the bras

If you stand outside a local Old Navy on a hot summer day, you might see a grandmother carrying large bags, overflowing with discounted American-themed apparel for the whole family. It's hard to resist a good sale, especially when it comes in the form of patriotic polyester.

Others might be a little more hesitant to proudly display patriotism via flying the flag outside their home or office or by saying the pledge at ballgames. We asked our listeners what you thought about the pledge of allegiance. We'll discuss these comments and more as we understand Nashvillians' relationship to the American flag.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>David Dark, professor of religion at Belmont University</li>
<li>Gwen Moore, artist and writer</li>
<li>Councilmember Jordan Huffman, Metro Councilmember for District 14</li>
<li>Elizabeth Burton, This Is Nashville multimedia producer</li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>If you want to hear from more Metro Nashville councilmembers, check out our <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/profile-councilwoman-sandra-sepulveda/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">profile</a> with Sandra Sepulveda.</li>
<li>Listen to Beyoncé's latest album <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6BzxX6zkDsYKFJ04ziU5xQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">COWBOY CARTER</a> and <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/this-aint-texas-this-is-nashville/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">break down</a> its Black country roots with <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/My-Black-Country/Alice-Randall/9781668018408" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alice Randall</a>, Quia Thompson, Holly G and Jewly Hight.</li>
<li>If you want to hear about patriotism and the armed forces, listen to yesterday's This Is Nashville episode on <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/a-solider-a-sailor-and-a-marine-all-walk-into-the-studio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">military recruitment</a>.</li>
</ul>

If you enjoyed this episode, consider <a href="https://wpln.secureallegiance.com/wpln/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=WPLNGIVE&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=IavKQncXLFBJzDNdp%2bZttW3L5BYddGq6PVAl6UEf65g%3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">giving</a> to WPLN for this year’s spring fund drive.

If you stand outside a local Old Navy on a hot summer day, you might see a grandmother carrying large bags, overflowing with discounted American-themed apparel for the whole family. It's hard to resist a good sale, especially when it comes in the form of patriotic polyester.
Others might be a little more hesitant to proudly display patriotism via flying the flag outside their home or office or by saying the pledge at ballgames. We asked our listeners what you thought about the pledge of allegiance. We'll discuss these comments and more as we understand Nashvillians' relationship to the American flag.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.
Guests: 
David Dark, professor of religion at Belmont University


Gwen Moore, artist and writer


Councilmember Jordan Huffman, Metro Councilmember for District 14


Elizabeth Burton, This Is Nashville multimedia producer



Further Reading and Listening
If you want to hear from more Metro Nashville councilmembers, check out our profile with Sandra Sepulveda.


Listen to Beyoncé's latest album COWBOY CARTER and break down its Black country roots with Alice Randall, Quia Thompson, Holly G and Jewly Hight.


If you want to hear about patriotism and the armed forces, listen to yesterday's This Is Nashville episode on military recruitment.



If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving to WPLN for this year’s spring fund drive.

How do our listeners really feel about red, white and blue?

Is liberty and justice really for all?

Military service is a point of pride for many here in Tennessee and across the country. From wanting to serve something bigger than oneself, to seeking job experience or world travel, to honoring a family tradition of service-  everyone who joins the military must find their own reason for signing up. Today we’re talking with local recruiters from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps to learn more about each branch and the first steps anyone here in Middle Tennessee can take towards serving. Join us to learn how to join up!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul Gardner</li>
<li>U.S. Navy Commander Lacey Popson</li>
<li>U.S Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Brandon McCoppin</li>
</ul>

Learn More:

U.S. Air Force recruitment website | <a href="https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.airforce.com/how-to-join</a>

U.S. Army recruitment website | <a href="https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/steps.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/steps.html</a>

U.S. Coast Guard recruitment website | <a href="https://www.uscg.mil/Join/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.uscg.mil/Join/</a>

U.S. Marine Corps recruitment website | <a href="https://www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join.html</a>

U.S. Navy recruitment website | <a href="https://www.navy.com/joining" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.navy.com/joining</a>

U.S. Space Force recruitment website | <a href="https://www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/enlisted-guardians" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/enlisted-guardians</a>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Military service is a point of pride for many here in Tennessee and across the country. From wanting to serve something bigger than oneself, to seeking job experience or world travel, to honoring a family tradition of service-  everyone who joins the military must find their own reason for signing up. Today we’re talking with local recruiters from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps to learn more about each branch and the first steps anyone here in Middle Tennessee can take towards serving. Join us to learn how to join up!
Guests:
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul Gardner


U.S. Navy Commander Lacey Popson


U.S Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Brandon McCoppin



Learn More:
U.S. Air Force recruitment website | www.airforce.com/how-to-join
U.S. Army recruitment website | www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/steps.html
U.S. Coast Guard recruitment website | www.uscg.mil/Join/
U.S. Marine Corps recruitment website | www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join.html
U.S. Navy recruitment website | www.navy.com/joining
U.S. Space Force recruitment website | www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/enlisted-guardians
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

If you are thinking about joining the military, there are some basics that you need to know before you can head out to basic training!

A soldier, a sailor and a marine all walk into the studio...

When you think about freemasons, your mind might wander to the founding fathers. Then, you might feel a shiver down your spine and wonder why you sense the eerie presence of Tom Cruise.

It turns out, that all of that fear and cult association might be misplaced. Today, we go straight to the source: two freemasons from our very own West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. With host Khalil Ekulona at the helm, we'll demystify freemasonry and fraternity.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to the West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. 

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Warren Steury, freemason and media producer</li>
<li>Ryan Turbeville, Master Mason and realtor</li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>Did you like learning about brotherhood? Listen to our past episode on <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/the-support-and-brotherhood-found-in-mens-groups/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">men's groups in Middle Tennessee</a>.</li>
<li>Does all this talk of commitment put you in the mood for love? Listen to Monday's episode on<a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/long-lasting-love/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> long-term relationships.</a></li>
<li>Still thinking about cults? Listen to this segment of <a href="https://wpln.org/post/curious-nashville-how-a-handmade-sign-on-a-dead-end-road-had-us-searching-for-a-tennessee-cult/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Curious Nashville</a> on one of Middle Tennessee's most infamous cults.</li>
</ul>

If you enjoyed this episode, consider <a href="https://wpln.secureallegiance.com/wpln/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=WPLNGIVE&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=IavKQncXLFBJzDNdp%2bZttW3L5BYddGq6PVAl6UEf65g%3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">giving</a> to WPLN for this year's spring fund drive.

When you think about freemasons, your mind might wander to the founding fathers. Then, you might feel a shiver down your spine and wonder why you sense the eerie presence of Tom Cruise.
It turns out, that all of that fear and cult association might be misplaced. Today, we go straight to the source: two freemasons from our very own West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. With host Khalil Ekulona at the helm, we'll demystify freemasonry and fraternity.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to the West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. 
Guests: 
Warren Steury, freemason and media producer


Ryan Turbeville, Master Mason and realtor



Further Reading and Listening
Did you like learning about brotherhood? Listen to our past episode on men's groups in Middle Tennessee.


Does all this talk of commitment put you in the mood for love? Listen to Monday's episode on long-term relationships.


Still thinking about cults? Listen to this segment of Curious Nashville on one of Middle Tennessee's most infamous cults.



If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving to WPLN for this year's spring fund drive.

The most elusive and exclusive club in Nashville stopped by Studio A to share what it really means to commit to freemasonry.

Nashville's freemasons

Today we’re talking with two couples who have been together for several decades…and who are happy to say that they continue to love and like each other each day.  We’ll also hear about a bonded couple who show their love through sharing treats, making biscuits, and grooming each other….guess what species they are! Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Beth and Tommy Womack</li>
<li>Teresa Birdsong and Cameron Adkins</li>
</ul>

Learn More:

<a href="https://www.cationashville.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashville Catio</a>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Magnolia McKay.

Today we’re talking with two couples who have been together for several decades…and who are happy to say that they continue to love and like each other each day.  We’ll also hear about a bonded couple who show their love through sharing treats, making biscuits, and grooming each other….guess what species they are! Join us!
Guests:
Beth and Tommy Womack


Teresa Birdsong and Cameron Adkins



Learn More:
Nashville Catio
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Magnolia McKay.

Many of us aspire to find and share life with someone we love. But what does it actually look like to find that person, fall in love and then stay committed to each other over a lifetime?

Long-lasting love

The idea that Black people can make country music is new to some, but it’s not really a new concept. We’ll dive deep into the history of country music, and the Black artists who helped create and innovate in the genre. 

Join us here on KNTRY Radio. 

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Jewly Hight. This episode was hosted by Jewly Hight. 

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Alice Randall, singer-songwriter and author of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/My-Black-Country/Alice-Randall/9781668018408" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Black Country</a></li>
<li>Quia Thompson, filmmaker and granddaughter of<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Martell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Linda Martell</a></li>
<li>Holly G, founder of <a href="https://www.blackopry.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Black Opry</a></li>
</ul>

The idea that Black people can make country music is new to some, but it’s not really a new concept. We’ll dive deep into the history of country music, and the Black artists who helped create and innovate in the genre. 
Join us here on KNTRY Radio. 
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Jewly Hight. This episode was hosted by Jewly Hight. 
Guests: 
Alice Randall, singer-songwriter and author of My Black Country


Quia Thompson, filmmaker and granddaughter of Linda Martell


Holly G, founder of The Black Opry

We couldn’t call ourselves “This Is Nashville” if we weren’t going to dedicate time to Beyoncé’s western epic- COWBOY CARTER.

This ain't Texas. This is Nashville.

Students are waiting for the mail and checking online portals to find out if they’ve been accepted or denied admission to their chosen schools. They then have to decide where to enroll and how to pay for college by May 1. Today, we’re talking with students, a parent of a high school senior, an admissions counselor and a mental health professional about how high schoolers and families can successfully navigate toward College Decision Day — and their future ahead. Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Shae Camardo, MLK High School senior</li>
<li>Eli Sheahen, Valor College Prep senior</li>
<li>Janet Weller, Harpeth Hall Director of College Counseling</li>
<li>Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer, <a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crisis Text Line</a></li>
<li>RJ Ware, MTSU sophomore, past Freshman Council president, VP elect for Student Government Association</li>
</ul>

Further listening: 
This is Nashville | <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/what-helps-students-finish-college/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What helps students finish college</a>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Students are waiting for the mail and checking online portals to find out if they’ve been accepted or denied admission to their chosen schools. They then have to decide where to enroll and how to pay for college by May 1. Today, we’re talking with students, a parent of a high school senior, an admissions counselor and a mental health professional about how high schoolers and families can successfully navigate toward College Decision Day — and their future ahead. Join us!
Guests:
Shae Camardo, MLK High School senior


Eli Sheahen, Valor College Prep senior


Janet Weller, Harpeth Hall Director of College Counseling


Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer, Crisis Text Line


RJ Ware, MTSU sophomore, past Freshman Council president, VP elect for Student Government Association



Further listening:
What helps students finish college
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

It’s spring, and for many high school seniors, it's time to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. It's college decision season.

Navigating College Decision Day

People suffering from trauma often find that traditional talk therapy isn’t effective at treating PTSD. But other modalities, specifically ones that involve the body, are proving to be helpful to dislodge the trauma. 

In this episode, guest host Emily Siner talks to practitioners about these body-based therapies, and their potential to heal.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>James Lewicki, program manager of therapy and enrollment, <a href="https://www.mhc-tn.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mental Health Cooperative</a></li>
<li>Yadira Gonzalez, clinical coordinator and therapist, <a href="https://sacenter.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sexual Assault Center </a></li>
<li>Mandii Brown, counselor and life coach, <a href="https://www.therelatablecounselor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Relatable Counselor</a></li>
<li>Candice Bruder, founder and CEO, <a href="https://www.puresweatstudios.com/gulch-tennessee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pure Sweat Studios</a> </li>
<li>Juliana Ericson, positive mindset coach specializing in conscious breath work, <a href="https://thejoyfullifeproject.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Joyful Life Project</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

People suffering from trauma often find that traditional talk therapy isn’t effective at treating PTSD. But other modalities, specifically ones that involve the body, are proving to be helpful to dislodge the trauma. 
In this episode, guest host Emily Siner talks to practitioners about these body-based therapies, and their potential to heal.
Guests:
James Lewicki, program manager of therapy and enrollment, Mental Health Cooperative


Yadira Gonzalez, clinical coordinator and therapist, Sexual Assault Center 


Mandii Brown, counselor and life coach, The Relatable Counselor


Candice Bruder, founder and CEO, Pure Sweat Studios 


Juliana Ericson, positive mindset coach specializing in conscious breath work, The Joyful Life Project



This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

The lasting pain that people carry with them from traumatic events, usually termed post-traumatic stress disorder, is a field of study that is only now starting to get some traction and attention, thanks in large part to the work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and his bestselling book, "The Body Keeps the Score."

Tennessee practitioners are helping clients heal from trauma

Originally from Las Vegas, Merritt talks about the multicultural background that he comes from and his family’s roots in the South. After going viral in 2020 for a previously published video called “Before You Call the Police,” he gained national attention for his works on race, leading to the publication of his memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black."

Today, he'll talk with host Khalil Ekulona about the upcoming elections, diversity in Nashville, and how he talks about difficult, political topics. 

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

Originally from Las Vegas, Merritt talks about the multicultural background that he comes from and his family’s roots in the South. After going viral in 2020 for a previously published video called “Before You Call the Police,” he gained national attention for his works on race, leading to the publication of his memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black."
Today, he'll talk with host Khalil Ekulona about the upcoming elections, diversity in Nashville, and how he talks about difficult, political topics. 
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

Tyler Merritt is an author, actor and comedian based in Nashville. 

Profile: Tyler Merritt

Regardless, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in Studio A to answer your questions live. Call 615-760-2000 for a chance to speak with the mayor about the issues facing our city.

Later in the hour, we'll go on a tour of the <a href="https://www.library.nashville.org/research/votes-for-women" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Votes for Women Room</a> with Nashville Public Library's Rebecca Price in honor of Women's History Month.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton, Mary Mancini, and Khalil Ekulona. 

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Freddie O'Connell, the mayor</li>
<li>Rebecca Price, Nashville Public Library Program Specialist</li>
</ul>

Regardless, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in Studio A to answer your questions live. Call 615-760-2000 for a chance to speak with the mayor about the issues facing our city.
Later in the hour, we'll go on a tour of the Votes for Women Room with Nashville Public Library's Rebecca Price in honor of Women's History Month.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton, Mary Mancini, and Khalil Ekulona. 
Guests: 
Freddie O'Connell, the mayor


Rebecca Price, Nashville Public Library Program Specialist

FOC is back for another edition of Ask the Mayor. Does anyone actually call him FOC?

