This Is Nashville

Bill DeMain has been creating and evolving for decades. A prolific songwriter, music journalist, walking tour guide, and one half of the pop duo Swan Dive, he's still not slowing down. In fact, during the pandemic, he added yet another career to his résumé: cartoonist.

The latest wave of Kurds is arriving from Turkey — fleeing political repression and nationalist hate groups. They're coming to a very different America than the Kurds who have called Nashville home for generations. It's an America in turmoil — a place where immigrants are increasingly seen as enemies within, to be rooted out and sent back to where they came from.In this final installment from The Country In Our Hearts, we meet a new generation of Kurdish Nashvillians and leave on a hopeful note with a Kurdish new year celebration.Series Credits:The Country In Our Hearts was reported and produced Rose Gilbert, who also produced the visual trailer. Meribah Knight edited and co-produced the series. Sound design by Martin Cruz, and traditional music is by Arkan Doski. The original logo artwork is by Nuveen Barwari.Special thanks to Paul McAdoo and Jennifer Nelson and huge thanks to Mehmet Ayaz, who made so much of this storytelling possible. Additional thanks for all of the people who welcomed Rose in Kurdistan, like Azad Sameen, the Barmarne family and the village of Chalke; and, of course, the many journalists she met along the way, Suha Kamel, Makeen Mustafa, Paul Idon, Namo Addullah and Wladimir van Wilgenburg.

They opened businesses and raised their kids. As those kids grew up, they had to figure out how to navigate the world of a first-generation Kurdish-American teenager. And in that world, something new was forming — something that threatened to tarnish the sterling reputation their parents worked hard to build.The Country in our Hearts is the story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish diaspora in America is an epic one. A tale of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of stunning perseverance.But the story of the Kurdish people, no matter where they are, is a story about a country that only exists in the hearts of its people. And the lengths they'll go to make it real.Guest: Meribah Knight, editor and co-producer of the podcastSeries Credits:The Country In Our Hearts was reported and produced by Rose Gilbert, who also produced the visual trailer. Meribah Knight edited and co-produced the series. Sound design by Martin Cruz, and traditional music is by Arkan Doski. The original logo artwork is by Nuveen Barwari.Special thanks to Paul McAdoo, Jennifer Nelson and Samantha Max.

In this special broadcast, featuring episode 2 from The Country In Our Hearts, we see all this family lost to war and displacement. But also, what they are determined to reclaim and rebuild.The story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish diaspora in America is an epic one. A tale of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of stunning perseverance.But the story of the Kurdish people, no matter where they are, is a story about a country that only exists in the hearts of its people. And the lengths they'll go to make it real.Guest:Dilman Yasin, cultural advisor of the podcastSeries Credits:The Country In Our Hearts was reported and produced Rose Gilbert, who also produced the visual trailer. Meribah Knight edited and co-produced the series. Sound design by Martin Cruz, and traditional music is by Arkan Doski. The original logo artwork is by Nuveen Barwari.Special thanks to Paul McAdoo, Jennifer Nelson and to the village of Chalke, and the people there who showed Rose so much hospitality.

WPLN's Rose Gilbert dives headlong into one family's migration odyssey from Iraqi Kurdistan to Nashville.To really understand what this family — and so many others — were fleeing from, we need to go back to one terrible, pivotal day in 1988. And to do that, we need to go to Kurdistan.The Country in our Hearts is the story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish diaspora in America is an epic one. A tale of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of stunning perseverance.But the story of the Kurdish people, no matter where they are, is a story about a country that only exists in the hearts of its people. And the lengths they'll go to make it real. Rose Gilbert, host and reporter of the podcastSeries Credits:The Country In Our Hearts was reported and produced Rose Gilbert, who also produced the visual trailer. Meribah Knight edited and co-produced the series. Sound design by Martin Cruz, and traditional music is by Arkan Doski. The original logo artwork is by Nuveen Barwari.Special thanks to Paul McAdoo, Jennifer Nelson, Namo Abdulla, Luqman Abdulqadir and the Halabja Chemical Victims Society.Audio of interviews with victims of al anfal chemical attacks came from the Kurdish Memory Programme. Audio of the interview with a Halabja chemical attack victim is courtesy of Kurdistan 24. 

WPLN is reviving one of the the station's most popular projects: Curious Nashville.The recipe is simple. Listeners ask questions and we find the answers.But the bar is high. Instead of answers that can be found through a quick Google search, we're taking queries that will take us somewhere unknown or unexpected.Tune in to hear News Director Tony Gonzalez share some of Curious Nashville's great hits, as well as previews of some of the mysteries that reporters are looking into now. And you can submit your question below:This episode was produced by Tony Gonzalez and Cynthia Abrams.

Every community needs a “keeper of the flame” – someone who can connect the present with the past.And in Middle Tennessee, we're fortunate to have several of these sages who can remind us of our history. At WPLN, that's the gift Nina Cardona shares with listeners each day on the NashVillager podcast – connecting the past with the present, while helping us break out of the news cycle and think about the news in a historical context.Today, we hear Nina's story and the why and how of what she does to connect us to Tennessee and beyond.

