City Cast Nashville

Ahead of the Nashville Black Market’s Black History Month Expo at the Fairgrounds this weekend, co-founder and community advocate Carlos Partee sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to preview an event that’s part outdoor mall, part family reunion, and 100% dedicated to amplifying and empowering the work of local Black entrepreneurs and artists. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then ma...

The TN General Assembly blazed through a four-day special session this week, and the Republican-controlled legislature successfully passed Gov. Bill Lee’s signature school voucher plan, as well as an immigration bill with a provision that seemingly targets Nashville by making it a felony for any local public official to vote in favor of “sanctuary policies.” Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Da...

February doesn’t have to suck! Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are here to help you celebrate Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and Nashville’s world-class music scene — three great reasons to bundle up and get out of the house this month. If you’re looking for even MORE options, we’ve covered stories from across the city in recent...

Amid budget cuts, the Nashville Public Library has reduced some of its community wellness classes. These classes come at no cost and have been widely popular, serving a diverse range of Nashville residents. Host Marie Cecile Anderson chats with Liz Veyhl of Small World Yoga to explore the impact of BeWell's wellness programs on Nashville communities. They address the funding shortfall threatening...

What makes Nashville’s indie music scene so special, and why are independent venues the heart of Music City? In this episode, host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by Chris Cobb, President of Music Venue Alliance Nashville, to discuss the mission behind 615 Indie Live. Chris shares his insider perspective on how this groundbreaking festival showcases over 50 local artists across 14 beloved venues,...

Unleash the Tums: It’s Nashville Scene Hot Chicken Week 2025! Master of ceremonies Chris Chamberlain returns to give host Marie Cecile Anderson the rundown. From hot chicken fettuccine to an intimidating wing-eating challenge, there’s options aplenty to enjoy for just $8 (if destroying your stomach lining is your thing). Download the Hot Chicken Week app and get ready to flock to some great local...

We’ve got the latest updates on Wednesday’s tragic Antioch High School shooting, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to run down what happened at Tuesday’s first Metro Council meeting of 2025 — and explain a new state bill that could see local officials hit with felonies for simply casting a vote. Plus, we found som...

Nashville is grieving its second school shooting in two years, after a student opened fire in the cafeteria at Antioch High School yesterday, killing another teenager and himself, and wounding a third. Host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek deliver updates on what we know, and try to bring context to this senseless turn of events. If you or someone you know needs mental...

In November, Mayor Freddie O’Connell signed the Office of Youth Safety into law. Councilmember At-Large Delishia Porterfield — who was instrumental in creating the new office — sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss why it’s necessary and how she hopes it will teach conflict resolution, curb youth gun violence, and address the lack of “third spaces” in our city. Want some more City C...

The Tennessee legislature is back in session, which means plenty of news is on the way — but where should you get it, and who’s telling the truth?  Today, we’re revisiting a conversation between Grace Fuisz and Holly McCall, editor of the nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization Tennessee Lookout. Together, they provide a guide to Nashville’s local media landscape, covering when and how to fact-ch...

Reporter and author Steven Hale joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and producer Daniel Sumstine to reflect on this week’s biggest news stories. Steven breaks down Metro’s response to last week’s snowstorm and explains why the emergency overflow shelter turned away unhoused Nashvillians during freezing conditions. We’re also unpacking the latest Metro Arts drama, TPAC’s announcement that they’re not...

City Cast food and travel contributor Margaret Littman joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to give us the rundown on the best soups in town this winter. From ramen to butternut squash and everything in between, you’ll be starving by the end of the show. Also: Is stew a soup? And is Skyline Chili just spaghetti sauce?  Here is a list of soup purveyors discussed in this episode: Más Tacos  Turnip Truck...

The Supreme Court's 2023 ban on affirmative action in admissions programs for higher education is already impacting Vanderbilt University. Host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Brina Ratangee and Rhea Patney of the Vanderbilt Hustler to discuss their reporting on the school’s 21% drop in racial diversity among incoming students, and what this means for the university as a whole. Want some more...

After last summer’s rise in hate groups and racist/antisemitic flyers appearing all over town, the Metro Human Relations Commission has launched a new initiative called Humans Over Hate, including an upcoming series of “No Hate on My Plate” dinners. Metro Human Relations executive director Rev. Davie Tucker joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about it, and to give us a preview of the local ev...

Tennessee ranks 49th on policies that benefit children and families, and quality child care in Nashville is increasingly difficult to access. But as the TN Legislature goes into the 2025 session tomorrow, are lawmakers proposing anything to help? Nashville Post and Nashville Scene reporter Hannah Herner sits down with Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury to talk about the crisis, and...

Happy snow day!* Did you know our license plate readers are leaking data? And what’s up with the transit referendum lawsuit? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, new producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek run it all down on today’s Friday News Roundup. Plus, the Bonnaroo lineup is out! Are we getting a Sphere??  *if it is not snowing when you hear this, we jinxed it by recording...

Thinking about quitting drinking, or at least doing Dry January? Killjoy is Nashville’s first booze-free beverage shop, and they’re here for you. Founder Stephanie Styll joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about the products she carries, the vibe she’s created, and why a sober life was the right choice for her. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nas...

Tennessee State University’s financial plight dominated the news cycle last year, with stories about the alleged $2.1 billion owed to the school by the state and a series of leadership changes sparking confusion and dismay. We’re trying to understand the full story. Nashville-based Rep. Harold Love, Jr. — a TSU alum himself — sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to lay out the timeline, unpac...

In December, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a challenge to SB1, a 2023 bill passed by Tennessee’s Republican-led state legislature that bans the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth. While SCOTUS isn’t expected to rule on the case until later this year, parents here in Nashville are already dealing with the impacts of that law and other pieces of anti-trans legislation t...

If you’re already thinking about planning vacation travel for the new year, then you’ve gotta follow BNA Cheap Flights on Instagram, a.k.a. Andrea Giordano. She’s sharing her secrets to finding low fares with Grace Fuisz, from when to buy those tickets you’ve been tracking to why you shouldn’t be afraid of budget airlines. Plus, what new international destinations can BNA travelers reach in the ne...

We’re back from the holidays, and previewing the stories we’ll be watching in 2025. On today’s Friday News Roundup, This Is Nashville host Khalil Ekulona joins our host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to talk about the news we’re keeping an eye on, from Metro to the TN General Assembly. Plus, it’s the rare off-year from elections here in Nashville, and we share where...

The calendar has turned over to a new year, and that means we’re all rested and ready for exciting new activities … right? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are here to fill the first month of your calendar with great options. Which local museum is pay-what-you-want this month? Where can you go ice skating? What...

Today on City Cast Nashville, Grace Fuisz sits down with one of our favorite artists of 2024: Songwriter and producer Alex Wong. They’re talking about taking up space, authenticity, and the connection he’s found between cooking and music.  **This episode originally aired Aug. 14, 2024 Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @c...

The battle over hemp products in Tennessee is ongoing, and prior to a judge's temporary injunction on Dec. 23, a contested new rule scheduled to go into effect today would have barred products that contain THCA — a chemical found naturally in hemp. Before the new regulations emerged, Grace Fuisz sat down with Matthew McClure, the keeper of Benny the CannaBUS, to explain what was actually being sol...

With Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa right around the corner, you might have family in town. You might need someplace to take them — or a place to get away. We suggest a local microbrewery! Shani Glapion, founder of social club The Black Beer Experience, sits down with executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give us her list of the best local beers and breweries in Nashville, including great famil...