Ask the Mayor and Votes For Women

Last year, in the wake of the shooting, students showed up to the state capitol steps with signs in hand, carrying the message that they wanted their legislators to do something about the violence. We invited a panel of high school students to This Is Nashville to share what they and their classmates were going through.

One year later, some of them are back to tell us about what’s changed, and what hasn’t.

We'll also talk to former NPR Morning Edition host David Greene and Old Crow Medicine Show musician Ketch Secor about Louder Than Guns, their upcoming documentary and intimate dive into conversations around the gun crisis; and Nicole Floyd Smith of Voices for a Safer Tennessee about the <a href="https://safertn.org/events/linkingarms2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linking Arms for Change</a> event happening today.

Today's guests:

• David Greene, former host of NPR’s Morning Edition 
• Ketch Secor, musician, Old Crow Medicine Show 
• Sophie Kavalali, member of Mayor’s youth council 
• Israel Perez, student, Pearl Cohn High School 
• Nicole Floyd Smith, co-founder and vice chair, Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Learn more:

• This is Nashville | <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/community-responds-to-the-covenant-school-shooting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Community responds to the Covenant School shooting</a> 
• WPLN News | <a href="https://wpln.org/post/covenant-school-finds-a-beacon-of-hope-amid-painful-anniversary/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Covenant School finds ‘a beacon of hope’ amid painful anniversary</a>

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

Last year, in the wake of the shooting, students showed up to the state capitol steps with signs in hand, carrying the message that they wanted their legislators to do something about the violence. We invited a panel of high school students to This Is Nashville to share what they and their classmates were going through.
One year later, some of them are back to tell us about what’s changed, and what hasn’t.
We'll also talk to former NPR Morning Edition host David Greene and Old Crow Medicine Show musician Ketch Secor about Louder Than Guns, their upcoming documentary and intimate dive into conversations around the gun crisis; and Nicole Floyd Smith of Voices for a Safer Tennessee about the Linking Arms for Change event happening today.
Today's guests:
• David Greene, former host of NPR’s Morning Edition
 musician, Old Crow Medicine Show
 member of Mayor’s youth council
 student, Pearl Cohn High School


Learn more:
• This is Nashville | Community responds to the Covenant School shooting
WPLN News | Covenant School finds ‘a beacon of hope’ amid painful anniversary
This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

It’s been one year since tragedy struck at the Covenant School in Green Hills, where six people were killed and the assailant was fatally shot by city police.

Remembering Covenant, one year later

In this series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, we talk to national and local guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. Today's episode focuses on the Housing First philosophy. What is it? Who does it work for — and not work for?

Today's guests:

• Jeff Olivet, executive director, <a href="https://usich.gov/about/staff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United States Interagency Council on Homelessness</a> 
• Deirdre Nicole Childress, director of communications, trauma services and case management, <a href="https://www.gideonsarmytn.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gideon’s Army</a> 
• India Pungarcher, advocacy and outreach specialist, <a href="https://www.opentablenashville.org/leadership" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Open Table Nashville</a> 
• David Langgle-Martin, Chief Housing Officer, <a href="https://parkcenternashville.org/board/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Park Center</a> 
• Paula Carlson, expert through lived experience, current resident In Park Center's supportive housing. She says, "When you’re homeless, you lose everything and then you start from scratch one. And you have to decide what to do first. Do I look for a house? Do I need a vehicle — and then come up with the money to do it?"

Further in:

• <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/in-my-place-housing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Overview Episode of </a><a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/in-my-place-housing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In My Place</a> 
• <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/in-my-place-episode-1-homelessness-facts-and-faces/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 1: Homelessness Facts and Faces</a> 
• <a href="https://usich.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United States Interagency Council on Homelessness</a>

In this series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, we talk to national and local guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. Today's episode focuses on the Housing First philosophy. What is it? Who does it work for — and not work for?
Today's guests:
• Jeff Olivet, executive director, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
Deirdre Nicole Childress, director of communications, trauma services and case management, Gideon’s Army
India Pungarcher, advocacy and outreach specialist, Open Table Nashville
David Langgle-Martin, Chief Housing Officer, Park Center
Paula Carlson, expert through lived experience, current resident In Park Center's supportive housing. She says, "When you’re homeless, you lose everything and then you start from scratch one. And you have to decide what to do first. Do I look for a house? Do I need a vehicle — and then come up with the money to do it?"
Further in:
• Overview Episode of In My Place
Episode 1: Homelessness Facts and Faces
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

In part two of our housing series, In My Place, we continue our discussion on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused.

In My Place, Episode 2: Housing First

After her child survived the assault last March, Melissa Alexander was thrust into a new role as a firearm safety advocate. In this episode, we hear an intimate account of the day of the shooting from one of the only parents who was able to see their child before reunification. And we learn how this long-time gun owner is now finding herself a "Covenant Mom" and navigating the ins and outs of our legislature during a time of personal tragedy and healing.

This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley.

After her child survived the assault last March, Melissa Alexander was thrust into a new role as a firearm safety advocate. In this episode, we hear an intimate account of the day of the shooting from one of the only parents who was able to see their child before reunification. And we learn how this long-time gun owner is now finding herself a "Covenant Mom" and navigating the ins and outs of our legislature during a time of personal tragedy and healing.
This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley.

This Wednesday is the one-year anniversary of the Covenant school shooting. We are re-airing this profile and will have a dedicated episode on Wednesday to check back in with students we spoke to last year.

Re-air Profile: Covenant Mom, Melissa Alexander

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the distribution of <a href="https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SNAP</a> benefits, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for low-income folks in Tennessee. Last year, DHS implemented a new application processing system for the first time since 1992— the same year of the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2017/04/26/524744989/when-la-erupted-in-anger-a-look-back-at-the-rodney-king-riots" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">L.A. riots</a>, <a href="https://barney.fandom.com/wiki/Barney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barney and Friends</a>' debut, and <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/george-bush-vomits-on-prime-minister-of-japan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">President George H.W. Bush projectile vomiting in the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister</a>. In the process of transitioning to the new system, there were quite a few technological snafus. Existing SNAP benefits recipients applications weren't properly carried over, leading to DHS falling behind. The federal government mandates that DHS must either certify or reject an application in 30 days, and at the peak, there over 50,000 Tennesseeans whose applications were not processed in that window. Some people waited as long as four months for a decision. 

While DHS is on track to be caught up sooner rather than later, people have had to scramble in the meantime to feed themselves and their families. Further, those in the lowest income brackets are already struggling with the benefits backlog, but then there is the added stress of inflation—making groceries unaffordable for even people in the middle class. We’ll talk about food costs, accessibility, and affordability by looking at SNAP, the bill to end grocery taxes in TN, and food waste programs.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to Ken Jobe. 

