This Is Nashville

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 en...

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...

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 Kh...

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 wha...

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 , executi...

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...

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 Ja...

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 I...

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...

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. Wh...

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 ph...

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 commu...

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...

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 a...

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.”

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...

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 th...

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 su...

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...

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 Elizab...

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...

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 Cooper...

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 newscas...

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’...

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...