Welcome back to In My Place — a series about finding, and losing, home in a growing Nashville.This season, we're getting to walk through the specific steps from homelessness to housing with people who have done it.In our last 8 episodes, we've talked about everything from connecting with services for the very first time to celebrating an apartment. But for many folks it doesn't stop there — so neither did we.Most recently, we spent time trying to understand why having a place, even though it's great, is really hard. So, in this episode, we're talking with people about what it's like to experience becoming unhoused again.This series was created thanks in part to support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and was produced by Judith Tackett.Guests: Jamie Villegas, member of the Homelessness Planning Council, expert through experience Kennetha Patterson, national peer advocate, expert through experience Lizzie Goddard, principal and owner of Goddard Consulting Co., housing systems strategist Further listening: Nashville Scene: Best News Podcast: 'In My Place' Overview episode of In My Place Listen to all episodes at the In My Place page or as a podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to shows.

When Dr. Lisa Piercey left state government after guiding Tennessee through the pandemic, she decided to turn over an entirely new leaf. She was tired of working for someone else. So she got into the business of buying businesses. And even though she's only a few years in, she also wrote a book about it. We talk about her journey to entrepreneurship, her hindsight on public service, and grappling with this new era in public health.  Further reading: In exit interview, Tennessee health chief Lisa Piercey defends how the state dealt with COVID (WPLN) Dr. Lisa Piercey on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (Signature Required) Why I Bought a Business Instead of Starting One (Entrepreneur)

As the federal government shutdown rolls into its fourth week, paychecks for federal employees have halted.At the local level, many are wondering how federal policies will impact their day-to-day lives. The Nashville job sector has remained stable for the past year, but as the manufacturing industry in Tennessee remains among the most vulnerable to tariffs, the future cost of production becomes less clear. Additionally, health insurance premiums for those who rely on Obamacare may cost up to twice as much in 2026 if Congress doesn't reach a deal. For our weekly Roundabout edition of This Is Nashville, we have invited a reporter, an economist, and a public policy advocate to speak on these issues. Call in with your question or comment at 615-760-2000 — or watch live on YouTube and pop your comments into chat.

Gospel and Christian music call this city home. But until now, there hasn't been an obvious physical location. With the opening of the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music this month, we'll look at the history of a unique genre that focuses as much on the lyrics and meaning as the song itself. We're joined by historians, executives and a Dove Award winning artist. Additionally, our guests will highlight the importance of race and how it shaped today's world of Contemporary Christian Music. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan and Jewly Hight. Guests Jewly Hight, WPLN senior music writer Leah Payne, religious historian & author DOE, Dove award-winning artist Jackie Patillo, Gospel Music Association President Steve Gilreath, Executive Director of the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music Additional reading: New Musem of Christian and Gospel Music honors diversity of music with a message

It's been nearly a year since Davidson County voters passed the Choose How You Move transit referendum, approving a half-cent (0.5%) sales tax increase to fund transit upgrades and improvements. The chief program officer, Sabrina Sussman, joins us to give an update and take questions from listeners.We end the episode with our Shared Calendar, giving you the microphone to plug local events coming up in the next week.Call 615-760-2000 to join on air or comment in the chat along with the live video stream.Guest Sabrina Sussman, chief program officer, Choose How You MoveFurther reading Free bus fares are coming to Nashville low-income residents (WPLN) City Pumps $104 Million of Choose How You Move Money Into Transit Projects (Nashville Banner) What one Nashville teen learned from riding every city bus route before graduation (WPLN) First phase of Nashville's ‘Choose How You Move' plan unveiled (WKRN) Events 4th annual William Edmondson Arts and Culture Fest "Everything Hurts" at Nashville Symphony Ann Roberts Lecture Series on Mid-Century Architecture Day of the Dead celebration in Springfield Urban League of Middle-Tennessee annual meeting Nashville Public Library's Neighborhood History & Culture Home Movie Project Columbia PRIDE TWRA Tennessee Biodiversity Summit VOGM: The Claus Cause (Santa Photoshoot for a Cause)

Charles “Wigg” Walker, legendary R&B and soul artist

It's a Roundabout episode with guest host and familiar voice Nina Cardona. This panel spanning the political spectrum helps you think about the news — sometimes from a different lane.This week we welcome former speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Beth Harwell. Former congressional candidate Kiran Sreepada and TSU political science professor Ian Shapiro are also back. Together, we'll mourn the loss of life in the Bucksnort explosion, dissect the building presence of federal agents in Memphis, and look at the congressional races getting active, even a year out.

On our show today, we're talking about native spiders. Why? Well, it's spider season. You tend to see more this time of year because the males are looking for a mate. They're also looking for a warm place to get in out of the cold and that may mean moving in with us. Spiders may make your skin crawl, but it's useful to know what's actually worth being scared of. Spoiler alert, there's not too much to worry about — even with the much-maligned brown recluse.On today's show, we speak with a pet owner, an entomologist, and a local actor who landed the role of Charlotte in "Charlotte's Web" to get their takes. Better yet, our phone lines are open. Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us on "the web" by live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat.