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Signe Anderson, Senior Director of Nutrition Advocacy at <a href="https://www.tnjustice.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tennessee Justice Center </a></li>
<li>Jules, social work graduate student</li>
<li>Rae Ruohonen, SNAP recipient</li>
<li>Ladevia Hartsfield and Althea Hartsfield, SNAP recipients</li>
<li>Pastor Greg Bullard, pastor at <a href="https://www.covenantofthecross.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Covenant of the Cross</a></li>
</ul>

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the distribution of SNAP benefits, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for low-income folks in Tennessee. Last year, DHS implemented a new application processing system for the first time since 1992— the same year of the L.A. riots, Barney and Friends' debut, and President George H.W. Bush projectile vomiting in the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister. In the process of transitioning to the new system, there were quite a few technological snafus. Existing SNAP benefits recipients applications weren't properly carried over, leading to DHS falling behind. The federal government mandates that DHS must either certify or reject an application in 30 days, and at the peak, there over 50,000 Tennesseeans whose applications were not processed in that window. Some people waited as long as four months for a decision. 
While DHS is on track to be caught up sooner rather than later, people have had to scramble in the meantime to feed themselves and their families. Further, those in the lowest income brackets are already struggling with the benefits backlog, but then there is the added stress of inflation—making groceries unaffordable for even people in the middle class. We’ll talk about food costs, accessibility, and affordability by looking at SNAP, the bill to end grocery taxes in TN, and food waste programs.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to Ken Jobe. 
Guests: 
Signe Anderson, Senior Director of Nutrition Advocacy at Tennessee Justice Center 


Jules, social work graduate student


Rae Ruohonen, SNAP recipient


Ladevia Hartsfield and Althea Hartsfield, SNAP recipients


Pastor Greg Bullard, pastor at Covenant of the Cross

Between the SNAP backlog, rising grocery prices, and stagnant wages, it's getting harder and harder for Tennesseans to put food on the table.

Oh SNAP!

Restorative practices can be employed in a plethora of environments, but what impact does taking a restorative approach to the legal system have? How are environments, communities and individuals changed when restorative justice is applied? Today, we talk to people who have first-hand experience in this method of conflict resolution.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Travis Claybrooks, <a href="https://www.raphah.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raphah Institute</a></li>
<li>Dia Mimms, Raphah Institute program participant</li>
<li>Quinton Perkins, Raphah Institute program participant</li>
</ul>

Further Listening and Reading: 
<a href="https://www.raphah.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raphah Institute</a> 
<a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/dr-rich-milner-on-classroom-discipline-restorative-practices-and-the-opportunity-gap/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Rich Milner on classroom discipline, restorative practices and the opportunity gap</a>

 
This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

Restorative practices can be employed in a plethora of environments, but what impact does taking a restorative approach to the legal system have? How are environments, communities and individuals changed when restorative justice is applied? Today, we talk to people who have first-hand experience in this method of conflict resolution.
Guests:
Travis Claybrooks, Raphah Institute


Dia Mimms, Raphah Institute program participant


Quinton Perkins, Raphah Institute program participant



Further Listening and Reading:
Raphah Institute
Dr. Rich Milner on classroom discipline, restorative practices and the opportunity gap

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

Our criminal legal system is designed to convict and punish those who commit crimes — but isn’t very effective at rehabilitation. Once someone gets caught up in the system, their chances of staying in or reoffending increases dramatically. Restorative justice is a model seeking to address harm on both victim and perpetrator sides of a crime — and to bring about a resolution that satisfies both parties.

Restorative practices in the legal system

Today, we’re talking with the people who work to make sure the water that reaches our faucets is safe and clean for us, and that wastewater is properly filtered so our wildlife stays healthy. We’ll also hear about how people across Tennessee access water and check in with a researcher from Vanderbilt’s Water Justice Lab. Join us!

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Sonia Allman, Manager of Strategic Communications, Metro Water Service</li>
<li>Brent Freeman, Assistant Director of Sewer Operations, Metro Water Services</li>
<li>David Money, EPA Water Specialist, TN Association of Utility Districts</li>
<li>Yolanda McDonald, Lead Investigator, Vanderbilt Drinking Water Justice Lab</li>
</ul>

Learn more:

<a href="https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/dwjlab/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vanderbilt Drinking Water Justice Lab</a> 
TN Department of Environment &amp; Conservation | <a href="https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/water-quality/drinking-water-redirect/drinking-water-emergency-planning.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Drinking Water Emergency Planning</a>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Today, we’re talking with the people who work to make sure the water that reaches our faucets is safe and clean for us, and that wastewater is properly filtered so our wildlife stays healthy. We’ll also hear about how people across Tennessee access water and check in with a researcher from Vanderbilt’s Water Justice Lab. Join us!
Guests: 
Sonia Allman, Manager of Strategic Communications, Metro Water Service


Brent Freeman, Assistant Director of Sewer Operations, Metro Water Services


David Money, EPA Water Specialist, TN Association of Utility Districts


Yolanda McDonald, Lead Investigator, Vanderbilt Drinking Water Justice Lab



Learn more:
Vanderbilt Drinking Water Justice Lab
Drinking Water Emergency Planning
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

When you turn on a faucet, do you think about where the water comes from? And do you think about where it goes after it washes down your kitchen sink, out from your dishwasher, or down the toilet?

Everything you need to know about water filtration

After her brother was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime she, and many others, say he did not commit, <a href="https://roonpurpose.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rolanda Holman</a> describes herself as “a person who has developed a love for justice and a person who has a redefined definition of hope.”

It's something she’s very vocal about, passionate about as an author and speaker, and something she teaches her boys about: this meaning of justice. What hope looks like, where you find it, and how you still believe in it even when it’s grim.

You can learn more about her brother, Pervis Payne's, case <a href="https://wpln.org/tag/pervis-payne/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

After her brother was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime she, and many others, say he did not commit, Rolanda Holman describes herself as “a person who has developed a love for justice and a person who has a redefined definition of hope.”
It's something she’s very vocal about, passionate about as an author and speaker, and something she teaches her boys about: this meaning of justice. What hope looks like, where you find it, and how you still believe in it even when it’s grim.
You can learn more about her brother, Pervis Payne's, case here.

Rolanda Holman describes herself as “a person who has developed a love for justice and a person who has a redefined definition of hope.”

Profile: Rolanda Holman

For those who are hitting the road this spring break, but aren’t trying to travel too far, there’s plenty to keep you entertained within state lines! And at WPLN we are lucky enough to have a resident roadside attraction enthusiast in Jewly Hight. We’ll explore some JH approved roadside adventures and side quests! Also, we'll hear from two people with an insider's view of this uniquely American phenomenon. Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Meagan Jolley, <a href="https://www.seerockcity.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">See Rock City</a></li>
<li>Andrea Ludden, Co-owner of <a href="https://thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum</a></li>
<li>Jewly Hight, <a href="https://wpln.org/post/author/jewly-hight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Senior Music Writer</a>, Nashville Public Radio</li>
</ul>

Further Reading: 
Tennessee Road Trips | <a href="https://www.zeemaps.com/mobile?group=4935258" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jewly Hight approved roadside attractions and pit stops in Tennessee</a> 
RoadsideAmerica.com | <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/tn/all" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tennessee Attractions and Oddities</a>

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay and Jewly Hight.

For those who are hitting the road this spring break, but aren’t trying to travel too far, there’s plenty to keep you entertained within state lines! And at WPLN we are lucky enough to have a resident roadside attraction enthusiast in Jewly Hight. We’ll explore some JH approved roadside adventures and side quests! Also, we'll hear from two people with an insider's view of this uniquely American phenomenon. Join us!
Guests:
Meagan Jolley, See Rock City


Andrea Ludden, Co-owner of Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum


Jewly Hight, Senior Music Writer, Nashville Public Radio



Further Reading:
 Jewly Hight approved roadside attractions and pit stops in Tennessee
RoadsideAmerica.com | Tennessee Attractions and Oddities
This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay and Jewly Hight.

From East to West, Tennessee’s highways are dotted with unexpected roadside museums, attractions, and bizarre art projects.

Roadside attractions in Tennessee

Today, we’re talking with an astronomer from the Adventure Science Center to find out everything we need to know about the eclipse and how to experience it. We’ll also hear from WPLN editor Miriam Kramer about what it’s like to report on space — and we’re even checking in with the one and only Neil deGrasse Tyson. Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, author, and science communicator</li>
<li>Dr. Morgan Rehnberg, VP of Exhibits and Experiences, <a href="https://www.adventuresci.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adventure Science Center</a></li>
<li>Miriam Kramer, Editor, WPLN</li>
<li>Elizabeth Burton, Producer, This is Nashville</li>
</ul>

Further Reading:

<a href="https://www.adventuresci.org/explore/total-solar-eclipse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Total Solar Eclipse Programming at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville</a>

<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NASA: Eclipse 2024 Where and When</a>

<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/13/1237563958/solar-eclipse-glasses-2024" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NPR: Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8</a>

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton, Katherine Ceicys, and Khalil Ekulona.

Today, we’re talking with an astronomer from the Adventure Science Center to find out everything we need to know about the eclipse and how to experience it. We’ll also hear from WPLN editor Miriam Kramer about what it’s like to report on space — and we’re even checking in with the one and only Neil deGrasse Tyson. Join us!
Guests:
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, author, and science communicator


Dr. Morgan Rehnberg, VP of Exhibits and Experiences, Adventure Science Center


Miriam Kramer, Editor, WPLN


Elizabeth Burton, Producer, This is Nashville



Further Reading:
Total Solar Eclipse Programming at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville
NASA: Eclipse 2024 Where and When
NPR: Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton, Katherine Ceicys, and Khalil Ekulona.

Space and the mysteries of the universe can so easily capture our imaginations, especially when we can personally experience an astronomical event like the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.

Space and the mysteries of the universe

Today, we’re talking with local Christians about what Lent is and what it means to them.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Father Jarrod Russell, Greek Orthodox priest</li>
<li>Nadine Choufani, Parishioner, St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Mission</li>
<li>Pastor Liza Hawkins, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</li>
<li>Lindsey Krinks, Street Chaplain and activist</li>
<li>Tewodros Manaye, Member, Ethiopian Orthodox Church</li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley, Rachel Iacovone and Katherine Ceicys.

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.

Easter is a common thread across Christian traditions. However, for Catholics, Orthodox Christians and a growing number of Protestants, Lent — the 40 or so days leading up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday — are a deeply spiritual time of reflection, fasting and greater engagement with one’s faith community.

Lent: traditions and practices

Vanderbilt’s new video series takes viewers behind the scenes on some innovative research projects.

At Vanderbilt University, there are thousands of brilliant minds working hard on potentially world-changing projects. The Quantum Potential series, helmed by podcasting legend Jad Abumrad, is here to sharing their breakthroughs with the public. We’ll talk with Jad and meet a pair of scientists who are looking to solve the issue of traffic. Commuters everywhere, rejoice!

Guests: 

<ul>
<li>Dr. Jonathan Sprinkle, Vanderbilt professor of Computer Science</li>
<li>Dr. Dan Work, Vanderbilt professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering</li>
<li>Jad Abumrad, Radio Lab founder, Vanderbilt Faculty member, host of <a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quantum Potential</a></li>
</ul>

Learn more:

Watch all 5 Quantum Potential Videos <a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential/video-series-landing-page/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>,  including <a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential/less-traffic-on-the-road-to-tomorrow/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Less Traffic on the Road Tomorrow</a> featuring Dr. Sprinkle and Dr. Work.

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Vanderbilt’s new video series takes viewers behind the scenes on some innovative research projects.
At Vanderbilt University, there are thousands of brilliant minds working hard on potentially world-changing projects. The Quantum Potential series, helmed by podcasting legend Jad Abumrad, is here to sharing their breakthroughs with the public. We’ll talk with Jad and meet a pair of scientists who are looking to solve the issue of traffic. Commuters everywhere, rejoice!
Guests: 
Dr. Jonathan Sprinkle, Vanderbilt professor of Computer Science


Dr. Dan Work, Vanderbilt professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering


Jad Abumrad, Radio Lab founder, Vanderbilt Faculty member, host of Quantum Potential



Learn more:
Watch all 5 Quantum Potential Videos here,  including Less Traffic on the Road Tomorrow featuring Dr. Sprinkle and Dr. Work.
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University are pushing science forward in some mind-blowing ways -and the new video series Quantum Potential takes viewers behind the scenes on some innovative projects. 

Exploring Vanderbilt University's New Quantum Potential series

<a href="https://linktr.ee/djcontraption" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dahron Anneliese Johnson</a> is a local chaplain and trans rights advocate. In this profile episode, we hear how the seeds of her work sprouted at a young age, how grief has been a lifelong companion, and how she keeps hope Tennessee legislators will realize there’s “more than one way to be here.”

Dahron Anneliese Johnson is a local chaplain and trans rights advocate. In this profile episode, we hear how the seeds of her work sprouted at a young age, how grief has been a lifelong companion, and how she keeps hope Tennessee legislators will realize there’s “more than one way to be here.”

Chaplain Dahron Anneliese Johnson holds hope Tennessee legislators will learn there’s “more than one way to be here.”

Profile: Dahron Anneliese Johnson

King Hollands had his first experience as a civil rights leader in 1954 as one of the first of 14 Black students to desegregate Father Ryan High School. Just a few years later, after participating in training for non-violent protests, he was part of the sit-in movement at Woolworth's that sought to desegregate Nashville’s downtown lunch counters. Throughout his life, as a member of the Metro Human Relations Commission, as president of the Organized Neighbors of Edgehill, and even as a neighbor to all here in Nashville, Mr. Hollands continued to step up to injustice, fight to preserve Nashville’s African American history, and love his family and friends.

King Hollands is part of our history. It can be easy to think of him as someone written about in news articles and history books. But he was also a person, brimming with love and warmth. To tell us more about King Hollands, the person, we’re joined by two people who knew and loved him best, his lifelong friend and the mother of his children, Mary Ellen Forrester-Hollands, and his daughter, Kisha Turner.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Mary Ellen Forrester-Hollands, lifelong friend and family member</li>
<li>Kisha Turner, daughter</li>
<li>Bill Forrester, lifelong friend</li>
</ul>

Further Reading and Listening

<ul>
<li>Tennessean | <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2023/12/26/nashville-student-movement-king-hollands-dead-civil-rights-desegregation/72013911007/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'Rest in Power': Nashville Civil Rights activist King Hollands dead at 82</a></li>
<li>This is Nashville |  <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/nashville-sit-ins-woolworth-civil-rights/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Remembering the Nashville sit-ins</a></li>
<li>This Is Nashville | <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/nashville-freedom-riders-civil-rights/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exploring the legacy of Nashville’s Freedom Riders</a></li>
<li>This Is Nashville | <a href="https://wpln.org/post/woolworth-theatre-nashville/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Woolworth building is a key civil rights site. Preserving that history has been fraught with uncertainty.</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys, Mary Mancini, and Magnolia McKay.

King Hollands had his first experience as a civil rights leader in 1954 as one of the first of 14 Black students to desegregate Father Ryan High School. Just a few years later, after participating in training for non-violent protests, he was part of the sit-in movement at Woolworth's that sought to desegregate Nashville’s downtown lunch counters. Throughout his life, as a member of the Metro Human Relations Commission, as president of the Organized Neighbors of Edgehill, and even as a neighbor to all here in Nashville, Mr. Hollands continued to step up to injustice, fight to preserve Nashville’s African American history, and love his family and friends.
King Hollands is part of our history. It can be easy to think of him as someone written about in news articles and history books. But he was also a person, brimming with love and warmth. To tell us more about King Hollands, the person, we’re joined by two people who knew and loved him best, his lifelong friend and the mother of his children, Mary Ellen Forrester-Hollands, and his daughter, Kisha Turner.
Guests:
Mary Ellen Forrester-Hollands, lifelong friend and family member


Kisha Turner, daughter


Bill Forrester, lifelong friend



Further Reading and Listening
Tennessean | 'Rest in Power': Nashville Civil Rights activist King Hollands dead at 82


This is Nashville |  Remembering the Nashville sit-ins


This Is Nashville | Exploring the legacy of Nashville’s Freedom Riders


This Is Nashville | The Woolworth building is a key civil rights site. Preserving that history has been fraught with uncertainty.



This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys, Mary Mancini, and Magnolia McKay.

Today, we’re celebrating the life of Nashville native, civil rights icon and community leader King Hollands. Mr. Hollands passed away in December of last year and is missed by so many, including us here at This Is Nashville.

Celebrating civil rights activist and beloved Nashville native King Hollands

Since we last talked about school vouchers back in fall 2022, the state legislature and governor have made major steps toward making them a reality for all Tennesseeans. Right now, there are bills on the table in the House and Senate that would give over $7000 per student against their private school tuition— regardless of whether they were ever even enrolled in  public school. Some are calling this a subsidy for the rich, and some are saying vouchers will make private school more accessible for low and middle class families. We’ll talk today with lawmakers, parents, advocates, and reporters to understand this legislation. We will also turn to national perspectives on what has happened in states like Vermont and Arizona with their respective voucher programs— and see what we can learn from them.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to WPLN’s Alexis Marshall, Austin Sauerbrei, Ken Jobe, Katherine Ceicys, and Marta Aldrich at Chalkbeat.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Liv Cook, former special education teacher and Public Education Campaign Organizer at the Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment <a href="https://www.socm.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(SOCM)</a></li>
<li>Barbara Long, retired Murfreesboro schoolteacher, current board member at <a href="https://cityschools.net/administration/school-board/board-members" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murfreesboro City Schools</a></li>
<li>Freda Player, <a href="https://fredaforschools.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">board member at MNPS </a></li>
<li>Representative Sam McKenzie (D-15), <a href="https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/legislatorinfo/member.aspx?district=h15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">state legislator representing Knox County</a>, chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, member of the House K12 subcommittee</li>
<li>Victor Evans, Executive Director of <a href="https://tn-can.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TennesseeCAN</a>, former teacher in Memphis</li>
<li>Alec MacGillis, investigative reporter with <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/private-schools-vouchers-parents-ohio-public-funds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ProPublica</a></li>
</ul>

Follow this link for further reading: <a href="https://wpln.org/post/episodes/whats-going-on-with-school-vouchers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wpln.org/post/episodes/whats-going-on-with-school-vouchers/</a>

Since we last talked about school vouchers back in fall 2022, the state legislature and governor have made major steps toward making them a reality for all Tennesseeans. Right now, there are bills on the table in the House and Senate that would give over $7000 per student against their private school tuition— regardless of whether they were ever even enrolled in  public school. Some are calling this a subsidy for the rich, and some are saying vouchers will make private school more accessible for low and middle class families. We’ll talk today with lawmakers, parents, advocates, and reporters to understand this legislation. We will also turn to national perspectives on what has happened in states like Vermont and Arizona with their respective voucher programs— and see what we can learn from them.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to WPLN’s Alexis Marshall, Austin Sauerbrei, Ken Jobe, Katherine Ceicys, and Marta Aldrich at Chalkbeat.
Guests:
Liv Cook, former special education teacher and Public Education Campaign Organizer at the Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM)


Barbara Long, retired Murfreesboro schoolteacher, current board member at Murfreesboro City Schools


Freda Player, board member at MNPS 


Representative Sam McKenzie (D-15), state legislator representing Knox County, chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, member of the House K12 subcommittee


Victor Evans, Executive Director of TennesseeCAN, former teacher in Memphis


Alec MacGillis, investigative reporter with ProPublica



Follow this link for further reading: https://wpln.org/post/episodes/whats-going-on-with-school-vouchers/

School vouchers. Education Savings Accounts. Academic Freedom. School Choice. Regardless of what you call them, ESAs are one of the hottest topics in the TN legislative session.

What's going on with school vouchers?

The locally-founded black-owned music promotion company <a href="https://www.lovenoise.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lovenoise</a> changed the music landscape of Nashville — and you can hear how on 'Making Noise.' Today, we’re talking with WPLN Senior Music Writer Jewly Hight and several guests featured on the series about the current Black music scenes here in Nashville. We’ll dig into 'Making Noise,' the rich tradition of artists from different generations supporting each other, and what resources are available right now to help launch home-grown talent. Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.belmont.edu/profiles/eric-holt/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric Holt</a>, <a href="https://www.lovenoise.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lovenoise</a> co-founder, Assistant Professor of Music Business at Belmont</li>
<li><a href="https://wnxp.org/people/jewly-hight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jewly Hight</a>, Senior Music Writer Nashville Public Radio</li>
<li><a href="https://wpln.org/post/hip-hop-artist-brian-brown-has-his-own-way-of-repping-nashville/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Brown</a>, Hip Hop artist</li>
<li>Mimi McCarley, <a href="https://weownnow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Own Now</a> co-founder, Collab Music Network owner, <a href="https://nashvilleisnotjustcountrymusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashville Is Not Just Country Music</a> partner</li>
<li>Logan Cromwell, founder <a href="https://homeformusic.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HOME</a></li>
</ul>

Today's episode was co-produced by Katherine Ceicys and Jewly Hight.

The locally-founded black-owned music promotion company Lovenoise changed the music landscape of Nashville — and you can hear how on 'Making Noise.' Today, we’re talking with WPLN Senior Music Writer Jewly Hight and several guests featured on the series about the current Black music scenes here in Nashville. We’ll dig into 'Making Noise,' the rich tradition of artists from different generations supporting each other, and what resources are available right now to help launch home-grown talent. Join us!
Guests:
Eric Holt, Lovenoise co-founder, Assistant Professor of Music Business at Belmont


Jewly Hight, Senior Music Writer Nashville Public Radio


Brian Brown, Hip Hop artist


Mimi McCarley, We Own Now co-founder, Collab Music Network owner, Nashville Is Not Just Country Music partner


Logan Cromwell, founder HOME



Today's episode was co-produced by Katherine Ceicys and Jewly Hight.

The four-part Making Noise series by WPLN and WNXP is out! Today, we're continuing the conversation live.

Making Noise about 'Making Noise' and advocating for Nashville's Black music scenes

In My Place educates listeners on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused. We talk to guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, highlights how affordable housing affects each of us — even when we think it doesn't.

