City Cast Nashville

Trading card games are having a moment in Nashville. From Magic: The Gathering to Pokémon, people are gathering at bars, coffee shops, and game stores to play, collect, and make new friends. But if you've never picked up a deck, where do you even start? Matthew Myers, store manager at The Game Cave in Donelson, joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain the basics, why these games are suddenly everywhere, and how they can help you find community.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, July 21st episode: Hoffmann Brothers Greater Birmingham CVB Early voting in the midterm state and federal primary election and the municipal general election is NOW OPEN through Aug. 1! Here's everything you need to know to go vote. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

From increased flooding to ice storms, Nashville is already seeing the impacts of climate change. But who's being impacted first? Stephanie Roach, director of collective action at Urban Green Lab, joins Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about Voices of Resilience, an oral history archive using storytelling to answer that question — and help us find solutions. PS: VOR's touring exhibit is on display at Vanderbilt's Curb Center through Aug. 4. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 20th episode: Hoffmann Brothers Greater Birmingham CVB Early voting in the midterm state and federal primary election and the municipal general election is NOW OPEN through Aug. 1! Here's everything you need to know to go vote. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392

Sometimes it can feel like the Nashville government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don't have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You've heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers. Mentioned on the show: Atlas Obscura feature on the community-built benches in Chattanooga Efforts by Strong Chattanooga to make a path through the woods in a sidewalk-less neighborhood Review of Hoboken's streak of zero traffic fatalities  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The Nashville Scene's YASNI winners were revealed yesterday, and here's our belated submission: You are so Nashville if… you recognized Elliston Place Soda Shop as the place where Mayor Freddie O'Connell kicked off his reelection campaign by throwing more than a little shade at Sen. Marsha Blackburn's recent fortune cookie debacle. On today's Friday News Roundup, contributor Nicole Williams joins creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to talk through Freddie's reelection chances, Marsha's just-revealed ethics investigation, and CNBC ranking Tennessee dead last in quality of life. Plus in our bonus segment for City Cast Nashville Neighbors, should daylight saving time be permanent? Early voting in the midterm state and federal primary election and the municipal general election is NOW OPEN through Aug. 1! Here's everything you need to know to go vote. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

If you're in the market for a new patio hang this weekend, we've got you covered. Will Mondros, chef and co-owner of Turkey & the Wolf Ice House, is here to share his favorite al fresco spots with creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson, plus a peek inside his current menu. An heirloom tomato sandwich with a passionfruit French 75, enjoyed under the shade of a big tree? We'll be right over. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Everybody needs a good watering hole to make it through the heat of Nashville in summer — and we don't mean a bar. Creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson, newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are chatting about their favorite creek stomping spots, lakeside hangs, floatable rivers, and nearby waterfalls.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Looking for the best things to do in Germantown? Local coffee enthusiast LaKeithea Nicole shares her favorite restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, parks, greenways, patios, bars, and hidden gems. From breakfast tacos and shopping to sunset views and late-night wine, here's how to spend the perfect day in one of Nashville's most walkable neighborhoods. If you enjoyed this interview with Supriya Sundaram, the director of growth marketing for TaskRabbit, learn more here.  Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The 2026 midterm primaries are upon us, and with early voting kicking off this Friday, we've got your guide to the candidates, the redistricting, and the big questions surrounding this election. Holly McCall, editor in chief of the Tennessee Lookout, joins creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to break down everything you need to know before heading to the polls. Here is the sample ballot with early voting times and locations for Davidson County residents. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

There's lots to love about Nashville, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) about everything he's seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Metro Council didn't gavel out until 1:48 a.m. this week, so long was the list of residents who signed up to speak in favor of restricting data centers in Nashville. On today's Friday News Roundup, creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek salute the civic energy and get into what happens next. Plus, BNA now has two boards! We're getting a new Complete Street! Greek fro-yo is having a moment! They're fundraising to cover up some awful graffiti in East Nashville! And in our bonus segment only for City Cast Nashville Neighbors, Hell Naw, we're calling out Marsha Blackburn's stupid racist campaign ad.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: Adventure Science Center Hoffmann Brothers Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

