City Cast Nashville

The Lipstick Lounge is one of the last remaining lesbian bars in the country, but as co-owner Christa Suppan reminds us, it’s really just a bar for humans. She joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to take us inside her legendary karaoke spot and give us a preview of Chapstick, the new women’s sports bar they’re building in the back. When will it open? We’ve got your exclusive! Happy Pride, y’all! Watc...

Federal officials recently accused Nashville of being a “sanctuary city.” Are we? District 30 Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda is here to clarify what that term really means, discuss a new state law making it a felony for city leaders to “adopt or maintain sanctuary policies,” and tell us why her Nashville SC supporters group La Brigada De Oro took a stand against ICE enforcement actions. **UPDATE:...

Metro Nashville’s budget for fiscal year 2026 is set, and once again, the Southern Movement Committee’s Varsity Spending Plan — which inspired the Office of Youth Safety — played a key role. SMC executive director Erica Perry and organizing director Jamel Campbell-Gooch sit down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about their work and where it goes from here. Learn more about the sponsors of t...

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. How is that law already impacting Nashville families? Host Marie Cecile Anderson speaks with two local moms, both of whom are raising trans/non-binary/gender-queer kids: Lindsey Patrick-Wright, whose family has chosen to stay in the Nashville area; and Taylor,* who relocated to a different stat...

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Marie Cecile Anderson and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th epi...

With May’s ICE dragnets and similar immigration enforcement detentions taking place all over town, host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Nina Adel, a program director at writing collective The Porch, and Nallely Ortega Prater, a poet and first-generation immigrant from Mexico, to discuss how their Immigrants Write workshop provides a truly safe artistic space. Nallely also reads her new poem,...

Ed the Zebra made national news when he escaped from his Nashville-area owners earlier this month, but he’s far from alone: Our town has a long and proud history of weird animal sightings. District 12 Councilmember (and loose cow expert) Erin Evans joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to delve into our local wild kingdom. Here is the list of the animals you can...

Metro Council will consider and vote on the Substitute Budget Ordinance tomorrow night, which could replace the mayor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. What’s in it, and how does this whole thing work? Councilmember Delishia Porterfield — who filed this year’s substitute as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee — joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to tell us everything we need to know. Lea...

Elon Musk’s Boring Co. is in talks with state leaders to build a tunnel from BNA to downtown, but he’s not the only national name in our local news this week. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek have the deets on that as well as the surprise Middle TN indictment of wrongly deported immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the retirement of Rep. M...

As our temperatures hit the 90s, we’ve got your updated list of the best ice cream, sorbet, and other frozen treats in Nashville. Grace Fuisz is joined by Summer Ottinger, aka Nash Food Fan, for a short and very sweet list of Music City’s coolest shops. **This episode originally aired August 15, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests t...

It’s our first birthday! To celebrate the launch of City Cast Nashville a year ago today, we’re giving YOU the gift of birthday freebies. Comedian and radio host Jessica Carter joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to share her list of local spots that will give you free stuff, just for being born. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit...

WNXP on-air host and events director Emily Young is back with her guide to everything you’ve gotta see at Bonnaroo this year. She joins producer Daniel Sumstine to break down the Farm’s biggest acts and newest stages, and give us her annual vibe check. Remember: Water! Sleep! Sunscreen! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo...

The giant golden statue of Athena inside Nashville’s Parthenon turns 35 this month, and to celebrate, they’re showcasing new (and only slightly less giant) works of art from her sculptor, Alan LeQuire. Parthenon curator Jennifer Richardson joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to share Athena’s backstory and tell us why locals should visit “the city’s museum.”  Learn more about the sponsors of this Jun...

The runaway zebra remains at large as CMA Fest descends upon our town, and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for today’s Friday News Roundup. Tuesday’s marathon Metro Council meeting featured over a hundred residents asking for a fair shake in the city’s budget, as well as some pointed comments about a council member...

As CMA Fest takes over downtown, one of Nashville’s most iconic independent music venues, 3rd & Lindsley, just signed a lease extension ahead of its 35th anniversary, securing its place in the city’s ever-changing music scene. We talk with venue owner Ron Brice about what this moment means, how the venue helped launch some of country music’s biggest stars, and why stages like his still matter in t...

What should you do with your kids this summer? Our Hey Nashville newsletter editor and token parent Margaret Kingsbury is here to help. She sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to swap ideas and stories of their own childhood summers. Plus, stay tuned for a very special guest at the end of the show! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode...

We’re getting you ready for tonight’s public budget hearing with tips on speaking at Metro Council, plus contacting your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels … and staying sane in the process. Dr. Katrina Green and East Nashtivists founder Melissa Sautter join host Marie Cecile Anderson to explain how to use your voice.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: ⁠M...

With headlines about immigration raids, school safety threats, and rising pedestrian and cyclist deaths, many Nashvillians are asking: Is our city still safe? In this episode, host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to unpack how Metro government is addressing growing safety concerns — federally, statewide, and right here in Nashville. Learn more about the sponsors of...

Councilmember David Benton (D28) is in hot water following his comments at a Memorial Day press conference, where he called Nashville immigrants an “invasion.” Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are breaking down that fallout as his comments spark outrage among fellow CMs, who are calling for his resignation; they also might have put the f...

School’s out! Pools are open! And the month is packed with local events, concerts, and festivals. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury are here with your guide to June in Nashville — including what to do for Juneteenth and Pride! If you’re looking for even MORE options, we’ve featured some great activities and important news s...

With the Old Tent City encampment set for closure early next week, is Metro’s “Housing First” strategy being followed? Executive producer Whitney Pastorek sits down with Homelessness Planning Council chair Kennetha Patterson and writer/community organizer Mike Lacy, who say they have significant concerns about the Office of Homeless Services, the outside organizations tasked with overseeing suppor...

Ready to try a more adventurous summer activity? Camping might be just your speed. Matt Heinly, manager of Nashville’s Patagonia store, joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek to share his advice on where to go and what to bring for a night under the stars. Plus, how his store is helping connect outdoor lovers with community!  Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up fo...

Congressman Andy Ogles is calling for an investigation of the mayor and threatening local officials in the wake of this month’s ICE activity. City Cast Nashville contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to talk through the fallout from that, as well as catch up on other Metro news and break down our picks for...

Who’s got the best pizza in Nashville? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury share their picks for best slice, crust, late-night, and stomach-tested gluten-free options. Did we forget your fave? Email us! Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnash...

This weekend marks Giancarlo Guerrero’s last hurrah with the Nashville Symphony — he’s stepping down as music director after three final performances. Executive producer Whitney Pastorek sits down with Music City’s maestro to learn more about his 17-year tenure. **This episode originally aired February 4th, 2025. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashvi...