This Is Nashville

The laws took effect before this school year, resulting in students across the state being arrested for statements that wouldn’t even get them expelled. Today, we discuss the conflicting nature of school threat assessment laws and the unintended consequences they’ve created. And it’s your turn to talk. We want to hear from you: Are threat assessment laws in Tennessee working? Call 615-760-2000 wit...

In recent years, Nashville has attracted industry professionals who are motivated to build up the industry support for hip-hop here and bring more opportunity to local artists. Today, we hear about this side of the music industry that continues to grow, including two recent songwriting camps that aim to connect a new generation of hip-hop and R&B artists to industry professionals — and each ot...

We look at how they establish relationships, connect people with services and start the housing process. We examine this initial point of contact and discuss what the role of assessments and data play when engaging with the unhoused population. Nashville Public Radio's daily show, This Is Nashville , launches the second season of In My Place — a series about finding home in our growing city. In My...

Having worked his way up from a print reporter in Florida, he now manages opinion and editorial pieces for The Tennessean. From the evolution of technology in news and media to the continuous change sweeping across Nashville, he joins us in-studio to share what he feels about the city, why the public has lost trust in news outlets, and how he was brought up and later came out.  This episode was pr...

Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment.  Later in the show, we hear from residents of Berkshire Place Apartments in East Nashville who are finally moving — years after they were first told to vacate. We’ll learn what’s at stake when an entire community must move. This episode was...

But thanks to artificial intelligence, those seeking guidance may be able to extradite the process. Representatives from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and former clients who have successfully expunged charges from their own records join This Is Nashville to share their stories, mistakes to avoid, and how to use technology as a tool upon reentry. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan.  G...

Today we’re talking with members of Backlight Productions and Best Buddies , two organizations dedicated to building bridges, friendships, and having fun with people of all abilities. We’ll also learn about a new mentoring program for caregivers and an online tool that makes finding resources for anyone with a disability easier. Join us! Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys . GUESTS Me...

Today we explore some of the city’s chocolatiers, chocolate artisans and candy bar makers. Plus, we’re one day away from Valentine’s Day and it’s your turn to talk. We want to hear from you. What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day date, good or...not so good. Guests Evane Stoner, Poppy & Peep Scott Witherow, Olive & Sinclair Beth Sachan , Goo Goo Cluster

Some contributions are well known — like the lunch counter sit-ins and school desegregation. Others have been lost to history. Today, we hear from those who work to preserve and elevate their history. The Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture is an all-day conference in its 44th year. The Nashville City Cemetery Association created a program to honor the more than 6,000 Afri...

Here in Tennessee, several professions require licenses, including: contractors, doctors, lawyers, architects, private detectives and cosmetologists. Today, we’re talking about the boards that oversee professional licenses — what they do, how they function, and what the public needs to know about working with any licensed professional. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Rebecca...

Now, more than 45 years later, she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as the state has taken a targeted approach to the transgender community and other marginalized groups. She joins This Is Nashville to share her background, why she came to Tennessee, and how Tennesseans can benefit from equal rights for all. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan.  GUESTS Abby Rubenfeld, Civil Rights Att...

President Donald Trump’s administration pledged to deport approximately 11 million people who lack permanent legal status. And last week, Tennessee’s legislature passed a sweeping immigration law to support Trump’s planned mass deportation. Today, we hear details about the new policies and their effects on immigrants and refugees in Nashville. Plus, we learn about resources and “know your rights”...

On this edition of This Is Nashville , we sit down with Belmont University choral instructor Jeffery Ames to discuss his labor of love, Requiem for Colour. We will also hear from the organization Youth About Business, which is putting together a live mixed media play about the heyday of Jefferson Street titled Lost and Found: a Story of Hope . Then, we will hear from the founder of Soul'd Creative...

After their sets, we’ll hear from Rhonda and Marcus about their comedy journeys and what the stand-up comedy scene is really like in Middle Tennessee. We’re all in for some extra laughs during our first This Is Nashville stand-up special! Join us! This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Rhonda Sweat , Nashville-based comedian Marcus Lustig , Nashville-based comedian

United Way brings together volunteers, local organizations and funding to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our community. Mitchell is joining us today to share about the work of United Way, her personal journey to service, and her dedication — and hope — for how we all can connect to make life better for everyone here in Middle Tennessee. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUES...

Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment. Later in the show, WPLN reporters Marianna Bacallao and Char Daston will give us an update and take your calls about all the activity this week during the special session at the state legislature. Guests Freddie O’Connell | Mayor, Metropolit...

This legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers will consider a bill that will remove protections for our state’s wetlands. Today, we’re talking about why wetlands are valuable as part of a healthy ecosystem. We’ll also break down the proposed legislation and check in with local groups working to protect this natural resource. This episode was produced by Caroline Eggers , WPLN's environmental repor...

Now, the group wants to bridge even more gaps — not just between believers and non-believers — but between followers of different religions and ideologies. Joining us to talk about finding commonality despite differences are The Conversation Coalition co-founder Elliott Martin, Rev. Brandon Baxter with East End United Methodist Church, and Vanderbilt Divinity School Professor of Religion Phillis S...

Gauthier began writing songs relatively late in life, and her early work explores her troubled past and journey to sobriety. Her songwriting has earned her numerous awards and accolades – including a Grammy nomination – and The Associated Press called her “one of the best songwriters of her generation.” Mary’s book, Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting , tells the story of her...

It seems that everyone can agree that no child should experience the terror of a school shooting, nor should any family experience the pain of an unimaginable loss; we just can’t agree on how to get there. Today, we’ll get an update on the circumstances surrounding yesterday’s tragedy. And we want to hear from you. What do you think can be done? This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. GUESTS Ca...

Becoming an organ donor is a way to offer a life-changing gift to others. Today, we’ll hear from Tennesseans who know this personally: a mother whose teenage son became a donor, and both a kidney donor and recipient. We’ll also speak with experts from Tennessee Donor Services and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Transplant Center , a national leader, about what we need to know about being...

The Lunar New Year is a time for gathering with relatives and friends for some food, fun and music. It's also a time to remember and honor one’s ancestors and reflect on one’s own personal journey as we get set for the year ahead. Guests Jen-Jen Lin, Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville Director and Artistic Director Anne Oppenheimer, CAAN Dancer and Performer Felix Wang, Music Educator and Cellist,...

In this episode, we hear from reporters who will offer insights into what’s at stake and break down the major topics expected to dominate the conversation in the coming months — from school vouchers and abortion pill access to immigration and guns. And we want to hear from you: What issues are important to you? And what do you want from lawmakers in the coming months? Today, it's your turn to talk...

Each year, millions of adults and children fall victim to sexual exploitation, forced labor, or both. In this episode, we confront the harsh realities of human trafficking in Middle Tennessee and the broader state. We explore who is affected and learn about the efforts of local enforcement, nonprofits and community leaders who work to prevent this crime and support the survivors. And we learn how...

It is often difficult to figure out how to visit and stay connected to a loved one who is incarcerated. It is also challenging to navigate the emotions, and often judgement, that comes with the loss of someone close from daily life to prison. Today we’re talking about what it’s like to love someone - a child, a parent, a spouse, a friend- who is incarcerated and local resources available to help....