From frozen yogurt to ice cream sandwiches, Lokelani Alabanza knows Nashville's best sweet treats. To celebrate the release of her first book, “Ice Cream Queen: Flavors from Black America's Past, Present, and Future,” she joins Marie Cecile Anderson to share her favorite cold desserts, delve into some fascinating history, and celebrate the nostalgia that comes with the sound of the ice cream truck song. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: Adventure Science Center Hoffmann Brothers Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Going on vacation? In this economy? If you're keeping things close to home this year, City Cast Nashville contributor and travel journalist Amelia Edelman joins Marie Cecile Anderson to share her favorite locals-friendly hotel pools and spas in town, where you're just a day pass away from the perfect staycation. Whether you want a trendy party-style hang or a secret zen spot, we've got you covered. ** This episode originally aired July 15, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode: Adventure Science Center Hoffmann Brothers Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

There's one American classic that will never go out of style: The drive-in movie theater. Film critic Jason Shawhan joins Marie Cecile Anderson to talk vibes, etiquette, concessions, and why sitting in your car to watch a cheesy blockbuster is still a great summer night out. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 7th episode: Adventure Science Center Hoffmann Brothers Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nashville residents have a litany of complaints about Metro Parks, from broken amenities to stalled projects. With the recent release of the 2026 Plan to Play update, Parks has once again outlined an ambitious 10-year plan — but do we have the resources to implement it? Veronica Foster and Kaitlin Dastugue from the Civic Design Center join executive producer Whitney Pastorek to talk about possible solutions. Plus: We ask a local teen to describe their dream park! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 6th episode: Adventure Science Center Hoffmann Brothers Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

See if your Nashville knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country's semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.   

We can make lists all day of things WE think would be fun for kids to do this summer, but we are old and clueless. So we invited two local kiddos, Mary and Rocky (and their mom, Toby) to join Marie Cecile Anderson and tell us about their dream summer day, from water parks to arcades and even some surprise restaurant suggestions. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: Adventure Science Center Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

America is turning 250 years old, and we've got your ultimate guide to July in Nashville! Join creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson, newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek as they talk about the best things to do this month, from urban exploring ideas to ways to step outside your comfort zone. Plus, the details on how to enjoy — or avoid — the two-day 4th of July spectacular downtown. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 1st episode: Adventure Science Center Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Once upon a time, then-Mayor Bill Purcell decided to spread the good news of hot chicken to the masses, via a festival in East Park as part of Nashville's bicentennial. Twenty years later, the Music City Hot Chicken Festival (a July 4th tradition) continues to thrive, and hot chicken outposts can be found as far away as Uzbekistan. Mayor Purcell sits down with Marie Cecile Anderson to tell us about his four decade journey with the spiciest of fowl. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 30th episode: Adventure Science Center Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Here's a piece of history you probably didn't learn in school: The city of Nashville once owned enslaved people. Historian and contributor Betsy Phillips joins us to share their stories and discuss how our city is beginning to recognize their contributions and honor their legacy, including the recent installation of a memorial bench at City Cemetery. Content warning: This episode includes historical discussions of slavery and the lived experiences of enslaved people that some listeners may find difficult. Please listen with care. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 29th episode: Adventure Science Center Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Just how good are the sidewalks in Nashville? The state of a city's sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about what drove this initiative, how it's going, and who's paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

We can't get enough of the news that a man who lives literally next door to Cheekwood is trying to get the Board of Zoning Appeals to give Cheekwood a stop work order due to traffic volume, so Marie Cecile Anderson is digging into all the details with executive producer Whitney Pastorek and musician at large Freddy Angelico. Plus: What did the mayor know about the zoo data center and when did he know it? We've also got your Pride preview for the weekend, and in our special members-only bonus segment, Hell Naw, it's time to talk about poop. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Adventure Science Center Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

With all the hubbub swirling around the proposed data center next to the Nashville Zoo, we're revisiting our conversation with the zoo's director of marketing, Jim Bartoo. He joins Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about local endangered species and how conservation programs work to support animal populations around the world.  **This episode originally aired Dec. 19, 2024. If you enjoyed this interview with Supriya Sundaram, the director of growth marketing for TaskRabbit, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The hottest hobby for this summer might be birding, whether you're watching, listening to, drawing, or simply appreciating our feathered friends. Kristen Englenz and Liz Clayton Fuller, the team behind Nashville's new Feminist Bird Club chapter, join Marie Cecile Anderson to share their favorite spots and why they say we should all put our phones down and look up. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

This month in our recurring series of neighborhood guides, we're heading to “Hip” Donelson to see if it lives up to the name. Max and Kayla Palmer, owners of Bagelshop, join Marie Cecile Anderson to walk us through their perfect day in the area, from smoothie bowls and record stores to patios, parks, local sandwiches … and Nashville's only train, the WeGo Star. Plus, the inspiration behind Bagelshop's “Spread the Love” collaborations with other local chefs and restaurants. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode: Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Window Nation Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The East Bank Development Authority is on the clock. Now that the Super Bowl has been confirmed for 2030, will “Nashville's Next Great Neighborhood” be built quickly … or built right? EBDA communications director Kerry Hayes joins Marie Cecile Anderson to answer our questions about timeline, priorities, and the potentially “painful” process ahead. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 22nd episode: Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Shelby Park's Cornelia Fort Airpark is a favorite spot for families, cyclists, skaters, and dogs — so why did they set it on fire last year? Friends of Shelby director of community engagement Grant England joins Marie Cecile Anderson to explain the native grassland reconstruction taking place at the former airport, as well as ways you can help with that and other conservation projects in your own backyard. Heads up: The next airpark restoration closure starts June 22! If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Nashville Predators Greater Birmingham CVB Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nashville has a reputation as a party town, but it's also home to one of the largest recovery communities in the country. So where do sober Nashvillians go to find community, have fun, and connect without drugs and alcohol being the center of everything? Casey Hyatt of the Cumberland Heights Foundation joins us to share sober events, recovery resources, and some of the best substance-free spaces around town. To learn more about the sober hang at the 4th of July celebration or any of Casey's other events around town, follow the Nashville Recovery Community on Facebook or Instagram. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Nashville Predators Greater Birmingham CVB Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The General Jackson Showboat has company! As the paddlewheelers of Nashville Riverboats join the tourist traffic on the Cumberland River, City Cast Nashville contributor and paddling enthusiast Margaret Littman joins Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about our floating entertainment options, and encourage locals to get back in touch with the river. Plus, a bonus conversation with Nashville Riverboats owner and captain Troy Manthey!  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Nashville Predators Greater Birmingham CVB Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

A long line of Nashville residents spoke at last week's Planning Commission meeting to voice their support for CM Rollin Horton's data center regulation bill, which will be up for second reading at council on July 7. But what's in the legislation? Would it stop the proposed centers at the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University? Why can't we just ban data centers entirely? Horton joins Marie Cecile Anderson to explain. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 15th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Nashville Predators Greater Birmingham CVB Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Do you know how many parks Nashville has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map has already become a valuable tool for locals, who now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: they can also find outdoor spaces that meet their needs. Mentioned on the show: Every Park SLC - The First-Ever Guide to Every Park in Salt Lake County (City Cast Salt Lake) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

