This Is Nashville

There are only about 800 forensic pathologists in the entire United States. That is much lower than the number of deaths requiring investigation. How do they handle workload? What is the day in the life of a pathologist like? What are some common causes of death in Tennessee? How do pathologists determine the manner of death? If you’re into true crime, this is for you. Joining us on this edition o...

Metro Nashville oversees 178 parks and over 100 miles of greenway. But that only scratches the surface. From recreational arts to dance classes, nature lectures, and team sports, everyone can find their "something" at a Nashville park. In this episode, we speak with representatives from the Nashville Parks Department about how to make the most of the spring weather. And you have a chance to speak...

They’re portable, have four strings, and George Harrison loved them so much he gave them out as presents. Today, we take a look at the popular, adorable, miniature guitar-shaped instrument known as the ukulele and the thriving uke community that exists in Middle Tennessee. Players of all skill levels join us, from beginner to professional, to share how they became hooked on this misunderstood inst...

Nearly 40% of Tennessee’s land is farmland. But Tennessee is rapidly losing its farmland, mostly to development. Once land is developed it is exceptionally difficult to ever turn it back. In response, some farmers, organizations and the state are currently working together to help preserve farms and farmland in Tennessee.  Today we are speaking with two Tennessee farmers about how they’re approach...

Larry Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers is a name country and gospel fans know well. He is a famed singer and songwriter with Grammy awards, hit songs, and a legacy of classic performances under his belt. His hits include “Broken Lady,” “All the Gold in California,” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).” Gatlin’s career spans seventy years and has earned him a place in the Nashville Songwrit...

Waiting on the phone or in a long line for customer service is no fun. But what new alternatives exist? Today we hear the Davidson County Clerk’s Office new self-serve kiosks. Plus, Metro Nashville Waste Services has a new curbside composting pilot program that's part of their Zero Waste initiative. Join us to learn about these new and innovative processes created to save you time and serve you be...

Today we talk about our station's history through your eyes - from that first day to where we are now, how long have you been listening and why? WPLN's first broadcast was on December 17, 1962, and lasted for just 12 hours. Back then, programming consisted of classical music, local content, and informational programs from sources all over the world. This year the station celebrates its 63rd birthd...

Were you lucky enough to have someone read you bedtime stories when you were young? Did you still remember that one book you read in middle school that made you feel like someone out there completely understood you? Books give kids a special way to learn, explore and think about how they fit into a world that can feel very big to them. Today, we’re speaking with local authors who write for young r...

“Does it bring joy, and can it impact the community?” That’s the litmus test for Soccer Moses, aka the Handsomizer, aka Stephen Mason. Outside of Nashville, he might be better known as the lead guitarist for one of the top Christian rock bands of the ‘90s, Jars of Clay. But whether he’s playing on stage, cutting hair or dressed in a full Moses costume at a Nashville SC game, he’s always trying to...

Some people who have come close to death or who have clinically died and been resuscitated report having had a profound out-of-body experience called a Near Death Experience (NDE). Today we’ll meet the topic of NDEs and a conversation about life and death with open curiosity and compassion. We’ll hear from an NDE researcher and speak with an end-of-life doula about how she serves those who are clo...

Pedestrian deaths skyrocketed in Nashville during the pandemic. Although recent trends appear promising, the scar left behind still lingers. Advocates for pedestrian safety responded to the ongoing issue by crafting, painting and placing wooden doves around the city, marking where pedestrians were hit. They, along with Diana Alarcon, the director of the Nashville Department of Transformation, join...

Last month , we explored the first point of contact between people experiencing homelessness and outreach workers, service providers and the police. Today, we look at what happens after establishing that first contact. We talk to our guests about the importance of relationship building and the role trust plays when working with the unhoused population.  Nashville Public Radio's daily show, This Is...

Even at a young age, we have the power to influence and shape the world around us. That’s been true for Ella Brinen, a 19-year-old who’s currently lobbying state lawmakers to pass a “foster youth bill of rights” based on her own experience in the foster care system. As a high schooler, she led student protests around gun violence. Today, we talk to her about the process of writing a bill, advice f...

If you're reading the headlines, it may be hard to keep up with all the back and forth of the Trump administration’s tariff policy. Today we dissect what’s happening right now and look at the real and potential effect these taxes will have on businesses and consumers. Plus, WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers updates us on new state legislation that could impact Tennessee's wetlands. This...

First up, we take a quick trip around Scarritt Bennett to discover what this 100-year-old institution has to offer. Hint: It's much more than a great wedding location. After that, we check in with NECAT to learn more about their brand-new documentary, "It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability."  This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona. Guests Sondrea Tolbert , Executive Director, Scarritt...

 After 43 years under the same editor, the literary magazine — which had once published the work of Southern writers like Flannery O’Connor, Eudora Welty and William Faulkner — had fallen into a slump. But, in 2016, Nashville-based writer Adam Ross took over as editor. Since then, the review has seen a revival. Ross has brought the previously print-only journal into the digital age — it now has a...

He is the creator and host of PBS talk show A Slice of Community as well as his own podcast, Deep Dish Conversations . He is a co-host on the Nashville Scene’s podcast and an author . He is recognized for his commitment to exploring social justice and  track record of community organizing.  So, what shaped his world view? How did leaving Nashville to explore the world help him learn new ways to se...

Here in Tennessee, we have elected positions from local seats on county commissions and school boards all the way up to representatives in the state legislature and U.S. Congress. But where do you start as a candidate, and what does it actually take to run a campaign?  Today, we’re breaking down what you need to know to run for office, including what trainings are available for first-time candidat...

Many lives were lost, and many locally owned businesses shuttered for good. But from the ashes of the pandemic arose opportunities for entrepreneurs who had always wanted to make a foray into the world of restaurants. On today’s show, local business owners who opened up shop during lockdown share their stories and how they managed to grow and thrive during one of the most troubling times of the ce...

Today we explore the power music has to heal some of these wounds with the inspiring story of Johnny Bragg, who in the 1940s found his voice inside the Tennessee State Prison and went on to form the chart-topping group, The Prisonaires. We also hear from the founder and a musician with Higher Love, about what it’s like to go inside the prison walls with musical performances and messages of hope, l...

We decided to try it again: We asked six people from different parts of the region to share with us, and we were not disappointed.  You’ll hear from folks of all ages and backgrounds. Sit back and open up your ears as we hear from a middle schooler, college junior, entrepreneur, a retired community member, a long time Nashville resident, and a sitting Metro Council member. They all provide us with...

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 produ...

Bees, butterflies, even birds and other insects provide the essential service of carrying pollen from flower to flower, helping to grow the food we eat. But as the number of pollinators dwindle due to loss of habitat and overuse of pesticides, what do Tennesseans need to know about these fascinating creatures? How can we help the pollinators to thrive? What can we do, or not do, to encourage their...

Squirrels, possums, turtles, foxes, birds of prey and countless other wild creatures live right here with us in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, interactions with humans and human-made things can lead to injuries or death for these animals. Today, we’re speaking with the dedicated leaders and volunteers of several local wildlife rehabilitation centers to learn about what to do — and not do — if we...

Today, we sit with David as he reflects on the rigidity of political thought and the ways he believes political discourse in America must evolve. Plus, we talk about his journey and what led him to write for high profile publications like the New York Times . As we enter another new era of Conservatism v. Liberalism, what does he envision for the future of our country? This episode was produced by...