Guests:

• Dr. Marybeth Shinn, <a href="https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/bio/?pid=marybeth-shinn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vanderbilt professor</a> 
• Dr. Margot Kushel, <a href="https://profiles.ucsf.edu/margot.kushel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">USCF professor,</a> Director of the <a href="https://homelessness.ucsf.edu/leadership/margot-kushel-md" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative</a> 
• Vicky Batcher, <a href="https://www.neighborhoodhealthtn.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neighborhood Health</a> board member 
• Jamie Villegas, <a href="https://www.nashville.gov/departments/office-homeless-services/boards/homelessness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homelessness Planning Council member</a> 
• Deirdre Nicole Childress director of communications, trauma services and case management for <a href="https://www.gideonsarmytn.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gideon’s Army</a> 
• <a href="https://twitter.com/lizmallard01" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liz Mallard</a>, former outreach worker

In My Place educates listeners on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused. We talk to guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, highlights how affordable housing affects each of us — even when we think it doesn't.
Guests:
• Dr. Marybeth Shinn, Vanderbilt professor
• Dr. Margot Kushel, USCF professor, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative
• Vicky Batcher, Neighborhood Health board member
Jamie Villegas, Homelessness Planning Council member
Deirdre Nicole Childress director of communications, trauma services and case management for Gideon’s Army
Liz Mallard, former outreach worker

We're officially kicking off our new housing series — In My Place. In this episode, we hear from people with firsthand experience not knowing where they’re going to sleep each night as well as other local and national experts who will talk facts on homelessness from national and local perspectives.

In My Place, Episode 1: Homelessness facts and faces

We’ll learn one hip hop artist’s perspective about the word's origins, and we’ll talk with prominent local comedians about how the word has seemingly taken over the circuit.

To land the show, we'll hear from Ademola Ekulona, the father of host Khalil Ekulona.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>PE McCallum, aka <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KXvppTN3GSLoFsWJk2YBo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pow Shadowz</a>, hip hop artist, author, organizer</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mikefloss.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Floss</a>, hip hop artist, activist</li>
<li><a href="https://bradsativa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brad Sativa</a>, comedian</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sirjoshuablack/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Burton</a>, Multimedia Producer, This is Nashville</li>
<li>Ademola Ekulona, father, organizer, activist, scholar</li>
</ul>

Featuring:

<ul>
<li>Willie "Big Fella Sims</li>
<li>Elizabeth "Easy E" Burton</li>
<li>Magnolia "Dolly" McKay</li>
<li>Keri "Jr. Mint" Pagetta</li>
</ul>

We’ll learn one hip hop artist’s perspective about the word's origins, and we’ll talk with prominent local comedians about how the word has seemingly taken over the circuit.
To land the show, we'll hear from Ademola Ekulona, the father of host Khalil Ekulona.
Guests:
PE McCallum, aka Pow Shadowz, hip hop artist, author, organizer


Mike Floss, hip hop artist, activist


Brad Sativa, comedian


Elizabeth Burton, Multimedia Producer, This is Nashville


Ademola Ekulona, father, organizer, activist, scholar



Featuring:
Willie "Big Fella Sims


Elizabeth "Easy E" Burton


Magnolia "Dolly" McKay


Keri "Jr. Mint" Pagetta

Today we have part two of our conversation about the N-Word. We’ll examine the public spaces where the word is most commonly used: Hip Hop and Rap music, and the world of comedy — specifically stand up comedy.

The N-Word: Part 2

However, some believe the word can be used as a term of endearment. We’re talking about the N-Word. Can a term infused with hate be used to express love? Has this word's usage in popular culture gone beyond it's impact? Or, should the word be put away forever?

Content warning: This episode contains use of unedited racial slurs.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Clemmie Greenlee, <a href="https://www.nashvillepeacemakers.org/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Founder &amp; CEO | Nashville Peacemakers</a></li>
<li>Dr. Lerotha Williams, <a href="https://www.tnstate.edu/history/faculty/lwilliams.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">scholar at Tennessee State University</a></li>
<li>Rev. Davie Tucker, <a href="https://www.beechcreeknashville.org/our-pastor.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pastor at Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by host Khalil Ekulona

However, some believe the word can be used as a term of endearment. We’re talking about the N-Word. Can a term infused with hate be used to express love? Has this word's usage in popular culture gone beyond it's impact? Or, should the word be put away forever?
Content warning: This episode contains use of unedited racial slurs.
Guests:
Clemmie Greenlee, Founder & CEO | Nashville Peacemakers


Dr. Lerotha Williams, scholar at Tennessee State University


Rev. Davie Tucker, Pastor at Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church



This episode was produced by host Khalil Ekulona

It is arguably the most complicated word in the English language. A word that has engendered pain and violence. It's a tangible reminder of hate.

The N-Word: Part 1

In this episode we talk to the co-directors of the SEC4CD about the support the organization offers, how co-ops differ from traditional businesses, and what the bigger implications of sharing profits and power mean for those who choose this structure.

 

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Benny Overton, co-director, Southeast Center for Cooperative Development</li>
<li>Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger, co-director, Southeast Center for Cooperative Development</li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

In this episode we talk to the co-directors of the SEC4CD about the support the organization offers, how co-ops differ from traditional businesses, and what the bigger implications of sharing profits and power mean for those who choose this structure.
 

Guests:
Benny Overton, co-director, Southeast Center for Cooperative Development


Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger, co-director, Southeast Center for Cooperative Development



This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

Since 2018, the Southeast Center for Cooperative Development has been coaching workers across Tennessee and the Southeast on how to form a cooperative business. Commonly referred to as co-ops, this power and profit-sharing model of business is an alternative to the traditional top-down business structure.

What is the cooperative model for businesses and beyond?

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:

<ul>
<li>Char Daston, reporter and newscast producer, WPLN</li>
<li>Catherine Sweeney, health care reporter, WPLN</li>
<li>Cynthia Abrams, Metro reporter, WPLN</li>
<li>Kelly Walberg, vice president of Communications, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee</li>
<li>Mike Kopp, artist manager and music advocate, volunteering with music census</li>
</ul>

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, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee


Mike Kopp, artist manager and music advocate, volunteering with music census

We kick this episode off with an in-depth look at three local issues, the Metro Arts Commission, abortion access, and Mayor O'Connell's transit referendum. WPLN reporters Char Daston, Catherine Sweeney, and Cynthia Abrams join us to share the latest on their beats, and tell us what to keep an eye out for as they continue their coverage.

This week's reporter roundtable. And what is the Music Census?

Today, we’re talking with local athletes, coaches and the organization’s team members to learn about Special Olympics sport competitions, inclusive sports teams called <a href="https://www.specialolympicstn.org/beyond-sports/unified-champion-schools?locale=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">unified teams</a>, and the health-focused <a href="https://www.specialolympicstn.org/beyond-sports/healthy-athletes?locale=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Healthy Athletes</a> and <a href="https://www.specialolympicstn.org/fitness?locale=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fit-4-Life</a> programs that all promote health, fun, leadership and friendships between people of all abilities here in Tennessee. Plus, if you’re looking to get involved, we’ll share the many ways you can. Join us!

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Brittany Meyer, Special Olympics Athlete</li>
<li>Harlan Waltz, Special Olympics Athlete</li>
<li>Amy D'Angelo, Teacher and Special Olympics Coach</li>
<li>Justin Bradford, <a href="https://www.specialolympicstn.org/?locale=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Olympics Tennessee</a></li>
<li>Dr. Chris Frost, Chief Medical Officer <a href="http://www.LifepointHealth.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lifepoint Health</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Today, we’re talking with local athletes, coaches and the organization’s team members to learn about Special Olympics sport competitions, inclusive sports teams called unified teams, and the health-focused Healthy Athletes and Fit-4-Life programs that all promote health, fun, leadership and friendships between people of all abilities here in Tennessee. Plus, if you’re looking to get involved, we’ll share the many ways you can. Join us!
Guests:
Brittany Meyer, Special Olympics Athlete


Harlan Waltz, Special Olympics Athlete


Amy D'Angelo, Teacher and Special Olympics Coach


Justin Bradford, Special Olympics Tennessee


Dr. Chris Frost, Chief Medical Officer Lifepoint Health



This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

While the Special Olympics Summer and Winter World Games happen every four years, Special Olympics Tennessee offers year-round, local programs available to youth and adults.