When Vanderbilt polled Nashvillians in March about top priorities for city investment, there was near unanimity around one issue. Nearly 90% wanted investment in more affordable housing. But when the questioning hit closer to home, the support waned. According to this same poll, 56% of residents support allowing multifamily housing "everywhere in my city to revitalize neighborhoods and local economies."If Nashville is going to have more affordable housing, residents also have to live closer together. It's not just apartment buildings and not just in some parts of town. It's townhomes. It's a garage unit in the backyard. It's density. And when that density is proposed next door, you get a lot of folks who may agree in principle but find themselves saying “not in my back yard.” What does it take to get more YIMBYs (yes in my back yard)?

When Stuart McWhorter gets introduced on stage, at some point he feels the need to cut off the emcee. From his resume, it starts to sound like he either can't hold a job or he's always looking for the next thing — a joke that he makes about his own varied career. This week, he takes on yet another a new role in Gov. Bill Lee's administration — deputy governor. But he's been Lee's right hand man since he decided to run for office. Before government service, he was a second generation entrepreneur who credits working with his late father, Clayton McWhorter, for much of the success he has experienced.

The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from points of view that span left, right and center.Congressional District 7 candidate Rep. Jody Barrett, Owen School professor and Tennessee Lookout contributor Bruce Barry, and @WPLN's Marianna Bacallao join today to help us think through the biggest news – including the special election in the 7th congressional district. We'll digest the primary results with the help of Barrett, who was the focus of much of the money spent in the race. We'll also look at how the state ended up banning more books than almost any other state — as well as Vanderbilt's latest moment of decision. Plus, we're hearing from you. Call 615-760-2000 to join the conversation!You can also check us out visually by joining our YouTube stream.Guests Marianna Bacallao, state legislative/power and equity reporter, WPLN Rep. Jody Barrett, congressional district 7 candidate; state house representative Bruce Barry, professor, Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management;  Tennessee Lookout contributor Further reading Trump asks 9 colleges to commit to his political agenda and get favorable access to federal money (WPLN) Vanderbilt campus groups push back against Trump administration higher ed ‘compact' (Tennessee Lookout) Memphis state Rep. Justin Pearson to challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen in 2026 Democratic primary (Tennessee Lookout) New Tennessee English Language Arts Standards Recommendation: More Diverse Texts: Educators cited the benefits of reading materials that reflect a variety of cultures and viewpoints (Nashville Banner)

Not long ago, everybody seemed to want to get in on Pride month festivities. Then the political winds shifted.Companies that were proudly flying the rainbow flag decided to fold up their colors this year, or at least drop their financial support — including Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nissan, Cracker Barrel, Dollar General and Jack Daniel's. So Nashville Pride has been scrambling to fill the gap with a symbolic deadline of Saturday 10/11, which is National Coming Out Day. In this episode, we get an update from Pride organizers and explore the history of gay pride in our town.Stream the show live on YouTube.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan.Guests Tina Tousignant, Nashville Pride President Jef Ellis, co-founder of Dare Newspaper (later renamed Query) Dwayne Jenkins, Nashville Black Pride Board President

Nothing remains of Roger Williams University except a couple of historical plaques tucked away on Vanderbilt's Peabody Campus. Founded in the wake of the Civil War alongside Fisk and Meharry, this historically Black institution once thrived before being destroyed in two suspicious fires in 1905. Today we uncover the forgotten history of Roger Williams, visit the nearby The Curb Center for Art, Enterprise & Public Policy, and meet artists and scholars working to both memorialize the university as well as honor their ancestral heritage through monuments and art.Guests Lanecia Rouse, visual artist & Berg Global Artist-In-Residence Fellowship in the College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University Ciona Rouse, poet Dr. Kevin Murphy, Andrew W. Mellon Chair in the Humanities and Professor and Chair of History of Art and Architecture, Vanderbilt University Dr. Leah Lowe, Professor of Theatre and Director of The Curb Center for Art, Enterprise & Public Policy, Vanderbilt University

Americana often becomes a place for artists or music industry types who don't fit neatly elsewhere. And for Tamara Saviano, it was a place for a writer and publicist who was shunned by country music. Saviano moved to Nashville and quickly found herself crossways with industry heavyweights. A fateful firing over politics led to a phone call from actor and singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson, and the rest is a history that's in her new memoir, "Poets and Dreamers." Produced by Blake FarmerMore on Tamara Saviano: NPR: Tamara Saviano on Guy Clark lost recordings WMOT: A warm account of the Americana movement Nashville Post (2003): Everything you ever wanted to know about the Charlie Daniels/Saviano dispute

The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from points of view that span left, right and center. Joining us today are Mark Rogers, Republican Party advisor; Dahron Johnson, chaplain and co-chair of the Nashville committee of Tennessee Equality Project; And Meribah Knight, reporter and producer of special projects for WPLN.What stories are making the rounds in your circle? Call 615-760-2000 to join on air or pop a question into the chat during the broadcast on the YouTube video stream.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests: Dahron Johnson, chaplain and co-chair of the Nashville committee of Tennessee Equality Project Meribah Knight, reporter and producer of special projects for WPLN Mark Rogers, Republican Party advisor

There's a poster in the This Is Nashville studio that says “Our City, Our Stories.” And today it could say “Nuestra ciudad, nuestra historias.”Eleven percent of Nashvillians identify as Hispanic or having Hispanic heritage and today we're spending the hour with some of our Spanish-speaking neighbors: a coffee shop owner who can be found some days passing out free sweet bread to drivers stuck in traffic, a community health worker who brings care to people who need it most and a business leader who helps Hispanic entrepreneurs plug into the city's power circles. Esto es Nashville.You can also join us live on YouTube to get the visual show experience and share your thoughts.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests Juan Pablo, owner, JOS Fifteen Coffee Shop Rosa Escobar, health worker, Siloam Health Yuri Cunza, Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President

In My Place is a series that educates listeners on what communities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused.In our last episode, we celebrated getting those keys!In this episode, we're talking about the difficulties of having a home.It's easy for those of us who have never been homeless to celebrate someone getting housed, breathe a sigh of relief, and then stare in disbelief when things don't go smoothly. Today, we sit down with those who have gone through the housing process to talk about barriers that remain — and unexpected issues that may arise after people move into permanent housing.This series was created thanks in part to support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and was produced by Judith Tackett.Guests: Ashley Reed, disability advocate, expert through experience Kelly Palmer, expert through experience Nathan Scarlett, outreach specialist, People Loving Nashville Rachel Hester, executive director, Room In The Inn Anita Smith, housing advocate, expert through experience Further listening: WPLN: Anita Smith, ‘I don't need to go any further.' Overview episode of In My Place Listen to all episodes at the In My Place page or as a podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to shows.

Fred Bailey didn't just defy the odds. He didn't see his circumstances as a deck stacked against him. In fact, he couldn't see at all, which was one of the challenges you'd expect to hold someone back. "You're Black, blind, and poor," his father told him, adding that hard work was going to be the only way out. And he lived it out. In this profile interview, Bailey talks about his memoir, his career and his nonprofits that help at-risk youth in Gallatin.More on Fred Bailey:  There's No Cure — Episode #1 from WPLN's Versify podcast  "Nowhere Near the Bottom" — memoir published in 2020 Induction into the Tennessee Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

It's Thursday and time for another episode of The Roundabout – the "Nashville Nice" edition"Nashville Nice" is a unique flavor of Southern hospitality and friendliness. And since we last took a look three years ago, a lot more than the skyline has changed. Today we wonder, as more transplants move in and Lower Broad leans into its "party city" reputation, are cracks starting to appear in our collective civility? Are we in danger of losing the very things that made Nashville Nice possible? And is "Nashville Nice" enough for you to stay?And The Roundabout also welcomes your voice. Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests: Stacey Irvin, photographer Demetria Kalodimos, executive producer of the Nashville Banner Rev. Davie Tucker, pastor, Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church; executive director, Metro Human Relations Commission

Let's discuss the dreaded G-word – geriatrics – and clear up common misconceptions about that medical specialty and why it's important for healthy aging.For many, it conjures images of decline, disease, and – well – dying. But what if we take the view that geriatricians are experts in body and mind maintenance for late-model humans? That's the focus of this episode of our monthly series, NEXT AGE, where we're reframing aging.The goal of modern geriatrics is to help our health span match our lifespan as more of us are living longer. We hear from experts in the care and maintenance of our aging bodies and learn why more people are actively seeking geriatric care early in their latter years.There's a growing effort to recruit and train more professionals in geriatrics and increase all of our appreciation and access to these specialists.Our show is made possible, in part, by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and our series on aging is made possible by a grant from The West End Home Foundation — enriching the lives of older adults though grantmaking, advocacy and community collaboration.This episode was produced by LaTonya Turner.Guests: Jean Gauld-Jaeger, retiree & patient of geriatrician, https://artbyjaeger.com/ Katina Beard | CEO, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center S.A.L.T. Deborah Lee, PhD, Director & Co-Founder, MTSU Positive Aging Consortium James Powers, M.D., geriatrician/researcher/professor, VUMC Division of Geriatric Medicine Stacy D. Smith, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, VUMC Division of Geriatric Medicine

Running a small business is tough — especially if you're in a city like Nashville where commercial lease rates are increasing significantly.Today, we're tallying the cost of doing business in Middle Tennessee. Joining us are small business owners, subject matter experts, and property developers to enlighten us on how small businesses are adapting to the changing economic landscape.You can also join us live on YouTube to get the visual show experience and share your thoughts.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan.Guests Danny Greenberg, co-owner, Flour Your Dreams Bakery  Tania Salas, co-owner, Flour Your Dreams Bakery Luke Watson, co-founder, Third Coast Comedy Club and Silo Market Leon Luke, owner, TrapHouse Wingz Kelly Bonadies, property developer Jeff Cohu, Lipscomb University Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Executive Director  