CM Courtney Johnston's proposed temporary data center moratorium passed first reading at Metro Council this week, but can it actually stop the proposed center next to the zoo? Marie Cecile Anderson, Whitney Pastorek, and contributor Nicole Williams are digging into that, plus why Metro's insurance company is suing the Nashville Downtown Partnership, what's going on with control of the airport, and why the TN GOP can't get enough of redistricting. And hey! City Cast Nashville Neighbors also get to enjoy our weekly bonus segment, Hell Naw, where we're talking food truck bans and golf carts gone wild. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Nashville Predators Greater Birmingham CVB Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nashville's Porter Flea Summer Market returns this weekend, so Marie Cecile Anderson is chatting with local makers. Porter Flea founder Katie Vance and local ceramic artist Emilee Martin of Mineral Haus discuss where to get crafty in town, why people are leaving fast fashion behind, and what makes our vibrant local artisan community special. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The ticks are out with a vengeance this year, and the mosquitoes are loving all our recent rain. How can we avoid those jerks while keeping habitats safe for our bee, bird, and butterfly friends? We're revisiting our conversation with local naturalist and author Jo Brichetto, who popularized the “Mosquito Bucket of Doom.” She joins Marie Cecile Anderson to share her tips for warding off the bitey guys while enjoying and protecting the other amazing bugs of summer. Learn how to make your own Bucket of Doom here. Get Jo's book, ‘This is How a Robin Drinks,' here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Now that Metro Council's annual budget hearing is behind us, it falls to Budget and Finance Committee chair CM Kyonzté Toombs to take everyone's feedback and come up with a substitute budget ordinance that works. She joins Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about what she heard from the community and her colleagues, how the substitute process works, and what's going on with the contentious Nashville Downtown Partnership budget, too. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The Metro Nashville Police Department is testing a new emergency response program in Madison that uses drones to respond to certain 911 calls. WPLN Metro reporter Cynthia Abrams joins us to explain how it works, why some residents and activists are raising concerns about surveillance and the legality of the program, and what questions we should all be asking as this new technology takes flight. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 8th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nashville recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas has become a global leader in water reuse. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Las Vegas podcast host Jesse Merrick to learn how the city makes do with what it has and how its practices could save other cities' water supplies. Plus, are any Las Vegans actually going to the casinos? Mentioned on the show: "Reality Check - There are Big Fines If You Don't Change Your Watering Clock" (Southern Nevada Water Authority) "Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?" (City Cast Las Vegas) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The annual public budget hearing at Metro Council this week was another marathon session, with over 100 residents lining up to speak for nearly four hours about what they'd like to see in our city's budget this year. Marie Cecile Anderson, Margaret Kingsbury, and Whitney Pastorek are discussing what they heard from their neighbors on today's Friday News Roundup. Plus: Why did the council meeting almost come to blows? How's the zoo feeling about the proposed data center next door? And what's it gonna take to make Nashville an affordable place to live? In our special bonus segment, Hell Naw, we're taking on the local middle school that's named for a segregationist, and hey y'all — Happy Pride Month! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Visit Tupelo Centennial Park Conservancy Ancient Lore Village Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Country music has always had a funny side, but lately, comedy is taking center stage! Inspired by her recent WPLN report, "Country Music Comedy Is Back," Nashville Public Radio senior music writer Jewly Hight joins Marie Cecile Anderson to explore the history of humor in country music, why it's making a comeback, and which local comics are leading the charge. Plus, Marie shares what she learned from 15 years performing in the country comedy duo Reformed Whores. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Visit Tupelo Centennial Park Conservancy Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We all know Dollywood is the best theme park in Tennessee, but do we have any other options? Local rollercoaster enthusiast and friend of the pod Charlie Weingartner joins Marie Cecile Anderson to give us the best destinations for a thrill-seeking day trip or weekend visit to the best amusement parks near Nashville. Plus: What does he really think about Nate Bargatze's theme park plans? If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Visit Tupelo Centennial Park Conservancy Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

In his New York Times bestselling autobiography, “The Education of a Senator: From JFK to Trump,” former Tennessee governor and U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander digs into his nearly 60 years of public service. He joins Marie Cecile Anderson for a conversation about civil rights — did you know he helped desegregate Vanderbilt? — our recent redistricting, and how Nashville can hang onto its soul amidst all this growth. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode: Country Music Hall of Fame Visit Tupelo Centennial Park Conservancy Window Nation Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Pride! Juneteenth! CMA Fest! Bonnaroo! June in Nashville is jam-packed every year, and Marie Cecile Anderson, Margaret Kingsbury, and Whitney Pastorek are here to help you make the most of it. From laser shows to waterfront dining, we've got the best things to eat, hear, and do this month in Music City. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 1st episode: Country Music Hall of Fame Visit Tupelo Centennial Park Conservancy Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Where would Nashville be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago's libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.