Special Olympics Tennessee offers year-round programs to athletes

With the help of Nashville-native writer and reporter Kim Green and Chantha’s daughter, Clara Kim, Nguon’s story will reach worldwide and show us all that it’s possible to make something sweet out of something bitter.

Today's guests:

<ul>
<li>Chantha Nguon, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nguonchantha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">author</a>, chef, nonprofit founder</li>
<li>Kim Green, author, <a href="https://aviatrixkim.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">journalist</a></li>
<li>Clara Kim, Nguon's daughter and Slow Noodles audiobook narrator</li>
</ul>

More:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121798354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous story on Chantha by WPLN reporter Blake Farmer.</a></li>
<li>You can find Slow Noodles <a href="https://www.slownoodles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>
Upcoming events:

<ul>
<li>
Tuesday, Feb. 20 @ 6-9pm - Book launch &amp; art exhibition at <a href="https://www.juliamartingallery.com/exhibitions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julia Martin Gallery</a>
</li>
<li>
Wednesday, Feb. 21 @ 6:30pm - Reading &amp; book talk <a href="https://thebookshopnashville.com/events/34174" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hosted by The Bookshop</a> Nashville, next door at <a href="https://www.hannabeecoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hanna Bee Coffee</a>
</li>
<li>
Sunday, Feb. 25 @ 5-8pm - Cambodian à la carte popup at <a href="https://www.bastionnashville.com/bigbar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bastion Big Bar</a> (no reservation needed - 21+ only)</li>
<li>
Monday, Feb. 26 @ 3pm - Book club(s) discussion &amp; reading at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blakeford+at+Green+Hills/@36.0931965,-86.8208342,18.27z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8864647f099d7e15:0xffba197c62377e4f!8m2!3d36.0932968!4d-86.820285!16s%2Fg%2F1tdbrls9?entry=ttu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blakeford in Green Hills</a>. (Park at lot across Burton Hills Rd. and check in at front desk, then head to Blakeford Hall.)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

With the help of Nashville-native writer and reporter Kim Green and Chantha’s daughter, Clara Kim, Nguon’s story will reach worldwide and show us all that it’s possible to make something sweet out of something bitter.
Today's guests:
Chantha Nguon, author, chef, nonprofit founder


Kim Green, author, journalist


Clara Kim, Nguon's daughter and Slow Noodles audiobook narrator



More:
Previous story on Chantha by WPLN reporter Blake Farmer.


You can find Slow Noodles here.


Upcoming events:
Tuesday, Feb. 20 @ 6-9pm - Book launch & art exhibition at Julia Martin Gallery


Wednesday, Feb. 21 @ 6:30pm - Reading & book talk hosted by The Bookshop Nashville, next door at Hanna Bee Coffee


Sunday, Feb. 25 @ 5-8pm - Cambodian à la carte popup at Bastion Big Bar (no reservation needed - 21+ only)
Monday, Feb. 26 @ 3pm - Book club(s) discussion & reading at Blakeford in Green Hills. (Park at lot across Burton Hills Rd. and check in at front desk, then head to Blakeford Hall.)

Chantha Nguon is a Cambodian author, cook, nonprofit leader, and survivor of the Khmer Rouge. In her new memoir Slow Noodles, she details some of the stories of the painful past and hopeful future — through recipes.

Slow Noodles: how the best dishes take time and show Cambodian resilience

Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in the studio and wants to hear from you! Call at the top of the show to join: 615-760-2000.

Later, we'll hear from Jeff Fasano, who, at the age of 40, left his corporate life and pursued his passion of photography. We will talk about his life, how it's never too late to follow one's dreams, and about his book Americana Portrait Sessions that photos of everyone from Keb Mo, to Jewel.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Mayor Freddie O'Connell</li>
<li><a href="https://www.jefffasano.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeff Fasano</a></li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in the studio and wants to hear from you! Call at the top of the show to join: 615-760-2000.
Later, we'll hear from Jeff Fasano, who, at the age of 40, left his corporate life and pursued his passion of photography. We will talk about his life, how it's never too late to follow one's dreams, and about his book Americana Portrait Sessions that photos of everyone from Keb Mo, to Jewel.
Guests:
Mayor Freddie O'Connell


Jeff Fasano



This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

Today we're starting with Ask the Mayor and then dropping into a conversation with Photographer Jeff Fasano!

Ask the Mayor & Photographer Jeff Fasano

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is playing at TPAC now through February 18th.  The musical production, of which Turner was a producer, tells the story of her life.

Tina Turner grew up in Nutbush, Tennessee, a rural community about 50 miles outside of Memphis. Her genre-breaking career spanned over 6 decades. When she passed in May of 2023, she left behind an impressive legacy of work. In this episode we talk to cast members from the musical depicting her story, and speak with an author who can tell us how this Tennessee country girl became an international superstar.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Symphony King, actor who plays Young Anna-Mae</li>
<li>Brianna Cameron, actor who plays Young Anna-Mae</li>
<li>Aliyah Caldwell, actor and dancer who plays one of the Ikettes </li>
<li>Deon Releford-Lee, actor who plays Ike Turner</li>
<li>Francesca Royster, Professor of English at DePaul University in Chicago, author of Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions</li>
</ul>

This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is playing at TPAC now through February 18th.  The musical production, of which Turner was a producer, tells the story of her life.
Tina Turner grew up in Nutbush, Tennessee, a rural community about 50 miles outside of Memphis. Her genre-breaking career spanned over 6 decades. When she passed in May of 2023, she left behind an impressive legacy of work. In this episode we talk to cast members from the musical depicting her story, and speak with an author who can tell us how this Tennessee country girl became an international superstar.
Guests:
Symphony King, actor who plays Young Anna-Mae


Brianna Cameron, actor who plays Young Anna-Mae


Aliyah Caldwell, actor and dancer who plays one of the Ikettes 


Deon Releford-Lee, actor who plays Ike Turner


Francesca Royster, Professor of English at DePaul University in Chicago, author of Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions



This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is playing at TPAC now through February 18th.  The musical production, of which Turner was a producer, tells the story of her life.

What's TINA: The Tina Turner Musical got to do with love, power, and resilience?

Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda represents district 30 on the <a href="https://www.nashville.gov/departments/council" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nashville Metro Council</a>. When she first ran for the position in 2019, she was the first Latina elected to the council and the youngest member ever, starting her term at 26. The daughter of two Mexican immigrants, she came to Nashville when she was 5 years old and cares deeply about the city and community she has grown up in and called home for over two decades.

We’re talking with her today about her story, the responsibility she feels as representative of a majority Hispanic district, and her day-to-day reality — and hopes — as she serves on the Metro Council.

Guests:

<ul>
<li>Councilmember <a href="https://www.sandrafornashville.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandra Sepulveda</a>
</li>
</ul>

This show was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Liv Lombardi.

Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda represents district 30 on the Nashville Metro Council. When she first ran for the position in 2019, she was the first Latina elected to the council and the youngest member ever, starting her term at 26. The daughter of two Mexican immigrants, she came to Nashville when she was 5 years old and cares deeply about the city and community she has grown up in and called home for over two decades.
We’re talking with her today about her story, the responsibility she feels as representative of a majority Hispanic district, and her day-to-day reality — and hopes — as she serves on the Metro Council.
Guests:
Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda



This show was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Liv Lombardi.