When people in Nashville have nowhere else to go, they find our guest this hour.We're getting to know the story of Joy Flores, the vice president of ministries at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Her journey includes time working in foster care, years on Skid Row in Los Angeles, and losing her own brother to the perils that accompany homelessness. It's a career that has shaped her whole-person philosophy of caring for anyone who is homeless, because usually they need a lot more than a place to lay their head. This episdoe was produced by Josh Deepan. GuestJoy Flores, Vice President of Ministry and Outreach, Nashville Rescue Mission

Freddie O'Connell is back for another round of “Ask the Mayor.”Today we have questions for him about a land swap deal for Dolly, massive gridlock at the airport, deploying the National Guard to cities around the country (is Nashville next?) and if public employees should lose their jobs for private speech. But there's more to be asked and that's where you come in. Call in to ask Freddie your own question.Plus, the phone lines will stay open for you to shout out your upcoming community event. Joining us to talk about the screening of their documentaries this weekend are Karla Murtha (The Gas Station Attendant) and Dr. Eiman Jahangir (Eiman Jahangir: Liftoff).Call 615-760-2000 to ask Freddie or amplify your event — or pop your question into chat — we're streaming live today at youtube.com/@wpln.Guests Freddie O'Connell, Mayor, Metro Nashville and Davidson County Dr. Eiman Jahangir, cardiologist, crew member on a Blue Origin suborbital spaceflight Dr. Karla Murtha, filmmaker

Maybe we didn't know what we had until it left a theme park-size hole in Nashville's heart. A documentary premiering at the Nashville Film Festival, called “A Circle Broken,” gives us a good excuse to reopen that wound and hear the story of Opryland like we've not heard before, a story about how perhaps Opryland saved the Grand Ole Opry itself. We're talking to the characters who are keeping the memory alive and hearing your memories of Opryland USA.This episode originally aired on July 22, 2025.Guests: Brandon Vestal, filmmaker David Ewing, historian Bob Whitaker, former Opryland General Manager Michael-Demby Cain, Opryland performer who went to Broadway Jennifer Roberts, performer Lynn Wright, half of first couple married at Opryland Sean Hughes, "The Balloon Guy" Further reading: To submit footage for "A Circle Broken" Opryland VR Nashville Scene: Taking a Look Back at the Rushed 1997 Closure of Opryland  

Predatory lending practices are not new. Think salary buying and loan sharks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.But the modern version was born in the 1990s right here in Tennessee. Sometimes called "payday loans," many who use the service are in a financial crisis and need quick cash — often leading to a trap of high interest debt. Today we speak with Tennessee Lookout reporter Adam Friedman, who along with ProPublica, uncovered the scale of this lending model, the hidden dangers of the latest version called the "Flex Loan," and the toll the practice has taken on Tennesseans.  Note: We reached out to Advance Financial. A representative declined to come on the show. Anyone with issues related to Advance Financial, Harpeth Financial or another flex loan lender should call 615-270-6861 to share their experience.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests:Adam Friedman, reporter, Tennessee LookoutErin Akery, senior manager, Nashville Financial Empowerment Center at United WayRep. Mike Sparks, Tennessee General Assembly, District 29, part of Rutherford CountyMike Stewart, former state representative; attorneyFurther reading and listening: This lender said its loans would help Tennesseans. It has sued more than 110,000 of them. (Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee lawmakers and lenders said this law would protect borrowers, but it trapped them in debt (Tennessee Lookout) NashVillager Podcast: Predatory lending (WPLN) Usury Country: Welcome to the birthplace of payday lending (Harper's)

Abdikadir Mohamed spent fourteen years in a Kenyan refugee camp before being able to immigrate to Nashville, where he and his family made a life for themselves.From not knowing where his next meal would come from to advocating for others who are currently facing what he went through, he joins This Is Nashville to share what his upbringing taught him, what life in a refugee camp is like, and the challenges and blessings that came with the adjustment. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guest Abdikadir Mohamed, Safe Haven Senior Rapid Rehousing Case Manager

This past spring, Durham, North Carolina, hosted a sprawling roots music festival called Biscuits and Banjos. For the thousands of attendees, it had some similarities to a lot of folk music events around the country. But one major thing set it apart: Nearly every featured performer was Black.The event is just one part of a Black folk music revival sweeping the country that's rescuing lost traditions and challenging stereotypes that for generations have influenced things like who gets to play the banjo in America.This episode is part of a collaboration between WUNC North Carolina Public Radio and WPLN Nashville Public Radio.Featuring: Jewly Hight, senior music writer at Nashville Public Radio - WPLN Rhiannon Giddens, musician and member of Carolina Chocolate Drops Dom Flemons, musician and member of Carolina Chocolate Drops Brandi Waller-Pace, musician and scholar Kaia Kater, musician and member of New Dangerfield

We've given you a lot to think about this week as we've examined harm reduction, medication assisted treatment and substance use disorder recovery and loss.Today, it's your turn to talk. Our guests this week have talked about clean syringe exchange, using drugs to get off drugs and the shame and stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Our Roundabout panel is here to listen to your stories and answer your questions. What's helped the people you know who face addiction? How did you find your way to sobriety? And what concerns you about the legal and not-so-legal methods used? Join us on air by calling 615-760-2000.Guests Megan Barry, Author, It's What You Do Next; Advocate to reduce shame and stigma surrounding substance use disorder Brittany Miller, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Dr. Josh Wienczkowski, Oversees patient care and telemedicine division for for Cedar Recovery Tennessee's offices  Listen From street corners to campsites, the work of Miriam Field, harm reductionist, This is Nashville, September 8, 2025 Sanctioned harm reduction, This is Nashville, September 9. 2025 The opioid that's saving lives in Nashville, This is Nashville, September 10. 2025

While doctors are prescribing fewer and fewer opioids, there's one that's not going away – buprenorphine, often known by its brand name of Suboxone. Compared to other narcotics, it's harder to abuse. It's far less dangerous than the synthetic street drugs. And it reduces the risk of overdosing. But it's still an opioid that is very hard to get off of. The number of Tennesseans prescribed these opioids as addiction treatment jumped by 40% in just five years. As we look this week at all sides of a philosophy known as “harm reduction,” today we focus on access to the opioids meant to get us out of the opioid crisis.GuestsLeslie Cole, MD, addiction physician, Springfield, Tenn.Josh Draper, program manager, Sumner Prevention CoalitionTracy Frame, PharmD, professor of pharmacy practice and director of the Flourish Mobile Clinic, Belmont UniversityChap Cuthbert, community response peer support, Mental Health Cooperative

On today's episode of "This Is Nashville," we dive into the work of sanctioned harm reduction.Needle exchanges, distributing drug overdose reversal medication and fentanyl test strips — these tactics to limit the damage of the opioid crisis were once broadly illegal in Tennessee, and now they're being used by certain groups to, essentially, help people use drugs more safely without necessarily trying to get them to stop. It's all about keeping someone alive, even if it does little to treat the drug addiction that is leading to so many deaths.We're exploring ways through the opioid crisis this week by focusing on a philosophy known as “harm reduction.” Monday was all about underground tactics to avoid regulation. Today we're going above ground with physicians, social workers, and locals with lived experience to understand what's allowed under Tennessee law. And we'll hear that even among addiction experts, there are still questions about what's the best path forward.You can also see us live at noon streaming on YouTube.Today's episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests Lyle Cooper, Meharry Medical College Associate Professor, Director of Meharry Harm Reduction Center  Peter Hossler, Rhodes College Associate Professor of Urban Studies Mary Owens, retired HIV/AIDS advocate Dr. Reid Finlayson, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

When it comes to drug addiction, trying to help someone quit can feel like a lost cause. But there are still ways to keep people as healthy as possible. They're just a little bit controversial. It's a philosophy known as "harm reduction."And some of the work isn't just controversial – it can be illegal in Tennessee. A few harm reductionists are willing to take legal risks because they see the work saving lives.Today launches a week of This Is Nashville episodes about finding our way in the ongoing opioid crisis. And we start with the complicated tale of an underground harm reductionist and her work trying to overcome the stigma of drug use in an effort to keep people alive. She is committed to the idea that saving the lives of people in active drug addiction is more important than trying to get them to stop using. Through her story, we also learn that stigma can do as much damage as drug use itself.Related:• WPLN: A Betor Way, Memphis: Peers find a better way to save lives• Bury This Heirloom, Ziona Riley• WPLN: To combat rising overdoses, a prevention specialist must first overcome the stigma of addiction

It's Thursday and time for another episode of The Roundabout.The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from points of view that span left, right and center. Joining us today are attorney John Spragens, former reporter and political operative who also previously handled communications for Congressman Jim Cooper; Toby Compton, who worked for Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and also in the administrations of governors Bill Haslam and Bill Lee; And Sarah Grace Taylor, reporter with the Nashville Banner. And The Roundabout also welcomes your voice on the big stories of the week! What story is making the rounds in your circle? Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests: John Spragens, attorney, former reporter, political operative and communications director for Congressman Jim Cooper Toby Compton, formerly in the administration of Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and governors Bill Haslam and Bill Lee Sarah Grace Taylor, reporter with the Nashville Banner

Chicken and Waffles, shrimp and grits, powdered sugar on top of fresh French toast—not to mention bottomless mimosas.For those not addicted to social media, that spells brunch. According to listwithclever.com, New Orleans, Indianapolis and San Francisco are ranked among the top cities in the country for that late-morning, breakfast/lunch hybrid. Although Nashville is known for music, food, and satiating that grumbling stomach after church, it seemingly lags behind other brunch-centric cities. On today's show, we take a look at the brunch scene in Nashville. We'll speak with chefs and restaurant owners, as well as experts in the field of catering and fashion to better understand the culture and history of brunch and its local impact.This episode was produced by Anthony White and Josh Deepan.Guests John Smith, SOUL Restaurant Owner Jerod Wilcher, ButterFLY Garden Restaurant Owner Jovia King, Event Planner, Thirty Plus Events  Milton White, Stylist, The Fashion Office 

We have an episode dedicated to a tiny fraction of the population that fascinates us all: the identical twins in our midst. Life is just different for those who share all of their genetics — and we're looking to understand them more.We'll talk to Middle Tennessee twins who work together keeping our community safe, teenage twins growing up and one twin who you hear every day on our show. We'll also meet the parent and a spouse of identical twins to learn about how they love the twins closest to them. It's going to be a double fun hour. Join us!This episode was produced by Liv Lombardi and Katherine Ruppelt.Guests: Sergeant Kyle Neal, identical twin Sergeant Matt Neal, identical twin Kenzie, identical twin Kyndall, identical twin Courtney Oertel, wife of an identical twin Jada Mathews, mother of identical twins

It's Thursday and time for another episode of The Roundabout.The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from points of view that span left, right and center. Joining us today are former congressional candidate Kiran Sreepada, Vanderbilt young Republican Noah Jenkins and the Tennessean's Austin Hornbostel. We're stepping back from the news of the week and looking for meaning in it all. Gov. Lee resisting guard troops policing Memphis, the latest on the airport tunnel, and the Cracker Barrel kerfuffle. Plus headlines that flew under the radar.And The Roundabout also welcomes your voice on the big stories of the week! hat story is making the rounds in your circle? Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat!This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests: Kiran Sreepada, former congressional candidate & former Director Programs at the States Project. Noah Jenkins, Vanderbilt senior and President Emeritus, Vanderbilt Young Republicans Austin Hornbostel, Tennessean Metro Reporter

There's a caregiving crisis in America, and taking care of our parents is just one part of the struggle.It's caring for adults with a disability. It's grandparents raising kids again, or parents as primary caregivers for a medically complex child. Then there are friends caring for friends like they're family. Today is dedicated to highlighting resources to help caregivers of all kinds – both paid and unpaid. And, we're taking your calls. Call 615-760-2000 to ask the experts – or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat!Plus, we hear about actor Bradley Cooper's new PBS documentary about caregiving in America, which probably hits home because most of us will spend part of our life playing the role he played for his father. As first lady Rosalynn Carter said, "There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”This episode was produced by LaTonya Turner and Mary Mancini.Guests Chris Durrance, director and senior producer of PBS documentary, Caregiving LaTonya Turner, editor and afternoon host, WPLN News Sandy Ewing, caregiver, medically complex child Aimee Luchterhand, caregiver, child with special needs Tina Lemon, caregiver, grandparent raising grandchildren Dr. Feylyn Lewis, Asst. Dean Student Affairs, VU School of Nursing; National Alliance for Caregiving researcher Dr. Megan Schwalm, President & CEO, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition

Welcome back to our second season of In My Place. This special series educates listeners on what communities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused.In our last episode, we heard about how last minute hurdles can stand in the way of an apartment.Today? We're going home.We're gonna hear what it's like to finally open that door, what all it takes to get set up, and how that's different from folks like you and me…who likely have a few more resources available to us.Over the course of nine monthly episodes, we're learning what it feels like to access services and weave through our local homelessness and healthcare systems. And we're discussing what services work, what resources are missing, and what ideas our guests have for improvement.This series was created thanks in part to support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and was produced by Judith Tackett.Guests:• Sarah Champion, Housing Stability Guide for The Contributor & co-director for The Beat• Andrew Terry IV, Program Operations Team Lead with The Contributor• Billy Warner, case navigator, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with Community Care Fellowship• Jonquil Stewart, expert through experience• Lisa Abell, vendor with The Contributor

Earlier this year, Demetrius Short spoke at Fisk University's Honors Convocation and got some apologies off his chest. He disclosed to his mentors and professors he was sneaking into their offices to sleep on their couches. He was grabbing a tray of chicken legs and hoping the cafeteria workers would look the other way. He was attending class for years without officially being enrolled as a student.Through seven years scraping by in school, Short always kept an internship. With no car, he walked both ways from the Fisk campus to an office in West End, wearing a suit and alligator skin shoes. After graduating, Short used that experience to start a fundraiser 5k where runners are asked to wear suits and sneakers. The Steps of Success 5k is now in its 15th year.When a man can run a 5k in a full business suit, he's got a story worth tuning in for. Join us!

It's Thursday and time for another episode of The Roundabout.The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from points of view that span left, right and center. Joining us today are former congressional candidate and founder of Rise & Shine TN Maryam Abolfazli, political advisor Mark Rogers and Tennessean opinion reporter Andrea Williams.Today we talk about Tennessee teachers, the guard deployed to D.C., defending IVF and auditing Nashville's eye-popping property appraisals. That and more.And The Roundabout also welcomes your voice on the big stories of the week! Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat!This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests: Maryam Abolfazli, former congressional candidate and founder of Rise & Shine TN Mark Rogers, Republican political advisor Andrea Williams, Tennessean opinion reporter Further reading: A brief history of how both parties lost their minds on immigration (The Hill) Survey shows Tennessee teachers' feelings about cell phones, disciplinary measures and school culture (WPLN) MNPS leaders fight against other adults, not for children (Tennessean) Metro Moves Forward With Audit of Assessor's Office Despite Wilhoite's Opposition (Nashville Banner) Coalition urges Nashville vote on fairgrounds future over NASCAR plan (Axios)

It's back-to-school time, and that includes older adults! An increasing number of people 50 and older are actively learning new things (55% of Americans age 45 and older, according to AARP surveys).These lifelong learners want to stay mentally sharp, intellectually stimulated or even start another career. Some take a class or two based on their interests; some develop (or refine) a talent or skill; and some pursue a high school or college degree. Many institutions and organizations are scrambling to meet this demand among older adults for learning opportunities that are accessible, affordable and – most of all – age-friendly. In this episode of our monthly series NEXT AGE, we'll hear from some lifelong learners and why they strove to continue pursuing knowledge as they age. We'll also learn what's being offered by local universities, non-profits and community groups and some of the efforts to remove barriers that deter some older adults who want to continue learning.This episode was produced by LaTonya Turner and Josh Deepan. Guests: Jan Goddard, Vanderbilt University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute studentSheila Brown Thompson, graduate of Metro Action Commission Adult Education ProgramDennis Piper, learner at Lipscomb's Lifelong Learning ProgramDr. Brandon Grubbs, co-founder, MTSU's Positive Aging ConsortiumTara Hamilton, Vanderbilt University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Program DirectorTom Kamber, executive director of Older Adults Technology Service (OATS) & AARP's Senior Planet

This year, Tennessee became the first state in the South to pass legislation specifically protecting in vitro fertilization — and the debate between Republicans made it clear that IVF does need some protection.The fight to outlaw abortion in states like Tennessee has also crept into the clinics that help people conceive children. This hour, we'll talk to local doctors who specialize in fertility and hear from several families who've been on the long, challenging and expensive road to creating a family with the help of IVF. The process and the politics. Join us!You can also see us streaming on YouTube!Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ruppelt.GUESTS Dr. Abby Eblen MD, Double Board Certified OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with Nashville Fertility Center; co-host Fertility Docs Uncensored Calea Davis, parent of three children through IVF Laura Lee and Stephanie Paha, parents of child through IVF Dr. Kendra Hayslett, Board Certified OB/GYN with Centennial Women's Hospital 

If you're really looking for the hardest working man in showbusiness, he might not be on camera. It might have been our guest this hour – Tom Morales.He made his name catering the biggest movies in Hollywood – thousands across the globe. But he's also a guy who sees himself as a defender of Nashville. His hometown. He's built iconic spaces here like the Acme Feed & Seed. He helped turn Loveless Cafe into the tourist draw it's become. He's fought to protect the city's soul. And he's not so sure who is winning that fight.  This episode was produced by Tasha AF Lemley.

It's Thursday and time for another episode of The Roundabout.The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from the points of view that span left, right and center. Joining us today are former Metro council member Fabian Bedne, former Metro school board chair and candidate for mayor, David Fox, and Tennessee State University political scientist Dr. Ian Shapiro. We're hitting the brakes on electric vehicle production in Tennessee, talking about AI surveillance of Tennessee students, leaning into the the latest on the Boring Company's airport tunnel plans and flooding for our neighbors in Chattanooga. That and more.And The Roundabout also welcomes your voice on the big stories of the week! Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat!This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests: Fabian Bedne, former Metro councilmember David Fox, former Metro school board chair and candidate for mayor Dr. Ian Shapiro, Political Scientist, TSU  

Freddie O'Connell is back for another round of “Ask the Mayor.”There are questions about a win for Metro's transit plan in the state's high court, airport tunnels, ICE recruitment on city property and the prospect of using the National Guard for policing. But there's more to be asked. What does the mayor need to know about your part of Nashville? Where is Metro Government needed? Where is Metro getting in the way? Finish this sentence: I wish the city would just…Then call us at 615-760-2000.Plus, we're opening up the phone lines to hear about your upcoming community event, like the Shades of Black Theatre Festival, celebrating twenty years next month.This episode was produced by Mary ManciniGuests Freddie O'Connell, Mayor, Metro Nashville and Davidson County Shawn Whitsell, playwright, actor, producer, director, and Co-Founder of the Shades of Black Theatre Festival Further reading and listeningAll previous episodes of Ask the Mayor can be found here.